Pastors, have you ever preached a series on good works? How about you, men’s ministry leaders? Do your men know the purpose of good works and are you giving them practical opportunities to practice them?
The reason I’m asking is because evangelicals tend to ignore the topic of good works. Sometimes, it even seams like we’re against good works. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, we proudly proclaim.
True enough. But the Bible also says that the purpose of our salvation is to do good works.
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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.1Ephesians 2:8-10, New International Version, emphasis mine
This means that the purpose of the entire salvation process is to produce in us a benefit for others.
The topic of good works occurs again and again throughout the New Testament. Consider, for example, the little book of Titus. In just three short chapters Paul mentions the subject of good works six times. He seems to be almost obsessed with them, reminding his readers about the importance of good works one last time just two verses before the end of his epistle. Here is the term “good works” as it occurs in Titus:
They profess to know God, but by their works they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good work. Titus 1:16
In all things show yourself to be an example of good works. Titus 2:7
[He] gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. Titus 2:14
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. Titus 3:1
This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good works. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:8
Our people must also learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs, so that they may not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14
When we ignore the topic of good works we are out of conformity with the Word of God and the will of God. And tragically, the people who suffer for it are the ones who need our good works the most: their widowed and single parents in our congregations.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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One thought on “We Cannot Over Emphasize Good Works”
James 2:14-18 as well!