GOODNESS

Things that ARE good?

1. The Dodgers

2. The Angels

3. Cheeseburgers

4. Puppies

5. Star Wars films

6. Doctors

Only God is GOOD

Mark 10:18

“Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone”

Only God is GOODWhat does this mean?

He DEFINES what is good. (Genesis 1)

EVERYTHING He does is good (wills, creates, reveals…) (James 1:17)

Anything against God’s will is NOT good. (James 4:17)

Only God is GOODGoodness DEFINED

Righteous living or ALIGNMENT with God’s will

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

1 John 2:29 “If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”

Only God is GOODGoodness DISPLAYED

Goodness declares His AUTHORITY & His RELATIONAL nature.

+ =GOOD

Only God is GOODGoodness DISPLAYED (authority & relational) Jesus’ Example: Mark 11:15-19 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city.”

Only God is GOODGoodness DISPLAYED (authority & relational)

New Testament Example: Luke 10:38-42As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to

a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Only God is GOODGoodness DISPLAYED (authority & relational)

Modern Day Example: E3 Partners

1. It is an organization that puts Christ’s will at the center

2. It is relational in several ways: prayer, evangelism, projects, community, worship.

Only God is GOODHow do we LIVE God’s goodness?

1. Know God’s Word (Will)

3. Know God’s People (Fellowship)

2. Know God’s Voice (Prayer)

4. Know God’s Heart (Sincerity)

Only God is GOODHow do we LIVE God’s goodness?1 Timothy 6:12-19Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time–God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1. How have you seen God's goodness displayed by

someone in your life?

2. How have you been affected by

the goodness of God?