Goodness and Contentment

- The Godly Man -

For a man to be godly, he must rise above the cheap cynicism of the day. He must go and be with God.
With God he will discover the goodness of God. This goodness will be greater than anything the world
would offer. Paul the apostle hinted at this when he spoke to Timothy on this topic.

But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by

contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6).

Man will never be content with only receiving the good things that come
from God. Materialism is barren. It can never really satisfy.

This series 'Goodness and Contentment' openly challenges both eastern

and western widely accepted concepts of goodness. The eastern religions
insist on matter being evil. They cannot see beyond the pain and tragedy
into the goodness of the Creator. They are permanently discontent with
this life and seek something of greater value in the spiritual world.

On the other hand we have the Western secularism that shouts "Do not be content." Everything around
says, "Look at me; I am more exciting." Everything is a vicious cycle of lure, tempt, excite and guilt.
Covetuous rules.

Can a man be fully content with God's good things and not God Himself? Can a man be convinced of
the goodness of things and yet reject the Maker of these things? These are key questions that we hope
to answer through this series of articles.

As we discuss evil and temptation, we recognize that the godly man must focus on the good and
delightful things of God. He must be a man that finds his chief delight in the person and presence of
God. Goodness is issued from God and will only be appreciated by those that are ultimately content
with God Himself.

FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION OF GOODNESS

Goodness is finding contentment with what God has given.
Purpose of this study on goodness:

That we may desire to have our chief delight in God.

That we may grow in our comprehension of God's goodness.

That we may so delight in God's goodness that all other things would hardly be in sight.

That we would grow in rightfully appreciating pleasure.

Goodness and Contentment

Index
Here is a short index. Click the blue circle . They follow in order or just click here for
next page.

Goodness and All about goodness and contentment ...... Table of Contents
Contentment

Discovering What does creation say about what is good?   *Genesis 1:1-2:3
God's
Goodness
Good and Evil Where does evil originate? How does evil relate to goodness?
(Genesis 2)

Discovering Why is God not satisfied with any less than our whole heart?
Contentment
in this World

Discontent What is that one thing that keeps man far from temptation?
Psalm 73
Breeds
Temptation

Goodness and What is the secret of joyful living in hard times?  *Romans 5:3-
5, Philippians 4:11-13
Suffering

Good Works Four ways people try to separate good works from salvation.
and Salvation

A Case for What wrong teaching did Paul counter by teaching about
'good'?  *1 Timothy
Goodness

Goodness How does one improve the quality of public and private praise?
*Psalm 100
Overflowing
Testimonies Testimonies on goodness and contentment.

* How has God revealed His goodness to you?

* What are some practical steps to know more of His goodness?

Study Sheet Study sheet for each page on God's Goodness

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell

NASB Bible used unless noted throughout this website.

Discovery of God's Goodness

Genesis 1:1 - 2:3
In order to discover God's goodness we do not need to go far.

The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:9).

God's goodness is bountifully unfolded before our eyes like a flower opens itself
before the sun. The creation declares God's goodness to all because we all gain
from its presence. Who can say that they have not profited from God's provision
from all around them?! Creation's marks of beauty, uniqueness, design, order, color,
harmony, pleasantry, and provision all mount up around us as glorious reminders of
God's goodness.

Although the different aspects of God's provision are often taken for granted, underneath are
complicated systems. Nothing is easily made available. The more we learn about the world of micro–
biology, the more we are humbled by the magnificent systems that are fulling operating around and in
us without our help or wisdom. Just think of the cell's magnificent factory–like capabilities.

We would like to think it is only the living systems that are marvelous, but they themselves are
intertwined with the non–living systems. Everything is mutually dependent on other things, and the
whole is dependent upon God.

From God has flowed a fountain of goodness. Everywhere is His goodness. God stated again and again
that His creation was good. Let's look at the seven times God used 'good' from Genesis 1. After each
day of creating, God declared it 'good.' After this, we will then draw some principles from these verses.

GOD'S GOODNESS IN CREATION

(Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)

Da Genesi And God saw that the light was good; and
God separated the light from the darkness.
y1 s 1:4

Da Genesi And God called the dry land earth, and the
gathering of the waters He called seas; and
y2 s 1:10 God saw that it was good.
Da Genesi And the earth brought forth vegetation,
plants yielding seed after their kind, and
y3 s 1:12 trees bearing fruit, with seed in them, after
their kind; and God saw that it was good.

Da Genesi and to govern the day and the night, and to

separate the light from the darkness; and
y4 s 1:18 God saw that it was good.

Da Genesi And God created the great sea monsters,

and every living creature that moves, with
y5 s 1:21 which the waters swarmed after their kind,
and every winged bird after its kind; and
God saw that it was good.

Da Genesi And God made the beasts of the earth after

their kind, and the cattle after their kind,
y6 s 1:25 and everything that creeps on the ground
(Genes after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
is 1:27-
31). And God created man in His own image, in
the image of God He created him; male and
female He created them. And God blessed
them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful
and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue
it; ... And God saw all that He had made,
and behold, it was very good. And there
was evening and there was morning, the
sixth day.

Da Genesi Then God blessed the seventh day and

sanctified it, because in it He rested from all
y7 s 2:3
 His work which God had created and made.

Seven Principles Drawn from Creation (Genesis 1:1-2:4)

1) God existed before creation and therefore is separate from it.
         God is not part of the creation but in fact over it.

2) God's character and purpose is carried out in what He has made.

         God is not neutral nor is He evil. He is absolutely good.

3) There is a real material creation.

         It does nobody and good to deny the reality of matter.

4) The creation was wholly good and designed to please and fulfill.
         We were made to enjoy its goodness and to express our thanks to God.

5) Creation was made mutually dependent on other parts and the whole on God.
         The order of creation speaks against the haphazard origins often referred to in evolution.

6) Fruitfulness and multiplication of this 'good' is desirable and even commanded by God.
         To restrain fruitfulness of the land or the womb is to hold back God's goodness and glory.

7) The creation of man is the most glorious part of creation because he was made in God's image.
         We dare not treat man as just another part of creation. He needs to be respected.

We have spent so much time on creation because this is where we first meet God. (Click here for
more on Genesis 1).

We understand God by what He has done. Since the results of what He has done at creation still exists
down to this day, we can all participate in this study of goodness. Furthermore, we find that God's
repeated declaration of "good" on what He has made is unavoidable. "Good" is imprinted on creation. It
is stamped into our own lives. We cannot escape what we see all around us.

From God's good world, we can discern God's goodness.

From God's good person, we can appreciate His good world. .

