Lesson #3Paul J. Bucknell

The Goodness of GodPsalm 31:19God is good

Difficulties believingKnowing God’s Goodness

Lesson #3

Our Relationship with God✦Purpose: Not learning things about God but more deeply

knowing and treasuring Him

✦Two significant life questions

➡“Who am I?”

➡“Why am I here?”

✦Our task - Assure this knowledge of God affects our own lives

Lesson #3

(1) What main lessons do we learn from the first two chapters of Genesis about God?

““It was very good”

It was very good”

““It was very good”

It was very good”

✦ Lessons from Genesis 1

God is Good

““It was good”

It was good”

““It was good”

It was good” “And God saw that it was

good” (Genesis 1:10).

“And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very

good” (Genesis 1:31).(2) How does this differ from how you think God

might otherwise introduce Himself? Why?

Lesson #3

✦ “O taste and see that the LORD is goodLORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8).“For the LORD is goodLORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).“Praise the LORD, for the LORD is LORD is goodgood; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely” (Psalm 135:3).

✦ “Surely God is goodGod is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart!” (Psalm 73:1).

God’s Goodness in the Psalms

LORDLORD is good * is good * hwhy hwhy bwjbwj

LORDLORD is good * is good * hwhy hwhy bwjbwj

Equative (equals) Yahweh=good

Lesson #3

Two World Views of Self

Self-esteemSelf-esteemSelf-esteemSelf-esteem

I believe in myself.

I can do or be whatever I want.

On what basis should we have

such confidence?

God-confidenceGod-confidenceGod-confidenceGod-confidenceI believe in God’s

goodness.

He has wonderfully made and equipped me to accomplish His good

purposes.On what basis should we have

such confidence?

Lesson #3

A Question

✦ 

List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one.

List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one.

The List

Lesson #3

Terribly Twisting Truth

“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!” (Isaiah 5:20).

Lesson #3

Ungodly Persuasion

Good is not good enough.

Good is not good enough.

Good is eating that fruit (which God

forbid).

Good is eating that fruit (which God

forbid).

‘Good’ becomes something else than what God defines as good and provides.

‘Good’ becomes something else than what God defines as good and provides.

“Your eyes will be opened” (Gen 3:5)

“Your eyes will be opened” (Gen 3:5)

“You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?” (Gen 3:1)

“You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?” (Gen 3:1)

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food...” (Genesis 3:6)

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food...” (Genesis 3:6)

Lesson #3

Saying a Prayer

Are there areas that you have resented about God because you do not believe He has been good or unfair, whether to you

or to the world?

Are there areas that you have resented about God because you do not believe He has been good or unfair, whether to you

or to the world?

It is time to admit how wrong we have been and to proclaim God’s

goodness

Lesson #3

God is Good

“God is good.”“God is good.”

• Sickness and death.No money for medicines.No Bibles.MalariaFood is expensive.

• Disease hits their chickens.

“All the time.”

“All the time.”

“All the time.”

“All the time.”“God is good.”“God is good.”

Lesson #3

GOODNESS

GOODNESS

LoveKindness

Faithful

Merciful Patience“How great is Thy goodness” (Ps 31:19).

Lesson #3

God’s Goodness in Creation

bwjbwj

Lesson #3

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“How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in

Thee, before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19 NASB).

“How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in

Thee, before the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19 NASB).

Lesson #3

Other Scriptures

Jesus is our good shepherd.

“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).

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me” (John 10:14).

God’s plans for His children.

Lesson #3

Different World ViewsHow should we involve ourselves in this world?

Fate

Fate

People are sick for a reason, perhaps a divine one. We must ignore them.

People are sick for a reason, perhaps a divine one. We must ignore them.I live for my own ease and comfort. I can’t be bothered with the needs of others.

I live for my own ease and comfort. I can’t be bothered with the needs of others.

SelfSelf

GodGodGod has called us to bring His goodness into this needy world. We are to love one another. I will by His grace usher in His goodness in my corner of the world.

God has called us to bring His goodness into this needy world. We are to love one another. I will by His grace usher in His goodness in my corner of the world.

Religious

Religious

I’m a bit guilty having so much. Perhaps God will be angry. I better do something.

I’m a bit guilty having so much. Perhaps God will be angry. I better do something.

Lesson #3

Concluding challenge

“How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for... those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of

men!” (Psalm 31:19 NASB).

God is good Believe it!Difficulties believing Repent!

Knowing God’s goodness Embrace

Have you ever thought of your life as a means God uses to bring His goodness into the world? Explain. [Matthew

5:16]

Have you ever thought of your life as a means God uses to bring His goodness into the world? Explain. [Matthew

5:16]

Lesson #3

The Goodness of God

Paul J. Bucknell

Psalm 31:19God is goodDifficulties believingKnowing God’s Goodness

Lesson #3

A Question

✦  Righteous leaders✦Prevent needlessly dying✦Improve people’s character✦Peace on earth - national

level✦Education everywhere✦Equality of wealth✦Racial understanding

List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one.

List four things in this world that you would, if possible, improve upon. Star the most important one.

The List

✦Healthy environment✦Strong families✦Make justice just