The Lord is Good

Experiencing the Goodness of the Lord

Summary: This theme explores the inherent goodness of God, reflecting His nature and actions towards humanity. It highlights how this goodness is evident in our lives, circumstances, and God's creation.

Application: Recognizing the goodness of the Lord helps believers navigate challenges and cultivates gratitude. In times of struggle, focusing on God’s goodness reinforces faith, enhances joy, and guides individuals to trust in His plans.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that God's goodness is not only a characteristic but a profound truth that impacts our understanding of faith, prayer, and daily living. It encourages believers to seek and acknowledge the goodness of God in every aspect of life.

How this passage could point to Christ: Through the lens of Scripture, God's goodness is permanently demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy, providing redemption to humanity.

Big Idea:

There’s a popular saying that ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ This cheerful outlook is reminiscent of how God can turn our trials into triumphs. One historical figure, Helen Keller, was blind and deaf yet spread joy and goodness through her writings and speeches. Her life exemplified how we can shine God’s light in difficult circumstances and inspire others through love and service.

Imagine you’re walking through a park on a lovely sunny day, and you spot a small child with an ice cream cone. Suddenly, they trip and drop it! But instead of crying, the child laughs and says, 'At least I still had a great day!' That’s how the Lord works in our lives; His goodness is like that ice cream cone, sweet and always available even when we stumble. We can choose to focus on the joy around us, as His goodness never leaves us!

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Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using Logos to explore the attributes of God and specific biblical narratives that highlight His goodness. Look into how different authors, such as the psalmists and prophets, articulate the theme of God’s goodness. Additionally, delve into theological discussions surrounding the problem of evil and how God's goodness is affirmed in the face of suffering.

1. Savor the Savior's Sweetness

Psalm 34:8

Perhaps you could encourage the congregation to 'taste and see' that the Lord is good by reflecting on past moments when they have experienced His love and mercy. Psalm 34:8 invites believers to actively experience and trust in God's inherent goodness. Highlight how God's goodness is not just a passive trait but one that believers can participate in and experience firsthand. This will help believers to deepen their trust and reliance on Him in present struggles, thereby reinforcing their faith and gratitude.

2. Repentance: Responding to His Richness

Romans 2:4

You could explore how God's goodness is intended to lead us to repentance. Romans 2:4 emphasizes that God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience are expressions of His goodness that should compel us to change our hearts and minds. Discuss how understanding God’s goodness motivates us to turn from sin and embrace a life that reflects His righteous character. This might inspire believers to consider how recognizing God's goodness on a daily basis can transform their attitudes and actions.

3. Gifts from a Gracious God

James 1:17

Maybe you could teach that every good and perfect gift is from above, underscoring the consistency and faithfulness of God's goodness. James 1:17 reminds believers that God is the source of all that is good in their lives, and He does not change. This assurance helps believers remain steadfast in faith, especially during hardships, knowing that God's good gifts are evidence of His unwavering nature. Encourage your audience to reflect on the in their own lives, cultivating a deeper appreciation and reliance on Him.

God’s knowledge, wisdom, and power are inseparable from his goodness.

Michael Horton