Either way, the discovery of God's goodness is one of the most

pleasant journey's we could ever be part of. From beginning to
end, we are awed at the greatness in scope and the abundance of
goodness wherever we go. Our hearts are filled with joy and
appreciation that we are so well cared for.

We will have some important questions of life to face.

"If the world is so good, why do so many reject it?"

"If God's world is so good, then why is there so much evil?"

"If God is so good, then why did He allow evil to creep into it?"

These questions have tripped many a person who was on his way of discovering the vast goodness God
has provided. We will later do our best answering such questions, but meanwhile we should never
allow what is so clearly declared, be garbled by one of Satan's lies.

Meanwhile you might personally reflect on where you are on this journey of discovery and
whether you have been distracted with one of Satan's ploys. => Next

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

    BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

 Good and Evil: Their Nature & Discussion

Genesis 2
Paul J. Bucknell

God created only good things.

Discussing evil and good.
5 Statements to help us understand evil.
Summary of biblical principles of good and evil

Many people are so caught up in this question of good

and evil that they cannot see and appreciate God's
goodness. Every time a question of this sort comes up,
they cannot sit back and delight in God's glorious
goodness. No. They are wondering why God did it this
way. The questions are legitimate, but the permission to
destroy any real appreciation of God's goodness is not.

The word 'evil' is noticeably absent in the first chapter of

Genesis. Only the word 'good' is used there in the
creation account. The sense of evil is totally absent in
the glorious creation of God. Evil enters in soon enough
as an intruder, but first we find a unstained world. The
Bible begins with glorious perfection and ends with it.
We find the first heavens and earth was made with out
sin and so the second one that will soon be made will
share this unstained image.

God created only good things.

He did not create evil.(1). Because God is good, everything He would or could create would be good.
Evil could not proceed from Him. That would be totally inconsistent from His nature. God's Spirit
chased away evil spirits. Satan is called the 'evil' one (Matthew 13:19). 1 John 5:19 says,

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (1 John 5:19).

Discussion of Evil
The theoretical discussions of how God associates with evil must never be allowed to obstruct the
glory of God's goodness. The reason certain people are caught up in such theories is that they enter
into the discussion doubting God's good nature and intention. More than often, they have personally
faced a past issue in which they came out questioning God's goodness. Because of their doubt, they
are not very easily convinced. Arguments often arise, and they go off justified of their sinful doubts. I
estimate I have heard 20 discussions on evil for every 1 on God's goodness. There is a lot of doubts out
there!

Any discussion of good and evil must be framed as it is in the Bible.

Only goodness is known in the beginning and the end. The book of Job is the same. Evil arises, but
only after the beginning and before the end. Evil is sandwiched between wholly pure and good states.
God's person or intention therefore is never questioned. We can only understand evil if we first
understand and appreciate God's goodness.

The study of evil should be delayed until individuals have become well acquainted with God's
goodness. Unless we come into the discussion by accepting God's goodness, all arguments will seem
incomplete and not satisfy.

Five Statements to Help us Understand Evil

So where does evil fit into the scene?How are we to understand evil? How was evil introduced to the
world? We are often confronted with questions like?

"If God's world is so good, then why is there so much evil?"

"If God is so good, then why did He allow evil to creep into it?"

This is a specific situation that helps clarify what we have been saying. The first time evil is used is in
Genesis chapter 2. This is after creation rather than before. Each time it is introduced for the first five
times, it is always used in the phrase "good and evil." (2)

#1 God oversees evil.

This is not only seen in the scene here following the creation account but brilliantly seen in Job's trials,
Joseph's fall and rise, as well as in the greatest evil act possible – the crucifixion. We dare not leave
doubt to crowd out our eyes of faith. What do we see in these verses from Genesis 2?

Ge 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and
good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil.
Ge 2:17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you
eat from it you shall surely die.”

We see God's creation of a tree by which evil could come into the world. We are not told here where
that evil originated from (3), but we know it works counter to God because it suggests to Eve that she
ought to do something contrary to what He said.

We also should note that God warned man not to get involved in this evil one. It seems that the evil one
was limited to what he could do in the garden. In a sense there was nothing he could tempt them with in
places there was no law. He could only tempt them where there was a law or instruction. (4) God's
warning was good but also became the window of opportunity for sin to creep in.
#2 Good always overcomes evil.
With the perspective of the whole Bible, we can see that evil enters after God's goodness is displayed in
creation and is eliminated before the end of the world. Evil might have stained the first creation, but
God has established that He will make a new heavens and earth which will not be touched with evil.
We might see some horrendous acts such as the sinless Jesus dying by the hands of murderers, but God
is able and does bring about a greater good through the evil that is done.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).

#3 Evil is not a power equal to God

The ancient Persian religion Zoroastrianism explains the presence of evil by asserting that there are two
coequal gods, one being light and the other darkness. They are both considered eternal. The creation
account clearly rules this possibility out. The one God created all things. Evil came from within this
creation but was not coexistent with the Creator.

God oversees evil. Good always overcomes evil. Evil is not a power equal to God. Evil is not equated
with the creation. God is not responsible for evil.

#4 Evil is not equated with the creation.

Others try to explain the existence of evil by creating a false dualism which stated that spiritual things
are good while matter is inherently evil. They suggest that matter hinders the full working of the spirit.
Again, the creation account clearly testifies that all things were good that God made. Evil, however, is
not the creation itself, but the wrong usage of what God made.

#5 God is not responsible for evil.

God did not create evil. He did make the tree of the knowledge of good and evil but not the evil.
Otherwise any judgment against the evil one that we see later in the Book of Revelation doesn't make
sense. Evil snuck into the garden in the form of the serpent and his temptation. The evil from the
serpent induced people to do differently than what God has said.

Romans 5 fully shows the consequence of man's one evil act of disobedience. The whole race fell into a
state of rebellion. Evil is defined by its contrariness to good. Good is defined as some quality or
thing which is consistent with God's character and purpose.

If you must, go through the 476 uses of evil in the Bible and see that it is not God doing the evil. The
confusion of evil with good is spoken against with very strong words. Isaiah 5:20 says,

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

    Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
    Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Let's summarize some biblical principles set forth from the Genesis 1-2.

 God purposely and deliberately brought goodness into the world. God delights in goodness.
 Evil snuck into creation and tempted man to distrust God's goodness.
 God made man with a will to choose to do good or evil.(5)
 God created the test of man's allegiance by putting a certain prohibition from eating one tree in the
garden.
 God guarded man from this tree by His command. Man had no reason to doubt God.
 The evil one through the serpent sought and gained man's obedience

=> Next

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

Relevant Topics on distasters and tragedies.

What does God think about tragedies?

