Small Group Guide: 
Goodness | Fruit of the Spirit | Part 6

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:
1. No one is inherently good except God alone.
2. Goodness cannot be achieved through our own efforts.
3. True goodness must be received from Jesus Christ.


Discussion Questions:
1. Pastor Kyle mentioned that "no one is good." How does this statement challenge your understanding of goodness? How does it align with or differ from society's view of being a "good person"?

2. Reflect on the five ways people try to achieve goodness (moral performance, religious activity, wealth/success, good intentions, comparison). Which of these have you found yourself relying on in the past? Why do you think these methods are ineffective in God's eyes?

3. How does the idea that "goodness must be received" rather than achieved change your perspective on your relationship with God?

4. Discuss the story of the rich young ruler. Why do you think he struggled to give up his possessions and follow Jesus? How might this relate to our own struggles in fully surrendering to Christ?

5. Pastor Kyle said, "Christianity is not about being good. It's about being made good." How does this statement impact your understanding of the Christian faith?

6. In what ways have you been trying to "earn" your way into God's favor? How can you shift from a mindset of earning to one of receiving God's goodness?


Practical Applications:
1. Self-Reflection: Take time this week to examine your heart. Are there areas where you're still trying to achieve goodness on your own? Write these down and pray over them, asking God to help you surrender these to Him.

2. Gratitude Exercise: Each day this week, write down one way you've experienced God's goodness in your life. This can help shift focus from your own efforts to God's grace.

3. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on 2 Corinthians 5:21. Reflect on the exchange of your sin for Christ's righteousness.

4. Act of Surrender: Identify one area of your life where you've been trying to control or achieve goodness on your own. Make a conscious decision to surrender this to God and trust in His goodness instead.

5. Share Your Journey: Share with a friend how this understanding of goodness has impacted your daily life and relationship with God.

Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His perfect goodness and the gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. Ask for His help in living out this truth in the coming week.