Embracing the Unchanging Goodness of God
Summary
Today, we gathered around a simple but profound truth: God is good. This is not just a phrase to repeat, but a foundational mindset that shapes how we see God, ourselves, and the world. When we truly believe in God’s goodness, it changes the way we read the Bible, the way we pray, and the way we face life’s challenges. Too often, people say “God is good” but then hesitate when life gets hard, or when questions arise about suffering and evil. But the truth is, God’s goodness is not up for debate or dependent on our circumstances. It is the unchanging reality at the heart of our faith.
We explored how the Bible, when read through the lens of God’s love and grace, reveals a God who is always for us, never against us. God’s love is not based on our performance or our ability to get everything right. He loves us with a constant, unfathomable love. We are each His favorite, and His goodness is personal—God is good to me. This is not arrogance, but a recognition of His grace that goes beyond what we deserve.
Yet, we all wrestle with the “whys”—why do bad things happen, especially to “good” people? The answer is rooted in the reality of sin entering the world through the fall of Adam and Eve. Sin, as an entity, brought brokenness, suffering, and evil into the world. Sometimes the enemy attacks, sometimes people make poor choices, and sometimes we simply live in a fallen world. But none of these change God’s character. Jesus Himself made it clear: the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He came to bring life in abundance.
We also addressed the difficult passages in the Old Testament where God seems harsh or angry. Understanding the context of the giants (Nephilim) and the purpose of the law helps us see that God’s actions were not arbitrary or cruel, but part of a larger story of redemption. The law was never meant to be the end; it pointed to our need for grace, which is fully revealed in Jesus.
So, let these truths anchor your heart: God is good, God is for you, God loves you, and God is good to you. No matter what comes, hold fast to these confessions and let them shape your life.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Goodness Is Foundational, Not Conditional
Believing that God is good is not just a comforting thought—it is the foundation for living the Christian life as it was meant to be lived. Without this mindset, our faith becomes unstable, easily shaken by circumstances or unanswered questions. When we settle in our hearts that God is always good, we can face life’s uncertainties with confidence and hope. [02:10]
- The Problem of Evil Is Rooted in the Fall, Not in God’s Character
When we ask why bad things happen, especially to “good” people, we must remember that sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Evil and suffering are not God’s doing, but the result of a fallen world, the enemy’s attacks, and human choices. Understanding this keeps us from blaming God and instead draws us closer to His heart of compassion and redemption. [13:50]
- God’s Love and Favor Are Personal and Unchanging
God’s love is not based on our performance or worthiness. He loves us with a steadfast, unchanging love, and His goodness is personal—He is good to me. This truth is not just theological; it is meant to be experienced and confessed daily, shaping our identity and our expectations of God’s involvement in our lives. [05:06]
- Difficult Old Testament Passages Require Context and Christ-Centered Understanding
Some stories in the Old Testament, like the destruction of the Amalekites or the flood, can seem harsh or confusing. But when we understand the context—such as the presence of the Nephilim and the purpose of the law—we see that God’s actions were aimed at preserving humanity and pointing us to our need for grace. The full picture only makes sense in light of Jesus, who fulfills and completes the story. [23:18]
- Confession and Meditation on God’s Goodness Guard Our Hearts
The enemy constantly tries to convince us that God is not for us, that He is angry or distant. We must continually renew our minds and hearts with the truth: God is good, God is for me, God loves me, and God is good to me. Making these confessions a daily habit strengthens our faith and keeps us anchored in God’s unchanging character. [39:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - God Is Good: More Than a Phrase
[02:10] - The Foundation of a Good God
[05:06] - God’s Goodness Is Personal
[10:21] - Wrestling with the “Whys”
[12:21] - Why Do Bad Things Happen?
[13:50] - The Reality of Sin and the Fall
[16:14] - Three Reasons for Suffering
[17:37] - Responding to Evil and Suffering
[19:49] - Is God Angry in the Old Testament?
