A Theology of Good Works

 

Good works in the Teaching of Jesus

1.           The makeup of the light we shine before men is equated with the good works we do.  (Matthew 5:16)

2.           Good works are a help against persecution.  The pharisees are anxious to answer Jesus question about the reason for their desire to kill Him is not His good works but His identification of Himself with God  (John 10:32; cp. Titus 2:8)

 

Good Works in the Letter to Titus

1.        The church of Christ must be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.  (Titus 3:8)

2.       The church of Jesus Christ, because of their own redemption, are eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14)

3.       The rebellious and the corrupted are unfit for doing anything good.  (Titus 1:16)

4.       When we add obedience to sound doctrine, we-

a.       Keep others from maligning the Word of God (Titus 2:5)

b.       Keep those who oppose us from having anything bad to say about us.  (Titus 2:8)

c.       Make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.  (Titus 2:10)

5.       Elders are to be respectable, showing themselves to be an example of good works.  (Titus 2:7)

6.       The church should make devotion to good works part of the education of the church so that believers are not unfruitful (Titus 3:14)

The Message of Paul

1.        Good works do not save us, faith does.  However, we are saved as God’s workmanship for good works.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)

2.       Good works are good adornment for our testimony (I Timothy 2:10)

3.       Needs are often mutual.  Widows who have made a habit of good works show themselves to be worthy of help in return.  (I Timothy 5:10)

4.       Good works are a conspicuous testimony.  Like, sin, good works cannot be hidden.  (I Timothy 5:25)

5.       Those who are rich must be rich in good deeds and willing to share.  (I Timothy 6:17-19)

6.       Believers are to help stir each other up to doing good works (Hebrews 10:24)

Good Works in the Epistle of James

1.       Good works confirm that we possess the true faith we profess.  (James 2:14)

2.       Good works confirm that we are goring in the meekness of wisdom.  (James 3:13)

The Example of Dorcas

1.        She was full of good works and acts of charity.  (Acts 9:36)