TBC Doctrinal Class - Good Works & Purity (Part 10)

TBC DOCTRINAL CLASS PARAGRAPH 11: GOOD WORKS & PURITY OF LIFE AND DOCTRINE MEMORY VERSE 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. STATEMENT 11 We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:1-4; 12:1-2; Titus 3:8). We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. Romans 6:1–4 (ESV) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2By no means! 3 How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. Titus 3:8 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. We believe in the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:1-4; 12:1-2; Titus 3:8). 1. There some things that are necessary for believers after salvation. Implication: Though salvation is a free gift (see statement 13), salvation comes with responsibilities/obligations. STATEMENT 13 We believe . . . That salvation is by grace (unmerited favour) through faith, a free gift of God wholly apart from the deeds of the flesh, involving repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ on the part of the sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 4:5; 2 Timothy 1:9). (bolding mine) We believe in the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:1-4; 12:1-2; Titus 3:8). 1. There some things that are necessary for believers after salvation. Implication: Though salvation is a free gift (see statement 13), salvation comes with responsibilities/ obligations. 2. Good works are necessary after salvation. 3. Purity of life is necessary after salvation. 4. Purity of doctrine is necessary after salvation. STATEMENT 12 We believe . . . In the eternal security of the believer, that it is impossible for one born into the family of God ever to be lost (John 1:12; 10:27-29; Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 5:10-13). ARE GOOD WORKS NECESSARY FOR CHRISTIANS? “This question about the necessity of good works has often perplexed Christians.” “If, on the one hand, we say no, good works are not necessary, we can hardly make sense of the warnings and moral imperatives of the New Testament. But if we say good works are necessary to salvation, it can sound like we’ve suddenly made heaven the product of our effort and obedience.” —Kevin DeYoung “Five Questions about Sancti cation and Good Works: Are Good Works Necessary to Salvation?” www.thegospelcoalition.org 8 October 2015. fi Photo: Masa Sakano What are the 2 major errors regarding good works? 1. Legalism (doing good works to earn my way to heaven) 2. Libertinism (living any way I want to) Photo: Masa Sakano If Christians must maintain good works, how do we explain these verses? Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV) For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” Discuss with your group 1) what aspect of salvation is in view, and 2) what the phrase “works of the law” refers to. Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV) For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” Discuss with your group 1) what aspect of salvation is in view, and 2) what the phrase “works of the law” refers to. Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV) For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” fi How can Christians’ good works not contribute to their justi cation but still be commanded for other things? WHAT DOES THE PHRASE “WORKS OF THE LAW” REFER TO IN THESE VERSES? Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV) For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” “Works of the Law” refers to approaching God for my salvation on the basis of my keeping the Mosaic Law or my keeping any set of laws for my justi cation. fi Romans 4:5 (ESV) And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Galatians 2:16 (ESV) yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 3:10-11 (ESV) For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” REGARDING GOOD WORKS “There be three opinions touching the necessity of good works: First, of the papists, who hold them necessary, as causes of our salvation and justi cation. . . . Secondly, of some Protestants, who hold them necessary, though not as principal causes (for they say, we are only justi ed and saved by Christ), yet as conservant [conserving/ preserving] causes of our salvation. But the truth is, they are no causes of salvation, neither ef cient, principal, nor conservant, nor yet material, formal, or nal, as has elsewhere been shown. fi fi fi fi William Perkins, “Of Good Works, An Exposition of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount,” Works, vol. 1, pp. 233-242. REGARDING GOOD WORKS “The third opinion is the truth, that good works are necessary, not as causes of salvation, or justi cation, but as inseparable consequents of saving faith in Christ, whereby we are justi ed and saved, or as a way is necessary to the going to a place.” bolding mine; William Perkins, “Of Good Works, An Exposition of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount,” Works, vol. 1, pp. 233-242. fi fi consequent: something that follows something else, esp as a result https://www.dictionary.com/browse/consequent “The third opinion is the truth, that good works are necessary, not as causes of salvation, or justi cation, but as inseparable consequents of saving faith in Christ, whereby we are justi ed and saved, or as a way is necessary to the going to a place.” —William Perkins fi fi Photo:Wynand van Poortvliet Where are believers going? 