Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. When we understand the
source from which all good works flow, we can then more clearly
see that the desire for good works must precede the actual
performance of them. There are two Greek words which
are translated into English in the King James Version as good,
when used in combination with words. One of these words has
reference to being beautiful and virtuous in appearance. An
example of this is seen in that which the Lord spoke when he
exhorted his disciples to let your light so shine before men
that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which
is in heaven. These are those works which cannot be hid, and
are intended to be seen to the glory of Him who called His people
unto good works, according as His divine power hath given unto
us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. This
is that to which the sons of God are predestined, for that
which they were created, who gave Himself for us, that He
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifying to Himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works. This is the demonstration of
the Spirit's work in the sons of God. And any who are void
of good works are void of His Spirit. But ye are not in the
flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God
dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,
he is none of his. The other Greek word, which is
translated as good in combination with works, means that which
is intrinsically beautiful. An example of this is seen in
the description of Dorcas. Now there was at Joppa a certain
disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas.
This woman was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did.
This is that word which describes the good works to which the sons
of God are ordained. For we are His workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained
that we should walk in them. As we compare and contrast these
two terms, I believe that we can see that while there is no
conflict between them, yet they set forth two distinct descriptions
of those good works and the purpose of them. All good works are given
to the sons of God for the glory of Him who gives them and calls
His people to walk in them. There are those good works which
are brought about for the instruction and in the view of others. Then
there are those good works which are simply enjoyed by the one
to whom they are given. The latter is specifically mentioned
in the matter of almsgiving and prayer. Take heed that ye do
not your alms before men to be seen of them. Otherwise ye have
no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when
thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they
might have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have
their reward. But when thou doest alms, let
not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine
alms may be in secret, and thy father which seeth in secret
himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt
not be as the hypocrites are, for they love to pray standing
in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that
they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have
their reward. But thou, when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray
to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in
secret shall reward thee openly. Paul exhorts Titus to demonstrate
a pattern of good works. This exhortation is similar to
that which Peter wrote, We see much the same in his instruction
to Timothy. Let no man despise our youth,
but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. We see that Paul practiced
what he preached. Those things which ye have both
learned and received and heard and seen in me do, and the God
of peace shall be with you. The Greek word which is translated
as pattern is an interesting one, since it literally means
a stamp or scar, that is, that which is smitten. A man cannot
learn to follow this pattern, but it must be written in the
fleshy tables of his heart. This is that pattern which is
forever demonstrated by him who is the fulfillment of the law
for his children. For even here unto where ye called, because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye
should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile
found in his mouth. Who when he was reviled, reviled
not again. When he suffered, he threatened
not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
What greater pattern could be given to the sons of men than
he who walked among men without sin? Neither was guile found
in his mouth. May he who was smitten for us
smite us in heart and mind to follow his steps. For a free
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