Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Feb. 9, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
BIBLE-BELIEVING FUNDAMENTALISTS BELIEVE IN SERVICE (GOOD WORKS)
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-15
Text: Titus 3:8
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Introduction: A Bible-believing fundamentalist believes the Bible he holds in his hand is God’s inspired, inerrant, infallible word. He holds certain grand truths of that Bible to be FUNDAMENTAL and makes those truths qualifications for fellowship.
One of those fundamentals is expressed in our scripture reading this morning. It is the wonderful truth of
SERVICE (GOOD WORKS)
This doctrine is non-negotiable. It is not a secondary doctrine; it is PRIMARY. It is not INCIDENTAL; it is FUNDAMENTAL. A person who doesn’t make SERVICE a major part of his theology, thinking, and task as a Christian has his emPHAsis on the wrong sylLAble!
To serve the Lord is to do good works, the works that He would have us to do! Our text is an admonition from an old preacher to a young preacher, telling him that he should “affirm constantly” this truth.
That is, if I’m to be a “Pauline preacher,” I need to be CONSTANTLY telling God’s people to do good works! LIVE RIGHT!
1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
1 Timothy 6:17-18 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
I. GOOD WORKS ARE A PURPOSE OF SALVATION
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
We are not saved to SIT, but to SERVE!
We are not saved just for HEAVEN, but for HIM!!!
A. They are the plan of God
B. They are profitable in His work
C. They are profitable toward others
II. GOOD WORKS ARE A PRODUCT OF THE SPIRIT
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
In performing good works, we find God’s purpose for us:
A. To learn to live
B. To learn to love
C. To learn to lean on Him
D. To learn to look for the Second Coming and the Judgment Seat of Christ
III. GOOD WORKS ARE A PROOF OF SINCERITY
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Our works show our sincerity with regard to: