Doing Good Works Matthew 5 16 Doing Good

Doing Good Works Matthew 5: 16

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Christians are supposed to be a people devoted to good works. • Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5: 16) • For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2: 10)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Christians are supposed to be a people devoted to good works. • looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2: 13 -14)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Numerous commands given to devote ourselves to good works. • And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6: 9 -10) • But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3: 13)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Numerous commands given to devote ourselves to good works. • Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4: 17) • Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2: 11 -12)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Numerous commands given to devote ourselves to good works. • Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4: 9) • My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3: 18) • Paul instructed Titus to be “a pattern for good works”. (Titus 2: 7)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Told how we can do good works. • Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (1 Thessalonians 5: 14 -15) • Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. (Ephesians 4: 28)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Told how we can do good works. • As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4: 10) • Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1: 27)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Our good works demonstrate our faith. • What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith 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. (James 2: 14 -17)

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Examples • Barnabas (Acts 4: 36 -37; 11: 23 -24) • Sold property and brought the proceeds to the Apostles for distribution among the saints. • Encouraged the church at Antioch • Name meant Son of Encouragement – given by the Apostles. • Dorcas (Acts 9: 36 -42) • Woman full of good works and charitable deeds • Made tunics and garments for the brethren.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Examples • Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14: 21 -23) • As they returned to newly established churches on last leg of 1 st missionary journey they “strengthened the souls of the disciples and exhorted them to continue in the faith. ” • Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18: 24 -26) • Husband wife who took Apollos aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately. ”

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Examples • Phoebe (Romans 16: 1 -2) • Called a helper of many and of Paul also. • Mary (Romans 16: 6) • Labored much for Paul • The household of Stephanus (I Corinthians 16: 15 -18) • They devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. • They supplied to Paul what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Examples • Epaphroditus (Philippians 2: 25 -30) • Ministered to Paul’s need • He came close to death supplying service to Paul. • This was referred to the “work of Christ” • Widows supported by the church (I Tim 5: 10) • Had to be “well reported for good works” • Had to have: brought up children, lodged strangers, washed the saints’ feet, relieved the afflicted, diligently followed every good work.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Lesson from the division of the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25: 31 -46) • What was the deciding factor for the separation? • It was not: • The sheep worshipped God in congregational services but the goats did not. • The sheep contributed as they had prospered but the goats did not. • The sheep were baptized believers but the goats were not.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Lesson from the division of the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25: 31 -46) • What was the deciding factor for the separation? • The sheep: • Fed the hungry. • Gave drink to the thirsty. • Lodged the stranger • Clothed the naked. • Visited the sick and those in prison. • The goats did not do these things and were cast into everlasting punishment.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) An opportunity is imminent.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Good works to consider. • Visit the elderly or the sick. • Offer your expertise. • Contact our visitors. • Send cards. • Call and check up on those who are shut-in. • Take food. • Become involved in the efforts around adoptions. • Mentor new Christians • Host / organize a Bible study. • Offer child care. • Provide transportation. • Show some hospitality.

Doing Good Works (Matthew 5: 16) Conclusion Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 -17)

Doing Good Works Matthew 5: 16