Goodness
Key Takeaways
1. The Nature of Goodness
Goodness combines being good AND doing good
Like light, goodness reveals reality and radiates outward
True goodness is transparent—what you see is what you get
Only God is truly good and goodness flows from him
2. Our Need for Goodness
We cannot manufacture our own goodness and lean toward self-deception
We often seek checklists rather than transformation
Idolatry (worshiping anything other than God) always results in injustice
3. The Gift of Goodness
Jesus IS goodness—he offers himself, not just instructions
Jesus loves us, even in our self-deception
Through the cross, Jesus exchanged his goodness for our fraud
Generosity is the natural overflow of experiencing God's goodness
Study Questions
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How does the distinction between 'being good' and 'doing good' challenge our understanding of what it means to live a genuinely good life?
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The rich young man thought he had kept all the commandments since his youth. Where in your own life might you be living in self-deception about your spiritual condition?
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How does understanding that goodness comes from connection to God rather than personal performance change the way you approach your daily life?
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Jesus looked at the rich young man and loved him even while seeing his fraud and knowing he would reject him. How does this transform your understanding of how Jesus sees you in your failures?
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The story of David Dickerson shows that 'you cannot argue with goodness.' How might radical goodness and grace be more powerful than argument in reaching those hostile to Christianity?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
How then do we keep the gospel front and center in this season of shadows known as Lent? The cross keeps our gospel focus clear. Lent is a season to journey with Jesus in his passion, to survey the cross, taking the measure of Christ’s love in his suffering and death.
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please plan to join us for the upcoming Sunday Morning Class “Seeking His Face: A Lenten Exploration” starting March 8. Both youth and adults are invited!
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 100:4-5
Leader: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
All: For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Confession of FAITH | the new city catechism question of the week
New City Catechism Q & A #9
Q: What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?
A: First, that we know and trust God as the only true and living God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence, honoring also his Word and works.
Confession of sin
Gracious God, we confess that we have sought to manufacture our own goodness.
We have built facades of virtue while our hearts worship wealth, comfort, and reputation.
We have defrauded others to advantage ourselves, using people rather than serving them.
We have come before you asking, "What must I do?" when you are calling us to come and follow you.
Forgive us, and by your Spirit, make us radiant with the goodness that comes through Jesus alone. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Join us next week as we continue to explore Fruit of the Spirit.