Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, good works are an essential expression of faith and obedience to God. However, Scripture provides clear guidance that these works should be performed with humility and sincerity, avoiding any form of ostentation or self-glorification. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the importance of a heart posture that seeks to honor God rather than seeking human praise.Biblical Instruction on Avoiding Ostentation Jesus explicitly warns against performing good deeds for the sake of being seen by others. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers: "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). This admonition underscores the importance of the motive behind our actions. The focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval or admiration of people. Further, Jesus provides specific examples of how to practice this principle. When giving to the needy, He advises: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). This metaphorical language emphasizes the need for discretion and privacy in charitable acts, ensuring that the act remains between the giver and God. The Heart of the Matter The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistles, urging believers to maintain a humble attitude in their service. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). This instruction calls for a selfless approach to good works, prioritizing the needs and welfare of others above personal recognition or gain. Moreover, Paul reminds the Colossians that whatever they do should be done wholeheartedly for the Lord: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23). This perspective shifts the focus from human acknowledgment to divine approval, aligning the believer's actions with God's will and purpose. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ Himself serves as the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Though He performed countless miracles and acts of compassion, He often withdrew from public acclaim and instructed those He healed to tell no one (e.g., Mark 1:44). His life and ministry were characterized by a profound humility, seeking only to glorify the Father. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the call to avoid ostentation in good works remains relevant. It challenges Christians to examine their motives and to cultivate a spirit of humility in their service. By focusing on God's glory and the genuine needs of others, saints can ensure that their good works are a true reflection of their faith and love for God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 6:1-18Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday. A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. V. ... Hail, Jesus; Homiletical. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... Resources What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness Good Works: Called: Good Fruits Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love Good Works: Christ, an Example of Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest Good Works: Justification Unattainable By Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To Good Works: Saints are Full of Good Works: Saints are Zealous of Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain Good Works: Saints: should be Established In Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name Good Works: Wrought by God in Us Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest Works: Good: A Blessing Attends Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Works: Good: God is Glorified By Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest Works: Good: Jesus an Example of Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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