Scripture Reading:

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  —James 2:15-17

Summary:

Acts of benevolence and charity are foundational to the life of a Christian. True godly love and religious faith are demonstrated through sacrifice in ministering to the needy and less fortunate.

I. Love is Shown Through Practical Deeds of Kindness

A. Matthew 22:37-40 Foundation of love.
B. Luke 10:25-37 Good Samaritan.
C. 1 John 3:17-18 Love in deed.

II. New Testament Examples

A. Acts 10:38 Jesus did good.
B. Matthew 15:32-39 Multitude fed.
C. Romans 15:26-27 Saints contribute to the poor.
D. Acts 9:36 Dorcas—full of good works.
E. Old Testament: Job 31:16-22.

III. Man was Saved to Glorify God Through Works

A. Matthew 5:14-16 Good works are a light to the world.
B. Ephesians 2:8-10 Created unto good works.
C. Titus 2:14 Zealous of good works.

IV. Good Works/Charity Commanded

A. Isaiah 58:7 Charity enjoined.
B. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Ready to distribute.
C. Titus 2:7 Show a pattern of good works.
D. Titus 3:8 Maintain good works.
E. Hebrews 10:24 Provoke to good works.
F. Galatians 2:9-10 Remember the poor.
G. Ephesians 4:28 Give to him that needeth.
H. Galatians 6:10 Do good unto all men.

V. Deeds of Charity Demonstrate

A. James 1:27 Pure religion.
B. James 2:14-18 True faith.

VI. Blessings In Giving

A. Acts 20:35 More blessed to give.
B. Luke 14:13-14 Eternal recompense.

VII. Final Judgment

A. Revelation 20:12-13 According to works.
B. Matthew 25:31-46 Based on practical acts of charity.

Conclusion:

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:17-18