April 12, 2016

God is Good

By: Anthony Mathenia Topics: Uncategorized Scripture: Psalm 107

God is Good (Psalm 107)

1. God is Good Essentially

“Good” may be the most popular way to describe God in our day, but because of the way we use “good” in common speech, it might seem odd or trite to say, “God is good.” While we believe and affirm that God is good, the word in our modern usage often suggests that something is just average or even “blah.” If we are really impressed, we use words like “awesome!” However, while God is indescribably awesome, He is also simply good. There is nothing bad (not good) about Him. His goodness is seen in all He does: mercy for the needy, grace for the destitute, love for the unlovely, hope for the hopeless, etc. Herman Bavinck put it this way: “Goodness is not an attribute, but the sum of all of God’s perfections.” His goodness is self-caused, perfect, infinite, eternal, unchanging, un-derived and it never varies in its intensity. While there are many other good things, their goodness is all second-hand. God is the origin and the source of all good!

– Do you find it odd to say that God is just simply “good?” How would you define God’s goodness? What comfort do you find in knowing that your God is a good God?

2. God is Good Demonstratively

Not only is God good essentially, but he also demonstrates His goodness in what He does (Psalm 119:68). God’s goodness is seen in creation. Everything about the structure of our bodies attests to the goodness of God, such as how perfectly suited our hands are for their allotted work or how great sleep feels to a wearied body. His goodness is demonstrated in daily delights, such as the pleasing flavors of foods that satisfy our hunger or the enjoyment of the blooming flowers of Spring and the gorgeous Fall foliage. From glorious sunrises to breathtaking panoramic sunsets, God has spoken loudly and clearly to us verifying that His mercies are over all His works! God’s goodness is also evidenced in His patient mercy toward sin and sinners, both initially in the Garden and ongoing as His creatures continue to rebel against Him. His goodness is displayed even more clearly at Calvary, where the Son of God died to redeem those who were under the Law, granting peace and goodwill toward men.

– In addition to those mentioned above, what are some specific ways that God has demonstrated His goodness in the Scriptures? What are some of the aspects of your daily life that demonstrate the goodness of God?

3. God is Good Especially

While God is not a respecter of persons, and while He causes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust alike, there is, nonetheless, a special goodness that is especially for His people. He has stored up His goodness particularly for those who fear Him and for those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 31:19). His special goodness is that which is reserved for those who trust Him, whose sin has been pardoned and who have a peace with God that endures both now and forever.

– In what ways is God particularly good toward His people? How can we be certain that we can experience His special goodness both now and throughout eternity?