Good Works and Social Activity
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Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 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.I’m interested in the nature of these “good works” that make the church (assuming, then, that the sermon on the mount is directly applicable to us) the “light of the world.”
One interpretive issue is to whom these “others” are. The Greek is “men,” which would seem to imply an indiscriminate audience. However, the fact that they give glory to the Father might make it sound like it is in front of other Christians. Right now, I’m thinking that the audience is indeed indiscriminate - a person can recognize Christians good works and connect them to their faith without being a Christian himself. The image of a city set on a hill seems to militate this way as well. Who sees the lights from the city? People outside of it.
If that is correct, what is the nature of these “good works.” They aren’t personal devotional works, since Jesus tells us NOT to do those in public (Matt. 6:6). They aren’t Christian worship services, since those are not generally considered “works,” nor are they primarily aimed at unbelievers. I don’t think the general fruit of the Spirit is concrete enough to qualify - iow, “Oh, he’s such a nice person” isn’t the desired response.
These really seem to include actions that modern people would call “social work” or “acts of charity.” A Bible search will reveal several ambiguous uses of “good works” (a combination of καλος and εργον in their various inflections), but several that seemed to be clearly tied to acts of charity (John 10:32; Acts 9:36; 1 Tim. 5:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Titus 3:14; Heb. 10:24).
Of course, these good works should happen at the level of the family and the church. Would you agree, though, that these passages seem to indicate a Christian duty to relieve the suffering of those around them?
since they dont show up on the foundry yet.
My Blog: http://dearreaderblog.com
Cor meum tibi offero Domine prompte et sincere. ~ John Calvin
I hope there are some well reasoned responses to it. I’ve been struggling for some time, since we began our work with the Burundian refugees, with why there are so many in Fundamental churches that are unwillling to become involved in this kind of “social gospel”, for lack of a better term. I’m getting to intimately know a dear, sweet woman who I know has been exposed to the Gospel, and even if we cannot speak the same language, I think I’m communicating Christ’s love to her. If I didn’t reach out to her, you can BET the cults will. We ran into at least 2 cults while we were visiting in the hospital, so I know they are out there ready to lead other astray. I think I, as a believer, has an obligation to meet her needs in whatever way I can, so much so that I spent all day yesterday helping her family get what was initially thought of as a gas leak taken care of (it turned out to be a tripped circuit, but the language barrier, as you can imagine, causes all sorts of problems!).
9 Marks Ministries (Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist in D. C.) recently answered this question in a six-part series here: http://blog.9marks.org/2009/05/the-congregation-and-the-wider-community….
Ken Fields
I’ve been looking into nonprofits around where my husband and I live, and I was just about to present the same question. I see nonprofits run by secular people like this one: http://www.love146.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21460 , and I wonder why more conservative churches aren’t involved in things like this. Shouldn’t we, as Christians, be the ones most concerned for these children and concerned with seeing that they get justice?
[Audrey] I’ve been looking into nonprofits around where my husband and I live, and I was just about to present the same question. I see nonprofits run by secular people like this one: http://www.love146.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=21460 , and I wonder why more conservative churches aren’t involved in things like this. Shouldn’t we, as Christians, be the ones most concerned for these children and concerned with seeing that they get justice?
- Where ever there is a widow … there are multiple opportunities for good works: snow shoveling, grass mowing, etc.
- Where every there is an orphan likewise. (It does not need to be “official” through “Big Brothers or Big Sisters”.
- Many can give blood. A tangible way that really helps those sick in your community!
- New mothers need a helping hand. Meals, etc.
- The bereaved: a meal, a call, a card, a hug, a prayer, etc.
- Where ever there is is one unemployed there is an opportunity to extend a helping hand (I’m speaking in financial terms).
- Many non-profits (probably most of them) are looking for financial supporters and volunteers.
- Places always needing volunteers: Hospitals! Crisis pregnancy centers. Nursing homes and Assisted living centers
- Those pregnant out of wedlock have great needs: A friend, financial help, etc.
[Jim Peet]No, it doesn’t and shouldn’t, but in my experience it was frowned upon if it wasn’t, or at the very least discouraged and frowned on if it was towards anyone who was “outside the Body of Christ”. Then it was considered social gospel and liberalism. Unless of course, it was called “mission work” and done by an “approved” missionary serving under an “approved agency.”
Good works don’t need to be an official church-sanctioned, church funded project!
[Teri Ploski] No, it doesn’t and shouldn’t, but in my experience it was frowned upon if it wasn’t, or at the very least discouraged and frowned on if it was towards anyone who was “outside the Body of Christ”. Then it was considered social gospel and liberalism. Unless of course, it was called “mission work” and done by an “approved” missionary serving under an “approved agency.”I see that Galatians 6:10 indicates we are to do good works “to all”.
