Is God Really Good?

Why We Can Trust in God's Goodness

Bible Passage: Psalm 100:5, James 1:16–17, Titus 3:4–5

Summary: This sermon focuses on the essential truth that God's goodness is not only an attribute but a foundation for our faith. It examines how God demonstrates His goodness through His providence, generosity, and ultimate act of mercy through Christ, encouraging believers to anchor their trust in His character amidst life's uncertainties.

Application: Recognizing God's goodness can transform how Christians face challenges, leading them to approach life with confidence and hope. This understanding helps them rely on God as a source of strength and comfort, especially during trials and adversities, reinforcing the idea that they are never abandoned.

Teaching: The sermon imparts the lesson that God's goodness should inspire us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and trust. As we acknowledge His past faithfulness and goodness, we are more equipped to navigate present struggles, relying on His perfect will.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ represents the ultimate expression of God's goodness, demonstrating how God intervenes in human history to restore and redeem. From His miracles to His sacrificial love on the cross, Jesus embodies the hope and assurance of God's steadfast goodness to His people.

Big Idea: Trusting in God’s goodness equips us to handle life's challenges with grace and confidence, ensuring that we remain focused on His unwavering love even when circumstances seem bleak.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for your sermon, I recommend investigating the theological implications of God's goodness with resources in your Logos library. Look for commentaries that discuss the relationship between God's goodness and human suffering, particularly in the context of James 1. Additionally, exploring the historical context of the epistles can enhance your understanding of how early Christians perceived God's goodness amidst their trials.

1. Proclaiming Perpetual Praise

Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Perhaps you could open by emphasizing that Psalm 100:5 assures us that God's enduring love and faithfulness are intrinsic to His nature. This verse serves as a reminder that God's goodness is not dependent on our circumstances, but is constant and unchanging. In a world where everything else fluctuates, you could encourage the congregation to find solace and stability in God's unending goodness, urging them to trust and praise Him regardless of the trials they face.

In the biblical account of God’s covenant with Abraham, we see His faithfulness in action. Even when Abraham doubted or strayed from God’s promises, God remained faithful, committing to bless him and his lineage. This enduring love wasn't contingent on Abraham's performance but was rooted in God's nature. It reminds us that, like Abraham, we often falter, yet God’s love remains steadfast, reassuring us that we are always in His care and plan, no matter our failures.

What does Psalm 100:5 reveal about the nature of God's goodness?

How does the sermon illustrate the relationship between God's goodness and human suffering?

How can you cultivate a grateful heart in your daily life, based on the sermon teachings?

What key lesson from the sermon emphasizes the connection between God's goodness and His unwavering love?

2. Prevailing with Perfect Gifts

James 1:16–17 “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

You might highlight that James exhorts Christians to avoid deception about the nature of God, affirming that every perfect gift comes from the Father. This passage refutes any notion that God could be anything other than good. Perhaps explore how vital it is for believers to identify and appreciate God's gifts, small and large, to maintain a heart of gratitude, which bolsters their trust in His goodness even amidst hardships. This mindset enables believers to combat feelings of abandonment and doubt.

In medieval Europe, a king declared a feast to celebrate the harvest, inviting all his subjects. During the feast, they experienced an abundance of food and joy, realizing the depth of their land’s wealth. This historical moment reminds us that the bounty around us is a reflection of God’s good and perfect gifts, often shared through communal celebration and gratitude, acknowledging His providence.

During the Renaissance, an artist named Michelangelo was commissioned to create a statue of David. As he sculpted, he saw not the raw marble block but a masterpiece waiting to be revealed. His hands chiseled away, revealing the beauty within. Similarly, God’s gifts often require us to see beyond surface challenges, recognizing that He is shaping something beautiful in our own lives.

In what ways can recognizing God's goodness influence how you handle personal challenges?

What role does gratitude play in affirming your trust in God's goodness according to the sermon?

Can you identify a time when God's goodness helped you overcome feelings of abandonment or doubt?

3. Proclaiming Through Redemptive Power

Titus 3:4–5 “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”

Perhaps focus on the profound revelation of God's goodness and love through the saving work of Jesus Christ, as described in Titus 3:4-5. You could argue that this passage encapsulates the ultimate expression of God's goodness—salvation by grace. Encourage believers to see this as the foundation of their trust in God. By recognizing Christ's redemptive act, they are equipped to move through life's struggles with assurance, knowing they are embraced by a God who is infinitely good.

Many years ago, a small town was devastated by a major flood. While the community gathered to rebuild, an old man shared a story of hope: during another flood years before, a local church opened its doors to shelter those affected. This act of kindness became a lifeline for many. In a similar way, Jesus opens His arms to us in our darkest moments, showing God’s goodness through His saving work. He invites us into refuge and restoration, beyond the floods of life.

How can the story of the small town's flood be an encouragement in your own life during tough times?

A young boy was lost in a corn maze, feeling hopeless and afraid. His father, knowing the maze well, called out to him, guiding him step by step until they were together again. This relationship reflects God's goodness in the saving work of Jesus. Just as the father's voice led the boy home, Jesus calls to us in our confusion and fear, leading us back into His loving embrace, reminding us of our worth and guiding us out of the maze of sin.

How does understanding Christ's redemptive power enhance your trust in God's goodness?

Possible Applications

As you face moments of conflict with family members, remember the goodness of God displayed in your redemption through Jesus. When arguments heat up or misunderstandings arise, take a moment to pause and think about the forgiveness you've received through Christ. Introduce a family culture of grace by initiating a family meeting where you discuss how each member can reflect Jesus’ redemptive love. Encourage open communication and make it a rule to seek reconciliation before bedtime, allowing God’s goodness to permeate your home life.

As a member of your church, consider the widespread challenges your community faces, such as isolation or spiritual burnout. Reflect on the goodness of God in your own redemption and extend that grace to others. Start a small group focused on sharing testimonies of God’s goodness in your lives and how redemption has changed you. This sharing can create a safe space for others to express struggles and find healing through collective prayer. Additionally, consider organizing community service projects that embody the goodness of God in action.