GOOD WORKS
By: Paul Anderson
There is a lot of bad out there. What is our response? Tell them how bad it is? We are never commanded to do that. And we never have the convict the world of the bad it does. Our job—good works. We are to overcome evil with good. We do the reverse of what we see and hear. Too often we only get discouraged by what we see and separate from it. We are to do the opposite—infect it, change it, convert it, immerse it in goodness. Make good pictures when you see bad ones. Say five good things when you hear one bad thing. Jesus told a parable about the weed and the wheat making it clear that we are not responsible to deal with the bad.
We have been quicker with words and slower with works. The emphasis of new covenant people is on good works. There is much more about good works than good words. The Christian life is more about works than words. Our witness is stronger if it comes with works before words. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works…” not simply hear your good words.
We are to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21).
We are to abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).
We are to do good to all, and especially to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10).
We were created to do good works (Eph. 2:10).
We are to be fruitful in every good work (Col. 1:10).
Paul’s benediction is that God would strengthen us “in every good work and word” (2 Thess. 2:17).
To be on the widow’s list for financial help meant being well known for good works (I Tim. 5:10).
The sins of some men are obvious…In the same way, good works are obvious (I Tim. 5:25).
The rich were to be commanded to be rich in good works (I Tim. 6:18).
The Scripture trains us so we are “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 317).
Young men are to set an example of good works (Titus 2:7).
God redeemed us so we could be His own and would be eager for good works (Titus 2:14).
We are to be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1).
Those who have trusted in God are to be eager to do good works (Titus 3:8).
Final words from to Titus—our people must be devoted to doing good works (3:14).
We are to consider how to spur one another on to love and good works (Heb. 10:24).
The closing benediction of Hebrews…make you perfect in every good work (13:21).
Wisdom from above is full of mercy and good fruit (James 3:17).
We are to live good lives among the pagans that they may see our good works (I Peter 2:12).