[Teri Ploski]This is a huge problem IMO. I’ve heard conversations where folks complained that so-and-so didn’t ‘do anything’ at church- they don’t teach a class, help clean, and aren’t part of any established church ministry. But when you get to know them, you find out that they are active in their neighborhoods in many of the ways previously outlined. So… they aren’t ‘serving God’ because their actions aren’t sanctioned, funded, or organized through the church?[Jim Peet]No, it doesn’t and shouldn’t, but in my experience it was frowned upon if it wasn’t, or at the very least discouraged and frowned on if it was towards anyone who was “outside the Body of Christ”. Then it was considered social gospel and liberalism. Unless of course, it was called “mission work” and done by an “approved” missionary serving under an “approved agency.”
Good works don’t need to be an official church-sanctioned, church funded project!
The good works that Bro. Charlie listed in 1 Timothy 5 are compelling evidence- “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” Also notable is Titus 2:5- “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
IFB culture has long promoted the idea that one can keep the lost world at arm’s length by handing them a tract and still considering oneself to have done one’s duty to God and country. Bleck. http://www.freesmileys.org] http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sick009.gif It is counter-intuitive that one can show the love of Christ by merely addressing the needs of their soul while ignoring their other needs. Relieving suffering was certainly a hallmark of Christ’s ministry.
I just preached on Luke 3 two weeks ago, and I found John the Baptist’s response to the audience’s questions interesting:
7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from h these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10. And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”
11. And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12. Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”
13. And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”
14. Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
[Jim Peet]Sure they don’t need to be, but the general sentiment seems to be that they shouldn’t be church-funded. Why not? Why should local bodies as a unit not be involved in these kinds of works or at least bring them up publicly before the assembly of believers and encourage the body to do something in these areas?
Good works don’t need to be an official church-sanctioned, church funded project!
[Audrey]I don’t think it is that good works shouldn’t be a function of the church. But there are commands given to the church, and commands directed at the individuals that make up the church. The church’s main function is “perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: “ As the church provides discipleship and a training ground to teach folks how to minister, they should then be practicing what they’ve learned within their own circles of responsibility and influence.[Jim Peet]Sure they don’t need to be, but the general sentiment seems to be that they shouldn’t be church-funded. Why not? Why should local bodies as a unit not be involved in these kinds of works or at least bring them up publicly before the assembly of believers and encourage the body to do something in these areas?
Good works don’t need to be an official church-sanctioned, church funded project!
I think there has been an emphasis on doing things through the church to the point that folks neglect their own neighbors and family. I mean, what’s the point of being involved in a nursing home ministry clear across town if you aren’t ministering to your own elderly relatives and neighbors, or the nursing home three blocks away from your house?
[Susan R]I think I agree with your post. This sentence gave me some trouble. If you mean “assembled church” versus “scattered church,” then I understand. As your post indicated, perhaps we need to see a more fluid connection between the two. I remember being a teen in an IFB church, where I actually went to church activities 5 days a week because that’s how you “serve God.” In that context, church members generally aren’t taking initiative to meet the needs around them.
I don’t think it is that good works shouldn’t be a function of the church. But there are commands given to the church, and commands directed at the individuals that make up the church.
On the other hand, there does seem to be a corporate dimension to the “good works” ministry. I believe the Sermon on the Mount is a covenantal discourse, expounding the stipulations and blessings of the New Covenant. If that doesn’t work for you, notice that the “city on a hill” is a corporate metaphor. That, together with the extremely frequent mention of good works in the pastoral epistles, leads me to believe that the church leadership ought to have some role in strategizing and facilitating good works. My pastor is quite gospel-centered, but he will often mention mercy opportunities in the city. Since we are a downtown church, there are a lot of people around who, frankly, need some good works.
My Blog: http://dearreaderblog.com
Cor meum tibi offero Domine prompte et sincere. ~ John Calvin
I agree, Bro. Charlie, that there is and should be a corporate dimension to good works. It seems to me that the church is where folks receive the teaching and training they need in order to be able to serve in their homes and communities, place of employment, etc… It is also pertinent that in our society churches are sometimes better able to do ‘charity’ work because of legal considerations. My dh can’t just go visit and preach to men in jail, but he can as a chaplain from our church. The appointment of deacons to see to the physical needs of the church is a good example of corporate ministry.
The disconnect that you describe and that I was pointing out reminds me of the Christian Work Reports we had to fill out in Bible college. We were required to do at least 2 hours of visitation per week, be involved in the church in some capacity (teach a class, work in the bus ministry, nursing homes…) and we completed forms every week to show what we had done. There was also a place to indicate how many souls you led to Christ or counseled to be baptized. It gave Christian service a ‘clock in- clock out’ feeling. Christianity/church became just another task, and not an expression of one’s love for God or compassion for men.
