The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Course:  The Fruit of the Spirit

Lesson Seven (Outline)

Lesson Title: Goodness

 

Theme:  The goodness of God reveals the holiness of His nature and character. 

 

Text: 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law,' Galatians 5:22.

 

Introduction: Goodness (Greek agathosune) has a different emphasis from kindness.

·        Goodness can appear harsh because the emphasis is on good whereas kindness is gentle because the emphasis is on being kind.

·        Goodness is the opposite of evil (Greek kakos), 3 John 1:11.  We must follow after that which is good in character and beneficial to others.

·        The difference between kindness (chrestotes) and goodness (agathosune).  Goodness reveals the nature and character of God. Exodus 33:19

 

Introductory Story:  The goodness of God is seen most clearly through the cross

Question:  If God is love then how can He condemn sinners to eternal torment?

The goodness of God reveals His nature and character.  He cannot deny Himself.

 

Exposition:

1.      Goodness is the nature and character of God.

 

2.      Goodness and truth. The fruit of goodness will always uphold truth. Ephesians 5:9

·        Goodness will preach the gospel to those who do not want to hear, 2 Timothy 4:2.

·        Goodness is associated with knowledge to admonish, Romans 15:14.

 

3.      Goodness and righteousness.

·        Goodness can never be unrighteous or inconsistent with holiness, Exodus 33:19.

 

4.      Goodness and works, Ephesians 2:10.

·        God's eternal plan and purpose - created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

·        The goodness of the Lord is seen by the beauty of Jesus in us, 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

 

Conclusion:

1)     Goodness is the nature and character of God. 

2)     Goodness will declare truth without concern for the consequences.

3)     Goodness always acts in unity with the righteousness of God.

4)     We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works that reflect the beauty of Jesus in us.

 

 

Full Lesson

 

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