What Are The Good
Works Which Believers Must
Be Careful To Maintain?
Titus 3:8
Don Fortner
Many people think they
are doing good works for God by living austere lives of strict separation from
the world. They strictly obey certain, self-imposed rules, or the rules of
religious custom and tradition, and think they are maintaining good works. Most
people think that outward deeds of morality, outward obedience to the law of
God, or outward performance of religious duties are good works. If that which I
do does not have these five characteristics, it is not a good work.
1. It Must
be according to the command and will of God. That is good which is done in
obedience to the Word of God and the direction of his Spirit. If I do something
with great deligence, sincerity, self-denial and sacrifice, but do that which
God has not required, that which I do is not a good work.
2. It must be done in
faith. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." "Without faith it is
impossible to please God." This was the real difference between Cain's
work and Abel's. Cain offered God a sacrifice without faith. Abel offered God a
sacrifice of faith.
3. It must be done for the
glory of God. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The
Pharisees prayed, fasted, tithed and gave alms to be seen of men, to get glory
from men. And all that they did was an abomination to God, even though they had
been commanded by God. All good works are the fruits of righteousness, done
"by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God."
4. It must spring from and
be motivated by love for Christ (John
5. It must be performed
with a willing heart (II Cor.