For most of us, the word addiction has negative connotations. It brings to mind the excessive use of drugs or alcohol, or some type of anti-social behavior. But a family mentioned in the New Testament, the household of Stephanus, was addicted (1 Cor. 16:15-16). The KJV says that they were addicted to good works, while the NKJV says that they devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. What a wonderful addiction! All other addictions put self first, but this addiction is all about other people.
The issue of good works is given a high priority in the New Testament, likely more than is realized by most believers. Although good works have no place in salvation, they have every place in service. Salvation is of the Lord and was done for us; good works are for the Lord and must be done by us. Good works do not precede salvation but are the product of salvation.
Who should engage in good works?
The answer is related to the purchase price and those who were redeemed. When the Lord Jesus died, He paid the price to “redeem us from every lawless deed” and to “purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). They are peculiar in the sense that they are different from the people of the world. One of the hallmarks of this difference is to have zeal, a strong desire to do good works.
In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul outlines the progression from dead works in verse 1 to good works in verse 10—from walking according to the course of this world to walking in good works, that is, to order our life in the sphere of good works. Our lives were once under the control of “the prince of the power of the air” but are now made alive to do the will of God. It is God’s predetermined will that the direction of our Christian lives should be in the sphere of good works. This is the outworking of God’s purposes in the believer’s life.
Paul prays for the Colossians not only as individuals but also as a group in Colossians 1:9-11. His prayer is that they may “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.” Then he adds these words: “being fruitful in every good work.” The requests flow together in the sense that it would be impossible to walk worthy and to please the Lord without being involved in good works. Paul says that it is a matter of fruitfulness. In John 15:16, the Lord Jesus says that believers are appointed to bear fruit.
Why should believers engage in good works?
The subject of good works is a priority in the New Testament. In the Gospels and in the book of Acts, the emphasis is by example; but in the Epistles, it is by exhortation. The Lord Jesus is specifically said to be an example to us in two areas:
• In His suffering (1 Pet. 2:21)
• In His service (Jn. 13).
The Lord puts a priority on service and tells us that this is one of the defining signs of discipleship. In Acts, the early church was characterized by a number of activities, one of which was meeting needs. When the Greeks complained about the widows in Acts 6, the apostles made decisions and resolved problems with a practical commitment to good works.
Paul’s letter to Titus has an emphasis on good works, perhaps because of the national culture and background of these believers. In quoting from one of their own poets, Paul calls them “lazy gluttons.” Part of their transformed life would be the testimony of good works—faith in action as opposed to inaction. Titus was to remind these believers of the importance of good works and to exhort them to have a mind-set that was ready to do good deeds for the sake of others. Titus was also to constantly affirm that all believers should engage in good works as part of their lifestyle.
Ultimately, good works are done for the glory of God. The Lord Jesus said that our testimony, letting our light shine, is tied to good works. As believers do good things for others, people will take note and glorify our Father in heaven (Mt. 5:16). All that a believer does is to be done to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), as all service is to be for the Lord because believers serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24). It is worthwhile to abound in good works, for the assurance is given that our labor will not be in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
What are the believer’s good works?
The issue of good works must not be left in the realm of exposition and exhortation but must be translated into experience. One must not merely hear the Word but must also be a doer of it. It is not just a matter of the head and heart but it should also touch the hand.
Paul told Titus to teach the saints to maintain or continue in good works “to meet urgent needs” (Titus 3:15). In Ephesians 4:28, Paul encourages honesty and hard work so that wages might be used to minister in a practical way to those in need. To the Galatians, he says, “Let us not grow weary in doing good…therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9-10).
Good works by their very nature must be done to and for others. That presupposes that there is a heart of care and concern for people and a desire to meet needs and so bring glory to God. Paul told the Philippians that he loved them with the affection of Christ (Php. 1:8). To the Thessalonians, he said, “so affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8). To put others first is to have the mind or attitude of Christ.
There are a number of “one another” statements in the New Testament that give practical examples of what can be done for others. There will always be needy saints—you will always have the poor with you. Christians are called upon to meet the practical needs of other saints (Rom. 12:13). This could be in the form of money, food, clothing, or lending a hand.
Hospitality is commanded but has perhaps become the forgotten command in the Western world. The Word of God directs us to open our homes and invite people in for fellowship, and, perhaps, food. A number of times in the New Testament, believers are exhorted to be hospitable. It is an activity that is to characterize elders and also widows who qualify for support from the assembly (1 Tim. 3:2; 5:10).
The commands to be kind, be tenderhearted, give preference to, and show brotherly love, must be made visible in order to be obeyed. There must be a practical investment of energy and effort poured into the lives of others. Christianity cannot be lived or seen in isolation. It is a lifestyle that must be involved in the lives of others. It is impossible to be a servant without actually serving; and, since believers are not to be self-serving, this life must be exhibited in good works.
The life of the Lord Jesus was all about others. He stated that He did not “come to be served but to serve” (Mk. 10:45). A servant is not greater than his Master! The Christ-like life is one of service done to others; by definition, it is a life of good works.
“Others, Lord, yes others!
Let this my motto be:
Help me to live for others,
That I might live for Thee.”
—Charles D. Meigs