Context
In our culture and society, our identities are often tied to our work. I remember a time when I evaluated myself to decide between earning money and finding meaning, or having both, because I didn’t want to work just for the sake of work but to seek a sense of worth in my work. This marked the beginning of my journey to discover my true God-given purpose in life. It’s essential to remember that we are created, called, and cultivated for good works. In a nutshell, your purpose is simply to engage in good works that glorify God and benefit humanity; when you serve your purpose, your greatness lies in that. Make sure you keep this fact in mind.
Work itself is not inherently evil; however, the kind of work you undertake can be classified as good or bad. The first book of the Bible introduces God as the Creator of all things, establishing work in its perfect form as something good. Work is not a curse but part of God’s plan and design, established before the fall.
God is the master craftsman who is diligent and wise in His work; therefore, we should reflect these attributes by working hard and smart. We are His workmanship. God still works alongside us, and we are God’s fellow workers (see 1 Corinthians 3:9).
Before the fall of man, work was an integral part of life for humanity because our God is a worker — He did the first work of creation, and upon completion, the feedback was good in His own eyes.
When He finally created a co-worker in His image and likeness to carry on, continue, and be in charge of His creation, His final feedback was “very good.” Therefore, work is a blessing, not a burden.
After the fall of man, sin made work burdensome, but work remains a blessing from God and is still a good thing. The blessing, however, is more fully enjoyed when it aligns with one’s God-given purpose, serving for the glory of God and the goodness of people.
There are two greatest works that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have accomplished for humanity. The first is the work of creation (see Gen. 1:1). From a corrupted heaven and an earth that was without form, void, and dark, God brought forth creation.
- Light serves for day and night — it was good
- Heaven, Earth — it was good
- Seas — it was good
- Plants — it was good
- The Sun, Moon, and Stars — it was good
- Animals in the sea — it was good
- Animals in the air — it was good
- Animals on the ground — it was good
- Man — the image and likeness of God — it was very good
The second most important work of the Holy Trinity is the work of salvation — rescuing from sin, Satan, and death to righteousness, reconciliation, and eternal life (see Eph. 4:24; 2 Cor. 5:17).
What do those good works mean in a biblical context?
This describes good works using an adjective and a noun — the adjective specifies the type of work we are created, called, and cultivated to do, which indicates the kind of work we should undertake, with ‘good’ as the qualifier.
“Good” means that which is pleasing to God in a sense also pleasing in His sight (see Heb. 13:21); that which is for His good pleasure (see Phil. 2:13) and profitable for others, producing and promoting life in others by focusing on their well-being and welfare. Good in the sense of demonstrating moral qualities, not just material possessions.
In a biblical sense, good works describe the fruits — the fruits of your labour or the fruits of your character.
Facts about good works:
- Good works include saving, solving, and serving.
- Good works are valuable in their significance, impact, and results.
- Good works are unique in a specific way.
- Good works are situational, engaging the spirit, soul, and body of a whole and balanced person.
- Good works can have a spiritual impact and a heavenly mandate.
- Good works can be supernatural — beyond the natural realm.
- Good works can successfully make a difference in others’ lives.
What is the purpose of your good works?
The purpose of all our good works is twofold:
1. For the glory of God
2. For the goodness of humanity (see Mat. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12; John 15:8)
As believers in Christ, all our good works are meant to glorify God, our Father in heaven, and for others to see, experience, benefit from, or be blessed by our good works (see Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12).
Our good works are meant to lead others to glorify God, our Father in heaven. They are intended and rooted in God’s good pleasure (see Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:20–21) and aimed at the glory and praise of God (see Phil. 1:11). Through this, God the Father is glorified (see John 15:8).
Our good works are also aimed at the goodness of humanity on earth — to see (to experience, benefit from, or be blessed with) and to observe (to notice and register as significant, to watch intentionally and attentively, to partake). Our good works should be visible for all to see, to also draw attention to God, not to ourselves. When the ultimate aim is God’s glory and the good of others, our good works contribute to our personal greatness in life.
What defines, includes, or is made up of good works?
The Godhead is at work — Christ is at work, and Christians should also be at work (see John 5:17).
As we can see:
- Christ came to do good (see Matt. 4:23).
- Christ did greater works (see John 14:12).
- Christ did many good works (see John 10:31–32).
Such good and great works consist of:
- Healing — restoring health from all sickness and diseases
- Delivering — casting out demons from those oppressed by the devil
- Teaching — truths and wisdom
- Preaching — the gospel of the kingdom
- Feeding
- Serving
- Leading, discipling, and mentoring — empowering His disciples to do the same
As Christians (ministers or members), we have been given the anointing, abilities (potential) and authority (power):
- For deliverance (power and authority over all demons)
- For healing (to cure diseases and to heal the sick)
- For preaching (the gospel and the kingdom of God)
Good works fall into two areas:
Good works in your character and conduct (our Walk) (see 1 Peter 2:12; Eph. 2:10):
- Character is not an accessory of good works; it is the foundation.
- Character is the first excellent work that people should see.
- Character is our intangible currency, as valuable as our contributions.
- Your character is an asset in the marketplace, especially in a world full of fraud and deceit.
- Display honesty and integrity that tells the truth to a deceptive and pretentious world, kindness that calms a selfish and unloving culture, generosity that opens doors for others, and patience that withstands pressures in your workplace or home.
