Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

A Closer Walk With God

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel

The importance of sharing the gospel of Christ with the lost cannot be overemphasized... Jesus wants everyone to hear the good news of salvation - Mk 16:15-16 "And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." The gospel is God's power to salvation to all who believe it - Ro 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."' -- But what is the most effective way to reach people today? The Institute For American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: "What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?" Their replies were . . .

I had a special need - 3%

I just walked in - 3%

I liked the minister - 6%

I visited there - 1%

I liked the Bible classes - 5%

I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%

I liked the programs - 3%

A friend or relative invited me - 79%

What do we learn from a survey like this? If churches are to grow, it will be through the efforts of individual members. Preachers, programs, classes may help, but in most cases they will only maintain the size of the congregation. Such congregational efforts are worthwhile, for they can reach people with whom we might otherwise never come in contact. The greatest potential lies with those who have some contact with members of the local congregation. Each of us have daily contact with tens of people who need the gospel of Christ. In addition to efforts designed to reach people "en masse" (via television, radio, mail), we need to utilize the contacts made through the members (in other words, provide a "two-pronged" approach to evangelism). Two things are needed to utilize the contacts made through individual members. A concern for the lost by those members - Mt 9:36-38 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."' ; Ro 9:1-3 "I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit-- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh."; 10:1 "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." A knowledge of how we can increase our opportunities to share the gospel with those with whom we frequently come into contact with, assuming that the concern is there. In this lesson I wish to share suggestions on how anyone who is a Christian can increase their opportunities to share the gospel...

Do things which make for a caring congregation. Our love of others will help prove that we are who we claim. In other words, that we are truly the disciples of Christ - Jn 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."' Correct doctrine, organization, worship, etc., is important, but it will be our love for one another that will convince the world that we are truly the disciples of Christ!

Our love makes us useful to the Lord. The Lord knows the true condition of His churches! - Re 3:7-8 '"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. "'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." If we are a congregation that can be used by Him to reach others with the gospel, to assimilate them into the Family of God, to nurture them in their spiritual growth, then He will "open doors" for us!

But suppose that we are not a place where new Christians can grow spiritually in an atmosphere of love...? Then here are some "action steps" to take. Make it a point to get to know all the members by name. Get a church directory and begin to place names with faces. Try to learn someone new at each service until you know them all. Practice "hospitality" towards the members - 1 Pe 4:8-9 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." Invite them into your home, or out to eat (set a goal of one new family or member per month). Visit other Christians frequently (esp. the sick, shut-ins, new members, absent members).

Make a list of souls you would like to see saved. This may not seem important, bu it is! It utilizes a very helpful technique used by people successful in all walks of life (in other words, having a "things to do" list). For us, it helps to focus our attention upon those we hope to reach for the Lord, and not neglect them. In making up this list start with those who are close to you and work outwardly. Family, relatives, your own and of fellow church members, friends, regular visitors to the services of the church, coworkers, casual acquaintances (mailman, store clerk, etc.) and last but not least, neighbors. Limit this list to five or eight souls (a list with too many and you will not be able to focus your efforts effectively). Give priority to those who are the "unchurched". In other words, those who are not active members of any denomination or particular religion. Active members of a denomination or religion are often very satisfied with their human traditions and are not as receptive to the pure and simple gospel of Christ. Husbands and wives might best just have one list (as the suggestions to follow will require their joint cooperation). Keep this list where you will see it daily so you will be constantly reminded of these people; so you will be more likely to do the things mentioned next . . .

Pray for souls on your list daily that God will work together with you. To give you "opportunities" to do good for them - Co 4:3 "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--"; 2 Th 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,". To give you the "wisdom" to make the most of those opportunities - Ep 6:19-20 "and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

Pray that those on your list will have the opportunity to hear the truth; have honest hearts to be open and receptive to the truth. Remember, it is God who gives the increase. We are but servants whom God can use in His providential workings - 1 Co 3:5-7 "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." So though we may work as though it all depends upon us, let us pray as though it all depends upon God!

We will continue this lesson in a second part. Having looked at a couple of things to do with our list of souls we would like to see saved we will look at some additional action steps we will need to take.

The Church and You - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

The Church And You - Cont.

Having looked at the primary work of the church and the work through leadership, we will now look at how we can contribute. We should contribute regularly to the work of the church. The work of the church can be divided into three areas:

Evangelism - Mt 28:19-20"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."; 1 Ti 3:15"if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.; 1 Pe 2:9-10"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Edification - Ep 4:11-16"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Benevolence - 1 Ti 5:16"If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows."

