We're going to talk this evening about doing good. There are few in the religious world today that fail to understand the need to be doing good works. Many in the denomicational world undrstands that there is a need to good works. Even the Muslim religion teaches this works based type of religion.
We are to be doing good. But, it is not the means by which we are saved
- 1 Peter 2:21
- Acts 10:32
If we're to walk in the footsteps of Christ we are to go about doing good.
The man of God needs to be perfect, complete, unto all good works. We're to be involved in good works.
It's important to not only be involved in good works, but to do so with the authority of Jesus Christ.
- Colossians 3:17
Let's consider important principles in doing good worsk in a amanner that will be well pleasing in the sight of God.
The Underlying Principle for Doing Good Works
Whay are we to be involved in these good works? Is it to be seen of men?
- Matthew 6:13-16
Jesus says those who do so for to be seen of men, have their reward.
Do we do good works to to bribe people in the church?
In India, there are religions that bribe people to come to church, and to be baptized to pad the numbers in the church.
There is the idea that we're not doing good works to bribe people into the church. Everyone needs to obey because of sincerity.
- Romans 1:17
- Matthew 5:16
The purpose of doing good works, to let our light shine, is to glorify God, not to bring glory to ourselves.
- 1 Peter 2:12
The underlying principle for doing good, is to glorify God, and to bring others to Christ. It's not to bribe people into the church, but to save souls which glorifies God.
To Whom Are the Good Works Done?
Are good works to be done toward saints only? Or, to all men?
- Galatians 6:10
Those that hold the saints only position, say that only the saints as individuals should be doing good to all men. But, the antecedent, is brethren, as collectively, let us, do good to all. Both are authorized. We're to do good to all, both out of church treasury but also as individuals.
- 2 Corinthians 9:13
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15
We're to do good to all men. Of course to those of the household of faith.
What is Involved in Doing Good Works?
It involves distributing and communicating.
- 1 Timothy 6:18
Those that are rich in thi sworld, those who have opportunity to do good works, are willing to share, communicating the gospel and sharing their matieral possessions.
We must be willing to share our time, and our bounty.
We must obey the laws of the land.
- Titus 3:1
We're not going to bring glory to God when we are doing things that are illegal.
Must be sound in doctrine and speech.
- Titus 2:7-8
We need to be sure that what we are doing is according to God's will and purpose.
Doing good involves helping those who are in need.
- Ephesians 4:28
One reason we work is to have what we need to help others who are in need. Helping other Christians and alien sinners are part of the works that we are to do.
How Often Are We To Do Good Works?
Tabitha was known to be full of good works.
- Acts 9:36
She was a woman full of good works.
- John 15:8
We show we are disciples of Christ by being involved in God's work and bringing glory to Him.
We are to be fruitful in every good work.
- Colossians 1:10
One who is fruitful brings forth a lot of fruit.
We are to continue in well-doing.
- Romans 2:7
We see that continuing in well doing is a must for those seeking eternal life.
We're to be rich in good works
- 1 Timothy 6:18
maintain good works
- Titus 3:14
We need to be involved in doing good works in every opportunity.
- Galatians 6:10
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." — Thomas Edison
How are We to Do Good Works?
We are to do good works with all our hearts.
- 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
He prospered because the things he did for God he did with all his heart. Good works can only be done so with not mere words but with actions from the heart.
- 1 John 3:17-18
- James 2:14-17
It's not mere words, or lip service, but it is a call for action. We cannot serve God with lip service.
It is to be done with patience
- Romans 2:7
We must not give up.
It is to be done with eagerness.
- Titus 2:14
Every Christian must have an intense desire to do good, and without weariness.
- Galatians 6:9
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Good works must be done according to truth.
- Colossians 3:17
Good works are not profitable if they aren't done according to God's will.
What are the Reasons for Doing Good Works?
Good works glorfiy God.
- John 15:8
Puts to silence accusations of foolish men.
- 1 Peter 2:13-15
We should nver give the foolish a reason to speak out against the Lord's churhc.
It will help us to escape the eternal destruction
- Matthew 7:9
It is a way of showing faith.
- James 2:8
- Titus 3:8
- Deuteronomy 12:28
When we are doing good works, we are obeying God.
- John 15:10, 14
If we avoid doing good works, we are denying God.
- Titus 1:16
If we are involved in good works, we'll be a goo dexample .
- 1 Timothy 4:12
- Titus 2:7
We are involved in good works we lay afgood foundation and lay hold on eternal life.
- 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Doing good is vital to the well-being of the church. As we have opportunity, both as individuals and collectively we are to be doing good works for others.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
We may not know where to begin but we can get involved and start doing.
Seek ways to help others and start working.
Good works do no good outside of Christ. We must be a Christian for our works to have any meaning toward our eternal salvation. If you haven't put on Christ in baptism you can if you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins and confess His name before men.
If we can help you in coming to know the good work of God, and be part of His family doing His work, we invite you to contact us.