1. Spatially/locationally—to heaven 2. Spiritually—to sanctification/holiness Does scripture use “way/ pathway/road” language to refer to believers’ good works? How are “good works . . . necessary, not as causes of salvation, or justi cation, but . . . as a way is necessary to the going to a place.” —William Perkins fi Photo:Wynand van Poortvliet We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Colossians 1:9–10 (ESV) And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; What precedes walking in good works in both Ephesians 2 and Colossians 1? Ephesians 2:4–10 (ESV) 4But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. What precedes walking in good works in both Ephesians 2 and Colossians 1? Colossians 1:3–11 (ESV) We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. . . . 9And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Where are believers going? 1. Spatially—to heaven 2. Spiritually—to sanctification/holiness What is another term for sanctification? Christ-likeness 1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. What is God the Father’s goal for every believer? Christ-likeness Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he [the Father] foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. What was Jesus’ relationship to good works? Group activity: 1. Look up John 4:34; 5:20; 5:30; 8:28 and Acts 10:38 and explain/summarize Jesus’ relationship to good works. 2. Look up Luke 6:35 and John 14:12 and explain how Jesus expected His followers to relate to good works when Jesus was no longer around. What was Jesus’ relationship to good works? John 4:34 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Summary: Jesus’ sense of purpose and satisfaction was directly tied to His doing the Father’s will and performing the work that the Father gave Him to do. What was Jesus’ relationship to good works? John 5:20 (ESV) For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. Summary: Jesus interpreted the Father’s showing the His work to Jesus as an act of love, which Jesus then showed to His disciples for their spiritual benefit. What was Jesus’ relationship to good works? John 5:30 (ESV) “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 8:28 (ESV So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. Summary: Jesus limited His works and words to what the Father willed and authorised Him to do. What was Jesus’ relationship to good works? Acts 10:38 (ESV) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Summary: Jesus’ entire earthly ministry can be summarised as “doing good through the power of the Holy Spirit.” How did Jesus frame good works for His disciples? John 14:12 (ESV) Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Luke 6:35 (ESV) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Summary: Jesus identified his true followers by their doing the works that He did and by their doing greater works after He ascended to heaven. Can a true Christian neglect good works? NO! 1. The alternative to good works is bad works = sin. 3 John 11 (ESV) Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 2. The character of a tree is revealed in the fruit. A life of bad fruit/works reveals that a person is unregenerated/not a Christian. Matthew 7:16–20 (ESV) You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Commands for believers to engage in good works Galatians 6:9–10 (ESV) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV) See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV) As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. Commands for believers to engage in good works 1 Timothy 6:18 (ESV) They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 1 Peter 2:15 (ESV) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1. Good Works Are Obedience to God's Word The only good works are works commanded by God 1 in the Bible. They do not include works that are not commanded by the Bible, such as those done by humans out of blind zeal or with the appearance of 2 good intentions. 1. Micah 6:8; Hebrews 13:21 2. Matthew 15:9; Isaiah 29:13 https://1689londonbaptistconfession.com/16 ARE YOUR GOOD WORKS TRULY GOOD? right action wrong motive right action right motive wrong action wrong motive wrong action right motive 2. The Results of Good Works, Which Are the Fruit of Faith These good works, which are done in obedience to God's commandments, are fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith. 3 By them: believers express their thankfulness 4 strengthen their assurance 5 edify fellow believers profess the gospel 6 answer people who are against the faith and glorify God 7 Believers are God's workmanship and created in Christ Jesus for good works. 8 These good works bear fruit that lead to holiness, and the result of this is eternal life. 9 3. James 2:18, 22 4. Psalms 116:12-13 5. 1 John 2:3, 5; 2 Peter 1:5-11 6. Matthew 5:16 7. 1 Timothy 6:1; 1 Peter 2:15; Philemon 1:11 8. Ephesians 2:10 9. Romans 6:22 3. The Ability to Do Good Works Comes From the Spirit Their ability to do good works is not at all from themselves, but rather completely from the Spirit of Christ 10 To be enabled to do good works, they need—besides the grace they have already received—an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do his good pleasure. 11 However, they should not become negligent, as if they were not required to perform any duty unless they receive a special motion of the Spirit. Rather, they should be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. 