The Practice of "Good Works." 

"Good works," here is a phrase that evangelical believers and perhaps "Brethren-commonly so-called," shrink away from. Their dread fear is that someone or another will misconstrue their actions as efforts to merit salvation blessing. Of course, all who truly know the Saviour personally will defend the unchanging truth of salvation by grace on "the principle of faith," "NOT on (the principal of works) less any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9&10.

 But such avoidance of "good works" renders faith as dead! "Faith without works is dead." Rather our actions should evidence the reality of our faith; our constant watchword must be, "I will show you my faith by my works." Faith should be "out-worked" in harmony with the living spring of love welling up within in our hearts; it should be commensurate with the measure of our gratitude for the divine grace that has been lavished upon us, "grace upon grace." 

But there are other considerations regarding the practice of "good works," which are worthy of our attention. The New Testament Scriptures are replete with examples of, and exhortations to, "good works." Particular attention should be given to the Epistles addressed to Timothy and Titus, also to the Epistle of James. 1 Timothy 5:10; 6:18; Titus 2:7&14; 3:8; James 2:14,18,20;

The perfect example is the Lord Jesus, who spoke of His own "good works" thus: "Many good works have I shewn you of My Father; for which work of them do you stone Me? John 10:32. In His Olivet discourse, He exhorted the "citizens of the Kingdom," to "let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your good (upright) works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens." Matthew 5:16. In Acts 9 we are introduced to Tabitha and read her testimony: "A certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, which being interpreted means Dorcas. She was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did." Acts 9:36.

Just prior to the writer to the Hebrews' exhortation, "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves (please note it is "ourselves" not as often quoted "yourselves,) together," with which we are so familiar, his exhortation is "let us consider one another for provoking to love and good works;" perhaps not so familiar, brethren!

Finally, as to quotations from the Word of God may I direct you to 1 Peter 2:11&12. In particular to these phrases: that "they may through [your] good works, [themselves] witnessing [them], glorify God in [the] day of visitation."

I have multiplied scripture after scripture, but I do not apologise. But I do realise that we may well teach these things and yet be of little help when we offer no relevant practical advice. I will therefore admittedly very simple offer some thoughts. These are times of a peculiar nature which I doubt we have ever experienced before. With this in mind, I own that it has been harder perhaps than usual to serve the Master as we would. But this "time" has given us an opportunity to find different approaches to service. We have had ample time to engage in prayer, what a privilege and a precious ministry is thus afforded to us. We may herald the glad tidings by any and every means of distributing the written Word of God. There are those of the Lords' people who will come upon our hearts as the bidding of the Holy Spirit, He would have us to meet their need in a practical way. Those Assemblies who would collectively "take care" of the Lord's servants, may not be able to due to present circumstances; so we must individually look into our hearts and open our hands! Real practical fellowship. As lockdown eases visits to those who ate lonely and in hospital can be resumed. And there is still the need to donate to Food Banks, what a simple exercise of love. In the U.K. alone it is estimated that during the past year some 170,000 families have availed themselves of this service. Let is not be put to shame by the world at large.

I own these are feeble thoughts, but put them to the test and you may well be surprised; the Lord loves a cheerful giver, and it may help us to cultivate a more generous spirit in a world of greed and selfishness. 2 Corinthians 9:7.

May the Lord Himself remind us of His infinitely costly sacrifice, and thereby move us to the sacrificial giving of ourselves first, as the Assemblies of Macedonia "gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us by God's will," says the Apostle. And may we give in such a measure, of our time, our abilities, our gifts, our prosperity, and more. 2 Corinthians 8:5.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sakes He, being rich, became poor, in order that ye by His poverty might be enriched." 2 Corinthians 8:9.                                 "Thanks [be] to God for His unspeakable free gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15.