Introduction: It is true that ultimate power, which is answerable to no one, corrupts, and having been corrupted, promotes evil? And when that power becomes absolute, the evil becomes absolute too? That’s our human experience with power. But God is equally POWERFUL and GOOD. How can that happen?
Who Is Good?
· I’m good because I could have been worse. I didn’t do this or that, others are worse, and other people think I’m good.
We often settle into a limited definition of good simply because we lack exposure to someone who is ultimately GOOD.
“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:5 NLT
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 34:8 NLT
The Goodness of God
“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tender-hearted and of quick sympathy. His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness, and He takes holy pleasure in the [health and hope] of His people.” A.W. Tozer
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 NIV
“The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all his works.” Psalm 145:9 KJV
Goodness Made Flesh
“I must admit that Jesus has revised … my harsh and unpalatable notions about God. Why am I a Christian? I sometimes ask myself, and to be perfectly honest the reasons reduce to two: (1) the lack of good alternatives, and (2) Jesus. Brilliant, untamed, tender, creative, slippery, paradoxically humble—Jesus stands up to scrutiny. He is who I want my God to be.” Philip Yancy
Could God Really Be Like Jesus?
Two possible reasons why someone so SUFFICIENT in Himself, that He needs nothing from anyone else, would desire to say and do the very things that Jesus did.
· He is altogether crazy.
· He is TOTALLY GOOD.
Weekly Questions: God is the only One who is altogether sufficient and altogether Good. How does that challenge your perspective of God? How does that change your relationship with God?