Good works in your contribution (our Works for others) (see Titus 3:1):
- This is how we can utilize our acquired skills, positions held, natural talents, spiritual gifts, resources, and opportunities as tools for the betterment and change in the church, at work, at home, and in the community.
Created & Called
Created for good works — Christians are made in Christ for good works. We are God’s workmanship, called for good works (see Ephesians 2:10; John 14:12).
We are also promised even greater works (much fruit). Those who believe in Christ are not only created to do good works, but we are also told that those who believe in Christ will do the same good works that Christ does and even perform greater works.
The distinction between our salvation and our good works
Our salvation is not based on our good works but on grace and through faith in Jesus Christ, our Saviour, for our sins. What we are called to do is live out our salvation, not earn it.
Since we didn’t work for our salvation, it doesn’t mean we are saved to remain seated and do nothing, but rather to serve and share Christ. We are also called to work in serving the Saviour’s plan of salvation for sinners and to use our gifts and offices for the saints in the church. Therefore, good works are the result of our salvation.
Cultivate & Contribute
What role does the Holy Trinity play?
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all play a role in helping us engage in good works.
The Trinity offers presence, provision, and power to perform good works.
From God the Father, we receive the willingness and power to perform good works (see Philippians 2:13)
God works in us both to desire — meaning to instill the will to act — and to perform those deeds, which involve our conduct and contributions, all made possible by His grace and gifts. It is God who stirs within you the willingness to do good works and empowers you to carry them out wholeheartedly.
From God the Son, God the Father will prepare us for every good work through Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 13:21). Our good works are founded, formed, fruitful, and fulfilled in Christ Jesus, not outside of Him (see Ephesians 2:10). Do you realize that it’s possible to believe in Christ without truly living in Him? Those who both believe and live in Christ can produce much fruit.
From God, the Spirit, the presence, provision, and power to perform good works come directly through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the anointing (spiritual and supernatural enablement to do specific and significant tasks). Anointing and power come from the Holy Spirit. Anointing provides us with the ability and authority to carry out good works, which can be given by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:38). For example, kings, prophets, and priests had anointing and authority for their designated roles. Jesus embodies all of that.
God the Father instills willingness and desires in us, God the Son perfects us in every good work, and God the Spirit anoints us to carry out good works with authority.
How can we be prepared, equipped & complete for every good work
To be complete for every good work, we must be prepared and equipped. Cultivation is part of the process of becoming ready for all good works.
Equipping and preparing come through Scripture and sanctification. The Scripture is given to lead us to be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:16–17)
The Scripture nourishes and furnishes us through its teaching, training, instruction, correction, and discipline. The Word renews our minds, clarifying what is truly good, pleasing, and acceptable in God’s sight, and beneficial for humanity, while furnishing us for action. Therefore, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture because it is beneficial for teaching, training, and equipping you for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Sanctification cleanses our motives and flesh, increasing our worthiness and usefulness, thus making us vessels of honour (see 2 Timothy 2:21). We are called to purify ourselves — to become honourable vessels, sanctified, and useful to the Master. Our goal is to purify ourselves to be His special people — set apart, holy, and sanctified (see Titus 2:14).
The scripture and sanctification perfect the man or woman of God by preparing and purifying them for every, any, and all good works.
Case Study
Let’s review the story of Dorcas from Acts 9:36–43. She was a Christian woman known for her good works and recognized by her community for her kindness.
Acts 9:36 (NKJV) states, “Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds.” Her good works shine for all to see, which drew many to admire her. When she died, people urged Peter to pray for her to be raised back to life. After Peter brought her back to life, news of it spread across Joppa, leading many to believe in the Lord. This act glorified God, highlighting His desire for the salvation of souls.
Her kindness, charitable acts, and use of her natural talents and skills to serve others — particularly widows — brought glory to God. She was esteemed by many who wished she could still be alive to continue her good deeds. Even God made her life a testimony of His glory and goodness to others.
Conclusion
We are created, called, and cultivated for good works that please God and benefit others. Remember that our individual greatness lies in serving our purpose through these good works.
Let’s look at the expectations and outcomes of our good works.
A. Faithfulness in our good works. We need to be ready for every good work (see Titus 3:1). We are to be zealous (showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of good works (see Titus 2:14). We need to be established (as in strengthened) in every good word and work by God the Father and God the Son (2 Thessalonians 2:17). We need to encourage one another to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). We are to maintain good works (Titus 3:8). The believers in Crete have the opportunity to do good to Zenas and Apollos (Titus 3:14).
B. Fruitfulness in our good works (see Colossians 1:10). We are to be rich in good works (1 Timothy 6:18). We are to abound in every good work (see 2 Corinthians 9:8). We are to be fruitful or bear much fruit so that God the Father is glorified (see John 15:8)
C. Fulfillment from our good works. Positive feedback from God — Well done, faithful and fruitful servants of my will, for your work done. Finally, there will be rewards and rest for our good works (see 1 Corinthians 3:8; Revelation 14:13).
D. Followership through good works because our good works inspire others. We become an example, which means that we serve as a pattern of good works (see Titus 2:6–7).
Since we are God’s workmanship, created in and through Christ, only God provides us with the willingness in our hearts to fulfill the works of His will for us (see Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21).
Our good works give us a sense of worth because we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to walk in them.
Contributor: Brahim Kallon (Wisdom Grace)
