When we speak of good works in reference to the Christian faith, there are two extremes to avoid. The first is legalism. Legalism is an over emphasis on the laws and codes of conduct in Scripture. Many with this mindset have concluded that a persons actions makes one right with God.

The opposite extreme is licentiousness, which is a deemphasis on the laws and codes of conduct found in Scripture. A person with this mindset might conclude that because salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, one has been given license to live as they choose even if it results in immoral and lawless behavior. Only through the study of God's word and enabling of the Holy Spirit can believers uphold the proper balance.

THE SCRIPTURES AND GOOD WORKS

1) We know we have profited from the Word when we are taught the true place of good works.

When we speak of being saved by grace through faith in Christ, we must be careful that we do not undervalue the importance of growing in godliness. There is an inseparable connection between our justification and our sanctification. According to A.W. Pink, "The same Gospel that declares salvation to be freely by the grace of God through faith...also assures us, that without holiness no man shall see God. The grace that brings salvation to all men, teaches those who receive it, that (they should) deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, (and) should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" (61). The Apostle Paul asserted,

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4)

2) We know we have profited from the Word when we understand the necessity of good works.

Even though good works are not the source of our salvation, they are, however, the fruit from our salvation. We are not to wait on godliness, but to pursue it. Paul told believers to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7). According to Pink, "If there has been no real communion with (God) in time there will be none with Him in eternity...If then he did not hate sin and love holiness before death, he certainly will not do so afterwards" (62). James simply says, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).

3) We know we have profited from the Word when we are taught the design of good works.

The reason for good works in the lives of believers is for unbelievers to see them. Jesus asserted, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). If a major criticism of western Christianity is hypocrisy (which it is), then it should make sense to us that people should see (rather than hear boasting about) the goodness of God's people.

4) We know we have profited from the Word when we identify the true source of good works.

Unbelievers are capable of performing honorable deeds in a natural and civil sense, but never in a spiritual sense. Without a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, unbelievers are incapable of living a life that is pleasing to God. God's word is clear that there is no one who does good (Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Rom. 3:10-12). If one wishes to live a god-honoring life, they are in need of divine intervention because it is God who works in us 'both to will and to do of His good pleasure' (Phil. 2:13).

5) We know we have profited from the Word when we understand the importance of good works.

Good works are important because they bring glory to God (Mt. 5:16). Pink affirms, "Nothing brings more honor to Christ than (when) those who bear His name are found living constantly (by His enablement) in a Christ-like way and spirit" (66-67).

6) We know we have profited from the Word when we understand the true scope of good works.

According to Paul, a believer is to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). Unless a believer is growing in his/her relationship with Christ, becoming a more effective minister of the Gospel in his/her community, a better citizen in his/her country, and better husband/wife/father mother in his/her home, the study of the Scriptures is profiting him/her little or nothing.
Pink, A.W. Profiting from the Word. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust. 1977. 57-67.