Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

Oh My Goodness!                                                                                                      3.23.08

Illustration about phrase, “Oh My Goodness”

Genesis 1:26-31

-          We have good in us.

-          We were designed that way.

-          That goodness does not come out when we live for ourselves.

Genesis 13:5-14:16

-          Abram and Lot (Read and describe story.)

-          Abram as an example of goodness

o   How do we see goodness in Abram?

o   How do we not see goodness in Lot?

Goodness

-          Greek word 

o   It is rendered kindness in Eph. 2:7; Col. 3:12; Gal. 5:22. Paul, and he only, also uses ἀγαθωσύνη for goodness. The distinction as drawn out by Jerome is that ἀγαθωσύνη represents a sterner virtue, showing itself in a zeal for truth which rebukes, corrects, and chastises, as Christ when He purged the temple[1]

o   Goodness is from agathosunē (ἀγαθοσυνη). The word refers to that quality in a man who is ruled by and aims at what is good, namely, the quality of moral worth. It is so used in Ephesians 5:9, II Thessalonians 1:11, and Romans 15:14.[2]

-          The next three express the manward aspect of the Christian life: long-suffering (courageous endurance without quitting), gentleness (kindness), and goodness (love in action). The Christian who is long-suffering will not avenge himself or wish difficulties on those who oppose him. He will be kind and gentle, even with the most offensive, and will sow goodness where others sow evil. Human nature can never do this on its own; only the Holy Spirit can.[3]

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[1]Vincent, Marvin Richardson: Word Studies in the New Testament. Bellingham, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2002, S. 3:35

[2]Wuest, Kenneth S.: Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English Reader. Grand Rapids : Eerdmans, 1997, c1984, S. Ga 5:22

[3]Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 5:22

Oh My Goodness!

Intro