Discipleship REVAMPED

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP — Jabe Nicholson — A Helping Hand: Chapter Target Just as Jesus “went about doing good”, we need to train others to do the same so that Christ’s reflec- tive light can shine through us into this dark world. When I was a boy, the most common stantly, that those who have believed in word association I had with “good God should be careful to maintain good works” was “filthy rags”. How true it is: works,” 3:8, — good works as a lifestyle. good works can’t cancel out bad deeds, nor be traded for eternal life. But, while THE ULTIMATE we cannot work our way to heaven, we EXAMPLE ought to work on our way to heaven.  Doing good works is expected in the I was already in adulthood when I Christian’s life. Where can we look noticed the Bible’s emphasis on believers’ good works. At first, I only thought about to for an example in doing this? doing good, until I discovered that God doesn’t answer daydreams; He answers The Lord is our Exemplar. “God prayers. In daydreams, I was the hero. What I’d do if I had a million bucks! But anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy in prayer, He’s the Hero. I love Luke’s commendation of Dorcas, who provided Spirit and with power, who went about doing goodwill for the awakening under Peter’s preaching: “At Joppa there was a certain good,” Acts 10:38, a key element in His re- disciple named…Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable vealing the Father to an unbelieving world. deeds which she did” (Acts 9:36). Not good works which she thought about, or Many today have caricatured God as cruel, planned for her retirement, but “which she did”. The Ouch Factor? “To him who vindictive, and remote. When scoffers de- knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin,” James 4:17. scribe Him in this way, I reply, “That isn’t What does our Disciple’s Manual the God I know. He answers my prayers. I say? “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of see Him meeting people’s needs. He’s al- the household of faith,” Gal 6:10. “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of ways doing wonderful things!” good works,” Titus 2:7. “Affirm con- In Jesus’ day, folks had wrong thoughts ...one of about God, too. So one the aims of the aims of His mini- of [Jesus’s] stry was to show how generous His Father ministry was. He knew the was to power of good works show how generous His Father to win people’s hearts was. and point them to God. 1

MAKING DISCIPLES “Many good works I have shown you interface between heaven’s largesse and from My Father… If I do not do the works earth’s needs. We soon are recognized as of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I God’s local reps. As one school secretary do, though you do not believe Me, believe said, “We don’t know your name, sir. We the works, that you may know and be- just call you the man from God.” lieve that the Father is in Me, and I in Him,” Jn 10:32,37,38. Paul explained, “the Will some take advantage of us, and goodness of God leads you to repen- misuse what we give? Yes, just as they did tance,” Rom 2:4. with the Savior. But we can’t afford to be- come cynical. Here’s a helpful verse: “He THE IMPORTANCE who has pity on the poor lends to the OF GOOD WORKS Lord, and He will pay back what he has given,” Prov 19:17. Be wise on the front Why is it important to end, but relax on the back end. The Lord the Lord for us to be engaged takes giving on His behalf personally. He has you covered. in good works? THE BENEFITS OF The astronomical cost of Calvary was GOOD WORKS not only to save us from sin, but to sal- vage us from purposelessness. Christ IN DISCIPLESHIP “gave Himself for us, that He might re- deem us from every lawless deed and pu- Besides obeying our Lord, rify for Himself His own special people, what are some other practical zealous for good works,” Titus 2:14. These benefits of doing good works? works were pre-planned to match the ca- pabilities our Designer placed within us. “It is good for a man to bear the yoke “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God in his youth,” Lam 3:27. I have found it a prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” Eph 2:10. God put these good great blessing to labor alongside young works on your To-Do List. men when doing good works in the com- Our Lord described this earth- heaven linkage as follows: “Let your light munity. As my body becomes less capable so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father of manual labor, they are just coming into in heaven,” Mt 5:16. I have found that good works are the ideal handmaiden of their own. My experi- the gospel. Especially in a community where you are unknown, even unwel- ence and their energy Many come, good works done in a godly way are a great combo. young men increase your visibility and credibility. Like a wall receptacle, the Christian is the Young men, per- have not haps before they’ve been begun to express them- shown how selves in a public way to work in church life, can non- well... etheless speak the uni- versal language of love. Many young men have not been shown how to work well: how to pick the right tools for the job, how 2

