The Fruit of the Spirit and the Crucified Christian (Goodness)

The Fruit of the Spirit and the Crucified Christian (Goodness)(Numbers 10:29-32)

The Publishing of Goodness (vs.29)

We know how often that the children of Israel were rebellious towards God, yet God spoke good of them.

We would think that because someone is performing righteous acts that they are good. That is not the case. (telling Bub to be good when we leave him with someone, indicating righteous acts)

Goodness - kindness exercised in benevolence and in mercy. Favor shown and compassion exercised. A disposition and a desire to promote the happiness of another.

The Privilege of Goodness (vs.32)(What goodness the Lord shall do unto us)

God would be righteous (right) in not helping Israel in the wilderness. God showed His goodness by providing every need.

God would be righteous in not taking Israel back into fellowship. God showed His goodness by constantly forgiving them.

God would be righteous by letting Israel stay in captivity. God showed His goodness by bringing them out.

God would be righteous by condemning sinners to hell. God shows His goodness by forgiving sinners.

God would be righteous in not giving us food, shelter, health, eternal life. God shows us His goodness by GIVING us those things.

God would be righteous in not saving sinners. God shows his goodness by sending His Son to die for sinners.

God would be righteous in having his wrath abide on sinners. God shows His goodness by taking that wrath off when we get saved.

When Christ gave His own life on Calvary, it was not Christ being RIGHTEOUS: It was Christ being GOOD.

The Parallel of Goodness (vs.32)(the same will we do unto thee)

This same goodness that God has shown to us is to be shown to others. (Fruit of the Spirit)

When God chose to be good to us, it wasn’t demonstrated by whether He would receive anything from us or not.

Genesis 1:11-13,

Trees are neither righteous or unrighteous, but God said they were good.

(we all know those Christians that are extremely righteous, but they don’t show any goodness. We all know those Christians that are good, but not very righteous)

These fruit trees live to give oxygen, produce shade, and let others eat. THEY DON’T EXIST FOR THEMSELVES: THEY EXIST TO SHOW GOODNESS TO OTHERS.

Trees don’t bargain with others to give their goodness.

Trees don’t pick and chose who gets the oxygen they provide.

Trees don’t give shade to only a specific few.

We are to do the same.

We don’t bargain with others to show goodness.

We don’t pick and choose who we show goodness to.

We are to show goodness to all people, regardless of circumstance, person, or how we feel.