Living the Good Life

Developing Spiritual Character:

Living The Good Life:

Galatians 5:22-23 & Mark 10:17-18

What Is The Good Life?

(To download and print blank sermon notes to complete while you listen, click HERE.)

Some May Answer:

• Looking good
• Feeling good
• Having the goods

The Bible describes the good life as a life marked by Goodness

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10)

Goodness of God - a perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations. (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

Goodness in man -  is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good. (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

Our problem is that we are not Inherently Good

(Mark 10:17-18)

Four Reasons To Support That Claim:

1. The Bible states it

“as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10–12)

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

2. The facts of History

3. The observation of Children

4. A knowledge of My Own Heart

Our goodness is a Gift From God

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4–7)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Establishing A Spiritual BASE In My Life:

• Believe
• Admit
• Switch
• Express

When we receive God’s gift of eternal life, He begins to transform our Desires and our Abilities

“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

(Philippians 2:12–13)

Cooperating With God In Living The Good Life

1. Immerse Yourself in your Bible

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

We only have two sources from which to develop our values: the Word or the World

2. Guard your heart

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Sin always starts in the Mind

3. Develop convictions

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything!

4. Exercise courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:9)

“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.  There can be no courage unless you’re scared.”  Eddie Rickenbacker

5. Meet With other believers

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)

Three Possible Responses To Living

In The Present World

• Imitation
• Isolation
• Infiltration

“that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life,” (Philippians 2:15–16a)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Living the good life is not always easy, but it is eternally worthwhile!

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Making It Personal:

• Have you established a Spiritual BASE in your life?

• What steps will you take to better cooperate with God in growing in goodness?

• Is your life marked more by Imitation, Isolation or Infiltration?