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Don't Grow Weary While Doing Good

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

When facing the character-building tests God provides, we may become weary, forgetting that these trials are necessary for God to test what is in our hearts.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The concept of doing good carries a profound significance, reflecting a desirable quality that is commendable, reliable, and beneficent. In the Greek language, the term agathosune indicates a zealous activity in performing good deeds, contrasting with the more passive nature of kindness or gentleness. This active pursuit of good is a vital characteristic, emphasizing not just the act but also the intention behind it, often aiming for the well-being of others, akin to benevolence. God's goodness is absolute and serves as the ultimate standard against which all other goodness is measured. He is the Source of all goodness, abounding in mercy, graciousness, patience, forgiveness, and justice. His inexhaustible goodness is evident in the creation and the continuous provision of resources like air, water, food, and the creative capacities of humankind, despite human rebellion. His goodness leads us to repentance, sometimes through sharp and painful paths, yet always for our benefit. He extends kindness to both the evil and the good, causing the sun to rise and rain to fall on all without distinction. In the life of a converted person, this goodness is reflected as light in the Lord, manifesting in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Such a person strives to promote happiness and alleviate suffering, looking for ways to benefit others, even the weak, helpless, or evil. This mirrors the example set by Jesus, who went about doing good and healing all oppressed by the devil, showing no partiality and rebuking those who failed to do good when they had the power to do so. He associated with both the respectable and the outcast, focusing on those in need of a physician. Joseph's life further exemplifies this principle of doing good under trying circumstances. Despite being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, he remained committed to goodness, serving diligently and showing concern for others, as seen in his care for the baker and butler. His actions demonstrate that godly goodness persists regardless of personal hardship, supported by the presence of the Lord. Goodness is a quality to be cultivated with devotion, as it does not come naturally from a self-centered world. We must yield to the Spirit of God, stirring up the gift within us to greater intensity, and labor to develop this fruit of goodness. The earth is filled with the goodness of the Lord, and as He creates us in His image, He draws out His own goodness in us to witness that He is our God and to prepare us for His Kingdom.

The Mystery of Goodness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Goodness is a quality that radiates virtues such as kindness, generosity, and benevolence, reflecting an excellence of character seen in behavior. It is not merely a surface appearance but must be rooted in the uprightness of the heart and mind, at the very core of one's being. Human beings are not inherently good in the way God is, but with His help, through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit and the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives, we have the potential for doing good and being good. This allows us to reflect God's goodness in our actions and attitudes. Doing good requires active effort and the right attitude. It is an energized excellence of character that manifests in active righteousness, often directed toward those who may not deserve benevolence. Unlike kindness, which can be more passive, goodness is enthusiastic action in doing the right thing. It takes work, including prayer, praise, Bible study, and service, to produce the spiritual fruit that God expects from us. God is the standard of goodness, and everything He does is good, producing only good fruit. His commands express the moral perfection of His character, teaching us how to be good like Him. As we obey His commands, He bestows blessings upon us, showing us the path of goodness. Even when God withdraws outward prosperity and brings hardship, it is still for our benefit, as His correction helps produce good in us. We have a personal responsibility to produce good works, which are works of love toward God and others. These works must be done in accordance with His law, from a right motive of love and gratitude, and with the aim of glorifying God. The truly good person observes both the letter and the spirit of the law, reflecting God's goodness through the power of the Holy Spirit. By seeking to fulfill the law with love, we appear genuinely good to others, bearing fruit that draws many to the Lord. Goodness in human beings is defined by conformity to God's will. As we meditate on His goodness, we grow in true virtue with the help of the Holy Spirit. His goodness is abundant and satisfying, great toward those who reverence and trust Him. We should rejoice in it, remembering it in times of blessing and affliction, knowing that His will always produces good results.

Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Active Christian service is tiring and testing work, often leading many to become discouraged, slack off, or even give up. Yet, there is an incentive to persevere: doing good is like sowing seed, and if we endure in sowing good seed, in due season we will reap, provided we do not lose heart. Just as a farmer who tires of sowing and leaves half his field unsown will reap only half a crop, so it is with good deeds; if we desire a harvest, we must complete the sowing and remain patient. The sowing represents the doing of good works, and patient well-doing, primarily within the church and to a lesser extent in the community, should yield positive results. It may bring comfort, relief, or assistance to those in need, and it will also bring good to the doer. There is a caution, however, in this endeavor. Since sowing good seed results in a good harvest, we must be careful, as we have opportunity, not to sow where it is unwanted. If seed is sown where it is not accepted, it will not produce good fruit. We must respect people's wishes when they do not desire our help. While we bear a measure of responsibility to do good to all when occasions arise, our physical and spiritual families hold first priority and loyalty. Kindness and compassion have no restriction on who receives them, except that family needs are met before those of neighbors. A patient continuance in well-doing is an essential characteristic, serving as evidence of faith when judged. Beyond the gift of salvation that God grants, there is a reward according to our works. Those who persist in doing good, not regarding their works as an end in themselves but as marks of hope in God, demonstrate the right perspective. Their trust lies not in their good works, but in God, the sole source of glory, honor, and righteousness. The motivation and quality of this life of well-doing will culminate in eternal fellowship with God. The danger lies in becoming weary while still moving in the right direction. Some may not be tired of the work itself but tired in it, shuffling along with drooping heads and hands, presenting a scene contrary to the vibrant life intended in God's way. To combat this weariness, we must not listen to inner suggestions to give up or give in, nor resign ourselves to the weariness, dragging on in a hopeless condition. Instead, we must push forward with determination. God's way of life is not a dreary task but a life of doing good, a life worthy of the name. It is the kind of life the Son of God Himself lives, and we are called to live it with joy and purpose. Even if He became physically weary at times, He never grew weary in well-doing, enduring trials for our sake. We must not question the greatness, glory, and nobility of this walk, for to do so dishonors Him. Let us not grow weary while doing good, remembering that this life on earth is preparatory, a training for the eternal joy to come. By realizing the truth of the spiritual harvest and looking forward to the Kingdom of God, we are energized to continue, following the example of Christ, who endured for the joy set before Him.

What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Good Samaritan parable teaches that unless one practices doing good rather than just knowing good, his faith will be severely compromised.

Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.

The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.

Don't Stand Still!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The best way to conquer evil is to do righteousness, serving God and mankind. Sins of omission are every bit as devastating as sins of commission.

Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Seven): Cultivating Goodness

Sermon by David F. Maas

God has provided strategies which will facilitate His people's cultivation of the spiritual fruit of goodness, working effectively as Christ's sharecroppers.

What the Holy Spirit Does

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Holy Spirit always inspires loving, wise, sound-minded actions according to God's will. This helps us discern true guidance from other spirits.

The Golden Rule (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

God's way of life is a way of outgoing concern for the good of others. It is offering a hand to help others to do what they cannot do for themselves.

Excellence in Character (Part Three)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Each Christian must develop godliness through righteous behavior and service, adding virtue to their faith.

What Makes a True Disciple? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

Love is patient and kind. These are the only two characteristics Paul says love is, defining it positively. What follows is what love does not do.

The Identifying Sign of a True Disciple of Jesus

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The Navy SEALs' fear is not of death, but of failing their team, parallel to the bond Jesus Christ desires among His disciples.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.

'Let Brotherly Love Continue'

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Brotherly love should be a significant part of a Christian's life, and the Bible instructs us how we can show this love for one another.

Matthew (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Entering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.

Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life

Sermon by Mark Schindler

As God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.

Journey for Joy

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Only when we are united with God can we find true joy. If we consistently use His Spirit as a resource, we will have joy as we navigate through trials.

The Widow and the Fatherless (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

We can sum up the epistle of James with one verse: 'Pure and undefiled religion...is this: to visit orphans and widows..., and to keep oneself unspotted...."

"If I Have Not Charity"

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christianity has both an inward aspect (building godly character or becoming sanctified) and an outward aspect (doing practical good works).

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

James had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.

Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Both Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.

The Christian Medal of Honor

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God rewards patient and continual perseverance in good works, reflecting an inner nobility and character.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Kindness goes hand-in-hand with love. It is an active expression of love toward God and fellow man, produced through the power of God's Spirit.

Sin (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Though relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.

Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.

Matthew (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.

The Widow and the Fatherless (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

God fills the first 15 verses of Isaiah 1 with a laundry list of sins, but He provides only two direct, uncomplicated verses on how to correct the problems.

Psalms: Book One (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

David reminds us in Psalm 37 that we should not be concerned about the wicked, whose destiny is to perish, and that the righteous are infinitely better off.