Sermon Recap
In this week’s sermon Pastor Rob unpacked Matthew 12, where Jesus talks about what it means to be genuinely good. He uses this example of trees and their fruit to show that true goodness comes from having a good heart, not just following rules. Even though the Pharisees seemed righteous on the outside with all their rule-following, Jesus calls them out, saying their hearts aren't right. He's saying that real goodness is about having a sincere heart, not just going through the motions.
Then we shifted to Galatians where Paul jumps in with a similar message. He warns against getting caught up in thinking that following religious rules makes you a good person. He emphasizes that true goodness comes from having a close relationship with Jesus, and that's what leads to doing good things. It's not about ticking boxes or trying to impress God; it's about letting Jesus change you from the inside out, so your actions naturally reflect His goodness.
The sermon breaks it down into two parts:
Being Good (The Tree): This part talks about how Jesus changes us deep down, from the inside out. To fully understand this one must understand that sin is two-fold; actions and attitude. Sin is not only our outward actions but also as our inherent attitude or our very nature. Which is why humanity has a need for redemption. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, offers a profound transformation from the inside out. This transformation, rooted in Christ's righteousness, enables believers to bear the fruit of genuine goodness, which is simply the nature of God manifesting in our lives through Christ Like activities as we are sourced by the Holy Spirit. It's not just about trying to act well on the outside; it's about letting Jesus transform our hearts so that goodness becomes a natural part of who we are.
Doing Good (The Fruit): Here, it's all about how our actions flow from the goodness of Jesus coming alive in our lives as we are sourced by the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes that goodness, in its purest form, flows out of the presence of the Holy Spirit. This divine influence enables believers to exhibit selfless acts of goodness, kindness, generosity, and righteousness.When we are sourced by Jesus, He is reflected in how we treat others and live our lives. It's not about trying hard to be good; it's about letting Jesus make us good and then watching that goodness spill out into everything we do.
In the end real goodness isn't something we can fake or manufacture by following rules. It's a gift from Jesus which changes us from the inside out then overflows into how we live and treat others.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
How does Jesus' analogy of trees and their fruit challenge our understanding of goodness? Do you think it's possible for someone to appear good on the outside but lack genuine goodness in their heart?
Reflecting on Paul's warning to the Galatians about relying on religious rules for righteousness, how do you distinguish between outward religious observance and genuine transformation by Jesus? In what ways can you see the difference in your own life?
Consider the idea presented in the sermon that true goodness flows from a changed heart rather than mere adherence to rules. How does this perspective shift our approach to living a good life? What steps can we take to allow Jesus to transform our hearts so that goodness becomes a natural part of who we are?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, you set me free from my sin nature and now through you the goodness of the Father comes alive in me. As I surrender all my days to you Holy Spirit, would you manifest Christlikeness in everything I do. I love you Lord. Thank you for these sacred rhythms that draw me closer and closer to you.
Life Application
Am I Acting Out of Genuine Goodness?: Take a moment to reflect on your actions and motives. Are you doing things because you truly want to be kind and helpful, or are you just going through the motions? Consider how you can cultivate a genuine desire to do good from the inside out through the sourcing of the Holy Spirit.
How Can I Let Jesus Change My Heart?: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Are you open to letting Him transform your heart and character? Think about practical steps you can take to deepen your connection with Him and allow His love to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Don’t Forget!
Rhythms of the Spirit, Online Class
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