Coloring Inside The Lines (goodness)

Fulfilled (The Fruit of the Spirit), part 7 of 10
One person said that there is a sin that everyone would sell their soul for it they could… Is that true? The answer is based on the fact that we must be people who draw lines we will not cross. 1) What is integrity? It’s who you are behind closed doors. 2) What is the benefit of Integrity? It keeps us secure with sure boundaries that don’t change. 3) How do I build integrity? We have steps! Pastor Vince DiPaola

Download the notes.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…*goodness*…” (Galatians 5:22f)

I. Understanding “the lines” we draw

The meaning of “goodness” and “integrity”

Integrity”: Identically aligning our words, actions, and values with each other and with God’s will.

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” (1Chronicles 29:17)

“It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong… Oh what a miserable person I am!” (Romans 7:21, NLT)

II. Appreciating “the lines” we draw

Why integrity is important

1. Outside, integrity provides protection from fear.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me , because my hope is in You.” (Psalm 25:21)

2. Inside, integrity determines decisions that last.

“The integrity of the upright guides them.” (Proverbs 11:3)

3. Upside, integrity cultivates confidence in life.

“The man of integrity walks securely.” (Proverbs 10:9)

III. Maintaining “the lines” we draw

Drawing lines of integrity you can color in everyday (from Daniel 1, NLT)

1. Resolve to establish values that are non-negotiable.

“The king assigned them a daily ration of the best food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for a three-year period, and then some of them would be made His advisers in the royal court… But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.” (Daniel 1:5, 8a)

2. React with words that explore reasonable options.

” [Daniel] asked the chief official for permission to eat other things instead.” (Daniel 1:8b)

“Now God had given the chief official great respect for Daniel. But he was alarmed… ‘the king has ordered that you eat this food and wine… If you become pale and thin compared to the others.. He will have me beheaded for neglecting my duties.’” (Daniel 1:9–10)

3. Reply with actions that reveal true convictions

”’ Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,’ Daniel said. ‘At the end of ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet.’” (Daniel 1:12–14)

4. Remember to acknowledge integrity comes from God

“At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king… When the three-year training period. Completed.*none of them impressed [the king] as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah*. So they were appointed to his regular staff of advisors.” (Daniel 1:15, 18–19)

“It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong… Oh what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life, which is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21, 24-25a, NLT)