SERMON SERIES:  BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY #7

SERMON TITLE:  THE GOOD LIFE

TEXT:

Galatians 5:22,23

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Titus 3:8

^“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

GOD’S STANDARD OF GOODNESS:

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

The Problem of Moral Relativism

“In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”  Judges 17:6

The Problem of Ignorance

”My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”  Hosea 4:6

THE BARRIERS TO GOODNESS:

My Sinful Nature

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17 NLT

This Dark World

^“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:19

The Evil One

“And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one.^” Matthew 6:13

THE PRACTICE OF GOODNESS:

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Be Rich in Good Deeds

^“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18

Overcome Evil With Good

^“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Ask and Obey the Holy Spirit Regarding the Specifics

”Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”  Galatians 5:25 NLT