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP to break a large job into smaller, manage- he helped an old couple around their able tasks, how to work cooperatively house, then shared supper with them, the with others, how to happily serve in lowly highlight of his week. tasks, how to not quit until the service is “Ah, so you do have the formula. It completed, and that the job isn’t done really is ‘more blessed to give than to re- until the tools are away. And, of course, ceive’ (Acts 20:35). So now just multiply that loving service begins at home, sweet that Friday evening experience as many home. times as the Lord gives you strength and I recall speaking to my son, David, opportunity, and you’ll be living in the while I was away preaching. A brother heavenlies, too.” To paraphrase the Lord’s had marshaled the young teen boys to words: Try it; you’ll like it. help a spinster move apartments. She had Young men need to learn what “a good quite a stash, and the work was rigorous. kind of tired” feels like. The world says with “I’m learning to sweat for the Lord,” said disdain, “I’ve been used.” The devoted dis- David — one of the best lessons in the ciple says, “I want to be used.” This should textbook. You can help young men master be the heartfelt desire of this. every servant, to “very ...working gladly spend and be with one’s Good works, unlike many spiritual spent” for Him, 2 Cor 12:15. When the Scrip- hands ministries, have immediate results. It’s ture says it’s good “to [helps to] work with your own calm the energizing for young men to experience hands,” 1 Thes 4:11, it soul, order means it. In this high- the mind, the joy of a job well done. Legitimate com- tech/low-touch world, and pliments go a long way in making diffi- develop the body cult tasks become worthwhile. Of course, we shouldn’t be looking for praise from men; hopefully we’re doing it for the Lord. “When you do a charitable deed, do the tactile pleasure of for future working with one’s service. not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do…that they may have glory hands gives opportuni- from men. Assuredly, I ties to calm the soul, order the mind, and It’s more say to you, they have develop the body for future service. sanitary to their reward,” Mt 6:2. It’s more sanitary to PRACTICAL HINTS toot your toot your own horn, but IN GOOD WORKS own horn, but the the music will not be Good works is the way to go! music will sweet. But what are some effective ways not be A young man once to go about it? sweet. told me, “Your life and mine are opposite; you dance on the clouds; I drag through the “Give to him who asks you,” Mt 5:42. Our primary goal in ministering to others mud.” I inquired if there was any time is not simply to meet material needs. The Lord gave people bread, but really during his week when he felt joy in serv- ing. Yes, he said, every Friday afternoon 3

MAKING DISCIPLES wanted them to receive the Bread of Life. who had expended their resources in the We want people to understand their value gospel. God delights to find those willing to God, His attention to our cries, His gen- to be channels of His blessing. erous heart in giving, and the Supreme Gift He especially wants them to receive. It isn’t up to us to determine if some- But when we are instructed to give to the thing is legitimate. We pray with the per- one who asks, we don’t always give what son, asking the Lord to provide if it’s a he asks. We don’t want to enable bad true need. In this way, if it is provided, we habits. The drug addict who asks money know the Lord considers it a legitimate for food should probably be treated to a need. But more, the person has a real-life meal, not given money. A single mother, lesson that a) God is real; b) He answers rather than a handout, might be better prayer; and c) He deserves all the thanks. served with help in saving, budgeting, This is crucial. People are quick to give couponing, and buying produce in season. you the thanks that God deserves. We must explain, “I’m just the delivery boy. Thus Paul’s prayer mingles encour- God asked to use my pickup, but this is agement with warning: “This I pray, that all from Him.” your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,” GOD PROVIDES FOR Php 1:9. If love, like a rolling river, doesn’t NEEDS, NOT GREEDS flow within the banks of knowledge and discernment, it can do great harm. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may How do we know when to involve spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). ourselves in practical projects for the Lord? How could Jesus say, “I have fin- Only once in our ministry here has ished the work” after only a few years? the Lord not sent the provision for a Because He added “which You have given request. A school, thinking this was their Me to do” Jn 17:4. It is true that we are to only opportunity, “padded” their list with be servants to people, but we must remain things they didn’t need, to keep for the fu- servants of God. Men are not our masters. ture. No money arrived for this large ap- When called on to rescue Lazarus, “He peal. I returned with the list and told them stayed two more days in the place,” Jn my suspicion. With a sheepish smile, they 11:6. There’s a time element to God’s will. confessed that was the case. When they Every morning, available for service, He edited the list to only their needs, the checked with His Father.  money showed up that very day! In seeking a practical way to know Here’s the way the Lord usually where to invest good works, we found a works. I received a call from a teacher in a simple solution. When one asked for help, county I seldom visit. She heard through we let them know our wealth is in God. another teacher that I might help. A spe- He’s promised to meet our needs, not cial needs girl in her class, sight-impaired, greeds: “My God shall supply all your couldn’t see the smart-board. If she had an need according to His riches in glory by iPad, she could have the lesson up close.  Christ Jesus,” Php 4:19, — this to believers 4