What does God think about natural disasters?
Is it wrong to want judgment upon evil people?
What happens after death?
How can I find peace in such terrible times?
Why does God allow such things to happen?
How does a loving God allow such things as tragedies?
Dreams to Dust : Jesus' possible perspective on 911
Crossing from anxious thoughts to peace
What are the 7 steps to seek forgiveness?
How does one deal with spirit of revenge?
How did David personally deal with a horrible evil event?
A new basic discipleship series has a free booklet explaining how we should biblically think of natural and unnatural disasters.

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom

 Rev. Paul J. Bucknell

Notes
(1) Isaiah 45 boldly speaks about God creating darkness. Here the context is the Persian belief that there
is both an eternal God of light and an eternal God of darkness. They believe they are both necessarily
existence. These verses are saying that God, the LORD, is over all gods. God is fully in charge of
darkness as well as light.

5 ¶ “I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you
have not known Me;
6 That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the
LORD, and there is no other,
7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the
LORD who does all these.

The question still begs itself as to whether God created evil. Here is says that God created darkness and
calamity. In some sense we must understand that God has His hand in these affairs. They are not there
by accident. In all our discussion, we should in the end assert that God is not morally liable for man's
evil. God did not impose it on us. By His creation of light, we find that He creates darkness. By
creating what is good, evil comes to challenge it. God created Lucifer, but made it so that he could fall.

(2) The other three times 'good and evil are used in Genesis are below.
Ge 2:18 Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper
suitable for him."
Ge 3:5 For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like
God, knowing good and evil."
Ge 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and
that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her
husband with her, and he ate.

(3) Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 help us understand where evil originated from. Lucifer, the greatest angel
of all, thought himself equal with God. Because of his pride he was kicked out of heaven. He led a
rebellion of other angels away from God. This is where evil spirits are. Satan is the same as the former
angel called Lucifer, but now is the chief of demons.

(4) This is similar to the apostle's thought in Romans where he says there was no sin charged when
there was no law. Sin is transgression of the law. "For until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not
imputed when there is no law. (Romans 5:13).

(5) Please don't confuse this with what is commonly called man's free will today. Adam before the fall
had a free will. This 'free will' was restored to those who are in the second Adam Christ. A Christian is
able to choose to follow God but fallen man is not free. Non-Christians's so-called free will is not free
at all. Jesus calls him a slave of the evil one. He is trapped and cannot escape the clutches of the evil
one. He only can do evil. He has no faith and everything he does is of unbelief and is sin.
W
he
n
a
pe
rs
on Discovering Contentment in This World
is
ful
l,
A godly man finds contentment with God and discontent with the world.
th
en
The man of God at the same time both loves God and hates the things of the world. Using
he softer terms simply doesn't work. We cannot just get along with the world. Nor can we just
is be simple friends with God. The reason for this is clear. God wants the whole heart of the
no man and is dissatisfied with anything less. The world also wants the whole heart of man
lo and will stop at nothing until it obtains what it desires. For this numerous warnings carefully
ng placed throughout scriptures.
er
hu You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?
ng Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
ry. (James 4:4).
If
a
pe Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
rs Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15).
on
lo
ve So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
s (Revelation 3:16).
Go
d, A Love Affair with the World
th
en Those things that wage war against our souls are not so much the temptations but that which
he makes these devious ideas so tempting! Whenever we are lacking in fervency toward the
do LORD, we leave room for romping with the world. The desire for more power, sounds,
es sights, and excitement of life, all point to the lack of contentment with God.
n't
ca
re We rarely dare look at all the charges of adultery against God's people. Most of them refer
for to spiritual adultery. This is where we have committed our souls to the Lord but then with
th
our hearts get drawn after others such as the world.
e
w
orl
d.
Just as those who scan through pornographic pictures often have difficulty seeing anything wrong with
it, those who have their flesh tickled by things of the world cannot see what is wrong with it. One
reason for this is the delusion deep down in the Christian's understanding which confuses the flesh with
what God has made. The flesh, however, refers to the very unnatural sinful desires which has no part in
nature! It is the heart source from which evil comes.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders,
adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and
foolishness. (Mark 7:21,22).

We must understand that the flesh can absolutely do no good. Yes, it can fake goodness, but the flesh
does not do good. It delights in evil which is the opposite of good. Evil treats God's good things
abusively. Sensuality treats people into sex machines. Pride eagerly destroys other people. Greed finds
discontent with what one has. The world breeds off this flesh. Have you given the world part of your
heart?

Cure for Adultery

The only solution is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. Logically speaking, the cure for
adultery would be to simply fix ones heart and eyes on his own. The question is, "How does a person
get to be pure of heart?" How does he go from being friends with the world to hating the world and
passionately loving God? We have answered this in part in The Great Race which deals with
overcoming lusts. But below, let us focus on what it is to passionately love God rather than just the
things God gives.

Learning to Love God

For a man to be godly, he must rise above the cheap cynicism of the day. Most people just don't love
God. They only tolerate Him when He goes along with their plans. The godly man, though, has broken
through this common suspicion that God can fulfill our hearts. He has done this by locking himself up
with God.

There are so many gimmicks to get God's people to love God more. They try
programs, service opportunities, reward systems, candies, etc. They hope by
these things to the people so close to God, that they will drop other things.
God, however, will not be so easily discovered or found.

A man who wants to know God must be willing to part with everything for
the sake of knowing God. There must be the willingness to absolutely find his
chief joy to be the Lord. The good things, the best things, act like a door to
God. In a sense they lead to God because God is good. But in another sense,
they are a barrier to drawing nearer to Him. God is asking you and me to put
the good things down. One cannot take them through the door. The godly
man not only has thrown these good things down but thrown open the
door, thrust Himself in God's presence and shut the door behind him.
 Good things and God
Where before he thought he would lose all, he finds that in the room with God are all sorts of good
things that God shares with him. As everything is closer to the true light, everything is has more glitter,
glisten and gleam. The good things have now become truly good things. God's good things are best
enjoyed when they do not satisfy but only delight. God only satisfies; the other things just make this
relationship more glorious.

God's good things are best enjoyed

when they do not satisfy but only delight.

Paul the apostle hinted at this when he spoke to Timothy on this topic. In 1 Timothy 6:6 he says,

But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.

Man will never be content with only receiving the good things that come from God. They cannot truly
satisfy without God. The godly man is content with knowing God. He knows God will constantly
shower him with remembrances of their relationship, but none of these things would ever substitute the
honor and privilege of knowing God.

