Sermon Tone Analysis

Our State of Theology – 9i(8)g

Galatians 5:22-23: Fruit of the Holy Spirit, Goodness

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23gentleness, self-control.

Against such there is no law.

Fruit is singular showing that all nine attributes described here are included in the fruit of the Spirit.

Against such there is no law.

None of the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit breaks any law, whether spiritual or natural.

Goodness = ἀγαθωσύνη agathōsynē = positive moral quality characterized esp.

by interest in the welfare of others; generosity.

The quality of moral excellence; especially as a quality that is not stagnant, but actively working itself out.

Good = καλός kalos = beautiful; good, of good quality or disposition; fertile, rich.

There are three Greek words for good.

Agathos, which denotes excellence of a person or a thing as an inward moral quality.

Kalos, which describes good in outward appearance (beautiful, pleasing, useful, noble, worthy) as often displayed in good works.

A descriptive word signifying that which is beautiful, pleasing, acceptable, excellent, serviceable, attractive, honest.

Chrēstos, which describes kindness.

The biblical Greek word kalos for God’s goodness bears the connotation of usefulness and helpfulness and has less to do with perception by the human mind or eye, whereas agathos has more the sense of the inner foundation of the person who does good.

[Kalos] has more to do with the external witness, [outward beauty]

[agathos] with the inner person, the real individual.

The words are closely related in meaning, often interchangeably.

Both should be exemplified in the believer.

The ancient Greeks created two words for that which we might describe as beauty, something that is good and valuable.

Agathos was the first term that was created.

It meant good or beautiful of intrinsic value.

It referred to the inner beauty or value of a person or object.

The word kalos was later created to describe beauty in form, outer beauty, having symmetry and a desirable outer form.

When I was a teenager, a girl that was said to “have a great personality” often meant in the looks department she was less than desirable or worse.

Most guys were looking for a kalos girl not an agathos one.

When the other guys saw her on your arm all that was visible was her kalos not her agathos.

An empty head was acceptable as long as she had a pretty face and a great “form.”

Some of us were fortunate enough to find a girl who was both kalos and agathos.

The high rate of divorce these days is because kalos does not last and after that, agathos or lack of it is all that is left.

– Joseph B. Strauss

[Goodness, agathōsynē] is more than chrēstótēs (5544), gentleness, kindness, a mellowing of character.

It is character energized, expressing itself in agathón (18), benevolence, active good.

There is more activity in agathōsúnē than in chrēstótēs.

Agathōsúnē does not spare sharpness and rebuke to cause good (agathón) in others.

A person may display his agathōsúnē, his zeal for goodness and truth, in rebuking, correcting, or chastising.

Christ’s righteous indignation in the temple (Matt.

21:13) showed His agathōsúnē, goodness, but not His chrēstótēs, gentleness.

Goodness, agathōsynē, is being full of virtue and excellence, kindness and helpfulness, peace and consideration.

It means that a person is full of all good and he does all good.

It means …

that he has a good heart and good behavior

that he is good and does good

that he is a quality person

A good person lives and treats everyone just as they should be treated.

He does not take advantage of any person, nor does he stand by and let others take advantage.

He stands up and lives for what is right, good, and just.

A good person will not give license to evil, will not let evil run rampant.

He will not allow evil to indulge itself and treat others unjustly.

He will not allow others to suffer evil.

Goodness steps forward and does what it can to stop and control evil.

Goodness (agathōsynē) in a person describes their moral character.

This encompasses all the qualities of Christlikeness.

An agathos (good inwardly) person manifests kalos (good outwardly) in his daily actions and life.

Ephesians 5:3–17 (NIV84)

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

7Therefore do not be partners with them.

8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light

9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness [agathōsynē, inward goodness], righteousness and truth)

10and find out what pleases the Lord.

11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

14for it is light that makes everything visible.

This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

V. 9, All Christian morality lies in the good, the right, and the true.

“Fruit of the light” is “in all goodness”—good in every respect and in every relation should the Christian be.

“And righteousness,” perfect justice and uprightness should mark his dealings with his fellowman in every phase of life.

And truth,” truth is loved in the heart, he is born of the truth, is sanctified by the truth, and indeed truth characterizes all that he does.

V. 9, Goodness = agathōsunē, refers to moral excellence, to being good in both nature and effectiveness.

Goodness finds its fullest and highest expression in that which is willingly and sacrificially done for others.

Goodness (i.e., good-heartedness toward others in contrast to malice.)

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (Legacy Standard Bible)

15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

[Believers are instructed] to break the cycle of retribution and revenge so common in society.

When they receive harm and “evil” from another, they are not to “repay” the offense

Romans 12:9–21 (NIV84)

9Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

13Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

16Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.