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"Good work," as the Greek has it — not "works," but lifelong work. Consider this —

I. NEGATIVELY. It is not —

1. Well-knowing.

2. Well-promising.

3. Well-professing.

4. Well-abstaining.

II. POSITIVELY. It is well-doing; good.

1. As to the matter — prescribed by God and according to His will (Micah 6:8).

2. As to the motive — done for God's glory and pleasure (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23).

3. As to the manner — carefully, earnestly, heartily (2 Corinthians 9:7; Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23).

4. As to its essential element — love (Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 13:10).

5. As to its example — Christ (1 Peter 2:21-23).

III. RELATIONALLY. Well-doing is agreeable.

1. To the nature God has given us.

2. To the relation in which we stand to God and our fellow men.

3. To the rule God has given us in Scripture.Conclusion:

1. Well-doing is the effect of grace alone (Romans 3:12; Ephesians 2:9).

2. Man is renewed in Christ for this purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10).

3. Believers are required to abound in it (Colossians 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:18).

4. Well-doing alone will be rewarded. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

(T. Robinson, D. D.)

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KJV: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

WEB: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;