Pursuing True Goodness Through Christ and the Spirit

Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the call to pursue what is truly good in God’s eyes, not merely what the world or our own instincts define as good. Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 remind us to approach God with childlike faith, recognizing our need for His grace and our place as His beloved children. We are not inherently good by our own standards; rather, our goodness is measured by God’s character and His work in us. The world may tell us we are good as we are, but Scripture teaches that only through Christ can we become righteous and begin to live out God’s definition of goodness.

We explored Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22, which challenges us to never repay evil for evil, but to always pursue what is good for one another and for all. This is not a call to passive living, but to active, Spirit-led goodness that resists the natural urge for retaliation and instead seeks to bless, pray for, and love even those who wrong us. The expectation within the family of God is mutual: we hold each other accountable to pursue God’s good, knowing that when we do, we become a powerful witness to the world.

A key warning was given against stifling the Holy Spirit. While we cannot diminish the Spirit’s power, we can hinder His work in our lives through dishonor, neglect, or resistance. Instead, we are called to honor, acknowledge, and embrace the Spirit’s guidance, allowing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—to flourish in us. This fruit is the evidence that we are walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

We also considered the importance of not despising the proclamation of God’s Word. The preaching and teaching of Scripture is central to our transformation and growth. We are to test everything, discerning what is good and holding fast to it, while rejecting every form of evil. This discernment is not occasional but continual, rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit.

Ultimately, the call is to pursue what is good for one another, for our community, and for the kingdom of God. Whether in moments of celebration, challenge, or transition, we are to be a people marked by Spirit-filled goodness, generosity, and love, always seeking to reflect Christ to the world.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Standard of Goodness Surpasses Our Own
It is easy to compare ourselves to the world’s standards and conclude that we are “good people,” but God’s definition of good is rooted in His own character. Anything that is not aligned with His nature is, by definition, evil. True goodness is not about outward acts or self-righteousness, but about being transformed by Christ so that our actions flow from His Spirit within us. [01:01:04]

- Pursuing Good Means Refusing to Repay Evil for Evil
Our natural inclination is to retaliate when wronged, but Christ calls us to a higher way: to bless, pray for, and do good even to those who hurt us. This is not weakness, but the strength of the Spirit at work, enabling us to break cycles of hurt and become agents of reconciliation. The expectation within the church is that we hold each other to this standard, modeling God’s goodness to one another and to the world. [01:08:33]

- Do Not Stifle the Spirit—Let His Fruit Abound
The Holy Spirit is given to every believer, but His work can be hindered by our resistance, distractions, or focus on lesser things. When we honor, acknowledge, and embrace the Spirit’s guidance, His fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—will be evident in our lives. This fruit is the mark of a Spirit-filled community and the antidote to the works of the flesh. [01:21:30]

- Discernment Is a Daily Calling, Not an Occasional Task
Paul commands us to “test all things,” discerning what is good and what is evil. This requires continual engagement with God’s Word and openness to the Spirit’s leading. We are to cling to what is good as if it were glued to us, and to separate ourselves from every form of evil, even when it is disguised as something acceptable or culturally approved. [01:31:08]

- Transformation Begins with Repentance and a Willing Heart
Whether we are struggling with sin, stifling the Spirit, or neglecting God’s Word, the invitation is always to repent and return to God’s goodness. The altar is open not just for salvation, but for all who need to realign their lives with God’s purposes. When we pursue what is good with God, both individually and as a church, we become a radiant witness to our community and a blessing to one another. [01:37:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Prayer and Childlike Faith
[04:00] - Announcements and Community Life
[13:00] - Missionary Moment: Praying for Trevor Yoakum
[18:00] - Community Outreach: Bombas Socks
[20:00] - Worship and God’s Unchanging Nature
[29:38] - Offertory and Generosity Challenge
[36:00] - Affirming Our Identity as God’s Family
[57:54] - Introduction to Good vs. Evil
[01:01:04] - God’s Definition of Goodness
[01:06:02] - Pursuing Good for One Another
[01:14:13] - Do Not Stifle the Spirit
[01:21:30] - Fruit of the Spirit vs. Works of the Flesh
[01:25:36] - Do Not Despise God’s Word
[01:31:08] - Testing and Holding to What is Good
[01:34:38] - Abstaining from Evil
[01:36:36] - Responding to God’s Call: Repentance and Pursuing Good
[01:43:56] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:45:28] - Farewell and Prayers for Members
[01:48:24] - Prayer Quilt and Ministry of Encouragement
[01:50:42] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Pursuing What Is Good in God’s Eyes

