GRACE PRODUCES GOOD WORKS Christianity is the total work of God for man, for birth and for growth. It is not man doing a work and reaching up to God for His acceptance, but God reaching down to man with a complete and finished work for man’s acceptance. That is the grace of God, and grace is what makes Christianity different from all man-made religions. Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (SALVATION IS THE TOTAL WORK OF GOD.) “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” “Since we aren’t saved by works, does that mean there aren’t any works under grace?” No, there are works under grace, but not to get saved, but because we are saved. The book of Titus, sometimes called the book of good works, shows us the idea of good works after salvation represented in four different ways and the book of Timothy adds a fifth aspect of good works. 1. SHOW THYSELF A PATTERN OF GOOD WORKS Titus 2:7. (The Greek word for pattern is “tupos” meaning an example, a pattern, a fashion, figure, form, manner, or print. It primarily denoted a blow; hence, an impression, the mark of a blow; the impression of a seal, the stamp made by a die, a figure, image; a form or mold; an example. Have a track record. Have a trail of good works, a normal habit of good works). 2. BE ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS Titus 2:14. (The Greek word for zealous is “zelotes” meaning earnestly desirous of, desire eagerly. The word is literally a zealot, an uncompromising partisan. Zealous means to be full of and characterized by or showing zeal; ardently devoted to a purpose; fervent, enthusiastic. Zeal implies intense enthusiasm for an object or cause, usually as displayed in vigorous and tireless activity in its support). 3. BE READY (PREPARED) TO EVERY GOOD WORK Titus 3:1. (To be ready or to prepare one’s self. Preparation precedes production). 4. MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS Titus 3:8. (Keep it up, stay on top of things so you can preside over good works. These good works are to always abound in our life like it says in 1 Cor. 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord). 5. WELL REPORTED OF FOR GOOD WORKS 1Timothy 5:10 1Timothy 5:10, “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” This scripture means we are to have a good reputation for good works. Without good works, our Christianity becomes a mere religion of words; all lip and no life, all talk and no walk, all profession and no practice. When Jesus, the Head of the Church, was evaluating the seven churches (of Believers) in the book of Revelation, included in what He said to them was this: Revelation 3:8, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” He said, “I know thy works,” not “I know thy intentions.” He said, “I know thy works,” not “I know thy illumination of the Word.” It is by the manifestation (exhibit; make visible) of the truth that we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of (God 2 Cor. 4:2). Whoever said good works have no part in a Christian’s life because they are under grace needs to read their Bible again. We don’t do any of these works TO GAIN God’s favor or acceptance but we do them because WE HAVE God’s favor and acceptance.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 11:54:04 +0000
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