Performing Good Works

While the performance of good works are not the keys to Salvation; Jesus tells us in Matthew 6: 19–20 to lay up treasures in heaven. In addition to making us feel good about ourselves good works are an excellent way to please our Lord and Savior.

 

1. Honoring God is pleasing to God.

 

Verse Passage: Matthew 26:6-13 “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” – NIV

Here we see that Christ was pleased when the woman honored Him by anointing Him with oil and He rebuked His disciples for chastising her.

How can we Honor God? There are all kinds of ways to honor God several are listed in the Book of Psalms

Verse Passage: Psalm 73:28 “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” – NIV

Here in this Psalm the writer states “for then, it’s good to be near God” we need to recognize and grasp this very thing. It is a GOOD thing to be NEAR God. We HONOR God by getting near Him. Wanting to be by Him. And acknowledging that it is good to be near Him. 

Verse Passage: Psalm 107:8 “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” – NIV

Here is another great point. We need to give thanks to God because His love is unfailing towards us. We also need to give thanks to Him because of all the wonderful things He has done for humanity and continues to do. In this we HONOR God. 

 

2. We are “ordained” to perform Good Works.

 

Verse Passage: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – NIV

Verse Passage: Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – NIV

We are not only called to do good works but ordained to do them. But God has actually ordained us for such things. Ephesians says He has already prepared in advance for us to do. And we were created in Jesus to do good works. 

 

3. Paul lists Good Works in his writings.

 

The apostle Paul urged Timothy who was pasturing the church at Ephesus to encourage the Ephesians honor God.

Verse Passage: 1 Timothy 5:10 “and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” – NIV

A. Raising Children in a Godly Home

B. Lodging Strangers

C. Relieving the afflicted

Verse Passage: Titus 2:7 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” – NIV

Likewise, Paul urged Titus who was pasturing the Church at Crete to inspire the church at Crete to honor God.

A. Being incorruptible

B. Having Gravity (Values)

C. Sincerity (is God and your daily walk with God first in your Life)

Finally Paul tells us in Hebrews 10:24 to encourage one another.

Verse Passage: Matthew 25:34-40 ““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This is an area that truly spoke about Jesus  and what He was about. Jesus tells us that when we minister to the poor, sick, needy or those in prison we have ministered to Him. Jesus’ heart was for all people but He went just a little further when it came to those who are poor, sick, needy, or behind bars. 

I pray this message has been inspiring and encouraging to you. God bless! Continue performing good works for the kingdom of God

 

Copyright © 2018 by Jacob D. Olinger