Goodness

Galatians 5:16-20 (TNIV)

 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever  you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 

A Song About Experiencing God's Goodness

Psalm 23 (TNIV)

      1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

    2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

       he leads me beside quiet waters,

    3 he refreshes my soul.

       He guides me along the right paths

       for his name's sake.

    4 Even though I walk

       through the darkest valley, 

       I will fear no evil,

       for you are with me;

       your rod and your staff,

       they comfort me.

    5 You prepare a table before me

       in the presence of my enemies.

       You anoint my head with oil;

       my cup overflows.

    6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

       all the days of my life,

       and I will dwell in the house

     of the LORD forever.

Questions for Reflection:

What does "goodness" look like for the psalmist?

In what ways do you experience God's goodness in the midst of challenging circumstances?

Where are some of the places in your life right now where God seems to be inviting you to notice His goodness?

Other Passages of Scripture to explore and reflect upon:

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Philippians 2:13

It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 1:6

We can be confident... that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Luke 6:27-28

Love your enemies,

Do good to those who hate you,

Bless those who curse you,

Pray for those who mistreat you.

Hebrews 11  (a summary of good lives lived)

. . . And God saw that it was good! Not such a bad way to begin is it?  Goodness was at the very heart of God's creative work in the world.  It still is!  Do you think this is still what God sees when He looks at the work of His hands?  Are you sure?  What do you think God sees when He looks at us . . . when He looks at you?  Is the picture more complicated now?  Essentially the same?  Changed entirely?   Does it matter what God sees, and what God says about it?  If so, how?

Interestingly enough, even before the fall, we see that what God saw is more complex than a simple one word answer to the above questions might suggest.  Long before the conversation with the serpent, we can trace God's pronouncement from "good" (Genesis 1) to "not good"   (Genesis 2:18) to"very good"  (Genesis 1:31).

Then, with Genesis 3, the picture becomes even more complex.  Goodness continues, but it comes now in a different context and in ways that most would not have anticipated before that time.

But in the midst of it all, this fruit of the Spirit, goodness, is one that God never stops producing, and never stops seeking to cultivate in the Spirit led life.  If you would like to listen again to Pastor Jon as he explores this in this week's sermon, you can click here to go to our sermon library.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Do all the good you can,

by all the means you can,

in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can,

to all the people you can,

as long as you can.

- John Wesley