LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT (PART-16)

HOLY SPIRIT (Part 16)

Goodness:
– The Greek word is “agathosune”
  (it means “benevolent; active goodness”).

– (Ephesians (2:1-10)
  We see God’s kindness and goodness in providing salvation for us.
  – (verse 1)
    Our status without God’s goodness.

  – (verse 2)
    When we are disobedient, we open the door for Satan to control our lives.

  – (verse 3)
    Question:
    How do we know we are disobedient?
        – We gratify the cravings of our sinful nature.
        – We follow our sinful thoughts and desires.

  – (verses 4-5)
    God makes us alive (resurrects us) through Christ.

  – (verses 6-7)
    The benefits of being saved (out of the goodness of God’s heart).

  – (verses 8-9)
    The scriptures clearly state that salvation is from God.

  – (verse 10)
    Question:
    Why does He bring us from death to life?
        – To do good works.
    Note:
        The verse seems to imply
        this was God’s intent for man from the beginning.
    Note:
        These verses seem to support that theory:
            Romans 8:29-30;
            Ephesians 1:5, 11

  – (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
    Out of His goodness, God gives us special gifts.
    Question:
    What does He expect us to do with these gifts?
        – Use them for good (look at Matthew 25:14-30).
          Note:
              (Matthew 25:21, 23)
              Rewards of using the gifts:
                   1. By being faithful in small things,
                       we will receive increased responsibilities.
                   2. We can share in His happiness.
                       Question:
                       What does that mean to you?
                       Note:
                           (2 Timothy 1:14)
                           We are told to guard what is entrusted to us.
                       Question:
                       How can we guard what He has given us?
                            – Through the help of the Holy Spirit
                              (we need to be careful to avoid quenching the Holy Spirit).

  – (Titus 3:1-8)
    Paul says that God expressed His goodness to us,
    and we in turn are to express goodness toward others.
    Question:
    How can we determine what is goodness toward others?
        – (verse 8)
          Things that are excellent and profitable for everyone.
          Question:
          Does profitable mean money?
              Question:
              If not, then what?

  – Goodness can result from many circumstances.
    – (Matthew 21:12-13)
      Jesus was forceful and demonstrative in bringing goodness to the temple.

  – (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
    Through his infirmity, Paul learned to trust in the Lord even more.

  – (Acts 8:1-4)
    Persecution of the church resulted in the spreading of the gospel.

  – (Acts 18:5-6)
    Paul’s opposition and abuse from the Jews
    resulted in the gospel being preached to the Gentiles.

  – (Matthew 27:50-51)
    The death of Jesus on the cross resulted in
    our being able to communicate directly with the Lord.

  – (1 Thessalonians 2:6-8)
    An example of goodness being expressed.
    Question:
    What is “profitable for everyone”?
        – Sharing of the gospel?
        – Mutual love?