Topical Bible: Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name

◄ Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Good works, as understood within the Christian tradition, are actions that reflect the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. These deeds are not merely acts of charity or kindness but are performed with the intention of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. The concept of good works is deeply rooted in Scripture and is integral to the life of a believer, serving as evidence of faith and a means of witnessing to the world.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of good works as a natural outflow of a genuine faith in Christ. 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 highlights that believers are crafted by God for the purpose of performing good works, which He has already ordained.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself taught about the significance of good works. In Matthew 5:16 , He instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Here, good works are portrayed as a means of reflecting God's light and leading others to glorify Him.

Motivation and Purpose

The motivation behind performing good works is crucial. They are not to be done for personal gain, recognition, or as a means of earning salvation. Instead, good works are a response to the grace and love received through Christ. In Titus 3:8 , Paul encourages believers, "This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will be intent on engaging in good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people."

Good works serve multiple purposes: they demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel, provide for the needs of others, and build up the body of Christ. They are a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's commandments, as seen in 1 John 3:18 : "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth."

Examples of Good Works

Scripture provides numerous examples of good works that believers are called to perform. Acts of charity, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick, are highlighted in Matthew 25:35-36 : "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me."

Additionally, good works include acts of service within the church and community, such as teaching, encouraging, and supporting one another. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds."

Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit

The ability to perform good works is not reliant on human strength or effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23 , the fruit of the Spirit is described, which includes love, kindness, and goodness—qualities that naturally lead to good works. The Spirit equips and guides believers, enabling them to fulfill the good works God has prepared for them.

Final Exhortation

Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in performing good works, as they are a vital aspect of the Christian life. Galatians 6:9 offers this encouragement: "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Through perseverance in good works, believers not only honor God but also contribute to the growth and edification of the church and the broader community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Good Works
... honestly confess that you have not performed a single ... Secondly, we think good works
are the witnesses or ... creature"the man created in Christ"must preach ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/good works.htm

Good Friday.
... one or other, every time that they are performed. ... congregation, fulfil also this
object of Christ's death, and ... to provoke unto love and to good works: we too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxiv good friday.htm

The Examination and Rewarding of the Believer's Works.
... kinds of works which the believer performs"good and bad ... Those works of the believer
which have issued from ... felt they must do something, those performed in the ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the examination and rewarding.htm

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... and tears, or some such duty performed by you. ... mercy that I am accepted, my good
works shall never ... therefore should you pray always in Christ's name, that the ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

Love's Commendation
... men that they may see your good works, and glorify ... and then in the act which he
performed""Christ died for ... commendation of love, that it was CHRIST who died ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/loves commendation.htm

The Blood
... through unheard-of hardships, and had performed dangerous exploits ... as well trust
to your own good works as trust ... and I beg you, in Christ's name, believe the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... in the necessity of affliction by his brethren, said that good works which are
performed are sacrifices ... the true sun and the true day is Christ, there is ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

The Fourth Book
... the greatest prudence that we despise Christ's commandments. ... the name alone, for
the name is the ... because unless a Christian has performed good works, he cannot ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

On the States of Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation
The Works of James Arminius, Vol. ... say that these last are not contrary to the good
of the ... sacerdotal office, in that action which was to be performed in heaven ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxviii on the states.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... that he was justified by his good works, now bowed ... Christ had performed the work
of revelation and conviction ... and, as he prays in Christ's name, Saul receives ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm