Reflections On Good Works

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                          "REFLECTIONS"

                          On Good Works

INTRODUCTION

1. In a previous reflection, we saw that the church in the local sense
   of the word...
   a. Are Christians in one geographical area - cf. 1Co 1:2; Ro 16:16
   b. Who assemble in order to exhort one another to good works - cf. He
      10:24-25

2. Good works are certainly worthy of reflection...
   a. They are noble, just, lovely, and of good report
   b. They are of virtue and praiseworthy

[And so, according to our overall text (Php 4:8), let's use this
opportunity to reflect on the subject of good works.  Perhaps we should
begin by emphasizing...]

I. THE PURPOSE OF GOOD WORKS

   A. WE ARE NOT SAVED BY GOOD WORKS...
      1. Good works cannot be done to buy or earn our way into heaven
      2. God saves us by His grace and mercy, not our works - Ep 2:8-9;
         Tit 3:4-7
      -- We should be clear on this point!

   B. WE ARE SAVED TO DO GOOD WORKS...
      1. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works! - Ep
         2:10
      2. We have been redeemed and purified to be zealous for good
         works! - Tit 2:11-14
      3. Thus we are to:
         a. Be ready for every good work - Tit 3:1
         b. Be careful to maintain good works - Tit 3:8
         c. Learn to maintain good works - Tit 3:14
      -- We need to understand the role of good works!

   C. WE ARE TO DO GOOD WORKS...
      1. Because they bring glory to God - Mt 5:14-16; 1Pe 2:12
      2. Because they are necessary to be like Jesus - Lk 6:40; cf. Ac
         10:38
      3. Because they demonstrate the living nature of our faith - Jm
         2:14-17,20,26
      4. Because they prepare unbelievers to be more receptive to the
         gospel - 1Pe 2:12; 3:1-2
      5. Because they meet urgent needs - Tit 3:14
      -- We must appreciate the importance of good works!

[With a clear understanding and appreciation of the role of good works
in the life of the Christian, let's now reflect on...]

II. GOOD WORKS WE SHOULD DO

   A. CARE FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS...
      1. An indicator of pure and undefiled religion before God - Jm
         1:27; cf. Psa 68:5
      2. Two good role models are Job and Tabitha (Dorcas) - Job
         29:12-13; Ac 9:36-39
      -- Are we practicing pure and undefiled religion before God?

   B. SUPPORT THE WEAK...
      1. As exemplified by Paul, in keeping with Jesus' dictum - Ac
         20:35
      2. As commanded by Paul, to support and bear their burdens - 1Th
         5:14; Ga 6:1-2
      -- Are we fulfilling the law of Christ?

   C. VISIT THE SICK...
      1. Jesus and His apostles cared for the sick during their ministry
         - Lk 4:40; 9:2; 10:9
      2. Elders are to pray for the sick - Jm 5:14-15
      -- Do we care for the sick?

   D. ENTERTAIN STRANGERS...
      1. To show hospitality, which literally means "love of strangers"
         - He 13:2; Ro 12:13
      2. Required of elders, and widows taken into the number - 1Ti 3:2;
         5:9-10
      -- Do we show kindness to strangers?

   E. REMEMBER THE PRISONERS...
      1. Especially those who are brethren - He 13:3; 10:34
      2. Like those who visited Paul in prison, or sent him supplies
         - Ac 24:23; Php 4:14,18
      -- Do we remember our brethren who are in prison?

   F. SHARE OUR WEALTH...
      1. Affluent brethren are to be ready to give, willing to share
         - 1Ti 6:17-19
      2. Sharing with others is a form of spiritual sacrifice that
         pleases God - He 13:16
      -- Do we stand ready to offer such spiritual sacrifices?

CONCLUSION

1. As we have ability and opportunity...
   a. We are to do good to all men, especially our brethren - Ga 6:10
   b. We are not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9; 2Th 3:13

2. Remember how Jesus impressed on us the importance of doing good...?
   - Mt 25:34-40
   a. When we feed the hungry, we feed Christ!
   b. When we give drink to the thirsty, we give drink to Christ!
   c. When we take in the stranger, we take in Christ!
   d. When we clothe the naked, we clothe Christ!
   e. When we visit the sick and the imprisoned, we visit Christ!

Indeed, with the aid of the inspired Word of God, we are well-equipped
to do good works:

   All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
   for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
   righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
   equipped for every good work. - 2Ti 3:16-17

Are we diligent in doing good works, not to earn salvation, but to the
praise and glory of God...?
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