If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
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.
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 comes out as we live with God. It comes out in His dealing with us, and then we express it ourselves as His goodness influences the way we live. These are good principles, but we are left with questions, What is a good life and why should we do good?
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 - The testimony of the psalmists.
- Why a good life? - Saved as a gift, so we can live a good life.
- What is good? - Put simply: do to others as you would have them do to you.
- Good & Bad in relationship - Relationship is the key context to good and bad.
God is constantly doing good to all people. He does good for both the people we like and those we don’t like. We are all His children, even if we 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
- What is the writer’s opinion of God?
- How does God’s goodness influence the writer?
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.
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 who 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.
- How has God brought us to a right relationship with himself?
- How does this saving of us relate to good works?
- What desire has God for our lives once we are relating rightly with Him?
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.
Jesus gave a very simple teaching on how to live. It acts as a guideline for every aspect of life.
- How could this teaching apply to you in your life and situation?
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.
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)
- What are we asked to do?
- With what attitude or motivation are we asked to do it?
- Why are we asked to do it?
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 Beginnings titled - How do I do good
DO GOOD
