04/08/24 GOOD WORKS ARE GOOD

04/08/24 GOOD WORKS ARE GOOD

HOW 'BOUT DIS?

Every Christian knows we are not saved by our own good works. HOWEVER, the devil now has professing Christians parroting the lie that Christians cannot do good works.

I looked up every passage (16) in the New Testament (KJV) that used the exact phrase, "good works." In every passage the Greek word, which is translated "good," is either kalos (Strongs 2570), or agathos (Strongs 18), both of which are legitimately translated as "good" in those passages. This explains why some other reliable translations vary in some slight way, but the meaning is the same.

Without exception, every one of the 16 passages used the exact phrase, "good works" in a positive, Christian context. Not one of them condemned or denied the fact of good works being a part of the Christian life, experience and behavior, which comes from a right relationship with God.

Here are the passages for your own study. I will designate the Greek word for, "good" in each passage, as either (K 2570), for kalos, or (A 18), for agathos.

Jesus said it, that settles it.
Matthew 5:16 (Jesus said) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good (K 2570) works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The exact same words for Jesus's ministry is used in the other 15 passages.
John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good (K 2570) works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Good works in believers is the norm.
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good (A 18) works and almsdeeds which she did.

Christian good works should bring government support, not opposition.
Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good (A 18) works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good (A 18), and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Christians are designed to do good works.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good (A 18) works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Christian women are beautified by good works.
1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good (A 18) works.

God's plan for Christians.
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good (K 2570) works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good (A 18) work.

Good works of believer are evident.
1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good (K 2570) works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Good works enrich the righteous.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good (A 14, a form of A18), that they be rich in good (K 2570) works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Christians are perfected to do good works.
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good (A 18) works.

God intends for the good works of Christians to demonstrate salvation.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good (K 2570) works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Christ died to save us, purify us, and enable us to do good works.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good (K 2570) works.

God expects believers to do good works.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good (K 2570) works. These things are good (K 2570) and profitable unto men.

Christians need to understand importance of good works.
Titus 3:14 And let ours (our people) also learn to maintain good (K 2570) works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Christians should be encouraging good works, not denigrating them.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good (K 2570) works:

Christian's good works glorify God, good works do insult Him.
1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation (conduct, behavior) honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good (K 2570) works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Additionally, the following verse uses the phrase, "good work." It is still a positive concept, but it is presented as a positive that is absent from the reprobate. In other words, reprobates do not have good works.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good(A 18) work reprobate.

The next time someone tells you that a Christian cannot do good works or that good works are impossible, or that good works are an affront to God, remember, God says otherwise. In fact, God created us (as Christians, through salvation), to do good works and God requires us to do good works. Good works are proof of salvation

When someone contradicts this truth in God's word, they are either telling you a lie deliberately or through spiritual blindness. Do not believe or follow that person.