Explore new horizons of a living faith

These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one.  The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.

Copyright © 2012 by Derek Leaf . Not to be copied for commercial purposes.  Permission is granted to copy the unaltered, attributed page for non commercial purposes. beingrecreated.org

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17

Comments, questions or discussion can happen on Facebook

Introduction

As our Father does good, so we follow His example by doing good to those He brings across our path.  Good is an overriding value that develops in us as we live with God.  It comes out in His dealing with us, and we express it ourselves as His goodness influences the way we live.


Bible Zone

Goodness is not necessarily what people think.  It is worth looking at the Bible to see how God expresses it.


God does good

God is constantly doing good to all people.  He does good for both the people we like and those we don’t like. Everyone has been created by God, and in that sense all are His children, even if they don’t like Him!   The Bible repeatedly comes back to the theme of God’s goodness.  We see an example in Psalm 119:65-68

  1. What is the writer’s opinion of God?
  2. How does God’s goodness influence the writer?
  3. How have you seen God do good to those around you?


Psalm 119:65-68 65 You have done many good things for me, LORD,  just as you promised.

66 I believe in your commands;  now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;  but now I closely follow your word.

68 You are good and do only good;  teach me your decrees.

Why live a good life?

For many a Christian, it is someone who lives a good life.  They see the Christian life as a list of things that we should or should not do.  This is getting the cart before the horse!


The focus of the Christian life is one of a relationship with God based on faith.  The outworking of this life is then seen in the way we live.  We honour Jesus whom we have accepted as Lord, and who has paid such a high price to receive us.  Paul put’s it this way in Ephesians 2.

  1. How does God saving us relate to good works?
  2. What desire has God for our lives once we are relating rightly with Him?
  3. How could you enter into partnership with God in doing good?


Ephesians 2:8-10  8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.


What is good?

Jesus gave a very simple teaching on how to live.  It acts as a guideline for every aspect of life.

  1. How could this teaching apply to you in your life and situation?
  2. Think of someone you could do good to.  Pray and look for an opportunity!


Matthew 7:12 "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.


Good & Bad in relationship

In the book of Ephesians, Paul examines what are some of the elements of good and bad. Although the essence is focused on our love of God, it is worked out in relationships.  It is then helpful to put some examples down that are solid enough to act on.  Have a look at this text Ephesians 4:24 - 5:7

Read through the passage and try to pick out (maybe use highlighters or underline)

  1. What are we asked to do?
  2. With what attitude or motivation are we asked to do it?
  3. Why are we asked to do it?
  4. Pick one instruction and look for an opportunity to live it out.


Ephesians 4:24 - 5:7  24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

  25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you."* Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

  28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

  30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,* guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

  31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us* and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

  3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

  6 Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.7 Don't participate in the things these people do.

Page appears in Bible Explorer titled - Do Good

HOW DO I DO GOOD?