Are we people that have made our own rules but have treated them as God's rules?

Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 5 Article 5

The sermon explores the concept of God's providential allowance of trials and temptations within the lives of His elect, drawing from the Westminster Confession of Faith. It posits that these experiences, while seemingly punitive, can serve to reveal hidden corruption, humble individuals, and ultimately foster a deeper dependence on divine grace. The message emphasizes that such hardships, though potentially stemming from personal sin or deception, can lead to spiritual maturity and a greater understanding of God's character, ultimately drawing individuals closer to Him and enabling them to serve as witnesses to His transformative power, even through past failures.