One unmistakable teaching of Jesus, as well as the rest of the New Testament, is that concerning “good works” (Matthew 5:16) or “fruit” (John 15:1-8). We live in a day and age when people are being told that they are Christians because they made a profession of faith, even though there may be no evidence of repentance or fruit of good works. That certainly was not the teaching of Our Lord (Luke 13:1-5) or the apostles (Acts 26:12-20).
Clearly we are not saved by our works (Romans 4:1-8), but by faith in the grace that is provided for us by God in the Person of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ (Acts 15:11). Jesus finished all the work of redemption (John 19:30), and faith is the hand (Luke 7:44-50) that reaches out and receives that gift (Romans 6:23). But, the proof that my faith is genuine will be good works and good fruit (James 2:14-26). The apostle John repeatedly contrasted mere saying with visible behaving in his epistles.
Beloved, serving The Lord is nothing other than living our daily lives for one purpose: His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 1 Peter 4:10,11). As we look into this topic of good works in the life of the believer, may our hearts be stirred up afresh to be sold out for Jesus Christ. May that work of God’s Spirit within our church family equip us and strengthen us to be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49; Romans 12:11). Whether it be giving a fellow saint a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42), or being a light in our dark places of employment (Colossians 3:22,23), or simply sending cards of encouragement to a hurting or needy brother or sister, may we do it all for the glory of God. The redeemed of the Lord are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). The redeemed of the Lord bear the fruit of abiding in Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23).
“He who has an ear to hear, let Him hear what The Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7a,11a,17a,29, 3:6,13,22)
