"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us
and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen
your hearts in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

In these verses of last week we see the Apostle Paul asking that the hearts
of the church in Thessalonica be 'strengthen in every good work'. Good works
have not gained the Believer salvation, but once saved, by the grace of God,
good works is the natural heart response and desire. And why is this? We see
the answer in:
Ephesians 2:10,
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Let's look to see some of the things that Scripture has to say about good
work.

First we see the Believer being 'strengthen in very good work', the writer
to the Hebrews says,
"Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for
our hearts to be strengthened by grace..."  Hebrews 13:9 (Even today
we have those who teach false doctrine so we too need God strengthening!)

There are various forms of good works Believers are called to do:
Working with God;
"'...All you people of the land take courage,' declares the Lord, 'and work;
for I am with you.'" Haggai 2:4

Individual tasks:
Jesus gives this example in Mark 13:34,
"It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in
charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep
watch."

There are to be abundant labors:
Paul admonishes the Corinthian church and us,
"Therefore, my dear bothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give
yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor
in the Lord is not in vain," 1 Corinthians 15:58

In the area of our own lives:
"...Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good
purpose." Philippians 2:12-13

In evangelizing:
Here we see Paul encouraging Timothy:
"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of
an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Work is required according to ability:
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks,
he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he
should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may
be praised through Jesus Christ..." 1 Peter 4:10-11

Willingness is an essential element:
Here again is Paul laying down his life for fellow believers. Are we called
to anything less?!
"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the
gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (Read all of Chapter 2, it tells of Paul's ministry in
Thessalonica.)

Scripture has much to say concerning good works, but I'll stop here for now.
May the Lord challenge us to a greater understanding of His will for each
personally. Let us give Him thanks and praise in all things and for all
things. Hallelujah, He is Lord!