I. God expects us to do good works
A. Eph 2:8-10. God saved us by His grace, created us for good works.
B. Interesting that while we are not saved by works (v. 8), they are still expected.
C. Titus 2:11-14. God's purpose in saving us was to create a special people who
are zealous for good works.
D. Again, this does not invalidate grace (v. 11)-but rather means that we truly
understand grace and want to work for the One who saved us.
E. Titus 3:1, 8, 14. God expects good works!
F. James 2:14-17. Simply saying we believe and care is not enough. We must do
the good works!

II. What can we do?
A. "Good works" is hard to define. What exactly does God want us to be doing?
We want to focus in this lesson on the things we can do to care for other people. God has much to say on the subject.
B. Matt 25:31-46. Here are some very practical things we can do to help others.
Notice that Jesus says these things determine our eternal destiny!
C. Feeding the hungry, taking in strangers, clothing the naked, visiting those in
prison. These reveal a desire to meet others' needs and help them in any
way we can.
D. Jesus also stresses that if we help even the least, we do the kindness to Him.
E. Notice also that although money might be involved, many of these things
involve time and concern rather than just money.
F. James 1:27. Helping and caring for others is "pure and undefiled religion."
We are not limited to widows and orphans, but rather are to be concerned
for the weak.
G. Also, this passage is not limited to money, but providing for the needs of the
weak in any way we can.
H. 1 John 3:16-18. Love is not words but actions. We must love "in deed and in
truth".
I. A good example of how we can love is v. 17. We have the ability to help, see a
need, and must meet it. If we do not, we shut up our heart from him.
J. Luke 6:30-35. Here Jesus applies the "golden rule" to helping our brother.
Just as we would like others to help us, we must care for them.
K. Notice especially that we are to give and lend without thinking of getting
anything in return. (Prov 19:17)
L. Gal 6:10. A general statement of what God wants each of us to be. We have
an obligation first to our brothers and sisters, but we are to do good to all.
Any opportunity we have, we must care for others. These are the good works God expects.
M. It is clear from these passages that there is an attitude God wants His people
to have. Christians should be well-known for generosity, willingness to
help, and a genuine care for all people. When we do, we know we embody the commands and example of the Savior.
N. These passages stress individual action. Each one of us will stand before the
Lord in judgment based on how we cared for others. No one can do these things for us!

III. Some warnings about caring for others
A. We must be certain not to "grow weary" in caring for others. (Gal 6:9) This
kind of effort and concern for others can wear us down, and we must be careful to always looking for opportunities.
B. Perhaps a word should be said here about abuses. People often abuse the
generosity and kindness of Jesus' followers. Does this mean we should
not be kind and generous?
C. We must not become angry or bitter because some do not live as they should.
Our obligation is the same, regardless of the outcome of past attempts!
D. We must be careful not to do this to be seen of men. (Matt 6:1-4). Do we
want everyone to know that we care? Do we "sound a trumpet"? Are we frustrated when others don't give us credit for what we do?
E. We must give of our time, money, and attention cheerfully. (2 Cor 9:7). God
loves a cheerful giver, and does not want us to give grudgingly or of
necessity.

Are we showing the spirit of Christ in our attitude and actions before others? What will Jesus tell me on that day?

___Jacob Hudgins