Good Works Rewarded
Bible Text: 2 Kings 8:1-15 | Preacher: Alan Conner | Series: 2 Kings, 2007
Northwest Bible Church – Feb. 4, 2007 – 2 Kings Series – Alan Conner
2 Kings 8:1-6
Good Works Rewarded
Intro:
GOD’S MERCY TO THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN.
The woman’s kindness to Elisha. 2 Kings 4:8-10.
God’s kindness to the woman. 2 Kings 8:1-6.
Blessing #1 – a son
Blessing #2 – raised the son from the dead
Blessing #3 – instruction about the coming famine.
Blessing #4 – restoration of her property
THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD BEHIND THE FOURTH BLESSING (vv. 4-6).
The woman is now a widow and returns after spending seven years in the land of the Philistines. To her dismay, someone has taken possession of her land during her absence and she comes to the king to ask for her house and field to be restored to her. The king was hearing from Gehazi the story of how Elisha raised this woman’s son from the dead right when she appeared at the court. What incredible timing! No coincidence but the providence of God is behind it. God controls our steps.
Why was this event recorded by the Holy Spirit?
III. THE THEOLOGY OF GOOD WORKS
God is good and does good. Psa. 119:68 Thou art good and doest good.
This is the basis for His people being good and doing good. We are to reflect His character, His holy and good image. When we are good, we are like the good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11).
God’s people are to be good and do good. The importance of God’s people doing good works.
What are good works? Geneva Study Bible: “A good deed is one which is according to the right standard (the Bible), performed with a right motive (love for God and others), and for the right purpose (the glory of God).”
1) Good works do not save, but give evidence of salvation. Eph. 2:8-9.
2) Good works glorify God. John 15:8 “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
3) We are created for good works and God has predestined that we do them, Eph. 2:10
4) God is pleased by our good works. Heb. 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
5) We are exhorted to be zealous for good works.
Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Titus 3:14 And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
1Cor. 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
1Cor. 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common 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.
Gal. 6:10 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.
Col. 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
2Th. 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing 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.
1Tim. 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
6) Good works brings blessings in this life. 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. Eph. 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
7) We will be judged by our works and our rewards in heaven will be based on them. These are grace rewards for they are ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit and we cannot take credit for any of them. 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne of God.
Matt. 10:41 “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
Matt. 10:42 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward.”
Prov. 19:17 He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.
2Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
1Tim. 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
1Tim. 6:19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
Personal preparation for good works.
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CONCLUSION