What makes a man good? When we talk about a good man/woman we can often focus on defining them as good by human standards. There are many good men and women according to the standard of the world. He doesn’t steal. She doesn’t cheat. He doesn’t over indulge. She isn’t judgmental.

What makes a man good? The standard of man is established by man and is always a sliding scale based upon the individual who determines what is good and the individual being scrutinized.

What makes a man good? Instead of following man’s scale we ought to search the Bible to see how God defines a good man and then we can determine who is good. There are several passages that speak about a good man.

What makes a man good? A physical application: Prov. 13:22 – a good man leaves an inheritance We should always remember that there is a spiritual inheritance that is greater than any physical inheritance. Psalm 112:5 – a good man is kind and helpful

But is this the ultimate meaning of a good man? What makes a man good? There is a man who lived during New Testament times who is described as good. Acts 11:22-24 – the Holy Spirit described Barnabas as a good man Acts 4:36-37 – He was a man with property, sold it, and gave the money for the benefit of others James 4:17 – he saw the good to be done and did it But is this the ultimate meaning of a good man?

What makes a man good? What else does the Bible say about a good man? Prov. 12:2 – a good man obtains favor from the Lord

What makes a man good? How does this happen? Prov. 14:14 – his heart is filled from God Psalm 37:23 – his steps are ordered by the Lord. Psalm 112 – the psalm defines what makes a man good, he puts God first

What makes a man good? The proof of a good man, a man who puts God first, is evident in his life. Matt. 12:35; Luke 6:45 – a good man out of a good heart brings forth good things The good man’s heart is filled from above by God and he puts that to work in his life. It comes out in physical ways but more importantly in spiritual ways.

What makes a man good? When the Holy Spirit said that Barnabas was a good man, Acts 11:24, how was he described? Barnabas was described as being full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. God tells us that he was a good man because of his spiritual nature.

What makes a man good? What do we see in Barnabas? He was a man full of the Holy Spirit. We are not told the exact meaning of this but we can see examples of this. Acts 6:3-5 – the seven chosen were to be full of the Holy Spirit We are not told if Barnabas had the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit.

What makes a man good? Gal. 5:22-23 – Barnabas exhibited the fruit of the Spirit Acts 11:25-26 – Barnabas sought Saul and worked with him and the church at Antioch Acts 13:1-4 – Barnabas and Saul were selected by the Holy Spirit for the designated work Gal. 5:16-18 – we are to walk in the Spirit

What makes a man good? Barnabas is described as being full of faith. Acts 4:36 – he is called the Son of Encouragement Acts 11:19-23 – Barnabas encouraged them to continue with purpose of heart to serve God Acts 13:48-14:28 – Barnabas was persecuted but still continued to teach and encourage the brethren.

What makes a man good? Part of the faith of Barnabas was that he had confidence in others. Acts 9:27 – Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles Acts 15:36-40 – He chose to work with John Mark Barnabas was ready to take the Gospel to others. Acts 13-15 – Barnabas went on perilous journeys to preach the Gospel Acts 15:25-26 – he risked his life for others

What makes a man good? The last sign of a good man is that he will risk his life for others and others might even risk their life for him. Rom 5:7 – for a good man someone would dare to die Barnabas saw the good in others, their eternal salvation, and he was willing to risk his life that they might hear the truth and obey it.

What makes a man good? It seems that he understood what Jesus did for him. Jesus did this for all men. Barnabas was a good man and took the message of the cross to the lost.

What makes a man good? What makes a good man? Is it the abundance of good things that he does? Or is it the spiritual walk of his life that leads him in all things. Because of his guidance from God he does the good that he can do and that begins with the teaching of the Gospel and encouraging the faithfulness of the saints.

What makes a man good? Are you a good man/woman? Is your goodness according to the ideas of man or does it come from God?