#15 Goodness

Notes

In this message from our "Flesh and Fruit" series on Galatians 5, Phil unpacks the fruit of the Spirit: goodness. What is "good" in a world of moral confusion, conflicting pleasures, shifting societies, and postmodern relativism? We explore how God Himself is the unchanging standard and source of all goodness—revealed in creation, mercy, justice, law, and supremely in Jesus Christ, who absorbs wrath so God can be both just and the justifier. If the Spirit lives in you, He produces real moral goodness: not just kind intentions, but obedient action, practical wisdom, and alignment with God's created order. A timely, hope-filled call to grow as forgiven sinners into the image of our good God. Perfect for anyone wrestling with ethics, purpose, or Christian living today.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.