Cornerstone Church
Welcome to Cornerstone Church!
Introduction: The private battle every true follower of Christ must face and win.
The Battle
The Barrier
The Breakthrough
The importance of our study:
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy
Thesis: Our distorted view of God is the root of all our problems.
The Process: A devotional study of select attributes of God.
Defining the Goodness of God
Revealed to Moses: Exodus 33:19; 34:5-7
Moses’ Request: “Show me Your glory.” Exodus 33:18
God’s Promise: “All My goodness will pass before you.” Exodus 33:19
God’s Answer:Exodus 34:5-7
Packer's Observation:
“Within the cluster of God’s moral perfections there is one in particular to which the term ‘goodness’ points – the quality which God specially singled out from the whole when pro- claiming ‘all his goodness’ to Moses, He spoke of Himself as ‘abundant in goodness and truth’ (Exodus 34:6). This is the quality of generosity.”
“Generosity expresses the simple wish that others should have what they need to make them happy.”- J.I. Packer, Knowing God
Tozer's Definition:
“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy… By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people.” - A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy
Scripture's Declaration:
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord give grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11 (NASB)
How Does God Reveal His Goodness to Us?
1.Through NATURAL blessings.Psalm 145:7-9, Psalm 145:16-17
2.Through SPECIFIC deliverances. Psalm 107
Rescues us from our enemies. Psalm 107:2
Rescues us when we "drift" spiritually.Psalm 107:4
Rescues us from the "shadow of death."Psalm 107:10
Heals our diseases. Psalm 107:20
Saves us in the midst of life's storms.Psalm 107:29
* Note the pattern in verses: 1, 8, 15, 22, 31
3.Through His Son, Jesus.
Jesus is the PROOF of God's Goodness.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NASB)
Jesus is the GUARANTEE of future Goodness.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8:32 (NASB)
How are we to respond to God’s Goodness?
1. REPENT and receive God’s greatest good gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
"Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4 (NIV)
2. SURRENDER your life and future fully to the lordship of Christ.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1 (NIV)
3. CLAIM God’s promise that you will NEVER miss out on any good thing as long as you live.
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (NASB)
Application:
1. Take five minutes before you pray each time this week and list:3 specific blessings,1 specific deliverance
2. For more in depth study, read True Spirituality, by Chip Ingram: Section 1 - How to Give God What He Wants the Most