Goodness Born and Borne of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Passage 5:22-26; 6:9-10
Defining Goodness
Gk agathosune: goodness
intrinsic goodness, especially as a personal quality, with stress on the kindly (rather than the righteous) side of goodness.
“Goodness” is closely related to kindness. The usage of the verb ‘good’ is used by us for describe someone who often has shown attributes of grace and generosity “Good Samaritan”, beyond just competence. It is simply that the person is dependable, an aspect of transparency. No hidden agenda.
Gk agathosune: goodness
intrinsic goodness, especially as a personal quality, with stress on the kindly (rather than the righteous) side of goodness.
“Goodness” is closely related to kindness. The usage of the verb ‘good’ is used by us for describe someone who often has shown attributes of grace and generosity “Good Samaritan”, beyond just competence. It is simply that the person is dependable, an aspect of transparency. No hidden agenda.
•The word occurs 4 times in the NT and is considered as primarily a Biblical term (not found in common Gk literature)
•Rom 15:14 – Goodness in believers
•Eph 5:9- Goodness a deed, as a Fruit of the light
•2 Thess 1:11- Goodness as a work of the Holy Spirit with the desire to do so
•The root word is used by Jesus in the parable of the ‘Workers in the Vineyard’…Generous
The Goodness of God
•Rom 15:14 – Goodness in believers
•Eph 5:9- Goodness a deed, as a Fruit of the light
•2 Thess 1:11- Goodness as a work of the Holy Spirit with the desire to do so
•The root word is used by Jesus in the parable of the ‘Workers in the Vineyard’…Generous
The Goodness of God
•The Psalms and the NT declare the goodness of God (e.g. Ps 136:1, Lk 18:19)
•God’s revelation (theophany) to Moses is about his goodness (Ex 33:19)
•God is generous, trustworthy, no deception or crookedness (Deut 32:4)
•“God is not only good all the time, but does good all the time.” (Chris Wright)…Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28
Because God is sovereign and he reigns even the evil intents of humanity are surmounted by who God is to bring about what is good.
•God’s revelation (theophany) to Moses is about his goodness (Ex 33:19)
•God is generous, trustworthy, no deception or crookedness (Deut 32:4)
•“God is not only good all the time, but does good all the time.” (Chris Wright)…Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28
Because God is sovereign and he reigns even the evil intents of humanity are surmounted by who God is to bring about what is good.
Modelling Goodness
•Daniel could be trusted, there was no evil intent in the man, no crookedness... “spirit of excellence” (Dan 6:3-4)
•Daniel was an old man and his life was at risk, but he it was at risk when he was young too!
•His goodness was evident even when it hurt
•The “Good Samaritan”…every act of his was an expression of his goodness
If God is good and does good, then abiding in him will produce such character. The good man or woman resists the easy way out. Psalm 15, Good and Upright is he
•Daniel was an old man and his life was at risk, but he it was at risk when he was young too!
•His goodness was evident even when it hurt
•The “Good Samaritan”…every act of his was an expression of his goodness
If God is good and does good, then abiding in him will produce such character. The good man or woman resists the easy way out. Psalm 15, Good and Upright is he
Goodness of Jesus
•Offered the easy way out-
•Tempted
•Deflected
•Gethsemane
•At his arrest
•He was “obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8)
Its does not mean he only did kind and caring things but that he did what his Father wanted despite the cost.
•Tempted
•Deflected
•Gethsemane
•At his arrest
•He was “obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8)
Its does not mean he only did kind and caring things but that he did what his Father wanted despite the cost.
Private Orchard on Public Display
•Intrinsic to what Jesus did as good was that he was good (Lk 6; Jn 10)…so it is with the believer
•Irrigated by the Holy Spirit we bear the goodness of God
•The light we are called to be is in the wattage of our deeds (Is 58:6-8, 10; Is 60:1-3; Gal 6:9-10)
Lk 6:43-45- No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. In our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions. “Barnabas” Acts 11:22-23
Take Away: “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”- Consider its truth in the applicability of living the Gospel
Romans 12:21 “ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” When our lives bear the supernatural fruit of the Spirit of God, we live in the power of the cross and resurrection. “…the cross and resurrection are not just proof of God’s goodness, they also are the source and pattern of any and all goodness we can do as Christians.” Chris Wright
Romans 12:21 “ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” When our lives bear the supernatural fruit of the Spirit of God, we live in the power of the cross and resurrection. “…the cross and resurrection are not just proof of God’s goodness, they also are the source and pattern of any and all goodness we can do as Christians.” Chris Wright