Many have fallen into disgrace around us. We usually think of the sexual adultery or the money stolen
as the greatest sin. These sins, however, betray not only the areas of their discontent, but they also
reveal how little they value the presence of God. When a man stops loving God, the world begins to
powerfully attract him. This is the reason the Word says not to lay hands on a man too quickly. Let him
first be proven. Church discipline often overlooks the main problem facing them.

The man of God doesn't need things to know God's goodness, but God gives them to His people to
make their joy more abundant. If material things are what convinces us of God's goodness, then it is no
longer faith. The godly man has been trained to know and be satisfied with God's presence. The world
becomes no comparison to the Lord's glory. => Next

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

 Discontent Breeds Temptation

Psalm 73:25-28
Any godly man knows that there is only one real way to fight temptations. This method is not as many
think by cutting off our senses but by knowing a greater good, namely, God's goodness. What
complicates this process is the dangling of every sort of material image before our eyes.

What we see with our eyes commands a greater devotion than those things from our spirit. We can
touch, hear, see, and taste those things around us. They are so very close. Our body just naturally and
quickly responds to those things.

The annal of the Garden of Eden, however brief, has given us insight
into this very complex area of life. The very first temptation which
happened thousands of years ago is still vitally relevant because the
nature of man has not changed. There is no essential difference
between modern and ancient man. Those things which could be seen,
touched and tasted were lured before the eyes of Eve just as they are
lured before our own eyes. For that one brief moment, she ignored
God's principles which she had heard from Adam.

The true cure for temptation will not be in trying to protect

ourselves from being allured with those sights and sounds. By this I
do not mean that we should not shut out the evil influences from our
lives as much as we can. We must do this. We need to get to the point
that something much greater catches our attention so that these things
will not significantly attract us.

What is it that can so attract us? As we become exposed to God's goodness, we will begin to understand
that the filling of His love is greater than all those temptations out there. We cannot find this goodness
by rejecting what God has declared good, namely the creation. Ascetics unfortunately rip part of their
life away when they deny themselves pleasure. But we do understand the dangers of pleasure. Once we
seek pleasure, then it begins to rule.

Psalm 73:25-28
Everything comes back to knowing the Lord and treasuring Him above all things. Listen to the passion
of this psalmist. Afterwards, we will draw some principles from the verses in Psalm 73:25-28.

25 Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are
unfaithful to Thee.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may
tell of all Thy works. (Psalm 73:25-28)

Principles of the Godly Man from Psalm 73:25-28

The godly man is heavenly-minded.

The things of earth do not much attract him.

The godly man desires nothing but God.

This gives little place for temptation to flirt with him.

The godly man accepts his frailty.

Humilty keeps him close to God and far from the bait of the world.

The godly man finds his strength in the Lord.

This gives him a glowing confidence in God's person.

The godly man has his portion in the Lord forever.

He has already cashed his earthly chips in. He is satisfied with knowing God.

The godly man clearly sees the devastating end of the wicked.

He has no desires to trade his joys with their sadness.

The godly man finds his chief good in God's nearness.

Good cannot be easily redefined as some cheaply fulfilled lust.

The godly man has made God his refuge.

He is surrounded by God; the devil doesn't even like being near the saint.

The godly man proclaims God's goodness.

He is ever reminded of how good God is to him so other thoughts can't invade his
mind.

Can we see how this psalmist has such a great affection for God that other things including sex, money
and power just can't touch him? Yes, there will always be the temptation to pride, but when we are
looking rightly at God, then we are always humbled. A prideful man cannot be close to God.

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

Goodness and Suffering

Maybe we do not believe that God created evil, but we might wonder about God's motives in
allowing His own people to suffer.

Romans 5:3-5 and Suffering

There is no doubt that this statement can raise up a number of specific situations in our minds which we
might not understand. We might wonder why God would allow such and such situation. We should first
accept the fact that we can not always get a specific
explanation. If we really believed in His goodness, we
wouldn't need an explanation. However, the Lord does give us
a general understanding on how He uses suffering so that He
might build up our faith and protect us from temptation.
Romans 5:3-5 says,

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and
perseverance, proven character; and
proven character, hope; and
hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

From tribulations come perseverance, proven character and

hope. In other words, God is creating a greater good by the
suffering. We have written about this in different places, but for now let us think about gaining a
sufficient degree of confidence of God's goodness that we will never again question God's goodness
during severe trials.

We can only do this if we can trust God. The Apostle Paul had weathered so many trials that he very
clearly had thought through the pattern he gave in Romans 5. Talk about troubles! Listen to his and
you won't think so much about yours!

... In far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without
number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-
nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I
was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on
frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from
my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the
wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in
labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often
without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is
the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians
 11:23-28).

Paul had a special understanding of God that enabled him not to doubt God's goodness through the
great difficulties he met during his ministry. Unless we to some degree gain this confidence, we
cannot be godly. These trials are the very means boys are made into men. Only those who have been
able to learn and trust God's Word will be able to live by faith rather than by feeling. They will be able
to trust how God in His goodness incorporates difficult experiences into our lives.

Philippians 4:11-13
Paul calls his special ability to endure such hardships a secret. Do you want to know what it is?
Let's look closely at Philippians 4:11-13.

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever
circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also
know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned
the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and
suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

One would normally question God's motives as to why He would have His
children go through times of deprivation. My wife once asked me, "Would I
do this to my children?" I pointed out in her life how she herself does this but
only when there is a very important reason to. We might have to clean a
wound in spite of the child's protests. If we are truly good parents, we cannot
be concerned with their protests and their crying. As to deprivation, some
things can only be well learned when we go without.
Normally we associate goodness with bounty and abundance. The apostle appreciated these 'good'
times just as we would. He says he has learned to live in prosperity. Prosperity has its own temptations
to conquer. Paul also learned how to be content during times of hunger, during times of suffering need.
Contentment shows a true trust in God's good provision. The secret is to trust God for every thing
that is needed in a particular situation. If He doesn't give it when or how we think we need it, then He
has a better plan. Paul summarizes this approach by verse 13.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Paul can handle any situation that God brings him to face. He can also be confident that anything he
faces is by God's hand. Nothing can sneak into his life without God's notice, whether good or bad. He
doesn't need to fear a thing. This trust brings a great degree of contentment. Paul determined that he
would be fully satisfied no matter what the Lord gave to him in any situation. He would trust His
heavenly Daddy to know and do best for him. Paul not only grew in understanding God's purpose and
mission, but also on the way God would carry this mission out.
Some have a very difficult time associating 'suffering needs' with God's will. If after reading the
above passages and one still feels this way, it is more than likely because he has allowed bitterness to
come into his heart. Many of our spiritual problems in the end question whether God is really good.
These people need first to go through the door of confession. They might pray something like this.