How the local church can raise funds to do its work is illustrated in 1 Co 16:1-2 "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." Principles governing such collections were discussed in Lesson #2, "Our Public Assemblies". The financial support provided by the local church enables it to do much of the work God designed it to do.

We should do our part in the work of the church. We cannot "pay" to have our part of the church's work done for us. A strong, successful congregation is one where every member does their part - Ep 4:15-16 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." There are different kinds of functions we might perform - Ro 12:3-8 "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." What is essential is that we each do what we can with the same zeal and enthusiasm - 1 Pe 4:10-11 "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

We should help keep the church united. Unity among believers is very important to Jesus - Jn 17:20-21 ""I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."; Ep 2:14-16 "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Division is condemned in the Scriptures - 1 Co 1:10-13 "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?"; 3:3-4 "for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?" To maintain our unity in Christ requires certain attitudes and diligent effort - Ep 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Here are some things we can do to avoid division(s). Be peacemakers when brethren have disagreements - Mt 5:9 '"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Avoid gossip - 1 Ti 5:13 "Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.", 19 "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses." Avoid discussion of speculative questions - 1 Ti 6:3-5 "If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."; 2 Ti 2:23 "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels." Avoid partiality - 1 Ti 5:21 "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality."

We should live a life that speaks well of the church. Be an example to others - 1 Ti 4:12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."; Ti 2:7-8 "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Some people delight in finding Christians who are not living right and use them as an example to attack the church. We are to avoid giving them opportunities to do so - Ti 2:8 "and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."; 1 Ti 5:14 "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."; 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Christians are not perfect, but should strive to be an example of what we ought to be!

More could be said on this subject, but this should suffice to make the point that with the blessings

of fellowship within the body of Christ come various responsibilities. God did not intend for us to be "islands unto ourselves", but joined together in Christ where we can encourage one another in an atmosphere of righteousness, joy, and peace - Ro 14:17-19 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

The following are some questions to stimulate your thinking,

Have you let a local church know that you wish to be identified as an accepted, working member of their group?

Do you know the elders, deacons and other members of the church where you attend?

Do you have a sense of what function you provide in the body of Christ, and are you fulfilling it?

If every member of the church were as faithful and active as you in your service to the Lord, what kind of church would it be?

The Church and You

A Closer Walk With God

The Church And You

As we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, as we continue in our service and walk with God, we do not do so alone. A wonderful blessing we have in Christ is being members of His body, the church. When we properly understand what the church is, both in its universal and local sense and what our responsibilities are toward the church -- then we can better utilize this blessing to help us remain faithful in our lives as disciples of Christ.

What is the church? The word "church" refers to people who have been saved. As we are saved, the Lord in heaven Himself "adds" us to His church - Ac 2:47 "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." As His "church" (a word meaning "assembly" or "congregation"), we are members of God's "household" or "family" - 1 Ti 3:15 "if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth."

The word "church" is used primarily in two senses. The universal sense: all the saved throughout the world. It is used in this way in passages like Mt 16:18 "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."; Ep 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior."; Co 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." In the "universal" sense there is only ONE church - Ep 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--"; compare with Ep 1:22-23 "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Christ is the head; individual Christians are members of His body - 1 Co 12:27 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." There is no earthly organization; what organization there may be is spiritual in nature - Ep 2:19-20 "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,". The universal church never meets as such; it has no "officers" except Jesus Christ and the original apostles and prophets.

In the local sense: the saved in one particular locality. It is used in this way in passages like 1 Co 1:2 "To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:"; Re 1:11 "saying, "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea."'; Ro 16:16 "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you." In the "local" sense there are MANY churches - see for example Ga 1:2 "and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:" There is to be an earthly organization within each local church. Ideally, each church has elders (also know as bishops, pastors) and deacons - Ph 1:1 (described more fully later in this lesson) "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:" But churches may exist temporarily until such men can be appointed - as in Ac 14:21-23 "When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." Local churches meet regularly; and Christians have responsibilities in connection with their brethren in the local church.

Let's now look at some of the responsibilities in the local church. We should "join ourselves" to a local church. Only Christ "adds" one to the church universal; but one can and should "join" themselves to a local church - Ac 9:26-28 "And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord." This enables you to benefit by the association of other Christians, and provides you an opportunity to be of service to them - He 3:12-14 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end." ; 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." There are some responsibilities Christ has given you that you cannot fulfill on your own; for example, the Lord's Supper - Ac 20:7 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." So we need to find and join a local faithful congregation of the Lord (a careful study of the New Testament can help you to identify such today; perhaps a subject for future study?)

