170219 PM The Lord Is Good
| The Lord
is Good In a world where it is increasingly difficult to find or see good things, we are sometimes caught up in many different problems. As the stresses and challenges of life pile on us, there may be times when we question why we are facing these things as a faithful Christian; why does God allow these difficulties – isn’t God good? We find the answer, strength, and hope in the pages of His word. A. Why Do Some Questions God’s Goodness? 1.) Sometimes it is a matter of perspective ( Rom.8:28; 1 Cor.10:13) a. The challenges of life can pull our focus away from the goodness of God ( Lam. 3:1-25; Gen.50:20; 2 Sam. 2:10,14; Mark 9:24) b. Some question God’s ability and then they stop pursuing Him (Isa. 59:1-2, 7-9) 2.) It can be hard to appreciate the purpose of difficulties (John 9:1-3; Job 4:7-8; 8:20; 11:14-15; James 1:2-3) B. “The Lord is Good” 1.) His goodness is proclaimed by those who have witnessed His works a. Paul -(Rom 8:28; 1 Tim. 4:4; Rom.11:22; 2 Cor.12:8-10) b. Moses – ( Ex.32:11, 33:19; Duet 33:29) c. David & Psalmists- (Psalm 31:19, 84:11, 145:9, 119:68; Psalm 23) d. Prophets – (Habakkuk 3:17-19; Nahum 1:7; Hosea 3:5) e. Peter – (1 Pet. 2:3) 2.) It !s seen in who He is and what He has done (Genesis 1:4; 31; Exodus 34:6; 2 Pet.3:9 ) 3.) I have real and lasting hope because He is good a. Accepting His goodness helps me through the hard things (Job 1:21; Matt 26:39 ) b. I know what He’s done and what I must do (Psalm 34:8, 100:5; Micah 6:8; Rom. 5:8) |