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### Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 (ESV)
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies,
21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Galatians 5:16, 19-23 (ESV)
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Matthew 18:3 (ESV)
And [Jesus] said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:15, what are believers told to do when someone does evil to them?
2. In Galatians 5, what are some of the “works of the flesh” that Paul lists, and how do they contrast with the “fruit of the Spirit”?
3. What does Jesus say is required to enter the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 18:3?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is God’s definition of evil, and how does it differ from the world’s definition? [[01:00:26]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul commands believers not to repay evil for evil, but instead to pursue good for one another and for all? What might this look like in a church community? [[01:06:02]]
2. The sermon says that “God’s standard of goodness surpasses our own.” What does it mean for our actions to be measured by God’s character rather than our own or the world’s standards? [[01:01:04]]
3. What does it mean to “not stifle the Spirit” in practical terms? How can someone tell if they are stifling the Spirit’s work in their life? [[01:14:13]]
4. The pastor mentions that discernment is a daily calling, not just an occasional task. Why is continual discernment important for holding fast to what is good and rejecting evil? [[01:31:08]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to refuse to repay evil for evil, even when it feels justified. Can you think of a recent situation where you were tempted to “get even”? How could you have responded differently in light of 1 Thessalonians 5:15? [[01:08:33]]
2. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence that we are walking with God. Choose one aspect of the fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) that you struggle with. What is one specific step you can take this week to let the Spirit grow that fruit in you? [[01:21:30]]
3. The pastor warns against stifling the Spirit through dishonor, neglect, or resistance. Are there areas in your life where you sense you might be resisting the Spirit’s leading? What would it look like to honor and embrace the Spirit’s guidance instead? [[01:20:24]]
4. The sermon says that we are to “test everything” and hold fast to what is good. What are some practical ways you can test whether something in your life is truly good or just “culturally approved”? [[01:31:08]]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of not despising the proclamation of God’s Word. How do you approach sermons or Bible teaching? Are there ways you could be more open or receptive to God’s Word each week? [[01:25:36]]
6. Transformation begins with repentance and a willing heart. Is there an area where you need to realign your life with God’s purposes? What is one step you can take this week to move toward repentance and transformation? [[01:37:45]]
7. The expectation in the church is that we hold each other accountable to pursue God’s good. How can you encourage or support someone in your group or church family to pursue what is good this week? [[01:05:08]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to help each person pursue what is good, to walk in the Spirit, and to be a witness of Christ’s goodness in their relationships and community.

Devotional

Day 1: Pursue Good for One Another and for All
God calls His people to a higher standard than the world, urging us not to repay evil for evil but to actively seek and pursue what is good for each other within the church and for everyone we encounter. This means resisting the natural urge to retaliate or hold grudges, and instead, choosing to bless, pray for, and love even those who have wronged us. When we do good with God and for God, our actions become a testimony of His character and transform our relationships, our church, and our community. Let us be a people who outdo one another in showing love, generosity, and kindness, reflecting the goodness of God in all we do. [01:07:40]

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (CSB)
See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Reflection: Who is one person—inside or outside the church—you can intentionally bless today, especially if you’ve been tempted to repay them with anything less than good?

Day 2: Do Not Stifle the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power at work within us, and while we cannot stop Him, we can stifle His work in our lives by dishonoring God, ignoring His presence, or disregarding His guidance. When we stifle the Spirit, we not only hinder our own growth but also the effectiveness and unity of the church. Instead, we are called to honor the Spirit, acknowledge His presence, and embrace His guidance, allowing His fire to ignite passion, zeal, and fruitfulness in us. Let us be a church that is on fire for Jesus, not playing church, but truly being the church, alive with the Spirit’s power and purpose. [01:15:56]

1 Thessalonians 5:19 (CSB)
Don’t stifle the Spirit.

Reflection: In what area of your life have you sensed the Spirit prompting you, but you’ve resisted or ignored Him? What is one step you can take today to honor and embrace His guidance?

