Lesson #3 Jan 15th, 2012 Paul J. Bucknell The Goodness of God Psalm 31:19 God is good Difficulties believing Knowing God’s Goodness

Lesson #3 Our Relationship with God ✦ Purpose: Not learning things about God but more deeply knowing and treasuring Him ✦ Two significant life questions ➡ “Who am I?” ➡ “Why am I here?” ✦ Our task - Assure this knowledge of God affects our own lives

Lesson #3 (1) What main lessons do we learn from the first two chapters of Genesis about God? “It was very good” ✦ Lessons from Genesis 1 God is Good “It was good” “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10). “And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). (2)How does this differ from how you think God might otherwise introduce Himself? Why?

Lesson #3 LORD is good LORD is good LORD is good ✦ “O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).“For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).“Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely” (Psalm 135:3). God is good ✦ “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart!” (Psalm 73:1). God’s Goodness in the Psalms LORD is good * hwhy bwj LORD is good * hwhy bwj Equative (equals) Yahweh = good

Lesson #3 Two World Views of Self Self-esteemSelf-esteem I believe in myself. I can do or be whatever I want. On what basis should we have such confidence? God-confidenceGod-confidence I believe in God’s goodness. He has wonderfully made and equipped me to accomplish His good purposes. On what basis should we have such confidence?

Lesson #3 A Question ✦ List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one. The List

Lesson #3 Terribly Twisting Truth “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).

Lesson #3 Ungodly Persuasion Good is not good enough. Good is eating that fruit (which God forbid). ‘Good’ becomes something else than what God defines as good and provides. “Your eyes will be opened” (Gen 3:5) “You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?” (Gen 3:1) “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food...” (Genesis 3:6)

Lesson #3 Saying a Prayer Are there areas that you have resented about God because you do not believe He has been good or unfair, whether to you or to the world? Are there areas that you have resented about God because you do not believe He has been good or unfair, whether to you or to the world? It is time to admit how wrong we have been and to proclaim God’s goodness

Lesson #3 God is Good “God is good.” Sickness and death.No money for medicines.No Bibles.MalariaF ood is expensive. Disease hits their chickens. “All the time.” “God is good.”

Lesson #3 GOODNE SS GOODNE SS Love Kindness Faithful MercifulPatience “How great is Thy goodness” (Ps 31:19).

Lesson #3 God’s Goodness in Creation bwj

Lesson #3 God’s Goodness in Creation bwj “How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19 NASB ).

Lesson #3 Other Scriptures Jesus is our good shepherd. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me” (John 10:14). God’s plans for His children.

Lesson #3 Different World Views How should we involve ourselves in this world? Fate People are sick for a reason, perhaps a divine one. We must ignore them. I live for my own ease and comfort. I can’t be bothered with the needs of others. Self God God has called us to bring His goodness into this needy world. We are to love one another. I will by His grace usher in His goodness in my corner of the world. Religiou s I’m a bit guilty having so much. Perhaps God will be angry. I better do something.

Lesson #3 Concluding challenge “How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for... those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19 NASB ). God is good Believe it! Difficulties believing Repent! Knowing God’s goodness Embrace Have you ever thought of your life as a means God uses to bring His goodness into the world? Explain. [Matthew 5:16]

Lesson #3 The Goodness of God Jan 15th, 2012 Paul J. Bucknell Psalm 31:19 God is good Difficulties believing Knowing God’s Goodness

Lesson #3 A Question ✦ Righteous leaders ✦ Prevent needlessly dying ✦ Improve people’s character ✦ Peace on earth - national level ✦ Education everywhere ✦ Equality of wealth ✦ Racial understanding List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one. The List ✦ Healthy environment ✦ Strong families ✦ Make justice just