My dear Father in heaven, I have not been able to trust you for taking care of me. Every time I hear
about possible layoffs, I freeze up. I panic. I get everyone upset at home. In the end, Lord, I just do not
trust in your goodness. I say I believe you are good and loving, but when it gets down to tough
circumstances, I show I don't.

Please forgive me for thinking you are not good. You are totally good. Your love comes at me nonstop.
Right now, I want to give this whole work situation to you. I want to start trusting you rather than my
job for providing for my family needs. I sense you also need to get rid of some bitterness about not
having things when I was small too. I give you that whole area of my life, but please bring me to be like
Paul. Whether I have abundance or suffer need, may I trust in your goodness to care for all my needs.
In Christ's Name I pray, Amen.

God is too good to miss trusting His care for us. Yes, we will need to make adjustments in our
expectations. Paul oftentimes ran into things that worked out differently than he expected. He was
robbed on a missionary journey. But all of this is in His good will and it needs to be okay for us. We
need to change our expectations to meet yours. This is the secret we have to learn.

=> Next
Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

Good Works and Salvation
 And departing
from there, He
"It is lawful to do good." went into their
synagogue. And
This powerful statement of Jesus summarized all our efforts to combat behold, there was
different kinds of false teachings within Christianity. With one swoop, they a man with a
all fall. withered hand.
And they
When we normally speak against a certain teaching, we tend to be like an questioned Him,
inexperienced surgeon who cuts away more than necessary. Jesus was saying, "Is it
always able to cut out only the cancerous part and retain that which lawful to heal on
was good and necessary. the Sabbath?"--in
order that they
I regularly meet up with those who think they are doing good by criticizing might accuse Him.
some problem in the church. The strange thing is that I agree with them And He said to
doctrinally! Something, however, is wrong with their spirit. I believe it is them, "What man
this excessiveness. shall there be
among you, who
Clearly the Pharisees thought they were in the right. They believed that shall have one
they were defending the sabbath by criticizing Jesus' activities. We can sheep, and if it
agree with them on the point that many people are not careful to observe falls into a pit on
the sabbath. However, it is the excessiveness resulting from pride that the Sabbath, will
destroys any good that otherwise would develop. The blind spot he not take hold
originates when one side believes it has a superior judgment. of it, and lift it
out? "Of how
They become protectors of the law. They become like a god unto much more value
then is a man than
themselves saying more than what God ever said. What is worse is that
a sheep! So then,
they make themselves judge over other people's actions. I am personally
it is lawful to do
amazed how Jesus instructed people to do the right things by doing the
good on the
right things in the right spirit.
Sabbath." Then He
*said to the man,
Legalism breeds a deadly spirit of pride which ends up in condemning what
"Stretch out your
the law itself was designed to protect and keep. In this case, they clearly hand!" And he
overstepped themselves when they assumed that doing good was the stretched it out,
same as labor. They lost the spirit of the sabbath law which was to reflect and it was
the Creator. Instead they ended up reflecting man at his worse. restored to
normal, like the
other. But the
We see a similar problem in the American Pharisees went
church. There are many who feel compelled out, and
to protect the teaching of salvation by faith. counseled
We share their love for this biblical teaching. together against
However, they are so intense in this fierce Him, as to how
struggle that they have ripped out the seams they might
of other biblical doctrines. destroy Him.
(Matthew 12:9-
14).
Modern Examples of Excessiveness
As above, the problem gets exacerbated
when we become crusaders for God. We
stand in a superior position at the helm. Pride
carefully sneaks in and robs our humility from us. Without this shield of
humility, we make ourselves prone to fall. Here are four cases where
 A Case for Goodness
1 Timothy and Gnosticism

The Word 'Good' in the Bible.

The word 'good' is evenly distributed throughou the Bible. Right from Genesis 1 the word 'good' is
used seven times. It is used 622 times in the scriptures: 411 in the OT, 211 in the NT. The Hebrew
word 'to be' is the only commonly used word in the OT with this 'good' idea. Other translations in the
KJV are good 361, better 72, well 20, goodness 16, goodly 9, best 8, merry 7, fair 7, prosperity 6,
precious 4, fine 3, wealth 3, beautiful 2, fairer 2, favour 2, glad.

The NT has three words for good (1), but clearly 'kalon' is most often used in the sense that we are
speaking. There is also the common Greek adjective 'agathos' meaning good. Let's focus on how the
Apostle Paul uses the word in 1 Timothy. We are struck with how often Paul uses this word 'good' in
these pastoral epistles (letters) of 1, 2 Timothy and Titus (see verses at end). Both Galatians and
Ephesians have 6 chapters but 'good' is used only five times in each book. Romans uses 'good' 24 times
but rarely in the beautiful sense. But then only 12 times in 1 & 2 Corinthians combined.

Study of 'Good' and Gnosticism in 1 Timothy

We want to focus on the book of 1 Timothy and the reason 'good' is used so much. Paul was
evidently fighting against an early form of Gnosticism (2). We see the early forms of this cult or
religion named Gnosticism from the way Paul in the end comes out and points out the cult's key word,
'knowledge.' 'Gnosticism' comes from the Greek word for knowledge which we see in 1 Timothy 6:20.

"O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the
opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge."

Two major forms of this Gnostic cult later developed. They both believe matter (what is made) is evil
and speak of secret knowledge that leads to salvation. They differed on how to get that knowledge and
once received what impact it had on their lives.

 Sensual
This first group claimed that this saving knowledge came from special revelation. If one gained this
'gnosis,' then they need not be concerned how they lived their lives. Some of their activities became
very sensual. We do not see this here in Ephesus where Paul wrote. He spotted another branch of pre-
Gnosticism.

 Ascetic
This ascetic group also believed matter to be evil and their spirit to be good. But they believed their
avoidance of the flesh and its desires brought or developed this 'knowledge.' We see them emphasizing
abstaining, denying and other types of strict rules that would aid them in their quest. This is the
problem Paul was addressing in 1 Timothy.

Paul countered this concept of evil matter by repeatedly emphasizing that the things God made was
good if used rightly. These things (matter or desires) were not inherently wrong but good. Matter is
not evil. Evil is using things different than God has instructed us.

Indications of Gnostic Thought

We see clear signs of Paul's reference to this group throughout 1 Timothy but mostly in chapters 1,4,
and 6 where he specifically addressed these problems. This cult taught:

o Strange doctrines (1:3)

o Myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation... (1 Timothy 1:4).
o Confidently on matters different from the Law (1:6-8).
o That only spiritual authorities and powers were relevant and stood uninvolved from this world (2:4).
o To pay attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (4:1).
o Marriage was forbidden (4:3)
o To abstain from foods (4:3)
o Worldly fables (4:7)
o Different doctrine and does not agree with sound words (6:3)
o Controversial questions and disputes about words (6:4-5).
o Worldly and empty chatter and opposing arguments which is falsely called 'knowledge' (6:2)

Summary
Paul taught three major lessons to counter this cult.

