What is Goodness?
Pas. Henry stated in the overview of Step 1 that one of the things that has hampered many new believers is the fact that they have no idea of what is expected of them. They are aware that they are expected to be good, but they have no indication of what it looks like.
So what is goodness and why is studying it important? FBI scholars studied goodness, also referred to as virtue, as one of the building blocks in the life of the effective righteous person, based on 2 Peter 1:3-5. Then FBI Study groups conducted research on what goodness is. What can we learn from this research on goodness? Let's investigate!
Research from Peter: King James Version
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (goodness). Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (goodness); and to virtue (goodness) knowledge (2 Peter 1:3-5).
What is Goodness? FBI scholars say...
FBI Study Groups 3 and 5 research revealed goodness as a fruit of the spirit, according to Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Group 2 discussed that in the Amplified Version of 2 Peter 1:5, goodness as a characteristic of the believer is “moral excellence.” Group 1 research revealed that a threat to believers displaying goodness in their lives is a lack of knowledge of God’s Word.
Based on this investigation, what do you know so far? See if you can give an account for your research.