Topical Encyclopedia The concept of good works is a fundamental aspect of Christian life and theology, emphasizing the importance of living out one's faith through actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently encourages believers to engage in good works as a demonstration of their faith and as a means of glorifying God. This entry explores the biblical basis for the expectation that saints, or believers, should be furnished to all good works.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides numerous exhortations for believers to engage in good works. In Ephesians 2:10 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse underscores the idea that good works are not only expected but are a preordained aspect of the Christian life. In Titus 2:14 , Paul further emphasizes this point by stating that Jesus Christ "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Here, the zeal for good works is presented as a natural outcome of redemption and purification through Christ. Equipping for Good Works The Bible also speaks to the necessity of being equipped or furnished for good works. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the role of Scripture in preparing believers to perform good works, suggesting that immersion in God's Word is essential for effective service. Additionally, Hebrews 13:20-21 offers a prayer for believers to be equipped for good works: "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." This prayer reflects the belief that God Himself provides the necessary resources and abilities for believers to carry out His will through good works. The Role of the Church The church plays a vital role in encouraging and facilitating good works among its members. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul explains that Christ "gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage indicates that church leaders are tasked with preparing believers for service, thereby fostering a community committed to good works. Furthermore, the communal aspect of good works is evident in Galatians 6:9-10 , where Paul exhorts, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This encouragement to persist in good works highlights the collective responsibility of the church to serve both its members and the broader community. Conclusion The expectation that saints should be furnished to all good works is deeply rooted in Scripture. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the instruction of Scripture, and the support of the church, believers are called to live out their faith by engaging in actions that reflect the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Miscellaneous Subjects. Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude. The Value of this Doctrine The Course of the World. The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ... Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ... Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ... The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church The Law Established through Faith The Supreme Author of all Things must be Infinitely Good, Just ... Resources Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgIs salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? | GotQuestions.org What are the works of the law (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16)? | 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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