DOING GOOD

Wednesday, September 30, 2009


Introduction:
The Greek New Testament uses two important words which are both translated as GOOD in English. One is AGATHOS which describes that which is good because it is good in its character and also beneficial in its impact. Example: A Good tree (the tree is good) produces good fruit (impact). The other word is KALOS which describes that which is good in character but also good as beautiful, honorable and able to adjust to its circumstances. The distinction is simple: Agathos- good with a good or beneficial impact. Kalos- Good with a beneficial impact but is also beautiful (as in admirable)at the same time.

One verse uses both Agathos and Kalos: Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble (Kalos) and good (Agathos) heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Anything that you do must be both Agathos and Kalos.

What is the believer’s belief concerning good works or good deeds? The Lord Jesus tells us how we should view Good deeds or good works: Matt 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

1. It is a command (respond by obedience),
2. It is a commitment (choose to make it happen).
3. It must have social visibility (that they may see).
4. It has an ultimate goal - with the glory God as the ultimate goal (glorify God your Father in heaven)

Paul explains why this is so: Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. We were created for GOOD WORKS and God prepared beforehand these good works beforehand for us.

From Galatians, we learn very specific principles and guidelines about doing what is good:

Gal 6:9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

I- DOING GOOD WORKS IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE; IT IS VERY MUCH A MATTER OF OPPORTUNITY. While we have opportunity. Why not always possible? Good as beautiful, honorable, helpful or beneficial is not always possible. Some people who are not believers may not even want us near them when life is okay. They do not need anything beneficial from us because they are self-sufficient. But, during a calamity, the opportunity to do good opens up. The rich and the poor, when hit by something really hard, will need friends, comfort and our presence.

II- DOING GOOD HAS A SPECIFIC RULE: BELIEVERS FIRST AND THEN EVERYONE. All men but the household of faith first.

III- DOING GOOD HAS AN ENEMY: IT IS CALLED DONOR FATIGUE OR GOOD WORKS FATIGUE. It is also known as losing heart. The answer to this:

1. Decide that this is beautiful in God’s sight.
2. Determine the act that is really beneficial to the recipient. It brings joy.
3. Develop a system of doing this as a group because there is strength in doing this together.