Goodness

This week we are talking about the fruit of goodness. The word we see here used for goodness is used only three other times in the Bible. So the best way to learn what it means to walk in goodness is to look at these other passages. Galatians 5 tells us what about goodness? It is a trait of the Spirit filled.

What exactly does this word mean in Greek? Goodness is a broad term when we think about it in English. In Greek the word carries a meaning of generous. To be good is to be a generous person.

What does generous mean? Generous means a readiness to give more

Generosity of Knowedge

Romans 15:14 ESV

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Biblical Points

As a Christian generosity should be evident in your life.

As Christians we should be known as people who always have a readiness to give. Not just money, but time, emotionally, etc. Generous people are knowledgeable people.

To be more specific they are knowledgeable of Scripture. The more we know of God the more a readiness to give we will have.

Knowledgeable and generous people are characterized by helping others grow in knowledge and generosity.

They realize the benefits of K & G and the importance of others living in these characteristics. At the center of this is sharing the gospel.

Application

We should be readily doing good towards others.

We don’t differentiate between who we show good to. We should be generous with our good deeds. If we gave out goodness based on merit we would be very limited on our goodness and not generous. Christ shows the ultimate act of generosity by giving his life on the cross and he did not differentiate on who that generosity was for. Jesus died for whosoever. To become a more giving person give more to the Lord.

This is not a plug on tithes. That is a point we could make but most of y’all don’t have income. I am talking more about giving of your time. Dedicating more of your time and talents to God. If your heart is not into giving get in the word and let God re-calibrate your heart.

Find someone to mentor.

We have a responsibility to disciple others. We are not suppose to just soak up the knowledge of the Word but be pouring out the knowledge we learn. Mentoring someone is one of the greatest learning experiences. As you teach someone you learn more than the person you are teaching. What you teach it is the tip of the iceberg of what you learned.

The Goodness of Light

Ephesians 5:7–10 ESV

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Biblical Points

Spiritually light and dark don’t blend.

Their is no compromise spiritually, you either in the dark or in the light. No sort of saved, like their ain’t no sort of pregnant.

Goodness (generosity) and truth is cultivated in the light by God. A generous spirit and a spirit of truth is like a spiritual tan. The more you soak in the Son the more these traits will be evident in life. (use ginger example of trying to tan, sun brings wrath on the skin of a ginger)

Generosity requires intentionality.

We do not become generous people by accident. We are naturally selfish from the beginning. What is a toddlers favorite word so often, “Mine!” Or they never want a toy until someone else has it. We have to work at breaking this toddler instinct.

Application

Don’t attempt to blend Spiritual Light with Cultural Darkness.

It never works, it will leave you with an allusion in your life that you are walking in light but you are truly walking in darkness with some artificial light (a flashlight eventually dies, the sun doesn’t).

What type of soil are you?

Luke 8:4-15 talks about the different soils we can be.

Seed on the pathway- trampled on and never take root. Picked up and led to destruction

Seed on the rocks- Never takes root, you see what might be some growth but when great sun comes or a big storm you see their was never no foundation. This is the south. Many are seeds among the rocks. These seeds are among the rocks.

Seeds among the thorns- You have taken root, but you have allowed weeds and thorns to get planted around you that choke out your fruitfulness. This is also the south.

Seeds in good soil- take root and flourish

Always be looking for ways to be generous.

Generosity for God’s Glory

Biblical Points

God does not call the qualified to generosity. God equips the believer for generosity.

We may say we would be more generous if I had more time or more money. I am gonna tell you, you will never have enough time, its about making time. And if you can’t give when you have a little you probably wont give if you had a lot. Most people with lots of money are “generous” for the tax write off or the board position. If God has called you to be generous don’t give a bunch of buts, do. God will provide. We are to be generous by God’s power.

To live good life's full of generosity we must depend on God.

True generosity is for God’s glory.

It is not for bragging rights or the write off. We don’t do generous for the attention. Background by Lecrae. Part of it says:

I don't need my name in lights, I don't need a starring role Why gain the whole wide world, If I'm just gon' lose my soul? And my ways ain't pure if I don't live according to Your Word I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard So word to every dancer for a pop star Cause we all play the background, but mine's a rock star Yeah, so if you need me I'll be stage right Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright So let me fall back, and stop giving my suggestions Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact I'm who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar

Application

Don’t wait to you feel qualified to serve God.

God will qualify you, but he may be waiting to give you the qualifications as you are taking the steps in faith. If you are waiting until you feel qualified, you will spend your whole life waiting and watching blessed opportunity after blessed opportunity pass you by. Don’t waste your life waiting.

God is way bigger than we can imagine and He can move in much mightier ways than we could ever imagine. Don’t limit God with your buts or whys or your resources. God’s vision is much greater than ours.

Don’t brag on your generosity.

Don’t let it become all about you. Let it be a doorway to friendship and Gospel conversations.