## What do our works look like?

## Matthew 5:16

(Mat 5:16) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

- We have all read this verse many times, and perhaps we each have an understanding of what Jesus is saying to us here.
- But I want to draw your attention to one of the phrases He uses.
- '…That they may see your good works…'

I. Intro

A. We know that we are not saved 'by' good works. (Ep. 2:8-9)

B. But we are saved 'unto' good works. (Ep. 2:10)

1. The phrase 'good works' is found 27 times in the New Testament.

2. Good = 'kalos' = valuable or 'agathos' = beneficial

3. Works = 'ergon' = to toil or labor; an effort or deed.

4. So it is not a concept, belief, or doctrine that is held by us, but…

5. It is something tangible…something that can be seen or observed by others.

6. So the question tonight is this:

7. What do our works look like?

II. Who is supposed to see our good works?

A. All men? That is generally true, but what is specifically indicated by the context of this passage?

B. Note: Mt. 5:1-15

1. It is addressed to His disciples. v1

2. The context is in reference to our testimony in this world (lost people)

C. The significance of the salt.

1. We are salt or influence; we are supposed to change those with whom we come in contact.

2. However that necessitates contact!

3. As long as the salt never comes in contact with the food, it will never have any influence…

4. The same is true for believers; we must get 'out of the salt-shaker' and make contact if we are going to make a difference in the lives of others.

D. The significance of the light.

1. We are light or illumination; we are supposed to attract the attention of those who are in darkness.

2. Example of the Lighthouse or the searchlight.

(Prov 4:19) "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."

3. To be most effective, we are instructed to put our light upon a 'candlestick'. v15

4. The candlestick is representative of the local church.

(Rev 1:20) "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

E. The 'Salt' and 'Light' work together.

1. When we make contact with the lost, and influence them for Christ…

2. When we maintain our testimony before them as we show them by our works (or what we do)…

3. The result is that they see our works and glorify God.

4. 'Glorify' = 'doxazo' = honor, magnify, and esteem as glorious.

5. Consider the opposite;

a. If we do not make contact and influence the lost…

b. If we do not let our light shine…

c. Our works (whatever they might be) are hidden to the lost, and they do not honor or magnify God!

d. Perhaps, they dishonor God as they observe our lives and see no good works!

e. What a tragedy!

III. When the lost look at us, what do they see?

A. Just another person struggling to get by in this world?

B. Someone who is too busy to care about them?

C. Someone who sits in judgment of them for what they do and the mistakes they have made?

D. If that is true…then we are just like the rest of the world…but God has called us to be salt and light.

E. To have an influence and to draw them to Christ.