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP “That sounds like a real need. How FAITH TO ASK much would that cost?” She said about & FAITH TO WAIT $1,000.  God neither worries or hurries. “Oh, I don’t have that much money,” His answers always arrive at just the I replied. right time. We must learn patience. “I thought you did.” Be careful about mixing good works “No, but I have a Friend who does. Could we ask Him?” and Good News. If you say, “I’ll help if “Of course.” “Could we ask Him right now?” I in- you let me preach the gospel,” they think quired. Long silence. “You mean…pray? you’re trying to buy converts. Instead, fol- That works?” “Well, God works,” I said. And so we low Christ’s example. He “went about prayed together for the child — for the needs of her spirit, soul, and body — and doing good”, waiting for the Father to said goodbye. That was at 3:30 pm. At 4:30, the phone rang again. It was open a door for the gospel. One day He a friend in Alabama. “Could we have lunch tomorrow?” fed the multitude; the “Sure, brother. What’s up?” “I have something for you. A check next day He applied ...I haven’t for a thousand dollars.” the lesson. It takes faith had one I called the teacher back. “The money for this, but I can tell occasion just arrived,” I told her. “I’ll see you at the you, through scores of store tomorrow afternoon.”  where God The story went right through the school, then through the community. opportunities to serve, failed to Soon I got a call from a state trooper with I haven’t had one occa- open a a special needs child. I was invited to his sion where God failed door for home where other special needs parents to open a door for the the gospel. were gathered. They were not looking for material assistance, but for spiritual help. gospel. Here are a few It was a life-changing time for several that evening. examples. Give, and it will be given to you. One afternoon, the phone rang. It Good measure, pressed down, shaken was a dear Christian who, although she together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure has a PhD., works humbly in a small you use it will be measured back county school, aiding struggling students. to you” (Luke 6:38) About 40 of the students had aced the state test, and they wanted to celebrate. Someone offered to serve lunch, but had just backed out. Our number was the emergency line. Could we provide lunch for 50? As in, tomorrow? This underlines the scripture, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,” 1 Tim 6:18. We need to be ready, or oppor- tunities will slip by. Forget personal in- convenience. One of the hard lessons of true servanthood: servants work on other 5

MAKING DISCIPLES people’s schedules; we don’t respond at a loser, too,” he began. “Well, I was a our leisure. loser. I ended up in prison. But Jesus came to me in prison, I was honest with Him My son-in-law, Chris, purchased the about my sins, and He forgave me. He fixin’s for the best burgers in the south. A gave me a whole new life, and He can do friend in Georgia keeps us supplied with that for you, too.” cases of “The King of Glory” by Paul Bram- sen, so we offered to give them as gifts. The More was said, but you get the drift. principal was skittish about us handing A school celebration was planned — and them out but said we could have a stack for a gospel meeting broke out! Oh, and one any students who would take one. of the teachers didn’t get the principal’s memo. As the students left, she handed a The next day, Chris grilled as the stu- “King of Glory” book to every student. dents sat in the football stands. The super- intendent was supposed to address them Why do we sometimes have so much — this was a big deal in a rural town with gospel effort with so little fruit? Is this one minimal parental involvement. We reason? “Let our people also learn to waited. And waited. Finally, the vice-prin- maintain good works, to meet urgent cipal said, “Mr Nicholson is providing needs, that they may not be unfruitful,” our wonderful lunch.” (Applause.) “Sir, Titus 3:14. would you like to speak to the students?” I was happy to oblige.  GOD LOVES GIFT-GIVING I explained that their DNA declared He who sows sparingly will also reap each of them unique creations of God. But sparingly, and he who sows bountifully what were they made for? Only God knew, but He had revealed His plan in the Bible. will also reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6). Thankfully, the Bible’s message is com- pressed into one sentence, and I gave the Do you ever feel that God hasn’t pro- gospel from John 3:16.  vided enough? I did one day. A small mi- When I sat down, the mayor rose. His face glowed with the joy of the Lord. He nority community wanted to build a said he hadn’t planned on running for mayor, but felt the town needed spiritual pavilion so families would have a place to revival and so had offered his services. He said everyone was encouraged with the picnic. I’m all for encouraging families, students’ marks, and a good education meant a good job. “But,” he said, “what especially in a state where 70% are born Mr Nicholson told you is the most impor- tant thing you’ll ever hear. A good job will out of wedlock. I helped purchase build- buy groceries, but salvation gives you eternal life.” ing supplies, and the men did all the When he sat down, the town’s activ- work, with bathrooms ities director stood up. “Some of you think your family are losers and you’ll be and a kitchen, along I said with the pavilion. When I’d pray. the work was conclud- But I didn’t. ing, they wondered if I I forgot... could help with a fridge and stove. I said I’d pray. But I didn’t pray. I forgot, until the town secretary called me on the Thursday 6

