THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 65 )
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 33623
THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 65 )
From Glory to Glory ( Study #44)
Walking By The Spirit #14
The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness #3
1. GOD IS GOOD
Yesterday's devotional explained the meaning of the phrase "God is good" that we so often mouth as a platitude in and out of the church.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, God reproduces
His goodness in our hearts, and it shows in our lives.
This goodness empowers us to live lives characterized by the desire to act righteously and for the practical benefit of others. As others see the work of God in us, they will "give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
2. GOODNESS IS INHERENTLY FROM GOD NOT US
But in today's devotional, there is a jolting reminder.
We cannot be good on our own.
Goodness is defined by God, and, as Jesus said, "No one is good except God alone" (Mark 10:18b).
Romans 7:18-19: Goodness cannot come from human effort. Even Paul, a Pharisee of the strictest order, could not force every part of his person to embody goodness.
Romans 12:21: Goodness will overcome evil. Our expressions of goodness can diminish or negate the effects of evil in the world. As the Spirit produces the fruit of goodness in us, we become "salt" and "light" (Matthew 5:13-14).
Ephesians 2:10: Our good works were ordained by God. The natural extension of faith in Christ is good works in Christ's name.
Philippians 1:6: God grows goodness in us, and He will not stop until we are good through and through. When we see Jesus, we will be "like Him," fully characterized by goodness (1 John 3:2).
2 Timothy 3:16-17: Studying Scripture promotes goodness within us. God inspired the Scriptures so that we can be completely equipped "for every good work."
From the aforesaid scriptures, we can see that bearing the "Fruit of the Spirit" is a lifestyle not the occasional goodwill gesture and sudden impulses to do charity during festive periods.
The Greek word "Agathosune" does not just refer to an attitude or a motivation, but a lifestyle characterized by virtue and helpfulness.
3. GOODNESS RELATED TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Goodness is also related to righteousness in our lives.
It is righteous and beneficial to spend time with Jesus and learn from Him.
When Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus instead of helping Martha in the kitchen, she was commended for doing something good ( Luke 10:42 ).
4.THE HARDEST TEST OF GOODNESS
But the hardest test of our goodness is towards our enemies.
Luke 6:27 reminds us when wronged, we still do good to those who wrong us; we do not seek revenge or return in kind.
Just as a cup of water will spill water when bumped, a believer who is filled with the Spirit will spill goodness when jostled.
5. PRAYER
Dear Father, Luke 19:17 tells us that it is good to be faithful to the blessings You have given us.
Being a faithful steward is called "good."
Indeed, after a lifetime of faithful service on our part, the applause from heaven is accompanied by these beautiful words of commendation:
" Well done good and faithful servant..."
Matthew 25:2
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
