Why is seeking "the good way" important for personal spiritual growth? Opening Scripture “Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths; ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it!”’ ” (Jeremiah 6:16) What Is “the Good Way”? • God-designed, time-tested path revealed in His Word • Rooted in “the ancient paths”—unchanging truth, not passing trends • A way that must be sought (“ask”) and lived (“walk in it”) • Leads to “rest for your souls,” echoing Jesus’ invitation (Matthew 11:29-30) Why Seeking It Fuels Spiritual Growth • Provides sure direction – Proverbs 3:5-6: trusting the Lord straightens our paths. – John 14:6: Jesus Himself is “the way,” so pursuing the good way is pursuing Him. • Brings inner rest and renewal – Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness.” – Spiritual fatigue lifts when we follow God’s route instead of forging our own. • Guards purity and builds holiness – Psalm 119:9: keeping one’s way pure happens by living according to God’s Word. – Romans 12:2: conforming to God’s will transforms the mind and character. • Yields ever-increasing light – Proverbs 4:18: the righteous path “shines brighter and brighter until midday,” growing believers from clarity to clarity. • Equips for fruitful service – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture thoroughly equips God’s people “for every good work.” • Shields from deception – Jeremiah 6:16 ends with Israel refusing the path and reaping judgment. Choosing the good way protects against similar ruin. Practical Steps to Walk in the Good Way • Pause at the crossroads—evaluate choices in light of Scripture. • Ask the Lord—prayerfully seek guidance and wisdom (James 1:5). • Immerse in the Word—daily reading, memorizing, and meditating (Psalm 1:2-3). • Obey promptly—“be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Stay in fellowship—walk with others who pursue the same path (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Depend on the Spirit—He empowers obedience and illuminates truth (Galatians 5:16). • Keep watch—regular self-examination prevents drift (2 Corinthians 13:5). Key Takeaways • The good way isn’t hidden; it’s revealed in Scripture and embodied in Christ. • Seeking and walking in it brings rest, purity, direction, and lasting growth. • A consistent pattern of asking, listening, and obeying keeps believers on this life-giving path. |
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