On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Opening Prayer: Begin your group time with a prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to His teaching on goodness.

Opening Question: How would you define "goodness" based on your understanding before hearing this sermon?

Key Takeaways:

1. Goodness isn't achieved by works, only by abiding in Christ.
2. True goodness comes from a heart fully yielded to God.
3. According to Scripture, only God is truly good.
4. Goodness is part of our ongoing transformation journey as followers of Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the world's definition of goodness differ from the biblical understanding presented in the sermon?
2. The pastor used an analogy of pure water and bleach. How does this illustrate the concept of true goodness?
3. Discuss the statement: "Good things don't make a person good." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
4. The sermon mentions four ways goodness can be seen. Which of these resonated with you most and why? a. How we act b. What we love c. Who we walk with d. Who we follow
5. How does the idea of "becoming an environment or changing an environment" challenge you in your daily life?
6. What does it mean to "abide" in Christ? How can we practically do this in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

1. Set aside time each day this week to abide in the Lord. Use the resources provided (worship music, scriptures) to help focus your time.
2. Reflect on your friend groups. Are there any that have become "mission fields"? How can you be intentional about your interactions with them?
3. Examine your actions, loves, and who you're following. Identify one area where you can make a change to better align with Christ's goodness.
4. Practice the childhood lesson of "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" in your interactions this week, including on social media.

Closing Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your perfect goodness. Help us to abide in You daily, transforming us from the inside out. Guide us to take bold next steps toward You, and empower us to be vessels of Your goodness in our world. In Jesus' name, Amen.