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). |
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