Christians Are To Be "Do-Gooders"

Are you a "do-gooder"?  If you are a Christian, you should be devoted to good works.

What is a good work?  It is an act of service to God and others.

The Bible is clear that we are not saved by good works, but by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9).  But that doesn't mean that good works are not important.  Christ died to save us for a life of good works (Titus 2:14).

Titus 3:1 says Christians must "be ready for every good work."  To be “ready” means to be prepared, to be in a state of readiness, to be on the tiptoes of expectancy, and to be willing.  The word “be” is in the present tense.  So it means to be constantly, always, in a continual state of readiness, preparedness, and willingness.

As Christians, we should always be ready, prepared, equipped, and willing to serve God and others.  To help people in need.  It could witnessing to someone, or inviting them to church.  It could be serving in the church in some way.  It could be lending a helping hand.  It could be sharing your money and resources.

• Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  
• In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul said that Christian “women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God.”  
• In 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul told Titus to tell the rich Christians to “do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share.”  
• In Titus 2:7 Paul told Titus to be an example of good works.  
• In Titus 2:14 Paul said that Christ died “to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.”  
• In Titus 3:8 Paul said that Christians should “devote themselves to good works.”   
• Hebrews 10:24 says that we need to “watch out for one another to provoke love and good works.”  
• We are to be like Tabitha.  Acts 9:36 says, “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity.”

Two Additional Words of Instruction About Good Works

1. We need to give priority to fellow believers, and fellow church members.  Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”  
2. We need to give priority to urgent needs, or pressing needs.  Titus 3:14 says, “And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful.”