Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Zealous of Good Works

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The character of saints, as depicted in the Bible, is marked by a fervent zeal for good works. This zeal is not merely an external display but is deeply rooted in their faith and love for God. The saints' commitment to good works is a reflection of their transformation through the Holy Spirit and their desire to live in accordance with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of being zealous for good works is grounded in several passages of Scripture. In Titus 2:14, the Apostle Paul writes, "He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." This verse highlights that Christ's redemptive work aims to create a people who are eager to engage in good works as a natural outflow of their salvation.

Motivation for Good Works

The motivation for the saints' zeal in good works is multifaceted. Primarily, it stems from their love for God and gratitude for His grace. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul states, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This indicates that good works are not only a response to God's love but also a part of the divine purpose for believers.

Furthermore, the saints' zeal is fueled by their desire to reflect God's character and to be a light in the world. Jesus, in Matthew 5:16, instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The saints understand that their good works serve as a testimony to God's goodness and bring glory to Him.

Expression of Zeal

The expression of zeal for good works among the saints is diverse and encompasses various aspects of life. It includes acts of charity, service to others, and living a life of integrity and righteousness. In James 2:17, it is written, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This underscores the belief that genuine faith naturally results in active engagement in good works.

The saints' zeal is also evident in their perseverance and dedication to doing good, even in the face of adversity. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This perseverance is a testament to their unwavering commitment to God's call.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in cultivating the saints' zeal for good works. It is through the Spirit's empowerment that believers are equipped and motivated to carry out acts of kindness and service. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is described, which includes love, kindness, and goodness—qualities that naturally lead to good works.

Community and Accountability

The community of believers also plays a significant role in fostering zeal for good works. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." The saints are encouraged to support and hold each other accountable, creating an environment where good works are encouraged and celebrated.

Eternal Perspective

Finally, the saints' zeal for good works is driven by an eternal perspective. They understand that their actions have eternal significance and that they are storing up treasures in heaven. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul advises, "Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

In summary, the character of saints as zealous for good works is a profound expression of their faith, love for God, and commitment to His purposes. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the support of the Christian community, they strive to live lives that reflect God's glory and advance His kingdom on earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Women Adorned with Good Work
... works; the men to be rich in good works, zealous of good ... her own children, for strangers,
for saints, for the ... as one of the true elements of character and worth ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

Good Works
... tendency to make us who believe them "zealous of good ... Why is a Christian's character
like Christ's character? ... in benevolence, in love to the saints, in honesty ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/good works.htm

Catholic Spirit
... So David: "All my delight is upon the saints that are ... example of Jehu himself, as
mixed a character as he ... of my Father which is in heaven, more zealous of good ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 39 catholic spirit.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... right to cultivate the communion of saints after a ... cross, or some other object of
an emblematical character. ... images in worship, its more zealous members looked ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

On Zeal
... We frequently observe one that bears the character of a ... instance in idolatry,
worshipping of angels, saints, images, the ... But are you more zealous for works of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 92 on zeal.htm

The Withered Fig Tree
... bear figs in winter; God has his saints who are ... He searches our character through
and through, to see ... he might sanctify unto himself a people zealous of good ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the withered fig tree.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... I expect to see in him, holiness, the character and the ... and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good ... but that we should be called to be saints? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

Enduring to the End
... I. First, then, PERSEVERANCE IS THE BADGE OF TRUE SAINTS. ... asked what he thought of
a certain person's character. ... When you heard a zealous brother preach at the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ...
... to bustle about, and appear to be even more zealous than the ... I do not say that true
saints do not enjoy ... God spreads out before men his whole character, and the ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/behold all ye that kindle.htm

The Need and Nature of Conversion
... the great sin of persecuting the saints; but see ... being made into the worst conceivable
character; and if ... purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/the need and nature of.htm