We should cooperate with the leaders. In a fully developed local church, there will be elders to oversee the people of God. The terms "elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, overseer" are often used interchangeably, referring to the same position - Ac 20:17 "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.", 28 "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."; Ti 1:5-7 "This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you-- if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined."; 1 Pe 5:1-2 "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;" . Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9. Our responsibilities to them are as follows:

1) To recognize and respect them - 1 Th 5:12-13 "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."; 1 Ti 5:17-20 "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."

2) To obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally - He 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."; 1 Pe 5:2-3 "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Think of them as your "spiritual advisors", as "shepherds"; they are mature, experienced Christian men who are charged by God to "watch out for your souls"!

In a fully developed local church, there will also be deacons to serve the people of God. These are "servants" who assist the elders in the work of the church. Their qualifications are found in 1 Ti 3:8-13. The work they do is a very noble one - 1 Ti 3:13 "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." There may also be those who serve as evangelists and teachers - Ep 4:11 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,". The "evangelists" concentrate their attention on teaching the gospel to the lost. "Teachers" concentrate attention upon edifying the members. Those commonly referred to as "preachers" or "ministers" may do both the work of evangelist and teacher. But whether they serve as evangelist, teacher, preacher, or minister, within the local church they likewise submit to the leadership of the elders.

We should contribute regularly to the work of the church. When we continue this lesson we will look at some ways we can contribute to it's work.

The Christian and Good Works

A Closer Walk With God

The Christian And Good Works

In a previous lesson we discussed the matter of devotion or worship to God, especially in our public assemblies. One objective of such activities is to stir us up to "good works" - He 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." In this short but important lesson, we shall examine the matter of "good works" which Christians are to do...

Christians are to do good works. Do not misunderstand the purpose of good works. They are not done to "buy" or "earn" our way into heaven. God saves us by His grace, not by our works - Ep 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."; Ti 3:3-7 "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Yet, as God's People, we have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works! - Ep 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."; Ti 2:11-14 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.; 3:1 "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,", 8 "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.", 14 "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful."

Why, then are we to do good works? They bring glory to God! - Mt 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."; 1 Pe 2:11-12 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." They can prepare unbelievers to be more receptive to the gospel - 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."; 3:1-2 "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct." They demonstrate the living nature of our faith - Ja 2:14-17 "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." They are necessary if we are to be like Jesus - see for example Lk 6:46 with Ac 10:38.

What good works can we do? Some good works are spiritual in nature. Such as telling others of God's grace - 1 Pe 2:9-10 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." We may not all be "teachers" in a formal sense - 1 Co 12:27-31 "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."; Ja 3:1-2 "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body". But all of us can share with others the wonderful grace of God available in Christ Jesus! Another good work is encouraging other Christians - He 3:12-13 "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." We can be a "Philemon" or a "Stephanus" - Phile 7 "For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you."; 1 Co 16:15-18 "Now I urge you, brothers--you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints-- be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men." For example...through cards, calls, visits, Bible studies, etc. we can be an encouragement to others. We can do a very good work by restoring and encouraging weak brethren - Ga 6:1-2 "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We can be a "Barnabas" (who helped John Mark). The importance of this work is seen in light of Ja 5:19-20 "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

Other good works are more physical in nature. Jesus did not limit His good works to things spiritual - Lk 7:22 "And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them." Nor did He expect His disciples to so limit their good works... Note for example the "Limited Commission" - Mt 10:7-8 "And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay." Another example is the "judgment scene" - Mt 25:34-40. Just as some may be gifted in talent and opportunities to "teach", so others are gifted to "serve" in areas of physical service - Ro 12:3-8, such as "giving" and such as "showing mercy". Women can be especially fruitful in this area for they often have a more flexible use of their time. Why not be a "Dorcas"? - Ac 9:36-39.

No matter how we may serve the Lord, "good works" are a mark of pure religion - Ja 1:27 "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." It is also a key to spiritual blessedness (happiness) - Ja 1:25 "But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."; Ac 20:35 "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"' So let's be sure to keep in mind the admonition of Paul to Titus... "Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works." - Ti 3:8

The following are questions to stimulate your thinking.

What kind of "spiritual" good works are you doing, or are preparing yourself to do?

What kind of "physical" good works are you doing, or hope one day to do?

Who should get the glory when you are praised for good works?

