This study was first taught on June 30, 2010

Topic: The Believer’s Responsibilities (1): Good Works (2)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week, we began to study the responsibilities or duties of the believer in Christ Jesus. The first of the believer’s responsibilities we studied was good works or works of righteousness towards others. We however noted that the word ‘when’ as used in the context of our scripture text, suggested that we have to do alms. We also noted that the word ‘alms’ does not just mean to give something to someone in need; but denotes ‘righteousness’, ‘righteous deeds’, ‘good works’ or ‘works of charity’. We went on the observe that the phrase “reward of your Father which is in heaven” should read “reward with your Father …”

On the basis of the above we were able to see that the Lord Jesus intended for Christians to do good works or perform righteous acts, as a mark of God’s righteousness in them, and that the reward for such righteous acts was with God and no man can really reward another for doing good works!

We then looked at what qualifies as good works or acts of righteousness; debunked the view that such acts of righteousness alone was sufficient to bring an individual into heaven; and saw the reasons for doing these good works.

We saw that righteous acts or good works are acts of kindness, of charity, and deeds that God wants His children to do toward His other and less privileged creation. We noted that they are numerous and varied, and include helping the needy, showing kindness to our enemies, visiting and ministering to those who are in prison and hospital, sharing our worldly goods with those who minister the word of God, abolition of slavery, and other inhuman practices, etc.

We said that good works are not to be targeted at good people only; but would include wicked and evil people. We saw that every believer in the Lord Jesus is to be involved in good works or righteous acts, but noted that this does not necessarily count for salvation. Salvation, we observed comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works. So why good works? We said that they are necessary as proof of our having been saved; and to bring glory to God, and hence, lead the unsaved to Christ.

We emphatically noted that works done by people who have not been saved by grace are dead works and do not count as a condition for entry into heaven.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:1- 4
Tonight, we look at ‘how to’ and ‘how not to’ perform acts of righteousness, so as to qualify for God’s reward. May the Holy Spirit help us to do good works in the manner prescribed so that we can receive the reward which is with God.
While our scripture text makes it clear that we must be involved in acts of righteousness, it also specifies how to perform such acts in an acceptable manner, in order to qualify for God’s reward. We shall now look at how to do good works, and what rewards are with God for us.
Romans 12:8; Proverbs 3:27-28; Matthew 23:1-5, 25-28; 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 16; Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 5:18-20; Revelation 22:12; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Psalm 31:19; Luke 18:10-14; Mark 12:41-44; Job 34:21; Proverbs 15:3; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Mark 10:29-30; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Matthew 6:1; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 1:26-29; Acts 12:21-24.

Conclusion
Every believer has a responsibility to perform acts of righteousness, also called ‘alms’ or ‘charity’. In performing these righteous acts acceptably however, there are certain things that are imperative:
(a) We must do them with simplicity: that is, in sincerity and purity of motive;
(b) We must not be hypocritical: let ‘charity begin at home’;
(c) We must not announce our deeds ourselves, nor encourage people to announce it for us;
(d) We must do them anonymously or in secret
(e) We must do them for the sake of Christ; and
(f) Our focus must be to glorify God.

There is a reward which God gives openly to those who perform their responsibility of righteous acts in the prescribed manner. Such rewards can never be given by any man, for they are with God in heaven, and can only be given by Him according to how He has judged our works. In other words, man can certainly not reward you for doing good works.

Finally, we must ‘take heed’ how we do our righteous acts, because it is a thin line between taking the glory for ourselves, and giving the glory to God. The consequence of the former can be devastating!

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