The Doctrine of Divine Good Production

I . Preliminary Considerations
A. This doctrine addresses the issue of what the Will of God is for the believer after salvation.
1. Many distortions exist, from the extreme that the believer is not expected to do anything beyond learning of the Word of God, to the other extreme that the believer is to stay busy doing good works without consideration of the Divine Mandates.
2. The truth lies in between the two extremes, taking into consideration the passages that stress the intake of BD as well as the passages that urge believers to engage in works. Js 1:21-22
B. Divine Good Production is the application of Bible Doctrine in the soul, under the Filling of the Holy Spirit. Gal 5:22-23
1. Furthermore, such application must proceed from the correct internal motivation, untainted by STA concerns. Mt 6:1-8
2. Each believer must understand that God does not sanction, nor does He approve or reward, that which does not fall under the specifications of Divine Good. 2Tim 2:5 "And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules."
3. DGP is not optional, but is commanded of each and every believer (regardless of the small number who actually produce it). Tit 3:1 "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed"
C. It is Divine Good because God sponsors it as a part the Divine Decrees for each believer. Eph 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
D. The intake of Bible Doctrine is the basis for establishing the frame of reference for what is or is not Divine Good. 2Tim 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
E. Greek vocabulary:
1. avgaqo,j - agathos (adj): that which is of spiritual value - 2Tim 2:21
2. kalo,j - kalos (adj): that which is intrinsically good, useful - Tit 3:8
3. e;rgon - ergon (n): work, deed - Eph 4:12
4. karpo,j - karpos (n): fruit, crops, harvest; metaphorically, that which is produced from something, an effect or result - Jn 15:5
5. avga,ph - agape (n): love, since these acts are evidence of love for God - Gal 5:13
6. It should be noted that the words above do not always refer to Divine Good in every context - cp Rom 13:3, where the context is simply law-abiding behavior which any establishment oriented person (bel or unbel) can produce.

II. Divine Good Production Must Be Distinguished from Human Good.
A. Human good is constituted by any activity that is not clearly mandated by the Word of God, and/or compromises any other principle of BD; it is a part of the cosmic system in its alienation from God. Pro 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."
B. The unbeliever cannot produce Divine Good. Rom 8:8 "and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
C. The Will of God for the believer in time to produce works is not to be confused with the issue of Ph1 salvation, which does not admit human works, effort, or achievement. Tit 3:5 "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit"
D. Satan sponsors human good as a part of his activity to deceive the human race. 2Cor 11:13-15

III. Divine Good Production is the Will of God for Every Believer.
A. God has decreed that every believer, as a part of the normal Christian Way of Life, should engage in Divine Good. Eph 2:10
B. Divine Good Production is essential to maturity. Lk 8:15 cp vs 14; Js 2:17
C. Via grace, God has and will continue to supply us with all that we need to exploit every area of DGP. 2Cor 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed"
D. Despite all claims to the contrary, Divine Good Production is an infallible standard by which we can correctly evaluate anyone who claims Positive Volition.
1. The example of the tree - Lk 6:43-45
2. Many claim positive volition, but their works (or lack thereof) betray them - Tit 1:16 "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed."
3. James declares that DGP is the "acid test" of one's BD. Js 3:13, 17

IV. Ingredients Necessary for Divine Good Production
A. First and foremost, one must be a believer in Jesus Christ to be qualified positionally to produce Divine Good. Rom 8:8-9
B. A believer must have a frame of reference to know what constitutes DGP.
1. This involves the GAP (Grace Apparatus for Perception), all that is necessary for the believer to assimilate BD.
2. In the current dispensation it requires:
a) a properly functioning Local Church - 1Tim 3:15
b) a properly functioning Pastor-Teacher - Tit 1:5-9
c) FHS and the Word of God - Jn 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
d) assembly - Heb 10:25
e) intake via study - 2Tim 2:15
f) faith - Heb 4:22
3. the teaching of BD by the PT provides the particulars for each believer so they can identify and exploit opportunities for DGP in their niche. 2Tim 3:16-17
C. As seen in the analogy of the vine - Jn 15:1-8
1. Union with Christ (the true vine) provides the positional qualification - vss 1-3
2. Being in fellowship is obviously critical to the production of Divine Good, as seen by the imperative "abide in Me"- vs 4-7 cp 1Jn 2:28
3. The words "I in you" refers to having BD in the soul - vs 4 cp vs 7
4. Pruning refers to testing, which results in greater production - vs 2
5. Failure to abide in Christ and to have His words in the individual believer (branch) is to suffer discipline and loss of reward - vs 6
6. There is a promise for those who follow the way to Divine Good Production - vs 7
7. DGP glorifies God and is conclusive proof of complete discipleship - vs 8
D. As seen in the parable of the soils (Lk 8:15), it requires:
1. hearing (including placing oneself where one can hear)
2. intellectual honesty (do not reject the Truth because it is unpleasant)
3. positive volition (wanting and seeking the Truth)
4. tenacity (even when it is difficult, one must continue to apply; cp v 13)
5. patience (whatever the circumstances, wait on the Lord to provide opportunity and/or relief)
E. One must follow the dictum "Action with honor", not merely doing what is good according to human standards, but according to the Divine Viewpoint. cp 1Sam 13:10-13

