Plymouth Covenant Church
This fall we invite you on a spiritual adventure as we discover together "The Real God". During the weekend worship services we will present a key attribute of God. "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - Tozer
1. What does the Bible say about God's Goodness?
A. The Scriptures say a lot...
God is Good and Only Does What is Good
"You are good, and what you do is good.” Ps 119:68
God's Goodness and Love Last Forever
“He is good; His love endures forever." Ps 107:1
God is Good to Everyone
“The LORD is good to all.” Ps 145:9
Everything God Made was Good
"God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." Ge 1:31
God has Goodness Stored Up for Us
"How abundant are the good things stored up for us.” Ps 31:19
Everything from God is Good
"Every good and perfect gift is from above”. Ja 1:17
God Alone is Good
Jesus, “There is only One who is good.” Mat 19:16
We can Delight in His Goodness
"Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Ps 34:8
No Good Thing does God Withhold
“No good thing does He withhold from those
whose walk is blameless" Ps 84:11
Goodness can Come from All Circumstances
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.” Ro 8:28
His Goodness Leads to Repentance
“The goodness of God leads you to repentance…" Ro 2:4
b. An Example from Scripture: Psalm 145
Psalm 145: Call to Worship: (1) I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145: God is Great: (3) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty – and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works – and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Psalm 145: God is Good: (7) They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.
Psalm 145: Our Response: (10) All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
c. A Definition of Goodness
The dictionary says
- a quality of being good
- a substitution for God in an expression of surprise; OMG
Knowing what is "good" can be confusing today:
- sometimes something "bad” is really considered very “good”
- Like Isaiah 5:20 people “call evil good and call good evil"
Psalm 145:7-9 gives a great definition for God's abundant goodness - He is righteous, gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love and does not show favor - He is good to all He has made.
Simply put:
- Goodness is wanting what is best for us.
- Goodness is God working for what is best in all circumstances
- God is much better than just good - He is the Best!
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good (best) of those who love him, to be conformed to the image of his Son.
2. What does Jesus show us about God's Goodness?
a. Most People agree that Jesus was good
- “He was a good teacher!”
- "He was a good man!”
b. But do they hear what he said about goodness?
Matt 7:11 If you, though evil, know how to give good gifts - how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts
Matt 19:16 There is only One who is good.
John 10 I am the Good Shepherd.
c. His entire life (Cradle to Cross) shows us God’s Goodness
Cradle: Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Cross: Romans 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
3. What does Our Life suggest about God’s Goodness?
a. We experience the goodness of God every day.
Matthew 5:45 He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Blessed is the one who trusts in Him. (MSG: He doesn't scrimp with his traveling companions.)
Psalm 107:42 The upright see and rejoice,but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these thingsand ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.
Do you see His goodness or are you distracted by other things?
b. The Bible tells of many people experiencing God's goodness
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story:
04 - some wandered in the desert - He delivered them
10 - some experienced darkness and bondage - He delivered them
17 - some were foolish and rebellious - He delivered them
23 - some were stuck in storms - He delivered them
c. We can ask to see God's goodness.
Exodus 33:18 Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you" Moses saw God's goodness because He asked. Let's ask Him again!
How should we respond to God's Goodness:
Repent: Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Rest: Psalm 31:19 Your goodness is so great! You have stored up great blessings for those who honor you.You have done so much for those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.You shelter them in your presence,far from accusing tongues.
Risk: Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD;be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.