Introduction:

1. This fruit may be considered the summary and expression of them all.

2. God who alone is good defines and supplies goodness to and demands goodness of His people.

Discussion:

I. Goodness Defined

A. “The quality or state of being good” (Webster)

B. “Uprightness of heart and life” (Thayer).

C. “That which is beneficial in its effects” (Vine).

D. “Beneficence…virtue” (Zodhiates).

II. Goodness Demanded

A. God’s gift of salvation is to promote good works in the saved (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-8).

B. We must seize any opportunity to do good (Galatians 6:10).

C. Goodness is the stamp of God’s presence in our lives (Matthew 3:10; 7:16-20; 12:35; Luke 6:45; James 3:17; 3 John 11).

III. Goodness Supplied

A. True goodness requires an objective standard.

B. God alone is good making Him the source (Matthew 19:17; James 1:17).

1. His will is good (Romans 7:12; 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:1).

2. The ultimate revelation of His goodness is the life of Christ (John 1:14, 18; Acts 10:38; Colossians 2:17).

IV. Goodness Applied

A. We are called upon to imitate God and show His goodness in us (Ephesians 5:1; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; 3 John 11).

B. One expression is our benevolent actions (Matthew 25:31-46; James 1:27a; 2:14-17; Galatians 6:10).

C. The ultimate expression is our dedication to holiness (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 12:12-13; James 1:27b; Jude 22-23).

1. We could never measure nor repay God’s goodness to us.

2. The best we can do is faithfully discharge our duty to imitate the same.