Day 3: Walk by the Spirit and Bear His Fruit
The evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives is seen in the fruit we bear—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The works of the flesh are obvious and destructive, but when we walk by the Spirit, we put aside those things and allow God’s character to be formed in us. This fruit is not just for our benefit but is meant to overflow into our relationships and community, making the goodness of God visible to all. Let us examine our lives, replace the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, and strive to be “fruity for Jesus,” letting His goodness ooze out of us in every situation. [01:24:35]

Galatians 5:16, 19-23 (CSB)
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ... Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to cultivate right now? What is one practical way you can let that fruit show in your actions today?

Day 4: Receive and Respond to God’s Word
We are not to despise the proclamation of God’s Word, but to receive it eagerly, allowing it to plant seeds in our hearts that will bear fruit. The preaching and teaching of Scripture is God’s chosen way to speak to His people, bringing both transformation and salvation. Sometimes the Word will comfort, sometimes it will convict, but always it is meant to build us up and break down the things of the flesh. Let us prepare the soil of our hearts, receive the Word with humility, and cooperate with the Spirit so that God’s truth takes root and produces a harvest in our lives. [01:27:49]

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (CSB)
Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good.

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to receive God’s Word—whether in personal study or in church—so that it takes root and produces real change in your life?

Day 5: Hold to What is Good, Reject What is Evil
God’s people are called to discern what is good and what is evil, holding tightly to what is good as if it were glued to us, and separating ourselves from every kind of evil. In a world where the lines between good and evil are often blurred, we must use God’s Word as our guide and the Spirit’s discernment to cling to what aligns with God’s character. This means not settling for counterfeits or compromising with the flesh, but being a radiant church filled with the Spirit and the fruit of goodness. Let us commit to pursuing what is good for one another, our community, and the kingdom, rejecting all that is not of God. [01:34:38]

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (CSB)
But test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

Reflection: What is one “counterfeit good” or subtle compromise you need to let go of today in order to hold more tightly to what is truly good with God?

Quotes

God's definition of evil is anything that's not of his goodness. Anything that violates his character. In fact, the Bible says this about both you and me. We are not good. No matter how good we think we are, we fall short of God's goodness and his glory.

Until a person comes to understand they're not good, and that's why we need Jesus, they're deprived. They're depraved in their spirit. Now listen, our world tells us this. Culture's flipped upside down. This is good news for us. We actually have the gospel message, and it infuriates them. They think people are good as they are. [01:01:25]

Because we're not good, if we believe in Jesus, we can become righteous as he is righteous. And we can start to live by God's definition of good. And we can start to do things. [01:02:06]

God's standard is based on God's character. Are we doing the things that are good with God? So as I talk about this good versus evil, I wanted to lay that groundwork so that we really reflect on the fact that anything we do that's good, that's not of God, is not good. Not eternally. [01:02:50]

Only when we come to God and let Him move in our lives in a way that we become changed and transformed can our goodness now become the goodness of God, and we can do good things for God and with God and together for God. [01:03:36]

Sometimes it seems like evil wins. Look at your world, and you probably easily, we could just give up. God, I don't get it. Why is what is good now called bad, and why is what is bad now called good in our society? It bothers me too, but what I matter most to me is what you all do. My responsibility is you. My responsibility is to make sure that we know what is good and what is evil, and that we do what is good. [01:04:10]

You've got Jesus. What does that mean? You and I have an expectation of each other. I want to say this again. You and I have an expectation of each other to do the things that are good in God's eyes. Come on. I expect you to expect Chris McCombs to do my best and to be good and do the things that are good in God's eyes. Do I have the right to expect the same of you? Yes. Do you have the right to expect that of one another? Yes. Guess what? We get that down, we'll change the world. [01:04:52]

God's good is always best. So let's do what's good with God. We could go home. Let's do what's good with God. [01:05:49]

Just because somebody does you wrong, don't do them wrong back. Just because somebody does evil to you, and this is why it's important to understand evil is not just those bad things I described at the beginning. Evil is anything that's not good with God. [01:09:14]

