Articles
Good Works
Good Works
In the letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul not only writes continually of correct teaching, he also strongly writes that such correct teaching is to be accompanied by correct living. He commands that we be engaged in good works.
God's people are to be engaged in:
"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work" (Titus 3:1).
Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).
"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).
Women are to adorn themselves: "with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works" (1 Timothy 2:10).
For a widow to be enrolled for continued support: "and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work" (1 Timothy 5:10).
To the rich: "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share" (1 Timothy 6:18).
Cleansing Ourselves is a prerequisite: "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).
The Scriptures equip us: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The ungodly among us: "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work" (Titus 1:16).
Titus himself: "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity" (Titus 2:7).
They are Easily Seen: "So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden" (1 Timothy 5:25).
Let us then be DEVOTED to good works: "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14).
So, what good works have you been engaged in?
Hugh DeLong
