Zealous of Good Works

Introduction. Purchasing an expensive product, like a computer or a car, requires a careful assessment. Do we really need it and will it truly fulfill that need? If we conclude it is an important need and resolve that this product will fulfill it, it is easy to justify the purchase. Yet only if the product completely meets our expectations will there be a great sense of satisfaction.

Although the circumstances are different, the attitude we hold toward such a purchase is a fairly accurate picture (parable) of how Jesus felt purchasing the church (Acts 20:28). There was never a more expensive purchase. Both Isaiah (Isa. 53) and Paul explain the cost. First, He “existed in the form of God,” then “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Finally “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:6-9).

Those in the church are what Jesus gained in the transaction. He had the same expectations we do. He made it very clear what will happen if we don’t meet them: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-17).

Jesus “gave Himself for us” to “redeem us from all iniquity. ... “purify unto himself a people for His own possession, zealous of good works.” When we break down this passage we see exactly what Jesus expected when He purchased us to be His own possession. This is very similar to Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.” (1Cor. 6:19-20). We glorify God in our body when we are “zealous of good works.” This was the need and it is what we were purchased to fulfill:

“who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. ... 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. ... 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. (Titus 2:14-15; 3:8, 14)

Because of their importance we would be wise to carefully consider the meaning of the three attitudes toward good works.

Zealous: “most eagerly desirous of,” “striving after,” “an object of warm interest” “an emotion leading to action.”
Careful “to give heed,” “take thought,” “concentrate upon,” “think with concern,” “pay attention,” “be cautious about,” “attend,” “care about,” “regard.”
Maintain: “take the lead” “preside over,” “lead,” “direct,” “care for,” “sponsor,” “arrange,” “apply oneself to.”

The two parables and prophesy of future judgment in Matthew 25 describe and explain how these three terms will manifest themselves. In the first parable, the five wise virgins were zealous, careful and taking the lead in their preparations and had more than enough oil. The five foolish virgins did not eagerly strive after what they knew was expected and were condemned. In the second, three men were given the means and opportunity to manifest stewardship. The first two were wise, exhibiting their “warm interest” in properly using the talents. But the third squandered every opportunity “to think with concern” about the future reckoning.

In His prophesy of the judgment day, two groups are set before Him - one on the right and one on the left. His praise and condemnation were based entirely on good works:

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”

He concluded with the condemnation of those who did not do these things.

"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’" (Mt. 25:34-43).

Have we taken these things to heart? These are things to be “affirmed constantly” and “learned.” When announcements are made about the sick or those in need of prayers, those who are zealous and careful will make notes and take the opportunity to add another good work to bring before the Lord. What good works did we do this week that we will bring before our God on the final day?
In the parable of the talents, God “gave to each according to his own ability.” As with all giving, “if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” (2Cor. 8:12). So God’s expectations are clear.
God used a human body for us to use to assess our own abilities and seek for opportunities. Every part just needs to do its share. “The whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:16).

Each member of the body has its own function. We all have gifts that differ. So God wants us to make an assessment of our own abilities and then use them.

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom 12:4-8).

In order to be good stewards, we have to take the gifts we have received and minister it one to another. God only asks that we "minister as with the ability God supplies.”

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1Pet. 4:8-11).

Conclusion. The fleeting years of life are passing quickly. What of our own good works? Are we zealous, with “eager desire and “earnest strivings?” Are we careful, “thinking with concern,” and “paying attention?” Are we maintaining, “arranging,” “applying ourselves to” these good works that we may not be unfruitful? We can’t grow weary in these things.

“2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ... 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:2,9-10).
“It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mk. 13:34-37).