What defines good by biblical standards?
How can we discern what is truly good according to biblical standards?

Setting the Foundation: 3 John 1:11

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”


Why “Good” Must Be Defined by God Alone

• Scripture presents good and evil as objective realities, not shifting opinions (Isaiah 5:20).

• God’s own character is the gold standard: “You are good, and You do what is good” (Psalm 119:68).

• Because every word of God is true (Proverbs 30:5), His commands reveal what is genuinely beneficial.


Practical Markers of Biblical Goodness

• Anchored in the Word

– God’s Word lights our path so we can see what aligns with His heart (Psalm 119:105).

– “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Evident in the Fruit

– The Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—signals that something is truly good (Galatians 5:22-23).

– True wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit” (James 3:17).

• Confirmed by the Conscience Shaped by Truth

– A conscience renewed by God’s Word helps us sense when something violates His standards (Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 1:5).

• Tested and Approved

– “Examine all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).


The Ultimate Pattern: Jesus Christ

• Jesus perfectly mirrors the Father (Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9), so whatever looks like Him is good.

• He “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38), showing goodness in action—healing, truth-telling, sacrificial love.

• His self-giving on the cross defines goodness at its highest expression (John 15:13).


Guardrails Against Deception

• Refuse to imitate evil, even when it looks attractive or culturally normal (Ephesians 5:11).

• Choose godly examples: “Join one another in following my example… and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17).

• Stay alert to teachings that downplay sin or redefine righteousness (2 Peter 2:1-3).


Growing in Discernment Day by Day

• Stay in close fellowship with God’s people—iron sharpens iron (Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17).

• Keep a soft, teachable heart; God guides the humble (Psalm 25:9).

• Walk by the Spirit; He leads into all truth (John 16:13; Romans 8:14).

• Practice goodness intentionally—small daily choices train spiritual muscles (Hebrews 5:14).

In what ways can we avoid imitating evil in today's culture?
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