[23:18] - The Giants of Genesis and God’s Justice
[26:21] - The Nephilim and the Flood
[29:22] - The Polluted Race and God’s Response
[31:12] - The Law and Its Purpose
[32:54] - Law vs. Grace: The Complete Picture
[33:43] - The Caterpillar and the Butterfly: Seeing the Full Story
[35:19] - Four Confessions to Anchor Your Heart
[39:10] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: God Is Good
---
### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
2. Romans 8:31
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
3. Psalm 100:5
"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 10:10, what does Jesus say is the difference between the thief’s purpose and His own purpose?
(see [17:37])
2. According to the sermon, what are the four confessions we should anchor our hearts in?
(see [35:19])
3. What are the three main reasons the pastor gave for why bad things happen in the world?
(see [16:14])
4. In Romans 8:31, what does it mean for God to be “for us”? How did the pastor explain this?
(see [35:19])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said, “You will never live the Christian life the way it was meant to be lived until you have a mindset that God is good.” Why is this mindset so foundational for faith?
(see [02:10])
2. When people ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” how does the sermon challenge the assumption behind that question?
(see [13:50])
3. The sermon talked about difficult Old Testament passages, like the destruction of the Amalekites and the flood. How does understanding the context of the Nephilim and the law help us see God’s actions differently?
(see [23:18])
4. The pastor said, “God’s love is not based upon your performance.” How does this truth affect the way we relate to God, especially when we feel like we’ve failed?
(see [05:06])
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor encouraged us to make daily confessions like “God is good to me” and “God is for me.” Do you have a habit of speaking these truths over your life? If not, what would it look like to start?
(see [39:10])
2. When you face hard times or see suffering, do you ever find yourself doubting God’s goodness? What specific situation comes to mind, and how could you remind yourself of God’s character in that moment?
(see [10:21])
3. The sermon said that God’s love is not based on our performance. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you have to “earn” God’s love or favor? How can you let go of that mindset this week?
(see [05:06])
4. The pastor explained that evil and suffering are the result of sin entering the world, not God’s character. How does this understanding change the way you pray for yourself or others who are hurting?
(see [13:50])
5. The message challenged us to read the Bible through the lens of God’s love and grace, not anger. Is there a Bible story or passage that has always troubled you? How might seeing it through the lens of God’s goodness change your perspective?
(see [19:49])
6. The pastor said, “If bread goes to $500 a loaf, I will own a bakery store.” What does it look like for you to live with that kind of confidence in God’s goodness, even when the world feels uncertain?
(see [35:19])
7. Think about the four confessions: God is good, God is for me, God loves me, God is good to me. Which one is hardest for you to believe right now, and why? What would help you trust it more?
(see [39:10])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray, thanking God for His goodness, and asking for help to believe and confess these truths daily, no matter what circumstances they face.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Good—Always
The foundation of our faith is the unwavering truth that God is good, not just in theory or in moments of blessing, but at all times and in every circumstance. This goodness is not dependent on our actions, our feelings, or the situations we face; it is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. When you look at your life through the lens of God’s goodness, you begin to see His hand at work even in the most challenging seasons. Let this truth settle deep in your heart: God is good, and His goodness is directed toward you every single day. [05:06]
Psalm 100:5 (ESV)
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remind yourself today that God is truly good, even if your circumstances are difficult?
Day 2: God Is For You
It is easy to believe that God is distant or indifferent, especially when life feels overwhelming or when you face opposition. But the truth is, God is always for you—He is on your side, cheering you on, and working for your good. No accusation, no opinion, and no circumstance can stand against the reality that God is for you. When you embrace this, it changes how you approach challenges, knowing that the Creator of the universe is in your corner and nothing can separate you from His support. [33:43]
Romans 8:31 (ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel alone or opposed, and how can you invite God’s presence and support into that situation today?