Lesson #1 - The Law is good (1:8).

The Law was good not evil. It encouraged God's people to enjoy this world, marriage, eating, etc. The
Law (first five books of the Bible including Genesis) taught a good creation but clearly directed God's
people on how to properly use these gifts.

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, (1 Timothy 1:8).

Application: We see a reoccuring teaching emphasis on what is good by Paul to fight the wrong
assumptions that matter (what God has made) is evil. We can use Paul's arguments to counter this same
assumption in some of the philosophies and relgions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Platoism, New Age and
Christian Scientists.

Lesson #2 - Everything created by God is good (4:4).

God's creation is good and therefore to be utilized and enjoyed. Holiness and spirituality are found not
in rejecting what God has made but in rightfully using what He has made to His glory including
marriage (sexual matters) and eating.

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for
it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4-5).

Application: We must first understand what God teaches through the Bible and then focus on
obedience. Knowledge without change of behavior which conforms us to the Lord is vain and empty.
God's way is the best way.

Lesson #3 - Contentment with good (chapter 6)

Chapter 6 calls us to peace and contentment. The ascetics needed to argue, question, dispute which
brought strife, envy, abusive language and evil suspicions. They need to assert their rightness because
they advocate what goes counter to what is natural and visible. We do not see people saying, "Oh, I
hate eating. I don't want to eat today." The way most cultists keep convinced of their arguments is by
regularly arguing. This works in conjunction with their pride and conceit.

God's way is peaceable. We do not argue with others. We do not need to prove anything to anyone.
Instead we simply explain what we believe and joyfully live godly lives.

But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. (1 Timothy 6:6).

Paul's focus on trying to get rich doesn't seem to fit into this passage. This is because those who abstain
from foods usually are not materially minded. (3) It seems that their teachers are exceptions to this who
make money from this kind of teaching (5:1). They might offer to take the things that trouble the souls
of the rich (2 Timothy 3:6). Or perhaps they link up their sacrificing of material things with the gaining
of the 'knowledge.'

Application: Christians must do away with argumentative spirits. God wants us to be content. He does
not want us seeking riches but godly living.

=> Next
Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
 Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

    BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

Notes
(1) Thayer says of the three Greek Synonyms for good (beautiful).
asteiov is properly one living in a city, urban. It soon acquires the meaning urbane, polite, elegant. Then
it obtains to a limited extent the meaning beautiful, although never in the highest degree.

wraiov, from wra, hour, period, means properly timely. From that comes the idea of being beautiful,
since nearly everything is beautiful in its hour of fullest perfection.

kalov is a much higher word. It means beautiful, physically or morally. It is, however, distinctly the
beauty which comes from harmony, the beauty which arises from a symmetrical adjustment in right
proportion, in other words, from the harmonious completeness of the object concerned.

(2) Arguments against Paul's authorship because of the early detection of cults among the churches by
the Apostle Paul is unlogical. If we grant that Gnosticism reached its apex in 2nd A.D., do we not
expect that there was a beginning. Paul quickly picked up on false theologies and exposed it in this
urban church.
(3) There is a possibility that this passage has no reference to this cult but to those who are tryng to get
a lot of money. This is possible. We hardly fight only one problem at time in a church, but primarily it
is one problem that is faced. In this case it seems connected because of 6:4 which refers to controversial
questions as mentioned in chapter 1. In either case, we do welcome Paul's instruction that godliness is
of great gain when accompanied by contentment. Wealth will not do it. Perhaps, there was some
teaching which spoke on gaining wealth that would help them in their future lives. We just do not
know.

List of references in 1, 2, Timothy and Titus with 'good'

1 Timothy 1:5* But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a
sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:8* But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
1 Timothy 1:18* This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies
previously made concerning you, that by them you may fight the good fight,
1 Timothy 1:19* keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered
shipwreck in regard to their faith.
1 Timothy 2:3* This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:10* but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness.
1 Timothy 3:7* And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not
fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:12* Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and
their own households.
1 Timothy 4:4* For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received
with gratitude;
1 Timothy 4:6* In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,
constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been
following.
1 Timothy 5:10* having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has
shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress,
and if she has devoted herself to every good work.
1 Timothy 5:25* Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise
cannot be concealed.
1 Timothy 6:12* Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called,
and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:13* I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus,
who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
1 Timothy 6:18* Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
1 Timothy 6:19* storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they
may take hold of that which is life indeed.
2 Timothy 2:3* Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:21* Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor,
sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:3* unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
2 Timothy 3:17* that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 4:7* I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
Titus 1:8* but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,
Titus 1:16* They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and
disobedient, and worthless for any good deed.
Titus 2:3* Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor
enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,
Titus 2:7* in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine,
dignified,
Titus 2:10* not pilfering, but showing all good faith that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior
in every respect.
Titus 2:14* who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for
Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Titus 3:1* Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good
deed,
Titus 3:8* This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently,
so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good
and profitable for men.
Titus 3:14* And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may
not be unfruitful.

Goodness Overflowing into Our Lives

Psalm 100

A Psalm for Thanksgiving

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him; bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And His faithfulness to all generations.

We have often separated praise, joy and love from their moorings of God's goodness. This is a fatal
mistake. God is calling us to sit at His feet and enjoy His glorious person.
Knowing God is like a great waterfall of God's goodness breaking onto the rocks of our lives
below. There at the bottom His goodness finds entrance into our lives with pools of praise and
rivers of joy.

Praise and thanksgiving are not rooted in liturgy or

tradition but in experiencing the goodness of God. Joy
and peace are long lasting outbursts of knowing God's
goodness never changes toward us.

Many of the Psalms of David and others are spirited by

this fountain of God's goodness. The words, the praise
and joy bubble over into song.

We shouldn't allow ourselves the temptation to think that

this psalmist is a naturally happy fellow or that he
happens to be "lucky" in life. We see absolutely no hints
like this in Psalm 100 or the many other places praise
songs are brought to God.

When a person becomes convinced of God's goodness, there is nothing that can take away his
joy . We are often excited by pay raises, prizes, surprises, etc. They burst into our lives and bring a
special happiness to us. But what David and the other psalmists did was to connect the events in life
with God's goodness. If we did this, we would see these special events or the provision of normal
things as God extending His goodness to us. As He reveals His goodness to us, He wants us to affirm
His goodness. Praise is just so natural in such cases. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving.