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP and wondered if there was any hope for whole community was there, about 350 appliances. “The grand opening is Sat- people. The emcee was having a hard urday,” she said. time because a local band hadn’t shown up. (What’s this motif about people not With deep apologies, I said I’d pray showing up?) The mayor sidled up to me. then and there. Whatever the Lord sent “Mr Nicholson, could you tell the folks the next day, I would use it for appliances. how God provided the fridge and stove?” You’ll notice I was assuming the Lord had moved someone to send the check several They were as quiet as church mice as days before, so it would arrive the next I told them how God cared about them. day. That’s nothing to Him. How He didn’t deal in junk. He gave them “every good…gift…from above.” The mail came before I took my wife But why? He wants us to remember that to her hairdresser’s appointment. I opened He hadn’t just given us a fridge and stove, the one envelope — a check for $400. but life, and food, and health, and sun- Really? You can’t buy junk for that! I was shine, and rain, and our children. Oh, and sure the Lord had short-changed me. His Son. He gave His Son for us! And so it went, into a short gospel word. My wife’s appointment is brief, so I decided to do our newspaper’s crossword LOVE: while I waited. Then my eye drifted into THE HEART-SOFTENER the Personals. “New fridge for sale,” it read. “$200.” It must be a trick. I dialed I have become all things to all men, the number anyway. The woman con- that I might by all means save some. firmed it was new. The make? “A Frig- idaire. Designer black.” (2 Cor 9:22) “How can it be that price?” We’re working in an increasingly “My husband sells mobile homes,” she explained. “They come with these, hostile world. This provides the opportu- but some folk already have appliances, so my husband clears them this way.” nity to stand out from the run-of-the-mill “I’ll be there asap.” My grandson BJ and I headed off pronto — and bought a do-gooders, acting super- brand new fridge for $200. Her husband helped us load it. “It naturally by “doing good ...working sure would be nice,” I opined, “if you had to your enemies,” Lk in an a matching stove.” “I may have one in the barn. Want to 6:26-35. Here’s a great increasingly have a look?” cancel-culture verse: hostile And there it was. Brand new. De- “that when they speak world... signer black. Same brand. Same price. against you as evildoers, Total of $400, no tax. Sorry again, Lord. they may, by your good provides The next night was the Grand Open- works which they ob- the oppor- ing. BJ and I attended with a prayer in our serve, glorify God in the hearts for an eternal opportunity. The day of visitation,” 1 Pet tunity to stand out from the run-of-the- 2:12. mill do- I was asked to ad- gooders... dress a school staff meet- 7

