Message Notes

(I) THE CONCEPT OF THE RICHES OF GOD’S GOODNESS

1. The riches of God’s goodness

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,” Romans 2:4

a) The Jews had been richly blessed in their history

b) Great spiritual blessings and kindness in the Old Testament

c) Fullness of blessings to be enjoyed

2. It included His forbearance

3. His longsuffering also

(II) THE CONTEXT OF THE RICHES OF GOD’S GOODNESS (ROMANS 2)

1. The misunderstanding of the Jews concerning the Lord’s goodness

a) The Jews thought that they were alright as there was the goodness of the Lord

b) They persisted in their sins…such as judging the sins of the Gentiles

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge,” Romans 2:1

2. The impenitent heart of the Jews

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,” Romans 2:5

a) The problem of the hardness of heart

b) They were refusing to repent

3. They were despising the goodness of God

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” Romans 2:4

a) Despite being given the richness of God’s goodness, they did not repent

b) They had taken the goodness of God for granted

c) They were despising the goodness of God

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO APPRECIATE THE GGODNESS OF GOD

1. Not to take the goodness of God for granted

a) Easy to take for granted the goodness of God…just as the Jews did

b) To full understanding and appreciation of the riches of the Lord’s goodness

2. Respond appropriately to the goodness of God

a) Repent of the sins in our lives

b) Give thanks for the goodness of God