Three things you are asked to note as you study the Bible. (a) Note how often "good" is associated with God's actions and work. (b) Note how often "good" is associated with Jesus' acts in his ministry. (c) Note how often "good" is associated with Christians' responsibility.
Just as one example, Peter, in presenting Jesus to Cornelius and the group Cornelius gathered, began by saying that Jesus' ministry was about doing good (Acts 10:38). Please realize Jesus did not do good because everyone liked him or approved of the good he did. He did not do good to be popular. He did not do good because the good he did was always understood.
Jesus often did good in a hostile environment when the good he did was criticized, or was declared not to represent God's values and will. Consider Matthew 12:9-14. The issue to us American Christians immediately becomes "Then why did Jesus do good?" In our society, and especially so in the church, we expect what we declare to be good (a) to be understood as good, and (b) to be appreciated as good. If Jesus did good and it was neither appreciated nor understood to be good by religious leaders, then what were the reasons for Jesus doing good?
As important as that question is, perhaps an even more important question is this: "Why do today's Christians do good?" Do Christians do good because "they are supposed to"? Is that all that is involved? Do Christians do good because their good will "solve" the problem addressed? Do "solutions" determine when Christians do or do not do good? Do Christians do good because their good works are appreciated by important people who know little or nothing about God? Do the opinions of the minimal or non-religious determine when Christians do or do not do good? We could (and likely should) ask many "why" questions about doing good.
In the following information, some (not all) of the basic whys are stressed. Hopefully, two things will be achieved. (a) You will gain some insights that challenge Christians. (b) You will think in order to deepen your relationship with God. The objective is not to get your agreement, but to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ as he seeks to direct us to God (John 14:6).
God's people do good to direct attention to God's holiness. In preparation of your thoughts, you are requested to consider several passages: Exodus 3:1-5, 13-22; 15:11; 19:3-6; 20:1-6; Numbers 14:20-24; Psalm 72:18, 19; 96:7-10; Nehemiah 9:5-8; Isaiah 6:1-4; Matthew 5:16; 9:8; Luke 1:46-49; John 17:11; 2 Timothy 1:8-11; 1 Peter 1:15-19; 2:10; Revelation 4:8; 15:3, 4. These passages emphasize that God by His divine character is the ultimate of holiness. It has been, in all generations, the responsibility of God's people to live lives that are a continuing tribute to God's holiness.
God's people cannot declare God's holiness through rebellion, through the promotion of evil. As Jesus said, God's people are a shining light who do good works to glorify God. That which is done by God's people will always stand in contrast to that which is done by evil. God's people do good to honor and glorify God—regardless of the understanding and reaction of people who do not know God.
God's people do good to others because they understand people were made in God's image. Consider Genesis 1:26-31; 9:6; Ephesians 4:24; and James 3:8-10. Nothing but people are said to be made in God's image. Since God is not a physical being, this image did not have to do with the human physical body. It likely had to do with the human conscience, the human ability to make choices, and the human ability to discern between good and evil. Whatever is involved in people being made in the divine image (that image is not specifically defined by scripture), Christians recognize that image (though much abused) exists in people. Because of God, Christians treat people differently. They do good to godless people (consider Matthew 5:43-48 and Romans 12:17-21). Christians do not base their acts toward people on others' faith in Jesus or God, the human concept of justice, or the human concept of deservedness. The way Christians treat others is based on God's character—not on human behavior. They do good because the good they do is an act of faith in God. As Christians receive divine forgiveness based on God's mercy and grace, as they have received, so do they give to others (consider Ephesians 4:31, 32 and Colossians 3:12, 13).
Christians do good to share God's impact on their lives. Begin this thought by considering John 13:31-35; 1 Peter 2:12; and 4:11, 16. These statements were made to those who would endure great loss or experience great suffering. Those who did not know God would be impressed by the behavior of those who trusted God through their confidence in Jesus Christ. Instead of stating some facts, they shared themselves through their behavior in undesirable circumstances.
Surely additional reasons could be given if space permitted. For example, consider Hebrews 11:13-16. Perhaps a fitting summary is this: People who belong to the living God do good because good is a part of God's character. Their behavior is based on God's character, not human behavior. Relationship with God determines who they are and how they act.
FOR THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION
1. What three things are you asked to note as you study the Bible?
2. As Peter spoke to those Cornelius gathered, what did Peter say about Jesus?
3. Why did Jesus NOT do good?
4. Why do Christians NOT do good?
5. What two objectives does this lesson have?
6. As given in this lesson, give three reasons for Christians doing good.
7. God by His divine character is the ultimate of what?
8. In all generations, it has been the responsibility of God's people to do what?
9. God's people cannot declare God's holiness how?
10. Christians treat people differently because why?
11. Those who did not know God would be impressed how?
12. What is a fitting summary to this lesson?
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 11