If you have this in your heart, you want to repay. Pray for their good. Pray for their good. It may change you. It may change the circumstance. It may end up making you actually love the person like God loves them. Jesus flips things upside down. Never calls us to repay what is evil with evil, but to always pursue what is good and righteousness and noble. May we do those things. [01:11:00]

Only in Christ can we pursue good for one another. Now, I'm not going to tell you what is good with one another, but there's tons of scriptures out there you can read. We're actually supposed to outdo one another. I want to outdo whatever good you do to me, I should outdo back to you. Did you all hear? That's the repayment we need to work on. That's how we should operate. [01:11:28]

I want to be more like Christ. I want to love more like Christ. I want to, I want whatever's good with God to manifest in my life and in your life. Because then that manifests in our church and the goodness of God is here. [01:12:40]

If you don't know the Trinity, theologically, we serve the triune God. Meaning that the God is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. They are all three different persons, but they are one. One, I don't have it figured out either, and that's okay. God is way bigger than me. [01:13:57]

Because the Spirit is a person, the fullness of God, you can't stifle Him, but you can stifle His work in your life. Christian, I want you to hear this. You may be saved. You're sitting in here. I am saved. Why is he preaching like this to me? Why would Paul write this to people that are saved in Thessalonica? Not because they don't have Jesus and the Holy Spirit, because they've stifled the work of the Spirit. [01:14:21]

We are not playing church. We are the church. We should be on fire for Jesus. He's given us His Holy Spirit. And His Holy Spirit is working in us, and it should bear goodness. [01:16:00]

We stifle the Spirit when we dishonor God. We stifle the Spirit when we extinguish his work. We stifle the Spirit when we ignore his presence, and we stifle the Spirit when we disregard his guidance. [01:20:31]

How do we know we're walking in the Spirit then? Whenever we honor him, whenever we acknowledge his presence, and whenever we embrace his guidance, when we do those things, then we'll find ourselves not stifling the Spirit, but experiencing the work of the Spirit of God. [01:21:02]

If you want to produce the good things of God, you get rid of the things of the flesh, and you replace them with the fruit of the Spirit. All of God's children say, Amen. We do this. This is how we are to live. This is how we're to be. This is how we're to exist. [01:25:19]

The proclamation of God's Word and prophecy is central, not going back just to the Reformation, but going all the way back to the first century. If you look in Acts chapter 2, after the Spirit poured out on them, what did Peter do? He preached! And people heard the Word of God, and they were saved. [01:26:25]

The Word of God brings us to transformation, but it also brings us to salvation. The Word of God is how seed gets planted into our lives, so that we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. [01:26:58]

We are to test everything. We are to determine whether something is good or whether something is evil. We are to determine whether this is the work of the Spirit or this is the work of the Word of God or it's not. We should be discerning in this room. We should, if we have the Spirit of God, we have discernment. [01:30:08]

Hold to what is good, stay away from what is evil. So let's go back to verse 21. Hold to what is good. It actually, the text here in the Greek is actually saying it should be like glued to you. It should be glued like a glove. You ever heard that? Yeah, right? We want it to be glued to you. So, so close to you, you can't let go of it. Even if you wanted to get rid of it off your hand, you can't. It's stuck to you. That's how you want good on you. [01:31:42]

We cannot expect God to bless our mess. I want to say this again. We cannot expect God to bless our mess. If we are going to walk in the flesh and live in the flesh, you can't expect God to bless that. [01:35:00]

Pursuing the good is about the good news. What is good is God saves. What is good is that God is merciful. What is good is that God does love you. What is good is that God's grace is upon you and God is for you. God is all those things. All we have to do is say, God, here I am. I receive you. I receive your word. I receive your spirit. What is good with you is good with me. Can you say that to God today? What is good with you is good with me, God. The things that are not of your goodness, I reject. [01:36:19]

It is good for me to you for you to pursue good. It is good for you for me to pursue good. It is good for our community for both of us to pursue good. Amen? It's good for the kingdom of God for us to pursue what is good. May we be committed to pursuing what is good this day, whether it's salvation or transformation. [01:38:17]

Chatbot

What does Jesus say about entering the kingdom of heaven?

How does the Spirit's work get stifled in believers?

What is the biblical standard for doing good?