Good Works and Fruitfulness | Lord's Day Sermon | 23rd March, 2025 | Elder Martin Obono

In today's sermon, Pastor Obono emphasized that as children of God, we are called to bear fruit, for God is glorified when we do so. Citing John 15:8, he reminded us that fruitfulness is evidence of true discipleship. Jesus commanded us to love one another, demonstrating our faith through action rather than mere words. Good works, therefore, are a fundamental part of our Christian walk, as faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Our spiritual journey should be marked by growth and the assurance that the Holy Spirit is working within us.

The theme of good works is central in the book of Titus, where Paul repeatedly calls believers to devote themselves to them. Not all works are good works—true good works are those produced by the Holy Spirit. In Titus, Paul highlights specific good works, including meeting urgent needs of others both spiritually and materially, obedience to civil authority, doing honest work, and bearing one another’s burdens—all of which are summed up in loving one another.

A crucial aspect of good works is identifying and meeting urgent needs. This can be done through observation, conversation, or direct inquiry. Examples in scripture include Andrew noticing the boy with fish and loaves (John 6:8-9), Nehemiah recognizing the broken walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:3-4), and Jesus asking blind Bartimaeus what he needed (Matthew 20:30-34). Pastor Obono stressed that we must avoid assumptions about people’s needs and instead seek to understand them fully.

God Himself set the ultimate example of good works by addressing humanity’s greatest need—salvation. He sent His Son to redeem us, demonstrating His love through visible, sacrificial action. Philippians 1:6 assures us that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. While our good works do not save us, they are the evidence of a transformed life.