The Word and Good Works

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“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 (mature), thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

1. Because works do not save, nor make spiritual, it does not mean they are not a part of the Christian life.

   a. We do not work for our salvation or spirituality

   b. We do not work to impress God or others.

   c. We work because we love God and people.

   d. We work because we have the Holy Spirit in us Who backs our works.

2. Good works are the GOAL of the Christian life.

   a. Salvation should produce good works.

   b. Spirituality should produce good works.

   c. Good works do not produce faith. But faith should produce good works.

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith (alone) save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! but do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:14-26

1. If God did not intend you to accomplish good works, He would not have give you a body with eyes, ears, hands, and feet.

2. Our body touches the natural world. We touch people through good works.

3. Faith and good works are permanently joined together.

4. Good works are:

   a. A result of the word (“a doer of the word” - James 1:22).

   b. A result of faith.

   c. A means of witnessing.

   d. A means of rewards in time and eternity.

   e. A proof of our sanctification before God and men.

   f. A proof of our joy and love for God.

The Scope of Good Works

1. Our daily priority - Titus 3:8.

2. Without good works we will never know God’s character - Hebrews 12:14.

3. Good works are not to be hidden - Matthew 5:16.

4. Good works should be your defense before an evil world - 1 Peter 2:12.

5. We should stimulate other Christians to produce good works - Hebrews 10:24.

6. A good work is one Jesus would do and gives glory to God - Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

7. Good works should be a delight, not a chore - Psalm 40:18k

8. Good works are our way of WEARING like clothing God’s word - Titus 2:10, 2 Corinthians 3:2

9. Good works leave a legacy and a resume for others - 1 Timothy 5:9-10