Discerning Between Good and Evil

A Closer Walk With God

Discerning Between Good And Evil

In the previous lesson we talked about overcoming sin by understanding the development of sin and utilizing the help of God to:

1) Change our desires.

2) Limit our opportunities to sin.

3) Exercise self-control.

4) Seek forgiveness.

Assumed in all of this, is that we know or can discern the difference between what is good and evil. Knowing the difference does not come automatically upon conversion. It is an ability that comes with time and "exercise" - He 5:12-14 "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, or everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." This lesson is designed to help us develop this ability to discern, so that we might truly have "a closer walk with God".

Deciding what is right and what is wrong is really very simple. It involves asking a few questions about the matter at hand... Such as "is it clearly condemned in the Bible? Many things are specifically mentioned as being wrong. One list of such things is found in Ga 5:19-21 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." A similar list is found in Ep 5:3-6 "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." For such things, that settles the matter. At least as far as Christians are concerned. There is no room for debate when the Scriptures clearly condemn some practice.

But not all sins are mentioned by name, for the Bible would be endless if that were true! So another question needs to be asked, "is it similar to those condemned in the Bible"? In Gal, 5:19-21, note the phrase "and the like". When we are uncertain about some matter, we should ask whether it is like sins specifically mentioned. For example, what about smoking marijuana? Is it not like "drunkenness"? You might compare something in question with the good things mentioned, noting those things in Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Is the matter in question more like the "fruit of the Spirit" (that which is good) or the "works of the flesh" (that which is evil)?

Another question to consider, does it hurt your conscience? Note the importance of a good conscience in light of the following Scriptures - 1 Ti 1:5 "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.", 18-19 "This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,"; 3:9 "They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." Violating our conscience to the degree it no longer bothers us is a sure sign of apostasy! - 1 Ti 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,"

This may help us to appreciate Romans 14:23 "But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." . Doing something when you doubt its rightfulness is to violate your conscience. That, declares Paul, is sin! So an act may be good in of itself, but if you think it is wrong (because of incorrect knowledge) or have doubts about its rightfulness, then don't do it!

Another help is to ask, "what do mature Christians say about it? Of course, this is not the ultimate determining factor for mature Christians can be wrong, as they would be the first to admit. But, Heb 5:14 does say that those who by "reason of use" are in a position to discern. "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." This is why the advice of mature Christians can be helpful - Ph 3:17 "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." The example of Rehoboam's failure to listen to the advice of older, mature men should teach us something - (1 Kin 12:6-20). Paul instructed Titus that the younger should look to those older - Ti 2:2-5 "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

Then a question that is often overlooked is does it hinder our influence. By both example and word, Paul stressed the importance of being concerned about our influence on others. Notice his concern for how his influence affected the salvation of others - 1 Co 9:19-23 "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." He then commands to do likewise, in which we are simply imitating the example of Christ! - 1 Co 10:31-11:1 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

Peter taught the value of a good example in helping a wife win her husband to the Lord - 1 Pe 3:1-2 "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct." What is said of a wife's example would also be true of a Christian's example. So we should be concerned as to whether a practice under question helps or hinders our influence for the Lord!

We might question is it poor stewardship? That we are "stewards" of our time, money, and bodies is evident from the Lord's Parable of the Talents - Mt 25:14-30. Also from Paul's instruction concerning our bodies - 1 Co 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." From his directions for those rich in this world - 1 Ti 6:17-19 "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

Some activities may be harmless in themselves, but require so much time and energy there is none left for the Lord! This can be true of vocations, hobbies, etc. We should bear in mind that time is limited and therefore priorities must be set and kept - Ep 5:16 "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."; Mt 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Finally, we can ask would Jesus do it? Remember the goal of discipleship as found in Lk 6:40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." In other words, to be like Jesus! "Would Jesus do it?" is therefore an appropriate question. If you think He would not, it is probably wrong! This makes the study of Jesus of prime importance. Studying His life, His examples, His Word. So that we can have the "mind of Christ" - Ph 2:5 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,".

I hope that these seven questions can help in identifying what is good and what is evil. The importance of properly discerning between good and evil is seen in such passages like 2 Co 6:16-7:1 "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." We are reminded of how blessed we are to be the people of God and the responsibility to act accordingly, if we wish to have a closer walk with God!

Here are some questions to stimulate your thinking.

Do you have some older Christian to whom you feel free to go to for advice?

Do you feel that you usually give enough thought to the effect of your actions on other people?

Are you trying to keep a good conscience in all that you do?

Will you ask, when in doubt, "What would Jesus do?"