The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

6.3.6. CALCULATE ON ASSISTED DOING GOOD (James 4:17)

James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

The word "therefore" links with all the other exhortations to good, in the letter of James, and refers to all that Scripture teaches on doing good. To have the opportunity to do good and not do it, is not only an opportunity lost, it is a sin against God who gives the privilege, and a sin against the needy who would have received help. More it is a sin against our own growth to maturity. The word 'kalos', translated "good", probably "beautiful". His people are lovely when the nature of Jesus Christ is seen in completeness in their disposition and service. Our not being involved in doing good is a failure to express His beauty, and stifles the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The development of the fruit of His nature, allowing what is contrary to His beautiful attitudes, is ugly sin. Knowing how to be pleasing to God and not being pleasing, is sin.

The Bible fully defines goodness, and expresses the goodness of God's assistance given to His people in their doing good.

Prayer Is Good

Psalm 73:28 "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works."

By prayer I "put my trust in the LORD GOD," the outcome of which will be the declaring of all the Lord's works on my behalf. Not to do this is sin (Hebrews 11:6 ). Excusing myself that lack of time, or ability to pray is not accurate because I am not left to my own resources The Holy Spirit is my willing helper (Romans 8:26 ).

Thanksgiving Is Good

Psalm 92:1 "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"

To know it is good to give thanks and not to do so is sin. Certainly it is sin of ingratitude towards God for His lovingkindness and faithfulness (Psalm 92:2 ). Lack of thanksgiving signifies self-centredness which is sin. Thanksgiving is a mark of growth and maturity.

Philippians 4:5-6 "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

We can express thanksgiving in songs, carried along by the Holy Spirit and our understanding ( 1 Corinthians 14:15 ). So we do not want for assistance. Don't grieve the Holy Spirit - He waits to flood you with spiritual songs to the Lord.

Psalm 147:1 "For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful."

To know this and not do so, robs God of His due and binds your spirit. Singing in the Spirit releases and keeps you free from soulish depression, and the enemy's oppression. Don't sin against God, nor against your spiritual prosperity by failing in thanksgiving and spiritual songs to the Lord.

Work Is Good

Lamentations 3:27 "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth."

Yokes are associated with work, carrying a burden, or pulling a load. Idleness leads to sin. Sodom is a terrible example of this.

Ezekiel 16:49 "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."

By becoming active and working we receive the Lord's assistance, gaining in energy and sufficiency, so that it becomes our testimony.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Providing Is Good

2 Corinthians 8:21 "providing honorable ('kalos' = good, honest, beautiful) things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

The generously provided gift of the Macedonian churches was good and beautiful. Paul saw to it that it was handled with integrity. He insisted that the Corinthians appoint their own trusted representatives to accompany the presentation of their gift (1 Corinthians 16:3 ). He appointed his own honest men to go to Corinth with his trusted Titus, before he himself would arrive (2 Corinthians 8:18-19,22,23 ). To know how to do good in providing, and how to deal honestly with the offering, and not do it, is sin. God assisted in bestowing grace on the givers (2 Corinthians 8:1 ), and put earnest care in Leaders hearts (2 Corinthians 8:16 ). It is not only good and beautiful to give liberally, it is good and honourable to be accountable for what is given.

Testing Is Good

1 Thessalonians 5:21 "Test all things; hold fast what is good."

In relation to the inspirational gifts of the Holy Spirit we are warned not to quench the Spirit nor despise prophecies - rather we are to test all things with the objective of extracting all that is good. The word "test" - Greek 'dokimazo' - means to try, prove, discern, distinguish, approve - to bring forth the good.

Albert Barnes commented: "The word here used is one that is properly applicable to metals, referring to the art of the assayer, by which the true nature and value of the metal is tested."

We are to test "all things" by the fire of the Word (Jeremiah 5:14 ), so that any dross is removed and the valuable is retained. As Elihu said, we need to hear good

Job 34:4 "... let us know among ourselves what is good."

What Is Good Is In Accordance With God's Word:
Isaiah 8:20 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

What Is Good Is Evaluated To Be So By Fellow Prophets:
1 Corinthians 14:29 "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."

What is good is proven by its acceptability to the Lord:
Ephesians 5:10 "finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."

What is good is the produce of the Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

Good speaking is that motivated by His love.

1 Corinthians 13:1 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."

Testing between what is true and false is work the Lord commends.

Revelation 2:2 "... And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;"

Testing so as to discern the good instruction, and enthusiastically hold fast to it.

Proverbs 4:13 "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life."

Having tested the good we have heard, not to do it is to sin against God's clear intentions for us.

Honourable Conduct Is Good

1 Peter 2:12 "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."

Living right before the Lord will refute their criticism. Persistent good works can so affect them and change their minds about you, that they become open to a visitation of Holy Spirit conviction leading to repentance and regeneration so that they join you in glorifying God. To know how to properly conduct yourself before the lost, and not present the God-glorifying life-style is sin, a sin of hiding the good news from those who need it so badly.

Devotion To Good Works Is Good

Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."

The gospel, faithfully taught, produces a harvest of believers who demonstrate its doctrine with devotion to good works. Our Saviour, having voluntarily given Himself for us, becoming our substitute, He restores us to fellowship with God, purifies us, sets us apart as His own special people.

Titus 2:14 "... zealous of good works."

These good works are because of His great work for us and in us. Good works are beautiful expressions of His love through us, and display our devotion to Him. Because of His love there should be an irresistible compulsion to be involved in good works.

Devotedly glorify your heavenly father with good works:
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Devotedly witness by good works, as Christ's disciple (1 Timothy 2:10 ):
Acts 9:36 "At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did."

Devotedly show Christ's workmanship in you by good works:
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Devotedly stir one another to love and good works:
Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,"

Devotedly use wealth in good works, for eternal purposes (Matthew 6:19-21 ):
1 Timothy 6:18,19 "That they (the rich, verse 17) do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

The Holy Spirit is called your "good Spirit" in Nehemiah 9:20. He has been given to us, to lead us in doing good works, and assist us in their accomplishment. Having knowledge of these things we are held accountable to do them - not to fulfill our obligations is sin (James 4:17 ). We can overcome all hindrances and combatant foes by life in the Spirit, and fulfill victoriously all God's wonderful plans for us, knowing God is for us (Romans 8:31 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

When you have the means and opportunity to do good and don't, do you see it to be a sin? (James 4:17 ).

	What Is Good Is In Accordance With God's Word: Isaiah 8:20 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
	What Is Good Is Evaluated To Be So By Fellow Prophets: 1 Corinthians 14:29 "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."
	What is good is proven by its acceptability to the Lord: Ephesians 5:10 "finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."
	What is good is the produce of the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

	Devotedly glorify your heavenly father with good works: Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
	Devotedly witness by good works, as Christ's disciple (1 Timothy 2:10 ): Acts 9:36 "At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did."
	Devotedly show Christ's workmanship in you by good works: Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
	Devotedly stir one another to love and good works: Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,"
	Devotedly use wealth in good works, for eternal purposes (Matthew 6:19-21 ): 1 Timothy 6:18,19 "That they (the rich, verse 17) do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."