The
Fruit Of The Spirit Study Course
The
Fruit Of The Spirit Study Course
Lesson Thirteen: The Fruit Of Goodness
TEXT: Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Goodness comes from the Greek word agathosune that means a “zeal for truth and righteousness and a hatred for evil;” it can be expressed in acts of KINDNESS, or in rebuking or correcting evil.[1]
A. Goodness and Gentleness are Closely Related.
Goodness, like gentleness, really requires no special effort on our part to cultivate it. As other attributes of the Spirit come alive inside of the born-again believer, goodness will naturally spring up. The presence of Jesus will make us have the fruit of goodness.
B. An Effortless Attitude.
True goodness comes only from God. It is not, to any extent, a characteristic of human ability or effort.
Romans 7:18 - For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
To cultivate the attribute of goodness, it becomes necessary for us to be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit produces the nature of Christ within the believer.
Romans 8:9 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Goodness Is Cultivated Through Spiritual Growth
From our development in the Fruit of the Spirit, we will find that the character traits of caring and sharing will emerge from deep within our hearts. What was expressed inwardly through the fruit of gentleness or kindness will be expressed outwardly through the attribute of goodness. We will experience the deterioration and the crumbling away of our entire humanistic acquired tendencies of jealousy, greed and selfishness. In return, we make a start of directing our lives for the benefit of others, not our own goals and desires. While we develop this attitude of serving others, the Spirit of God will literally help us become ADDICTED to giving of our money and ourselves.
1 Cor. 16:15 - I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the Firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
The Work of the Kingdom
Our hearts desire will be in heaven if our purposes are to do the work of the kingdom. As we acquire the attribute of goodness, we start to feel as though we are an integral part of that kingdom. We start to feel like true children of God.
2 Peter 1:4 - Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
As we become partakers of the DIVINE NATURE, we put on the nature of giving. Even as JESUS gave of Himself so that we might have life, we start to live. This is not only to give ourselves through Gentleness, but through Goodness, so our entire purpose is turned to the profit and the benefit of others, and as a result, our will becomes equal to and fully agreeable with the Word of God and Will of God. In essence, we put on the MIND Of CHRIST. (1 Cor. 2:16 and Romans 12:2)
Romans 12:2 - 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
This scripture says the will of God is proven or demonstrated by us, because the attribute of goodness is cultivated in our hearts this is the Spirits doing, not ours. Our minds are transformed into the thoughts of God and the feelings of God, as our purpose and His purpose come to be one in the same. We recognize a reflection of CHRIST within ourselves.
Ephes. 5:8-10 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
E. God’s Goodness in Us.
The name of Christ is glorified in us as we show HIS GOODNESS to others.
2 Thes. 1:11-12 - Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: [12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It does not matter how good we may think we are. If we do not possess the GOODNESS OF GOD within us, then we cannot attain to maturity in the Spirit.
Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19:17 - And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
We find a certain rich man who received first hand instructions concerning the subject of Goodness. This man inquired of Jesus in 19:16: “Good Master, what GOOD thing shall I do that I may eternal life?” Jesus corrected the rich man for calling Him good and explained to him that there is only one who truly is Good and that Is God Himself. Jesus answered the man’s questions by telling Him to “keep the commandments.”
Matthew 19:20 - The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?.
This man was not lacking self-confidence. Much the same as many of today’s so-called ‘Good’ people, this man felt he was doing right. When JESUS laid down the line in v.21, he walked away because of his love for possessions.
Matthew 19:21 - Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me
Giving is the sign of perfection. Giving is a sign that God’s goodness in us is being expressed to others. In return, the Lord has promised us treasure in heaven.
Matthew 19:21 ...and thou shall have treasure in heaven and come and follow me.
The Life and Death of Jesus is the Manifestation of God’s Kindness and Goodness to the world. Jesus’ followers must develop the fruits of goodness and gentleness if we are to be like Him. The manifestations of His gentleness, that is, His works of goodness, comprise the major portion of the Gospels. His gentleness can be seen In His words: “be of good comfort” (Math 9:22) “so have I loved you” (John 15:9), “be not afraid,” (Matthew 14:27); and “weep not,” (Luke 7:13). His acts of goodness can be seen in his cleansing of the leper (Luke 17:14) and healing the sick (Matthew 4:24.) He even raised the dead. (John 11:44).
Jesus’ kindness preceded His goodness that preceded His teaching, for it fertilized the hearts of the hearers to receive the Word He was teaching. His kindness was obvious, “for there followed Him great multitudes of people.” (Math 4:25)
According to Mark 3:8-10, it was Jesus’ goodness that wooed the crowds to the sea where they heard Him teach and heal the sick. They followed Him across the hills where they heard Him teach and saw Him break the bread to satisfy their hunger (Mark 8:1-8). They followed Him throughout His life wherever He went - across the sea the hills, the plains - and observed His kindness and goodness. They followed Him even to the Cross where they heard His final words: FATHER, FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.
JESUS WAS ALWAYS KIND TO THE PEOPLE, AND HE ALWAYS DID ACTS OF GOODNESS ON THEIR BEHALF. THEREFORE. IF WE TODAY WOULD BE LIKE JESUS, WE MUST BEGIN BY BEING KIND AND CULTIVATING THE GOODNESS OF GOD WITHIN US.
Lessons 12 and 13 Review And Study Questions:
The Fruit Of Goodness/Gentleness Study Questions
Part One: Fill In the Blank
1. ___________________ is the fruit of kindness
2. Kindness brings on a tender _________________________
3. _______ is used as an example of the effect a kind believer has on this world.
4. Kindness is a forerunner of__________________________
5. The _______________quality of salt speaks of the lack of respecter of person’s quality of kindness.
6. Our_________________ is fed directly into our behavior.
7. Kindness helps turn any
8. Our _______________ possess the power to hurt or heal.
9. Goodness means a zeal for _______________ and ____________
10. Goodness is cultivated by
11. Jesus told the __________________________ that there was no one good but God.
12. The ________________
13. Jesus prayed for _____________________ for those crucifying Him.
14. True goodness comes only from ____________________
15. It was the ________________ that drew us to repentance
Part Two: Matching
1. The Rich Young Ruler A. Not Hid Under a Bushel
2. Jesus B. Opposite of love
3. The Work of the Kingdom C. Comes From Jesus
4. Goodness D. Fear
5. Kindness E. The Believer
6. Agathosume F. Healing aspect of salt
7. Boldness G. Shows Kindness
8. Intimidation H. Not easily offended
9. Ministry. I. Went About Doing Good
10. Love. J. Zeal for Truth
11. Offense. K. Same as Gentleness
12. Antiseptic quality. L. Greek for goodness
13.Gentleness. M. Chrestotes
14. Salt. N. The power of the Spirit
15. Light O. Forsook Eternal Life