Good Works

Should a Christian do good works? What about lazy Christians who only believe, but are not interested in good works? What did Jesus teach?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

Was Jesus mighty in work and word?

… Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed [work] and word before God and all the people (Luke 24:19 ESV)

How did Jesus answer the disciples’ question about what they could do? What is the work of God?

“What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked. Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29 HCSB)

What makes someone a true child of Abraham? What then makes someone a true descendant of the Apostles?

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. (John 8:39 KJV)

How will we be repaid in eternity?

God will repay everyone based on their works. (Romans 2:6 CEB)

Is the emphasis on the works of the law or good works? Are we justified by the works of the law? Do we void or abolish the law through faith?

by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin… For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law… Do we then nullify the Law through faith? Far from it! On the contrary, we establish the Law… For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God… David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works (Romans 3:20, 28, 31; 4:2, 6 NASB)

As long as we have faith, are our deeds irrelevant?

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV)

For what purpose does God bless us materially?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)

Are we justified by works of the law?

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16 NKJV)

Is grace given because of our works? For what were we created?

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that [grace and salvation] not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 WEB)

Why did Paul pray for the Colossian saints? Are good works and Christian education important parts of church life?

so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10 HCSB)

Is there a work of faith?

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV)

What did Paul instruct Timothy to teach the wealthy in the church?

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT)

What is one expected outcome of studying scripture?

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17 KJV)

What is a zealous Christian totally committed to doing?

He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. (Titus 2:14 NLT)

Should we be ready for every good work?

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1 WEB)

To what should Christians devote themselves?

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:8 ESV)