FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - GOODNESS 3 John 1:11 Pastor Keone
Review: Love, Joy, Peace – Found in God, guards our minds and hearts Patience, Kindness, Goodness – Relating to others – Rooted in the first three Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control – General conduct of a believer
Definition of Goodness: state or quality of being good mysterious word that communicates a sense of delight and fathomless depth God is Good
Mark 10: As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good-- except God alone.
God is Good Exodus 33:19 19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Exodus 34:6-7 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
God is Good Matthew 5: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Acts 14: In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."
If the Spirit is working in your life, then you will be like God… Your life will reflect His goodness. 3 John 1:11 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
What is Good? Micah 6:8 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Why do Good? Doing Good… Brings praise to God – Matthew 5:16 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Why do Good? Doing Good… Brings praise to God Brings shame on those who slander you – 1 Peter 3: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Why do Good? Doing Good… Brings praise to God Brings shame on those who slander you Keeps you out of trouble – Romans 13:3-4 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
Why do Good? Doing Good… Brings praise to God Brings shame on those who slander you Keeps you out of trouble Will be rewarded – Galatians 6: Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
What aspect of goodness is God asking you to grow in?