The same kind of attitude sometimes results from pressure in the church to be part of church organized and sanctioned ministries, or a mindset that all legitimate ministry must take place through the local church. I think a balance is necessary- insulation vs. isolation. I know quite a few folks from various churches who have no relationships whatsoever with any lost person outside of a few family members or co-workers, and even those are arm’s length. They witness to them, but are not involved in their lives in any other way. My husband is a good example of someone who gets involved in people’s lives. He finds out what they need, and figures out a way to fill it, whether they need furniture or a washing machine, a job, a babysitter, a vehicle… He hands out his business card, and we get calls all the time from people who want to know if we can help them. And you can bet that when he witnesses to them, they sit and listen and consider his words. This is just how he lives his life, and has nothing to do with any organized ministry at church. I think ministry should be, if you’ll forgive the term, more organic and less mechanical.
The disconnect that you describe and that I was pointing out reminds me of the Christian Work Reports we had to fill out in Bible college. We were required to do at least 2 hours of visitation per week, be involved in the church in some capacity (teach a class, work in the bus ministry, nursing homes…) and we completed forms every week to show what we had done. There was also a place to indicate how many souls you led to Christ or counseled to be baptized. It gave Christian service a ‘clock in- clock out’ feeling. Christianity/church became just another task, and not an expression of one’s love for God or compassion for men.
The same kind of attitude sometimes results from pressure in the church to be part of church organized and sanctioned ministries, or a mindset that all legitimate ministry must take place through the local church. I think a balance is necessary- insulation vs. isolation. I know quite a few folks from various churches who have no relationships whatsoever with any lost person outside of a few family members or co-workers, and even those are arm’s length. They witness to them, but are not involved in their lives in any other way. My husband is a good example of someone who gets involved in people’s lives. He finds out what they need, and figures out a way to fill it, whether they need furniture or a washing machine, a job, a babysitter, a vehicle… He hands out his business card, and we get calls all the time from people who want to know if we can help them. And you can bet that when he witnesses to them, they sit and listen and consider his words. This is just how he lives his life, and has nothing to do with any organized ministry at church. I think ministry should be, if you’ll forgive the term, more organic and less mechanical.
[Jim Peet]Another good one, easily accomplished: Picking up extra bags of food at the grocery for the local food bank. This time of the year many are running low on food.Good works don’t need to be an official church-sanctioned, church funded project!
- Where ever there is a widow … there are multiple opportunities for good works: snow shoveling, grass mowing, etc.
- Where every there is an orphan likewise. (It does not need to be “official” through “Big Brothers or Big Sisters”.
- Many can give blood. A tangible way that really helps those sick in your community!
- New mothers need a helping hand. Meals, etc.
- The bereaved: a meal, a call, a card, a hug, a prayer, etc.
- Where ever there is is one unemployed there is an opportunity to extend a helping hand (I’m speaking in financial terms).
- Many non-profits (probably most of them) are looking for financial supporters and volunteers.
- Places always needing volunteers: Hospitals! Crisis pregnancy centers. Nursing homes and Assisted living centers
- Those pregnant out of wedlock have great needs: A friend, financial help, etc.
Hi all,
I am sorry that I am late to this thread. This is a question that I have wrestled with as a pastor and asked many others about. I think we should be involved in the church. However, that should not be to the exclusion of the community. We are all busy. But there are things all of us can do in this matter (Ann’s sugestion was a great one for someone too busy to invest alot of time. It would not take away from teaching a class for example). I view these community projects as a way to build redemptive relationships for the Gospel. I know many of you know that I am a fire dept chaplain and a fire fighter. I do get paid for those duties. But before that, I was a volunteer hospice chaplain. I would conduct about 1 funeral a week on average when I was with hospice. I was able to give the Gospel to many people from many walks of life. God was good. I have heard other pastors tell me that I am taking too much away from my “ministry.” But I wonder how many pastors have as much contact with lost people as I do (only by God’s grace - it’s not me, its him). I think it can and should be done as part of our service to the Lord. Not everyone is wired to go into a house fire (or even get up consistantly at 3:00 am, or see people die). But all of us have a nitch that we can use for God’s glory.
I am sorry that I am late to this thread. This is a question that I have wrestled with as a pastor and asked many others about. I think we should be involved in the church. However, that should not be to the exclusion of the community. We are all busy. But there are things all of us can do in this matter (Ann’s sugestion was a great one for someone too busy to invest alot of time. It would not take away from teaching a class for example). I view these community projects as a way to build redemptive relationships for the Gospel. I know many of you know that I am a fire dept chaplain and a fire fighter. I do get paid for those duties. But before that, I was a volunteer hospice chaplain. I would conduct about 1 funeral a week on average when I was with hospice. I was able to give the Gospel to many people from many walks of life. God was good. I have heard other pastors tell me that I am taking too much away from my “ministry.” But I wonder how many pastors have as much contact with lost people as I do (only by God’s grace - it’s not me, its him). I think it can and should be done as part of our service to the Lord. Not everyone is wired to go into a house fire (or even get up consistantly at 3:00 am, or see people die). But all of us have a nitch that we can use for God’s glory.
Roger Carlson, Pastor Berean Baptist Church
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