Day 3: God Loves You Unconditionally
God’s love is not based on your performance, your past, or your ability to earn His favor. His love is constant, unwavering, and beyond what you can imagine. You are loved deeply and personally by God, and nothing you do can make Him love you more or less. This love is something to be experienced and believed, not just understood intellectually. Let yourself rest in the assurance that you are fully known and fully loved by God, right now and always. [35:19]
1 John 4:16 (ESV)
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally receive and believe God’s love for you today, regardless of how you feel about yourself?
Day 4: God’s Goodness Is Personal—He Is Good To Me
It’s one thing to believe that God is good in a general sense, but it’s life-changing to declare and believe that God is good to you personally. God’s goodness is not just a distant concept; it is something you can experience in your daily life. Even when the world around you is uncertain, you can confidently say, “God is good to me.” His goodness follows you, surrounds you, and is evident in both big and small ways. Let gratitude fill your heart as you recognize and declare God’s personal goodness in your life. [39:10]
Psalm 27:13 (ESV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Reflection: Take a moment to list three specific ways God has been good to you recently—how can you thank Him for these today?
Day 5: Understanding Why Bad Things Happen—Sin, Choices, and God’s Unchanging Goodness
When faced with suffering or evil, it’s natural to ask, “Why do bad things happen?” The Bible teaches that the root of all evil is the presence of sin in the world, stemming from the fall of man. Sometimes the enemy attacks, sometimes people make poor choices, and sometimes we simply live in a fallen world. Yet, none of these change the truth that God is good. Jesus came to bring life and to overcome the curse of sin, and one day, all suffering will end. Until then, hold fast to the truth that God’s goodness is not diminished by the brokenness of this world. [17:37]
John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Reflection: When you encounter hardship or see suffering, how can you remind yourself that God is still good and choose to trust Him in the midst of it?
Quotes
You will never live the Christian life the way it was meant to be lived until you have a mindset that God is good. You will not. And this is why you've got to be careful who you're listening to. And again, I'm not saying, I'm just saying, you need to listen to people that believe at their core that God is good. Because if not, you get a polluted idea of who God is. All right? But let me just assure you with everything in me, he is good. [00:03:36] (29 seconds)
It's almost like there are two lenses you could look at the Bible through. You could look at the Bible through the lens of God is mad at everybody and angry, or you could look at the Bible through the lens of God's love and his grace. And when you look at it through his love and his grace, you will see that everything makes sense in the Bible. It really does. [00:04:41] (20 seconds)
God's love is not based upon your performance. It's not based upon, well, you prayed today, so he loves you more. There is no such thing as God loving you more. There is no God loves you more. He loves you with one consistent, constant, more than you could fathom love. And it never stops, praise God. Never stops. [00:05:24] (20 seconds)
I have received God as more than I ever expected, more than I deserve, more than people are. Well, you deserve. No, I don't deserve any of it. Praise God. God is good to me. And matter of fact, I'm glad I don't deserve it. All right. I'm glad it's just his goodness showing through. [00:06:21] (18 seconds)
The enemy will come and tell you that God is not for you, that God is mad at you, that God is angry at you. God is upset at you. And God isn't going to bless you. That's what the enemy does. He's constantly berating you with that. And you've got to constantly keep your heart full of these type of attitudes, that God is for me. God loves me. God has blessed me beyond measure. And he's going to continue to bless me beyond measure. [00:07:23] (25 seconds)
It's very simple, sin. And when I say sin, I'm not talking about their sin. I'm talking about sin, the entity of sin that got released into the earth when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Are y 'all picking up what I'm putting down? It's so important that we understand that the root of all evil, all right, is the sin and sin nature on the inside of man. [00:14:52] (22 seconds)
Now Jesus came and defeated the curse. And there's a day coming where none of this will apply anymore. Praise God. When we're in heaven, none of this matters anymore. And I can't wait. Praise God. But for now, we have to deal with this. So how do we deal with it? We don't let those things happen to us and then say God is evil. That's not the truth. God is...still good. [00:18:11] (24 seconds)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. So get this, everybody. He's got me on coming and going. I will see the goodness of the Lord. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. He's got me coming and going, praise God. And I am so thankful of it. [00:39:02] (17 seconds)
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