Embodying Goodness and Faithfulness as Christ's Ambassadors

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are reminded that we are Christ’s ambassadors, called to represent Him and to plead with the world: “Come back to God.” This calling is not about appearances or simply looking the part; it’s about embodying the fruit of the Spirit—especially goodness and faithfulness. The world is full of things that look good on the outside but lack the substance and nourishment that only God’s Spirit can produce. Just as fake fruit can look appealing but offers no real nourishment, so too can our lives appear polished while lacking the true, life-giving fruit that comes from God.

From the very beginning, God defined what is good. In Genesis, He called the light “good,” and Jesus later clarified that only God is truly good. Our human definitions of goodness are subjective and ever-changing, but God’s goodness is eternal, unchanging, and pure. Goodness, as described in Scripture, is not just a feeling or a thought—it is an action that reflects God’s nature and blesses others. It is generosity, integrity, and seeking the well-being of others, not just for our own sake but as a reflection of God’s character.

We often fall into the trap of measuring our goodness by comparing ourselves to others, but God’s standard is the only one that matters. Our own efforts to be good will always fall short and leave us weary, but when we abide in Christ, His goodness flows through us. This is not about striving harder but about drawing near to God, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

Faithfulness is the companion to goodness. God is not looking for talent or popularity, but for those who are good and faithful. Faithfulness means being dependable, trustworthy, and consistent, even when it’s hard or when no one is watching. It’s about showing up, keeping our word, and being steady in our commitment to God and others. God’s faithfulness is not based on our feelings or performance; it is His very nature. As we abide in Him, we are empowered to be faithful in the small things, which prepares us for greater responsibilities and deeper impact.

Ultimately, the fruit of goodness and faithfulness is not for us to keep to ourselves but to share with the world. Our lives should leave a trail of God’s goodness and faithfulness for others to see and follow. God is not looking for perfection, but for consistency and a heart that abides in Him. If people were to “taste” our lives up close, would they find the real fruit of the Spirit, or something hollow? Let us be a people known for God’s goodness and faithfulness, reflecting His character in all we do.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True goodness is not about appearances or intentions, but about actions that reflect God’s nature and bless others. Goodness is not subjective or self-defined; it is rooted in God’s character and is expressed through generosity, integrity, and seeking the well-being of others, even when it’s difficult. [09:42]
• 2. Our human attempts at goodness will always fall short if they are not rooted in God. When we try to be good in our own strength, we become weary, bitter, or self-righteous. Only by abiding in Christ and allowing His Spirit to work in us can we produce genuine, life-giving fruit that endures through the storms of life. [16:23]
• 3. Faithfulness is not about feelings or recognition, but about consistency and dependability in both small and large things. God values faithfulness over talent or popularity, and He rewards those who are steady and trustworthy, even when no one else sees. Our faithfulness in the little things prepares us for greater impact and responsibility. [37:02]
• 4. Measuring our goodness by comparing ourselves to others is a trap that leads to pride or discouragement. God’s standard is the only one that matters, and His goodness is the true measure. Instead of using a “tape measure” against others, we are called to align our lives with God’s Word and let His Spirit define and produce goodness in us. [17:02]
• 5. The fruit of goodness and faithfulness is meant to overflow from our lives into the world around us. As we abide in Christ, our lives become a testimony of His character, leaving a legacy of goodness and faithfulness for others to see and follow. God is not looking for perfection, but for hearts that are consistent, surrendered, and willing to be used by Him. [23:07]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:31] - Introduction and Family
• [01:11] - Series Overview: Where’s the Fruit?
• [01:48] - Reading Galatians 5:22-23
• [02:26] - Good and Faithful: The Goal
• [03:45] - Real vs. Fake Fruit
• [05:06] - The Challenge of Genuine Goodness
• [06:22] - The Origin of Goodness in Scripture
• [08:27] - Goodness Defined: Greek and Hebrew Insights
• [10:57] - Subjective Goodness vs. God’s Standard
• [12:18] - The Water Illustration: Contamination and Purity
• [15:06] - The Futility of Self-Produced Goodness
• [17:02] - The Trap of Comparison
• [19:10] - God’s Standard and Our Shortcomings
• [21:44] - God’s Goodness Follows Us
• [23:07] - Legacy and Trails of Goodness
• [25:46] - Goodness in Action: Integrity and Generosity
• [29:03] - Faithfulness: The Overlooked Fruit
• [32:59] - God’s Faithfulness and Our Obedience
• [34:56] - Testimony of Faithfulness: Mama Peggy and Grady
• [36:20] - Practical Steps to Faithfulness
• [39:46] - Abiding in Christ: The Source of Fruit
• [41:05] - God Seeks Consistency, Not Perfection
• [42:21] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
• [44:53] - Next Steps and Closing Remarks

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV) — > Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) — > But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Matthew 25:23 (ESV) — > His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Observation Questions

1. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, what does it mean to be an “ambassador for Christ”? What is the message we are called to share? [00:31]
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit? Which two are highlighted in this sermon? [01:48]
3. In Matthew 25:23, what does the master praise the servant for? What does this reveal about what God values? [02:26]
4. The sermon compared real fruit to fake fruit. What was the main point of this illustration? [03:45]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that true goodness is not just about looking good on the outside, but about actions that reflect God’s nature. Why is it important to move beyond appearances? [04:21]
2. The pastor mentioned that our own efforts to be good can leave us tired or bitter. Why do you think trying to be good in our own strength is so exhausting? [15:06]
3. Faithfulness is described as being dependable and consistent, even when no one is watching. Why do you think God values faithfulness over talent or popularity? [29:43]
4. The sermon warns against comparing our goodness to others. What are some dangers of using others as our standard instead of God? [17:02]

Application Questions

1. The sermon asked, “Am I living in a way that reflects God’s goodness or just what looks good?” Think about your daily life—are there areas where you focus more on appearances than genuine goodness? What would it look like to change that this week? [27:10]
2. The pastor shared that trying to be good on her own left her weary and agitated. Have you ever felt worn out from trying to “be good” in your own strength? What would it look like for you to abide in Christ instead? [15:06]
3. Faithfulness means showing up and keeping your word, even when it’s hard. Is there a specific area in your life—work, family, church—where you struggle to be consistent or dependable? What is one step you can take to grow in faithfulness this week? [38:22]
4. The sermon challenged us to use our gifts and resources to bless others. Is there a talent, resource, or opportunity you’ve been holding back that God might want you to use for someone else’s good? What’s one way you can take action on that? [28:26]
5. The pastor talked about leaving a “trail” of goodness and faithfulness for others to see. If someone were to “taste” your life up close, what would they find? Is there anything you want to change so that your life points more clearly to God’s character? [41:05]
6. The message said God is not looking for perfection, but for consistency and a heart that abides in Him. What is one practical way you can build a habit of abiding in Christ this month? (For example: daily prayer, reading Scripture, serving others, etc.) [39:46]
7. The sermon mentioned the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Is there a specific relationship or situation where you find yourself doing this? How can you shift your focus to God’s standard instead? [17:02]