The Mystery of Good Works

If I were to ask how many people would like to be remembered for good as against evil, I know that the average right thinking person would certainly choose good and not evil. That is not to say that there are not many people who will choose evil over good but for the believer in Jesus Christ it is expected that we will always choose good instead of evil. If we are serious about making heaven then we must be busy doing good works according to the divine will of the Lord. Sometimes when we reflect on past events there is always this feeling of wanting to go back in time to do some certain things all over again. This is more often than not a regular occurrence with most of us and the realisation that we cannot go back in time usually makes us feel sober and terrible. It is to prevent some of these needless regrets that we look at the Scriptures today to see what God would have us do from this day on. That is the singular reason for this scriptural discourse. Why should we do good works? There are many reasons to be found in the Scriptures, if one will take the time to conduct a proper and detailed search, but we will look at seven compelling ones that seem to hit the nail on the head with great precision: Jesus already set us an example - The first and perhaps the most compelling reason why we as believers must always do good works is simply that Jesus Christ himself already set us an example to follow. The bible makes it clear that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the enemy (Acts 10:37-38). Jesus went about preaching, teaching, healing the sick and ministering to people, all these and more were the work that the Father had given him to do (John 9:4, John 10:32). It is a divine assignment - The Bible declares that we are God's workmanship who have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). In the same way that Jesus went about doing the work that God asked Him to do we have all been called to a life of good works according to His will. We show good example that way - As believers we are to be examples to other believers and more so unbelievers, and one way to do this is by doing good to people as we have the opportunity (Titus 2:7-8, 2 Corinthians 4:7). This is very important because the reality is that you are the only Jesus some people will ever see in their entire life so you must represent him well. It is in our nature and a part of our DNA - The Bible says we are

supposed to spur one another on towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) meaning that the God-nature gives us the ability to love and do good. There's a supernatural release of strength and encouragement - When you do good the first time it becomes a lot easier to do it again and maintain a culture of good works, which we are to be known for (2 Thess. 2:16-17). It is the right and proper thing to so - If as a believer you do not take advantage of the opportunity that God gives you to do good to someone near you then that, all by itself, is a sin (James 4:17). The nagging question is that if we do not do good works as believers, is it evil works we want to do? It creates opportunity for people to glorify God - When we do good works we give those around us the opportunity to give all the glory back to God as they see how we influence and impact others positively for Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12). How then do you go about doing good works? "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and

training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV). It can be inferred from the reference
Scriptures that the four processes of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness are supposed to furnish us believers with all the resources and materials we need to do good works according to the divine will of God. The Scriptures are meant for use as a mirror, for the purpose of reflection; a manual for instruction and a compass for direction. You need to let the word of God guide you as that is one of the easiest ways to receive instruction from God. What reward is there for our good works? For every good work that you do there shall be a reward as the Scriptures clearly teach that for every time of sowing there shall always be a reaping (Genesis 8:22, Galatians 6:7-10). Since God has commissioned us to good works it is only natural that He will reward our obedience. Romans 2:7-8 NIV says "To those who by

persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger". Your place in eternal life is assured as you sow seeds of good works.
Authors note: This message was first preached at the Parish Youth Chapel, Church of the Pentecost (Anglican Communion), 21 Road, Festac Town, Lagos on Sunday, 22nd July 2012 at both the 7am and 10am services, in my capacity as Coordinator.