What is even more special is that God brings His own person to the forefront. The surprises and
delights are nice. But they will fade. They are more like the wrappings; the Lord Himself is the real
present. What is most special is that nothing including time cannot take away God's presence. This is
what we see throughout the lives of the saints of old. They have a joy that persists through the trials of
life, and it leads to life eternal. This is the reason God's holy ones are almost impatient for heaven's
shores to touch their lives. They know God. They relish His presence more than things.

Psalm 100 is a Psalm of thanksgiving

The psalmist is so thankful it is hard not to get caught up in his infectious joy. We think of passing on
sickness but did you think how God uses His people to pass on joy?! This is what the psalmist is doing
here. Let's go quickly through this Psalm and identify all the times he calls us to praise God! Read them
aloud.

 Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

 Serve the LORD with gladness;
 Come before Him with joyful singing.
 Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
 And His courts with praise.
 Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
Do you see what I mean? His delight forces him into calling every living man to exalt and praise God.
This praise manifests itself in joyful shouting, glad service, joyful singing, thankful worship, praiseful
adoration, thanks and blessings all given to His name. We need to go back and think about our
approach to God during devotions and worship services. Has God so spoken to us that we can't be quiet
with our praises?! This is what the Lord desires.

One might wonder if this is for special people of God, but the facts are the opposite. For the very things
that the Psalmist bases his praise and thanks upon are things each of us are acquainted with. Let's look
at these things.

 Know that the LORD Himself is God;

We are convinced that Jehovah whom we worship is the Alighty God. With all His power and might He
has revealed Himself to us. We are nobody special but somehow through His abundant grace, we can
know Him. We can actually witness His glorious presence! Amen!!!

 It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We have come to know the One who has made us. Along with a body and a soul is a plan to have us
know and serve Him. We don't need to doubt His goodness to us at all, whether short or tall, rich or
poor. For all of life and its many varied situations are purposely designed by the One who draws us into
His presence.

 We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

We are not just one of His many creations but His people. He has personally claimed us for His own and
therefore cares for us in a special and tender way. He will not harsly discipline us or spoil us. He has no
such problems. He knows exactly how to perfectly care for us. Paul found that the secret was to trust
Him no matter what one was going through. It all fits together into His wonderful design. He has
pledged Himself to care for us.

 For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting,

The reason for our implicit trust in God is simple. Yahweh, our LORD, is good. When we become
convinced of this, there is no stopping our joy. We rejoice in His great and glorious presence. Even if it
seems He is far away, He never really is. His love is everlasting. There is no stopping it. Even if we go
into a pool of self-pity and take our eyes off of Him, He is still there always waiting for us to return .

 And His faithfulness to all generations.

What could be more beautiful than this closing of the Psalm? His faithfulness is to all generations! What
good would His favor be if we were not sure of its existence tomorrow? We would tremble each day
wondering whether or not He would cast His favor toward us weak creatures. But He is not like this. He
is faithful. Gloriously faithful. Never changing in His constant love.

Like an eternal waterfall His abounding goodness comes into our lives. We will never be the same once
those waters start rolling. We never want to be. Let those waters fill our hearts. Let us take up the song
of praise from the Psalm of old that calls us to join Him!

Application
Many times in looking for someone to lead our worship services, we choose talent not spirit. We look
for those who communicate clearly and properly rather than one who knows the goodness of the Lord.
Truly we would hope that God would blend these two needs together into one person. He often does
this. But our truest test is whether we search for a man who knows how to gather people around himself
or search for one that has been caught up in the presence of God? Are we looking for a person who sits
at the foot of the waterfall of God's goodness or would we tolerate one who doubts in God's greatness?

For personal examination, are we willing to be anywhere but at the foot of His cross gazing at His
eternal goodness to our souls? Why would we tolerate a sluggish spirit, a slow heart for God's Word, a
prayerless life? Let us come again and know God so that we would desire to be nowhere but at the
waters that springs up into eternal life!

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

    BFF Homepage | Top | Study sheet | Next

Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell

Testimonies on Pursuing a Godly Life around God's

Goodness
 How has God revealed His goodness to you?
 What are some practical steps to know more of His goodness?

 What are some steps to avoid temptation?

1.

How have you learned God's

goodness?

The Waves of Goodness Break About Me

The Lord is good. He is faithful to His children. He has built goodness into this
universe. He cannot move without sending forth another motion of goodness
toward His people. It would be good to see His goodness flowing our way as a
series of waves. One time I was in a desperate place. Bills were starting to
come due. I had a big family. We couldn't get our school curriculm that we
wanted. We had to pass up on several 'bargains.' A number of appliances
started to break down.

But as I kept coming to the Lord, His promises were still so true. We were not
sure where the money to care for these things would come from. But we had
His great peace in our hearts. We focused on doing what God wanted us to do
and trusted that He would care for those needs in His time.

There was a temptation of course not to trust God but that is nonsensical when
you are so vulnerable! If God doesn't supply, then we are truly in a bad way.
Only miracles could help! There was no other money source. There were other
ways to get money, but that was not God's will for us. He didn't want us to get a
loan or mortgage in order to get money. Nor did He (I believe) want me to be
distracted from the work He had set before me. That would have resulted in
failing Him.

Because of God's unfailing goodness, we knew that God brings us to low points
so that we can see Him as a great and fantastic Provider. Low points were
designed to make the high points all the more precious and memorable. And so
as we see Him provide for those needs, we and the children alike were amazed
at God's good hand upon our lives.
 Let me share just one story of the many ways God cared for us during that time.
A family who whom we knew moved out of town happened to visit our area for
several weeks. Out of the blue, they called and wanted to visit us at our home.
They didn't really want to come in; they only wanted to drop off an envelope.
As we pulled out the wad of bills, we just delighted in God's way of supplying
our needs just as the right time.

I have started 'seeking' the Lord more. Just by adding a few minutes here and
there- now have the bible on ipod to listen often, praying with my husband, a
bible study group and watching some channels on tv with people preaching of
all the wonderful promises of God- I have now found that my time is used so
much better nowadays. I just started with talking to God and the moreI did the
more I wanted to.

Especially lately, I have been going through really difficult financial times, and
yet Gd keeps delivering me through them. Just the other day I got money I
really didn't expect at all - and I had just been praying but worrying at the same
time about how I'd pay my bills, but as always God came through, and I felt
and still do feel so bad for ever doubting this great Lord and King. I shall never
doubt His might and love for me again!

What are some practical steps to know more

of His goodness?

