When the Ethiopian can change his skin, and the leopard his spots, then may they also do good that are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23). Men may as soon expect to gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles, as good fruit to grow upon or good works to be performed by the unregenerate. We have first to be "created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10), have His Spirit put within us (Galatians 4:6), and His grace implanted in our hearts (Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10), before there is any capacity for good works. Even then we can do nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). Often we have a will go do that which is good, yet how to perform it we know not (Romans 7:18). This drives us to our knees, begging God to make us "perfect in every good work", working in us "that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:21). Thus we are emptied of self-sufficiency, and brought to realize that all our springs are in God (Psalm 87:7); and thus we discover that we can do all things through Christ strengthening us (Phil. 4:13).
6. We profit from the Word when we are taught thereby the great importance of good works. Condensing as far as possible: "good works" are of great importance because by them God is glorified (Matthew 5:16), by them the mouths of those who speak against us are closed (1 Peter 2:12), by them we evidence the genuineness of our profession of faith (James 2:13-17). It is highly expedient that we "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2:10). Nothing brings more honor to Christ than that those who bear His name are found living constantly (by His enablement) in a Christ-like way and spirit. It was not without reason that the same Spirit who caused the apostle to preface his statement concerning Christ's coming into this world to save sinners with "This is a faithful saying," etc., also moved him to write, "This is a faithful saying ... that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8). May we indeed be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
7. We profit from the Word when we are taught thereby the true scope of good works. This is so comprehensive as to include the discharge of our duties in every relationship in which God has placed us. It is interesting and instructive to note the first "good work" (as so described) in Holy Writ, namely, the anointing the Saviour by Mary of Bethany (Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:6). Indifferent alike to the blame or praise of men, with eyes only for the "chiefest among ten thousand," she lavished upon Him her precious ointment. Another woman, Dorcas (Acts 9:36), is also mentioned as "full of good works"; after worship comes service, glorifying God among men and benefiting others.
"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:10). The bringing up (not dragging up!) of children, lodging (spiritual) strangers, washing the saints feet (ministering to their temporal comforts) and relieving the afflicted (1 Timothy 5:10) are spoken of as "good works". Unless our reading and study of Scriptures is making us better soldiers of Jesus Christ, better citizens of the country in which we sojourn, better members of our earthly homes (kinder, gentler, more unselfish), "thoroughly furnished unto all good works, it is profiting us little or nothing.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 6 - "The Scriptures and Obedience")
No comments:
Post a Comment