Good Works
In the Bible, "good works" refers to actions that align with God's will and reflect His character, often resulting in moral and ethical behavior that benefits others. The concept is rooted in the belief that faith in God should naturally produce good deeds as an expression of that faith. For instance, Ephesians 2:8-10 underscores this relationship, stating that while salvation is a gift of grace through faith, believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for them to walk in. This suggests that good works are not the means of salvation but rather the fruit of a genuine faith.Additionally, good works are emphasized as a vital aspect of Christian living. In James 2:17, it is stated that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead," highlighting that true faith manifests in action. The New Testament frequently encourages believers to engage in good works, such as helping the needy (Matthew 25:35-40), spreading the gospel (Mark 16:15), and living out the ethical teachings of Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, good works serve not only to glorify God but also to serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith in the lives of believers.
Good Works11
Good Works -Titus
By Anton Bosch74536:50TIT 2:2TIT 2:9TIT 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in reality and practice, rather than just seeking a feel-good religious experience. He highlights the example of Jesus, who not only spoke and wrote about love and salvation but demonstrated it by dying on the cross. The speaker encourages believers to demonstrate their faith in every area of their lives, including their speech and behavior. He also emphasizes the need to live differently from the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and instead living soberly, righteously, and godly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that as believers, our hope is not in this world, and we should hold our possessions loosely, demonstrating our hope in a heavenly country.
1 Peter 2:15
By John Gill0MAT 5:16ROM 13:11PE 2:15John Gill emphasizes that God's will is for believers to engage in good works and live righteously, thereby demonstrating their faith through their actions in society. He explains that by adhering to civil laws and behaving honorably, Christians can silence the ignorance and criticisms of those who do not know God. This conduct not only reflects the Gospel but also serves as a testimony to the truth of God's righteousness. Gill highlights the importance of living in a way that brings glory to God and confounds those who misunderstand or misrepresent the faith.
The Necessity of Good Works Unto Salvation, Considered
By John Gill0EPH 2:8John Gill addresses the necessity of good works in relation to salvation, responding to Dr. Abraham Taylor's misrepresentations. He emphasizes that while good works are essential for a believer's life and testimony, they are not a prerequisite for salvation itself, which is solely by grace through faith. Gill argues that good works should follow salvation as evidence of faith, rather than as a means to obtain it. He clarifies that the doctrine of grace does not negate the importance of good works but rather affirms their role in glorifying God and demonstrating true faith. Ultimately, Gill defends the position that good works are necessary for the believer's walk but not for the attainment of salvation.
Doing Good to Others
By Zac Poonen1.7K49:301SA 16:7MAT 5:45MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ACT 10:14ACT 10:38TIT 2:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and that he went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. The speaker highlights that Jesus' life was a constant battle against Satan to deliver people from his grasp. He encourages listeners to follow Jesus' example by diligently working to meet their own needs and the needs of others, and to live a life of abundance and goodness. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of being zealous to do good to others, just as Jesus gave himself to redeem and purify a people for his own possession.
"Good Works-God's Design for Christians"
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:16ROM 12:1GAL 6:9EPH 2:10TIT 3:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that good works are God's design for Christians, highlighting the dual feelings of hope and fear that arise from biblical teachings. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's assertion that maintaining good works is beneficial for humanity, urging believers to recognize that God's commands are ultimately for their advantage and eternal profit. Tozer illustrates that while earthly pursuits may offer immediate gratification, true fulfillment comes from aligning with God's will, which is always aimed at our long-term good. He encourages Christians to embrace the challenges and sacrifices of faith, understanding that they lead to spiritual growth and eternal rewards. The sermon concludes with a call to choose God's way over fleeting pleasures, trusting in His wisdom and love.
