Christians are to let their light shine which means that they are to do good deeds before others, even the unsaved: 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. (1 Pet 2:12) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Col 1:10)
BY: Dan Conner
It seems that the only Scripture a Bible believer knows about good works is that we are not saved by them (Eph. 2:8,9)! Sadly from that many have further appeared to adopt an attitude about good works that they are virtually insignificant. Therefore, this article should be very surprising as it reveals Biblical truths about this important subject. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
The early Christians especially helped out Christian widows, who would qualify for the list of widows. Among other qualifications, she would have to have obvious good deeds: No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. (1 Tim 5:9,10)
Good deeds (and sins) that are not obvious in this life will be made obvious as they will be brought out at the judgment: The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. (1 Tim 5:24,25)
Rich Christians are commanded to be rich in good deeds: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Tim 6:17,18)
Among other general commands for Christians, we are to consider how we can spur other Christians on towards love and good deeds: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Heb 10:24)
The Christian's life is to have good deeds, even to the point of abounding in them: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10)
One of our chief Christian aims is to do good works, which can be done if we cleanse ourselves spiritually: If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (2 Tim 2:21)
Furthermore, any man of God is completely equipped for every good work with the Scriptures alone: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16,17)
Jesus gave himself to: (1) redeem a people from all wickedness and (2) purify for himself a people that are his own. Such people are further described as those who are eager to do what is good: It [grace] teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 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. (Titus 2:12-14)
That word eager means zealous. Dear reader, does that describe YOU?
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