MAKING DISCIPLES ing by the principal who had just received where the other teachers were saying a truckload of supplies from the Lord. I goodbye to the students at day’s end. For expressed to them my appreciation for their benefit and mine, she said, “Well, Mr their hard work, but explained that all the Nicholson, we know when God sends important lessons students needed to someone, and we know He sent you.” learn are not in the textbook: honesty, dil- Love never fails. igence, cooperation, etc. They would have to learn those from the teachers’ exam- We should be frugal for ourselves ples. Loving the children was key, and the with our own resources, but generous most unlovable ones need love the most. with others. The Number One Giver in For that we need God’s love in our hearts. the Universe said, “Give, and it will be How to get it? Only at Calvary. You get given to you: good measure, pressed the drift. down, shaken together, and running over,” Lk 6:38. His Father, from whom The art teacher, right beside me, was comes every good and perfect gift, “is offended. She held a manila folder be- able to do exceedingly abundantly above tween me and her face the whole time, all that we ask or think,” Eph 3:20. We can then immediately went to her room. This afford to be generous, because you can’t was a job for love. outgive God. The next day, I bought the kind of art Young disciples should be given op- supplies her class would never see. But portunities to report on good works in the that night, the Lord touched my heart. local church. The stories they tell should You know those big art books of your fa- be brief, accurate (no exaggeration), and vorite artists that your father gave you? God should always be the Hero. This It’s time to pass them on. Gulp. When I of- gives account to those who invested in the fered the art teacher the supplies, she project, makes these young people know thanked me perfunctorily. But when I told they are valued members of the team, and her about the books, she started to cry. encourages others to join in: “Let us con- “You got me,” she said. Well, actually, the sider one another in order to stir up love Lord got her. She walked me to the door, and good works,” Heb 10:24. PRACTICAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS Below are questions both you and a fellow-disciple can think through. These reflection prompts are also provided in the handbook with space for written responses. 1. Summarize the importance of good works, citing the verses that stood out to you in this chapter. 8

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP Locate these descriptive words in the verses where they are used, and give your own definition of each word:  • charitable ( ) • ready ( ) • maintain ( ) • pattern ( ) • discernment ( ) 2. Explain the connection between faith and good works in your own words.  • How can you apply this to your own life? 3. Describe the relationship between God’s giving and our own. You might find help in 2 Corinthians 9.  • How does this impact your view of giving and of the needs around you? 4. Contrast the Christian lifestyle presented in the Bible with what the world promotes regarding this topic.  9

MAKING DISCIPLES • How do we remind ourselves to not follow the way of the world in our daily decisions?  5. Read Luke 4:18. What needs are described?  • How does this show the link between people’s needs and access points for the gospel?  • What needs do you see in your family? Your neighborhood? Your local church? • Where could you start to help? 6. Discuss 1 Timothy 5:25. What do you think Paul is explaining to Timothy? • What good works are being done in your local church (or your community) that we easily overlook? • In what ways can you encourage those whose good works aren’t always noticed? • Do you see needs not being met where you could be a help? 10

THE ROLE OF GOOD WORKS IN DISCIPLESHIP — Jabe Nicholson — A Helping Hand: Chapter Target Just as Jesus “went about doing good”, we need to train others to do the same so that Christ’s reflec- tive light can shine through us into this dark world. When I was a boy, the most common stantly, that those who have believed in word association I had with “good God should be careful to maintain good works” was “filthy rags”. How true it is: works,” 3:8, — good works as a lifestyle. good works can’t cancel out bad deeds, nor be traded for eternal life. But, while THE ULTIMATE we cannot work our way to heaven, we EXAMPLE ought to work on our way to heaven.  Doing good works is expected in the I was already in adulthood when I Christian’s life. Where can we look noticed the Bible’s emphasis on believers’ good works. At first, I only thought about to for an example in doing this? doing good, until I discovered that God doesn’t answer daydreams; He answers The Lord is our Exemplar. “God prayers. In daydreams, I was the hero. What I’d do if I had a million bucks! But anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy in prayer, He’s the Hero. I love Luke’s commendation of Dorcas, who provided Spirit and with power, who went about doing goodwill for the awakening under Peter’s preaching: “At Joppa there was a certain good,” Acts 10:38, a key element in His re- disciple named…Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable vealing the Father to an unbelieving world. deeds which she did” (Acts 9:36). Not good works which she thought about, or Many today have caricatured God as cruel, planned for her retirement, but “which she did”. The Ouch Factor? “To him who vindictive, and remote. When scoffers de- knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin,” James 4:17. scribe Him in this way, I reply, “That isn’t What does our Disciple’s Manual the God I know. He answers my prayers. I say? “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of see Him meeting people’s needs. He’s al- the household of faith,” Gal 6:10. “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of ways doing wonderful things!” good works,” Titus 2:7. “Affirm con- In Jesus’ day, folks had wrong thoughts ...one of about God, too. So one the aims of the aims of His mini- of [Jesus’s] stry was to show how generous His Father ministry was. He knew the was to power of good works show how generous His Father to win people’s hearts was. and point them to God. 11