Doing Good
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION
A. There are few in the religious world today who fail to realize the need for involvement in good works.
1. Jesus who is our example in all things (1 Peter 2:21), was declared to be one “who went about doing good” (Acts
10:38).
2. We know that we are to be involved in good works for this is a sign of Christian maturity.
3. Paul says that the man of God needs to be “perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17).
B. It is important that we not only understand the need to be involved in good works, but that they are to also be done by
the authority of Christ.
1. Colossians 3:17
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
C. Let us now consider some important principles that will help us to do good works in a manner that will be well pleasing in the sight of God.
DISCUSSION:
A. THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE FOR DOING GOOD
1. For what reason are we to be involved in good works?
a. To be seen of men?
1) Most assuredly not!
2) This evil is condemned in Matthew 6:1-18
b. To bribe people into the church?
1) Of course not!
2) Everyone must obey from the heart (Romans 6:17), and not because of some material benefit one thinks he may
receive.
2. The Bible says we are to be involved in good works for the purpose of glorifying God.
a. Matthew 5:16
b. 1 Peter 2:12
B. TO WHOM ARE GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE?
1. There has been much discussion over the years among members of the Lord’s church concerning whom good may
be preformed for.
2. Shall we not let the word of God settle the matter forever?
a. Galatians 6:10
b. 2 Corinthians 9:13
c. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
C. WHAT ARE THESE GOOD WORKS TO CONSIST OF?
1. Doing good involves distributing and communicating.
a. 1 Timothy 6:18
b. To be involved in good works we must be willing to give of our time and share our bounty.
2. In doing good we must obey the laws of the land.
a. Titus 3:1
b. Today many are ignoring this good work.
3. In doing good we must be sound in doctrine and speech.
a. Titus 2:7-8
b. I wish the denominational world and our liberal brethren would understand this.
c. Paul said … Titus 2:1
4. Doing good involves helping the needy.
a. Ephesians 4:28
b. Helping needy Christians and alien sinners is a gook work we all must be involved in.
D. HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE BE INVOLVED IN DOING GOOD?
1. Tabitha was “full of good works” (Acts 9:36).
2. Jesus says we are to “bear much fruit” (John 15:8)
3. Paul says … be “fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:10).
4. Paul wrote that “continuance is well doing” is a must for those who are seeking eternal life (Romans 2:7).
5. We are told to be “rich in good works” (1 Tim 6:18).
6. We are also to “learn to maintain good works” (Tit. 3:14)
7. Thus, we are to maintain continual fruit bearing, being full and overflowing in doing good.
8. Remember, only the unfaithful retire from doing good!
E. HOW ARE GOOD WORKS TO BE DONE?
1. Good works are to be done with all of our hearts. “And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:20-21).
2. Good works can only be done through action – not mere words.
a. 1 John 3:17-18
b. Good can not be done with mere lip service
3. God must be done with patience.
a. Romans 2:7
b. It is not always easy to be involved in good works, but doing good we must!
4. Good works must be done with great eagerness.
a. Titus 2:14
b. Every Christian must have an intense desire to do good.
5. Good works must be done without weariness.
a. Galatians 6:9
b. 1 Corinthians 15:58
6. Good works must be done according to truth.
a. Colossians 3:17
b. Good works will not be profitable if they are not done according to God’s will.
F. WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR DOING GOOD?
Good
1. As all ready mentioned, Good works glorify God.
a. John 15:8
b. Glorifying God must be the desire of every Christian.
2. In doing good we silence foolish men
a. 1 Peter 2:15
b. May we never give the foolish a reason to speak out against the Lord’s church.
3. When we are involved in doing good we escape eternal destruction.
a. Matthew 7:19
b. Can there be any great motivator to be involved in doing good than the fear of spending eternity in hell?
4. Doing good works is proof of our faith, and is good and profitable.
a. Titus 3:8
b. “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 12:28).
5. If we are involved in gook works, we are obeying God, and are thus in His love and will be His friend.
a. John 15:10
b. John 15:14
6. If we avoid doing good we deny God, we are disobedient, abominable and reprobate … Titus 1:16
7. If we are involved in good works we will be a good example for others to follow.
a. 1 Timothy 4:12
b. Titus 2:7
8. We are involved in good works we lay a good foundation and lay hold on eternal life … 1 Timothy 6:18-19
CONCLUSION:
A. Doing good is vital to the well-being of the church.
B. We need to encourage one another in this area … Hebrews 10:24