It is Good

Meaning of the word “Good”

We are not always clear about the meaning of good. We depend alot on the tone of voice, the body language, the words or sounds that accompany the word.

But when we read genesis 1, we realise that it is an important word. But all we have is the text. No tone of voice or body language. So we need to look at the context into which genesis 1 was written.

Why was Genesis 1 written?

In order to understand what is written we need to understand why it was written in the first place.

Different views on creation

6 days

Each day represents a longer period

Genesis 1 just doesnt give us any clear indication. In fact, it is not really about it.

Difference between a song or story about someone as compared to a medical report about someone.

Not as a scientific account to counter the modern understanding of evolution. But rather in response or alongside the understanding of how the world was created then.

Alternate Creation Stories

Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Canaanite versions

Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Canannite

The gods were created

Creation came out of conflict among gods - disunity

Humans were created to do the dirty work that the lesser gods didn’t want to. humans were created out of mixture of clay and demon blood

Creation in Genesis 1

Gen 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

God already existed. He was not created. Yahweh is supreme. He is the unchallenged one.

Creation came out of unity among the Godhead. God and his spirit, together. There was no conflict. There was perfect synergy. It as an outcome of a perfect community.

Gen 1:26 “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...

Gen 1:26

Gen 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Genesis 1:27 NIV

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Creation was an outcome of the goodness and generosity of God

Six times he says “it was good” and after it all in Gen 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

Creation of humans:

Created as rulers

In the image of God.

Unlike the other narratives where humans are created for drudgery.

Understanding this difference was even more important to the first readers.

Something is created not when it merely exists, but rather when it is given purpose. Our very purpose was to represent our God here in this world. Represent his values, his perspective, his character here on earth.

Image of God - Image of a King in an area. To represent the king.

So here is where we get this meaning of Good

Ps 119:68 “You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.”

The God who created this world, the uncreated one, the unchallenged one. The one who created this world in unity with his own community - The Godhead. Had created this world, and you and me in for a good purpose.

The first humans messed it up, more over we keep messing it up. But despite that God is constantly at work to keep making it good

Gen 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Genesis 50:20 NIV

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

James 1:17 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Romans 8:29 NIV

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

This is where we draw the meaning of good. The person of Jesus Christ.

God is good and he never changes. He has chosen to share that goodness with us through Jesus Christ.

How do we know if something or someone or a situation has been good for us?

Led to Christ-likeness

Application

We are good

God has placed his seal of approval over us saying that we are good. This is our primary identity. We were first good, then we became bad.

Sharing the gospel by first seeing people as those were good, then became bad

We are to seek good in others

Rom 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

God saw it that way. This is a very powerful perspective (Example of dealing with kids)

The world is seeing it already

Example of Ted Lasso

Example of Chloe Zhao speech

Eph 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Roman 15:2 “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

“Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding place and let it be free and unashamed.” — William Saroyan

We are called to do good (words and actions)

There is a reason why the gospel is called good news

Matt 5:15-16 “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is our purpose here on earth. It is where we find meaning for our lives.

Rom 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 NIV

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.