Fruitful
Living
Goodness
Session
6
The
word used by Paul is Agathosune, a
word not used outside the New Testament. Various meanings have been suggested.
The
dictionary definition of goodness is “the quality of being good in any of its
various senses – excellence, virtue, kindness, benevolence.”
As
the fruit is not natural, but comes from God’s Spirit, we need to focus on His
goodness:
·
God is
good – Ex.33:18-19; 34:5-7, 29-30
·
God does
good – Ps.23:6; 31:19
There
are 3 facets to God’s goodness:
1.
Goodness =
moral virtue/holiness.
·
God is
good/holy
·
We are
called to be good/holy – 1 Pet. 1:14
·
None of us
is good enough, but in Christ we are made holy
·
We need to
live a life of holiness, but not be “holier than thou”
2.
Goodness =
excellence.
·
It is not
wrong to enjoy life! Jesus did – Mt.11:17
·
What God
created is good
·
We are
created in God’s image; we are good
·
We need to
live a life of excellence
3.
Goodness =
benevolence
·
God longs
to bless us: Mt.7:9; Rom.8:28; Gen.50:20
·
We need to
expect God’s blessing
·
We need to
live a life of benevolence
So
goodness = a life of holiness, excellence and benevolence.
(Challenging!
But remember, this comes from the Spirit. Nothing is impossible for God)
2
examples:
1.
Galatians 6:1, 9-10
2.
John 8:3-11 (the woman caught in adultery)
Checkpoints:
1.
Do I
accept that I am holy in God’s sight?
2.
Am I
committed to a life of holiness?
3.
Do I
accept that I am delightful in God’s sight?
4.
Am I
committed to bringing excellence and pleasure?
5.
Am I
seeking God’s blessing in my life?
6.
Am I
committed to being a blessing to others?