Every now and then I like to remind my readers why serving their widowed and single parents in our churches is important. Of course, one reason it’s important is because these people often have long term needs. But it’s also important because doing so is a way to obey the numerous commands in Scripture to do good.
To help us get a grasp of the emphasis in the Bible on good works, below are ten essential verses on this topic.
- The foundational passage for good works is in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do right (lit. “Learn to do good”); seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
- Jesus commanded good works to be done in public.
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.
- Salvation is apart from good works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – It is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one can boast.
- Good works are a goal of salvation.
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.
- Good works are a goal of fellowship.
Hebrews 10:24, 25 – Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Good works are something to be passionate about.
Titus 2:14 – Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
- Good works bring glory to God in a pagan world.
1 Peter 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
- We are to be rich in good works.
1 Timothy 6:18 – Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
- We are to be an example of good works.
Titus 2:7 – In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
- The purpose of good works is to provide for urgent (pressing) needs.
Titus 3:14 – Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
The biblical commands to do good works are numerous, explicit, and well distributed throughout the New Testament. Clearly, good works are not a minor topic or a fringe issue. In fact, our good works determine how we as believers will spend eternity in heaven. I’ll close by quoting Paul.
No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved even though only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.
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