Responding to God's Promptings

I would like to share an experience that just happened over a week ago. I was very
busy that Saturday trying to finish a project deadline. Earlier when I was
meditating, I was quietly prompted that I should meditate on a portion of God's
Word. I scanned it but, I was so busy. Nothing jumped out at me. I went and
worked on my project. But God was so patient with me.

Later He prodded me again by bringing the passage back to my mind. I reasoned

that I already looked at the passage, and it didn't particularly excite me. But then I
thought how the Lord had prodded me. I decided to start reflecting on that passage
even though it was going on midnight. As I did, the flood gates were opened and a
torrent of ideas flooded my soul. For well over an hour, I was engaged in a contest
on trying to write down all that was coming to my mind.

I was overwhelmed by God's goodness on two accounts. Firstly, the truths were
simply awesome that He revealed to me. I had prayed for many years for insight
on this difficult subject. He was beginning to release a deeper understanding to
me. I don't have time to share them now with you. But how my soul for more than
a day was caught up in the glorious truths of God's ways. I would remind you that
at one moment I didn't get anything out of His Word, and then the next moment
He released special insight to know Him more. I still am deeply touched by His
dynamic power.

The other reason I was so deeply touched by his goodness is perhaps more
obvious. I almost scorned His truths. I was so busy with other things. I didn't
seriously look into His Word when He first nudged my soul. It was only later that
I figured I better respond to Him. Now here God in His graciousness God pours
out such a blessing that my soul was deeply touched. This is His great kindness
which flows from His goodness. Truly God is good!

What are some practical steps to avoid temptation?

Covering Up

My eyes tend to stray as any man's eyes. Because of this, I don't watch hardly any
television and read vry little magazines and newspapers. These sources of
information are not going to change their ways overnight. However, I have found
several way around this. Only read what is necessary. If one spots an ad that
causes ones eyes to wander, immediately cover it up. Sometimes I just fold the
page or put my hand across it. Other times I rip it up, crumble it up and throw it
away. I ask my wife to rip covers off of seductive magazines or ad brochure
covers that come in the mail. This keeps me from having to deal with constantly
trying to control my eyes. I can then read in a somewhat relaxed mode of reading.

Prayer, and always talking to God, always praising God and finding a good thing
in all situations. Get yourself away from that temptation because if it's in sight, it's
 easy to turn to it.

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom

A Study Sheet for Goodness & Contentment

This sheet is designed to serve as a study sheet for the Godly Man series on Goodness and
Contentment. We have eliminated graphics for easy printing or copying into your own word processor.
We are hoping with these questions in mind, your study will be more focused and profitable. You might
try making a short prayer as a response to each significant thought. If you have any questions or
discussions, please send them to me at info@foundationsforfreedom.net --- Paul

****************************************************

Goodness and Contentment

1) How is goodness defined?

Discovering of God's Goodness

1) Where will we find the marks of God's goodness?

2) List at least five of these marks.

3) Everything is mutually dependent on other things, and the whole is _____________ upon God.

4) How many times is the word 'good' used in Genesis 1? Describe the pattern in which the word 'good'
is used.
5) Go through each of the 7 principles developed from these verses. Explain each one and its
importance.

6) Personally, are you excited about God's goodness or have you been caught in one of the traps of
desire?

Good and Evil * Genesis 2

1) Why couldn't evil proceed from God?

2) Why are people more willing to discuss about God's association with evil than His goodness?

3) Do you have any doubts about God's perfect goodness being expressed to you or any others?
(Answers vary)

4) How do we begin to understand the place of evil in this world?

5) List the five statements to help us understand evil in this world.

6) Through the picture/diagram, what is difference in the way that evil entered the world and the way it
will leave?

Godliness and Contentment

1) Why can't a Christian get the best from both worlds?

2) What is it called when we love the world just a little?

3) What does evil do wrong?

4) What is the only way to be godly man? Why?

5) Explain the illustration of the door. Which side are you on?

6) What is the real problem behind the problem of the Christian person who has disgraced himself in
sin?

7) How does God use good things in the life of the godly man?

Discontent Breeds Temptation

1) Why is the word 'faith' rare in the Old Testament?

2) How does a good understanding of the Hebrew and Greek word for faith help keep us from legalism
and nominalism.

3) Why is it so important to believe in something reliable?

4) Why is Genesis 15:6 the scriptural origin of the Gospel?

Goodness and Suffering

1) Can we always need a specfic explanation to our problems? If not, why not?

2) What does God give to help us understand our problem in Romans 5:3-5?

3) Explain this general pattern of how God uses suffering in His people's lives?

4) Draw up a list of your famous 'worse 7 experiences' and match them next to Paul's '7 worse things.'

5) What was Paul's secret of contentment even when he suffered needs?

6) Have you any situations that you have not accepted God's good care of you? If so, make your own
confessional prayer.

Good Works and Salvation

1) How are teachers often like inexperiences surgeons?

2) Why were the Pharisees convinced that they were right about the sabbath?

3) What is meant by 'protector of the law?'

4) What is the major problem of the Faith Losers?

5) What is the major problem of the Faith Changers?

6) What is the major problem of the Faith Killers?

7) What is the major problem of the Faith Showers?

8) What is the way one can hold onto truth?

A Case for Goodness * 1 Timothy & Gnosticism

1) How is the word 'good' used throughout the Bible?

2) Why does 1 Timothy use 'good' so much for such a small book?

3) List the two teachings common with all forms of Gnosticism.

4) How do these two major forms of Gnosticism differ?

5) In what three chapters of 1 Timothy does Paul counter this false teachin??

6) How can Paul's teaching be used to counter those who say that matter (creation) is evil?

Goodness Overflowing into our Lives *Psalm 100

1) God's goodness is likened like a waterfall in our lives. What happens when the waters hit our lives?

2) How do we know that this psalmist wasn't just a natually happy person?

3) Why is it that a person who is convinced of God's goodness does not lose his joy?

4) Write down the numerous ways the psalmist in Psalm 100 calls people to praise the Lord. Praise Him
on your own.

5) Pick out one of the five reasons for the psalmist's joy and write down your own thoughts on how that
thought helped explain the Psalmist's joy.

6) Based on what we have read, what are some qualifications for those who lead us in worship through
songs and prayer?

Testimonies

1) What challenged you from the testimonies?

2) What are you prompted to change from these testimones?

Other great resources on God's goodness!

Goodness and Contentment | Discovering God's Goodness | Good and Evil | Godliness and Contentment
Discontent Breeds Temptation | Goodness and Suffering | Good Works and Salvation
A Case for Goodness | Goodness Overflowing | Testimonies on God's Goodness | Study Sheet

Psalm 36 and Goodness

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom

Rev. Paul Bucknell