Good Works & Continuing To Grow
Good evening. Tonight we are going to finish our discussion of developing and maintaining a closer walk with God. As a way of review, so far we have taken a look at the following: Are You A Disciple Of Jesus, Blessings & Responsibilities, Public Assemblies, Bible Study & Principles Of Prayer, and last week we looked at Overcoming Sin.
And that leads us to our final discussion, Good Works, & Continuing To Grow. But before we take a look at these last 2 things, let’s open with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
First, let’s take a look at good works. You know, its not enough to just not do the bad things, we must begin doing the good things as well. God has called us, that when we become Christians, we are to do good works.
Why do we do good works?
Well, one thing that we need to know and fully understand is that good works are not done as a way to buy or to earn our way into Heaven. There is nothing that we can do, to earn or to buy our place in Heaven. Instead, we have to understand that salvation is a gift, it is free.
If you remember during the Revival, Dusty used a pen. He gave that as a gift to Shauna. Now, Shauna didn’t do anything to earn that pen. She didn’t wash his car, she didn’t cook him dinner, she didn’t even run his power point for him. She didn’t do anything to buy it either. But in order to get the pen, there was something that she had to do. All she had to do was accept it.
So, if it isn’t to buy or earn our salvation, then why do we do good works?
First off, it is so that our actions will back up our words. We say that we are a Christian, but do our actions back up our words? Does what we do show Christ to others? We cannot tell people one thing and then do another. We cannot say that we are a Christian and agree with the things that God says, but then not do them. So, our good works are a way to make sure that our actions will back up our words.
Secondly, we should be involved in good works so that our good works will bring glory to God. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
You see, this passage is all about honor and praise. What we are doing needs to bring honor and praise to God. Notice that this verse doesn’t say so that they will see your good deeds and praise you. The goal of a Christian is to do good works in such a way that God gains all the glory for it.
Good works also demonstrate the living nature of our faith. James 2:17-18 says, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But some will say, “you have faith, I have deeds.” Show me you faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
If we want to show others that we have faith in God, then we need to have actions that will support that faith. That verse said to, “…show me you faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” If we truly have faith, we will be involved in good works.
So, now that we know why we need to do good works, let’s ask this question, what kind of good works can we do?
Now, some of our work will be spiritual in nature. What good works can we do that are spiritual in nature?
Well, perhaps we can prayer for things. It is an act of good works, in which we are going to God with a concern. That is a spiritual good deed. Here are a few others. We could also take part in preaching, teaching, giving, encouraging, and the list goes on of things that we can do that are good deeds, but are also spiritual in nature.
Now, when I say preach and teach, we need t understand that we don’t have to be teachers in the formal sense in order to share with others the good news of Jesus. I Peter 2:9 tells us that, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
What this verse is telling us, is that you don’t have to be an official teacher in order to share Christ with others. What we learn here is that everyone can do something. As Christians, we are called to declare the praises of Him to everyone.
So, those are some of the good works that we can do that are a little more spiritual in nature.
There are also good works that we can do that are more physical in nature. What are some good things that we can do that are more physical in nature?
Well, whether they are spiritual in nature, or physical in nature, God has called us as Christians to do good works. Now, the neat thing about the body of Christ is that we all may have different gifts, but they are all from God. Romans 12:3-5 says, “1”
Also, in I Corinthians 12, Paul is talking about gifts that God has blessed us with. And in that section, in verses 4-11 it says, “2”
So, God gave us the ability to do good works, and we need to make sure that we are doing them. By doing good works, we show that we have a pure religion. No matter how we may sere the Lord, good works are the mark of pure religion. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
In other words, pure religion is this, doing good deeds, and not being like the rest of the world. Plain and simple, pure religion is this, don’t be like the world, but serve others in Jesus’ name.
Titus 3:8 says, “3”
You see, its not complicated. Do good things for God, this will help people.
Now, before we move on and take a look at continuing to grow, does anyone have anything add when it comes to good deeds?
Well, if there is nothing else, to close our closer walk with God series, we will take a look at continuing to grow. The whole purpose of this series was to develop a closer walk with God, which would require that we each continue to grow in our spiritual journey with God.
Growth is necessary in all areas of life. We grow physically, intellectually, and emotionally. We experience growth in our education, in our relationships, and in our careers. But we especially need to grow in our life as a Christian. We must grow in knowledge, in zeal, in faith, in good works, and in Christ-like character.
As we talk about growing, what are some of the hindrances to growth?
Well, here are a few things that hinder us from continuing to grow. First, is a lack of effort. We may have become a Christian many years ago, but it doesn’t mean we have become mature in Christ. Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “4”
I believe that for most of us, we are as close to God as we want to be. And in order to be able to grow in Christ, you have to be willing to work at it. You have to put in the effort in order to grow.
Secondly, a big hindrance to growth is simply discouragement. Some people start off great, but they soon grow discouraged and they give in, they quit. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The problem is this, we become discouraged from time to time. We need to know that we are in a fight with the devil. We need to keep up our guard. We need to be spiritually aware, and not allow ourselves to become discouraged.
Next, we some times have too much interference. Jesus taught us in the parable of The Sower, that our spiritual growth will be hindered if we let people and things crowd God out of our lives. Mark 4:18-19 says, “5”
You can also think about the time that Jesus went to the home of Marry and Martha. One spent her time with Jesus, and one was too busy taking care of things. Now, sometimes even good tings get in the way of God. Our job, our family, sports, house work, and so on.
And finally, we need to understand that you either use it or loose it! It’s better to wear out than to rust out. As Christians, we will lose what knowledge, ability, and opportunities the Lord gives us if we don’t use them. Luke 16:10-11 says, “6”
You see, God will not give you gifts if you don’t bother to open them up and use them. Don’t waste time and opportunities. Be actively involved in growing as a Christian.
So, if those are the hindrances to growth, then how do we continue our spiritual growth?
Well, one thing that we can do is become active in the work of this church. Even the most humble services can be a source of great joy when we do it to please God. In Psalm 84:10 it says, “7”
Ask yourself these questions. Why should I get involved? What has God done for me? When you are able to answer those 2 questions, then you will want to serve God in whatever way you can. And when you are in service to God, you truly grow.
Another thing that you can do is grow through private devotions. You will never have a relationship with someone that you don’t spend time with. This even includes our relationship with God. Spiritual food makes spiritual growth.
We need to study to show ourselves approved to God. II Timothy 2:15 says, “8”
Another thing that we can each do as a way to grow is to take part in a Bible study group. Meet with other Christians for the opportunity to learn, share, and encourage one another. Take advantage of every opportunity.
And finally, give yourself an honest look over. The Bible calls us to examine ourselves and our relationship with Christ. II Corinthians 13:5 says, “9”
Sometimes, it is important to give ourselves a spiritual checkup. You go to the doctor to make sure that you are healthy. You take your car to the shop to make sure that it is running right. And you take the dog to the vet to make sure that it is okay. Doesn’t it make sense to check your spiritual health as well? To make sure that you are healthy, that you are running right, and that everything is okay with you spiritually.
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, just keep in mind that if you want to have a closer walk with God, you need to remember the things that we have looked at over the past several discussions.
Are You A Disciple Of Jesus
Blessings & Responsibilities
Public Assemblies
Bible Study & Principles Of Prayer
Overcoming Sin
Good Works, & Continuing To Grow
Let’s Pray!
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