What Is a Good Work
By Art Katz3.0K53:47ISA 58:6ISA 58:12MAT 5:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of pleasure and how it can lead people away from total obedience to God. The speaker shares a personal experience of being distracted by children playing outside his window and realizing that it was a reminder of his lack of fellowship with God. The speaker and his community had discussed setting aside a day for spiritual renewal, but they kept putting it off due to various excuses. Eventually, they reached a point of desperation and surrendered themselves completely to God, spending thirteen hours in silence before Him. The speaker acknowledges that waiting on God with the expectation of receiving a reward is not true waiting, but rather a form of corruption. The sermon ends with the speaker acknowledging the complexity of these ideas and not attempting to reconcile them with other perspectives.
Do Justly: Being Zealous for Good Works That Exalt Jesus
By Mike Bickle2159:32ISA 58:6MIC 6:8MAT 5:16LUK 18:7JHN 13:34GAL 6:9EPH 2:10TIT 2:14JAS 2:141PE 2:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the call for the church to embody justice, mercy, and humility as outlined in Micah 6:8. He stresses that true good works should stem from the understanding of being special to God, leading to a zealous commitment to serve others intentionally. Bickle warns against a self-promoting spirit in doing good works, urging believers to focus on the transformative power of justice and mercy in their communities. He highlights the importance of combining prayer with action, as true justice is rooted in a relationship with God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a collective commitment to justice that reflects God's heart and brings glory to Him.
Petty Wars Over Abstruse Points and Unimportant Questions
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 5:16EPH 2:10PHP 4:8COL 3:231TI 6:202TI 2:23TIT 3:8JAS 1:191PE 4:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of focusing on good works rather than engaging in petty disputes over trivial matters, as highlighted in Titus 3:8-9. He warns that incessant discussions on unimportant questions do not lead to growth in knowledge or love, and instead, distract from the true purpose of serving God. Spurgeon encourages believers to devote their time to meaningful inquiries that promote spiritual growth and Christ-likeness, rather than wasting energy on arguments that yield no fruit. By adhering to the apostle's guidance, Christians can avoid needless strife and engage in more fruitful endeavors.
The Reward of Righteousness
By John Wesley0ISA 58:10MAT 5:16MAT 25:34LUK 6:381CO 13:3GAL 6:10COL 3:23HEB 11:6JAS 2:171JN 3:18John Wesley preaches on 'The Reward of Righteousness,' emphasizing that God rewards those who seek Him diligently. He reflects on the profound truth that the kingdom of heaven was prepared for humanity from the foundation of the world, highlighting the importance of good works as a manifestation of faith and love. Wesley urges the congregation to engage in acts of mercy, illustrating how these acts not only benefit others but also align with God's will and purpose. He encourages believers to remember that every act of kindness done to others is ultimately done to Christ Himself, reinforcing the call to live a life of service and compassion. The sermon concludes with a call to action, inviting all to participate in the work of mercy and charity.
Epistle 321
By George Fox0MAT 26:10JHN 13:17GAL 6:9COL 1:102TH 2:171TI 5:10TIT 2:14TIT 3:8HEB 10:24JAS 1:27George Fox emphasizes the significance of good works in the life of a believer, illustrating that Christ gave Himself to redeem us and purify a people zealous for good deeds. He references various scriptures to highlight the importance of being fruitful in good works, caring for the needy, and practicing pure religion by helping the afflicted. Fox encourages the church to actively engage in acts of kindness and charity, reminding them that faith without works is dead. He concludes by urging believers to not only profess their faith but to live it out through their actions, following the example set by Christ.
Of Good Works in General.
By John Gill0MAT 7:12ROM 3:201CO 10:31EPH 2:8PHP 1:112TI 1:9TIT 3:14HEB 13:16JAS 2:18John Gill emphasizes the multifaceted nature of good works, categorizing them into natural, civil, relative, and charitable actions. He explains that true good works must align with God's will, stem from love, be done in faith, and aim for God's glory. Gill also highlights that while good works are essential, they do not merit salvation, which is solely through grace. He stresses that only those transformed by Christ can perform good works, and these actions serve to glorify God and benefit others. Ultimately, good works are the fruit of faith and a reflection of one's relationship with God.