12 10. John 15:4-5 11. 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 2:13 12. Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 6:11, 12; Isaiah 64:7 4. Even the Greatest Obedience Falls Short Those who attain the greatest height of obedience which is possible in this life are still so far from being able to surpass or do what God requires that they still fall short in much of the duty they are required to 13 do. 13. Job 9:2-3; Galatians 5:17; Luke 17:10 5. Our Good Works Cannot Merit Forgiveness or Eternal Life Even by our best works, we cannot merit forgiveness of sin or eternal life before God because of the great disproportion between our works and the glory to come and the infinite distance between us and God. By our good works, we can neither contribute to nor satisfy God for the debt of our former sins. 14 When we have done all that we can, we have merely done our duty and are unprofitable servants. Because our good works are good, they come from his Spirit. 15 At the same time, since they are done by us, they are defined and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection that they cannot endure the severity of God's punishment. 16 14. Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:6 15. Galatians 5:22-23 16. Isaiah 64:6; Psalms 43:2 6. God Accepts Our Good Works Nevertheless, believers are accepted through Christ, 17 so their good works are accepted in him. Their good works are not accepted as completely blameless and irreproachable in God's sight. Rather, because God looks upon them in his Son, he is pleased to accept and reward good works that are sincere, even though they are accompanied by many weaknesses 18 and imperfections. 17. Ephesians 1:5; 1 Peter 1:5 18. Matthew 25:21, 23; Hebrews 6:10 7. Even the Good Works of Unbelievers Are Sinful Although works done by unregenerate people might be things that God commands and are profitable to both themselves and others, 19 —since they do not come from a heart purified by faith, 20 are not done in a right manner according to the Bible, 21 and are not done for the right purpose, namely, the glory of God 22 —they are therefore sinful and cannot please God. These works cannot make a person qualified to receive grace from God. 23 At the same time, it is even more sinful and displeasing to God if they neglect those kinds of works. 24 19. 2 Kings 10:30; 1 Kings 21:27, 29 20. Genesis 4:5; Hebrews 11:4, 621. 1 Corinthians 13:1 22. Matthew 6:2, 5 23. Amos 5:21-22; Romans 9:16; Titus 3:5 24. Job 21:14-15; Matthew 25:41-43 DAN’S SUMMARY Believers must do good works because 1. Good works are commanded by God. Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Believers must do good works because 2. Good works bring glory to God the Father. Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Believers must do good works because 3. Although we are saved by grace alone (apart from our works), good works are one of the purposes for God saving us. A. God has created us “in Christ Jesus for good works.” B. Good works are not an afterthought to our salvation in God’s mind since God Himself “prepared beforehand” our future good works. Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Believers must do good works because 4. Christ died to redeem a people who would be purified for good works and zealous for good works. Titus 2:13–14 (ESV) waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior 14 Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Believers must do good works because 5. Good works authenticate the reality of our invisible faith. (I.e., Good works show whether our faith is alive or dead.) James 2:14 (ESV) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James 2:17–18 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not 18 have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:26 (ESV) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. Believers must do good works because 6. Good works adorn our Gospel witness and undercut our persecutors. 1 Peter 2:12 (ESV) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Believers must do good works because 7. Good works benefit not only the recipients but also the doers of good works. Titus 3:8 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. FOCUSING NOW ON “PURITY OF LIFE” We believe . . . In the necessity of believers maintaining good works and purity of life and doctrine. (Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:1-4; 12:1-2; Titus 3:8). We believe in the necessity of believers maintaining . . . purity of life Romans 6:1–4 (ESV) What shall we say then? Are we to 2 continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. What does “walking in newness of life” look like? Romans 6:1–4 (ESV) We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 8:4 (ESV) in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. How do we learn what “walking in newness of life” and purity of life looks like? Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. FOCUSING NOW ON “PURITY OF DOCTRINE” We believe in the necessity of believers maintaining purity of doctrine. 2 John 9 (ESV) Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV) Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 6:3–4 (ESV) If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. . . . What does unhealthy teaching lead to? 1 Timothy 6:3–4 (ESV) If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that 4 accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.