V. How God Views the Divine Good of Believers
A. God knows our works. Mt 6:4, 6, 18; Rev 2:2, 19, 3:15
B. DGP glorifies God. Jn 15:8a "By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit…"
C. One of the reasons for the temporary setting aside of Israel and the current dispensation (the Church Age) relates to the issue of DGP, and is also one of the reasons for the removal of the Church via the Rapture. Mat 21:33-43; Lk 13:6-9; Rev 3:16
D. Our production is not in vain in the Lord. 1Cor 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
E. God is not so unjust as to forget our DGP. Heb 6:10 "For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints."
F. God impartially judges each believer's works. 1Pet 1:17 "And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth"

VI. How We Should Regard Divine Good
A. Jesus taught that we are to seize every opportunity to produce Divine Good during the limited time given to us - when we are physically dead, no more opportunity will exist. Jn 9:4 "We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work."
B. Be zealous for DGP. Tit 2:14 "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." cp 3:8
C. Those who persevere in DGP have temporal and eternal blessings promised.
1. Temporal: Ps 19:11, 58:11; Pro 22:4; Mt 19:29
2. Eternal: Lk 6:23; 1Cor 3:14; Rev 22:12
D. Do not grow tired of applications in your niche, and as God brings you opportunities, do not neglect them. Gal 6:9 "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary."
E. Stimulate others to apply BD. Heb 10:24 "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds"
F. Do not neglect doing good and helping others in need. Heb 13:16 "And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
G. Other believers (especially positive) should receive first priority in our applications of Divine Good. Gal 6:10
H. Our DGP is a necessary ingredient in our witness to those on the outside. Mt 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
I. All believers should use their time wisely, avoiding that which is not of eternal value. Eph 5:15-16 "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."

VII. The Importance of Rebound with Respect to DGP is Seen in:
A. the passage on vessels of honor and dishonor. 2Tim 2:20-21
B. the teaching on the isolation of the Indwelling STA. Rom 7:4
C. the two categories of good. 1Cor 3:12-13
D. good deeds without love (FHS) profits a man nothing. 1Cor 13:3 "And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing."
E. The cleansing of Rb must deal with the internal as well as external issues. Mt 23:25-26 (this is also denoted in the differing uses of the word "good" - avgaqoj and kaloj)

VIII. Hindrances to DGP
A. In the Angelic conflict it should be evident that Satan is opposed to activities which bring glory to God, and therefore resists our applications and will seek to disrupt them. Eph 6:12f
B. The STA, which generally takes the path of least resistance, is not going to enjoy or encourage the suffering and sacrifice associated with the application of BD. 1Cor 9:27 "but I buffet my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
C. Therefore, STA activity, which destroys fellowship with God, neutralizes the believer in terms of DGP. Jn 15:1f
D. Lack of the proper frame of reference limits the ability of the believer to know the correct application. 2Tim 3:17
E. Pursuit of the cosmos and details of life short-circuits production. Lk 8:14

IX. Occupational Hazards Associated with DGP
A. Failure to be in Fellowship - Js 1:22-25
B. Failure to know BD - 2Pet 1:5-8
C. Pursuit of the details of life over BD - Lk 8:14
D. Failure to apply - Js 2:14f
E. Religious reversionism - Tit 1:15-16

IX. The Pastor-Teacher's Role in the DGP of His Congregation
A. He is to teach so they can do the work of the ministry. Eph 4:11-12
B. He is to pray for this end. Col 1:9-10
C. He is to set an example in good works. Tit 2:7 "in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified"
D. He is to exhort with respect to DGP. Tit 3:8

X. Each Believer's Niche has Great Potential for DGP
A. Ladies in the Royal Family - 1Tim 2:9-10
B. Those who are financially prosperous - 1Tim 6:17-19
C. Young people - Col 3:20 "Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."
D. Church leaders - 1Tim 4:8
E. Employers - Col 4:1 "Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven."
F. Employees - Col 3:22-24

XI. Surpassing Grace Blessings (SG3) are the Incentive for DGP
A. Our example is the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered in order to receive His glorification. Heb 12:12a "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…"
B. The heroes of the faith (Heb 11) applied under their tests in order to receive SG3. vss 8-10 (Abraham), 14-16 (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), 24-26 (Moses), 35 (OT martyrs)
C. DGP will be rewarded with an appropriate increment of SG3, based on the nature, difficulty, and sacrifice endured and associated with that application. Mt 10:41-42
D. Our recompense for SGP is assured. 2Cor 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

XII. Ph2 Justification by Works/ DGP
A. The believer who consistently puts the application of BD above personal security and interests receives reward in time and eternity, and is declared "righteous" by God. Lk 18:29-30
1. Abraham obeyed God and proceeded to offer up his only son, Isaac. Js 2:21-24
2. Rahab, the prostitute, hid the spies in Jericho at great personal risk because BD was more real than the seemingly impregnable walls of the city, or the danger she faced. Js 2:25

Hope Bible Church
Jan 2002


Pro 11:18 "The wicked earns deceptive wages, But he who sows righteousness gets a true reward."

Rev 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."