Bible Study Works of the Law and Good WOrks - part 2

[Jim Parker]

In contrast, Paul repeatedly prescribes "good works" as normal for believers. These teachings of scripture, like Ephesians 2:10, are far too consistently ignored.

Ro 6:2-10 (NKJV) (God) will render to each one according to his deeds; eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Examples of Paul’s instruction concerning good works are;

1Ti 2:9-10 ... women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

1Ti 5:9-10 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

In these verses, Paul connected the doing of good works (bearing fruit) with laying hold of eternal life. (Salvation)

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1Ti 6:17-19 )

Tit 2:6-7a Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works;

Tit 2:14 (Jesus Christ) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Paul identifies "bearing fruit" with "good works:"

And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.(Tit 3:14 )

Thus, by his instruction, Paul made a very clear distinction between "works of the Law", by which no one will be saved because no one can keep for his entire life without any violation of even the smallest requirement of the law, and "good works" which are the obligation of every believer in Jesus Christ that we bear fruit.

As the NLT renders Mat 3:8, it is necessary that a believer:

"Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God."

And Jesus, Himself, confirms that, when He comes to judge the living and the dead, His verdicts of salvation or condemnation will be based on whether or not the person in question did or did not do “good works.” (Mat 25: 31-46) Those who did good works, in this case, works of mercy, will be told,

“inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world

While those who failed to do good works will be told;

“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Therefore, considering Jesus’ own words as well as all of what Paul had to say about “works of the Law” and “good works”, no one will be saved by “works of the Law” but, concerning “good works”; no one will be saved without them. Doing good works is what a believer does; it is what identifies a believer both during this lifetime and before the Judge of all mankind.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”(John 13:34-35 NKJV)

To love one another is the only way we are told by which anyone can fulfill all the Law.

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.(Rom 13:8 NKJV)

Love is the fruit that a believer bares. Love is the good work that he does. Love is the prima facie evidence that he is “in Christ” and, therefore, has eternal life. And love is not an emotion. It is the force of eternal life within a believer by which he delights in the acts of love, the good works, which men can see and for which they glorify the Father in heaven.


iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)


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[Papa Zoom]

Yes, we are called to do good works. And we can only do good works if Christ abides in us and we in Him. So if one does not do good works, they don't have Christ abiding in them. Simple. They aren't saved to begin with. In one own's strength, good works is not possible. Good works naturally follows a person who is truly in Christ.

 

[Jim Parker]

Yes, we are called to do good works. And we can only do good works if Christ abides in us and we in Him. So if one does not do good works, they don't have Christ abiding in them. Simple. They aren't saved to begin with. In one own's strength, good works is not possible. Good works naturally follows a person who is truly in Christ.

Then why did Jesus tell his disciples to "remain" in Him?
We aren't puppets with God pulling our strings and making us do good works.
God expects us to exercise our free will and act like we believe.
We were created to do good works; it is our God-given calling (Eph 2:10).
We were "created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS.....that we should walk in them." To "walk in good works" is to act like we believe we have a calling from God to do good works. To do them as our standard mode of operation ("walk in them") is to have faith and to be faithful.
That's why there are so many good works prescribed for believers in the New Testament.

Here's a list of what Paul said that we should be doing as faithful Christians:

A Few Works prescribed by Paul in Scripture
Rom 2:7-10 (God) will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Rom 6:12-13 … do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Rom 12:1-2… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom 12:9-13:1 [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
[Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Rom 13:5-8 Therefore [you] must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes [are due], customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Rom 13:13-14 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to [fulfill its] lusts

Rom 14:1-3 Receive one who is weak in the faith, [but] not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats [only] vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in [our] brother's way.

Rom 14:15-16 Yet if your brother is grieved because of [your] food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

Rom 14:19-21 Therefore let us pursue the things [which make] for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed [are] pure, but [it is] evil for the man who eats with offense. [It is] good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor [do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

More follow below....

 

[Papa Zoom]

I'm not saying we don't have to put forth any effort. But even the effort we are able to put forth is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

 

[Jim Parker]

A Few MORE Works prescribed by Paul in Scripture

Rom 14:22-23 Do you have faith? Have [it] to yourself before God. Happy [is] he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because [he does] not [eat] from faith; for whatever [is] not from faith is sin.

Rom 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please [his] neighbor for [his] good, leading to edification.

Rom 15:7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

1 Cor 5:9-13 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet certainly [did] not [mean] with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. For what [have] I [to do] with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."

1 Cor 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1 Cor 7:10-11 Now to the married I command, [yet] not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from [her] husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to [her] husband. And a husband is not to divorce [his] wife.

1Cor 7:20-24 Were you called [while] a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use [it]. For he who is called in the Lord [while] a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called [while] free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that [state] in which he was called.

1 Cor 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

1 Cor 10:7-10 And do not become idolaters as [were] some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

1 Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Cor 10:27-28 If any of those who do not believe invites you [to dinner], and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth [is] the LORD's, and all its fullness."

1 Cor 10:31-33 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all [men] in all [things], not seeking my own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

1 Cor 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ.

1 Cor 11:27-28 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks [this] cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

1 Cor 11:33-34 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment.

1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual [gifts], but especially that you may prophesy.

1 Cor 14:27-32 If anyone speaks in a tongue, [let there be] two or at the most three, [each] in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if [anything] is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1 Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but [they are] to be submissive, as the law also says.

1 Cor 14:39-40 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Cor 16:13-14 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all [that] you [do] be done with love.

2 Cor 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

2 Cor 6:17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who [are] spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Eph 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:20-32 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, "[Let] each one [of you] speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with [his] hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Eph 5:1-4 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose [them].

Eph 5:15-21 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord [is].
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

And a few more follow below:

 

[Jim Parker]

A Few MORE Works prescribed by Paul in Scripture
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Eph 5:33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife [see] that she respects [her] husband.

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord,

Eph 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Eph 6:5-8 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether [he is] a slave or free.

Eph 6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Eph 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Phl 1:27-28 … let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.


Phl 2:3-8 [Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, [and] coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to [the point of] death, even the death of the cross.

Phl 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

Phl 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord [is] at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Phl 4:8Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

Phl 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Col 2:16-17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Col 3:8-9 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Col 3:13-17 Therefore, as [the] elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also [must do].
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col 3:18-23 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Col 4:1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair,

Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward those [who are] outside, redeeming the time. [Let] your speech always [be] with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

1Th 4:3-5 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

1 Th 5:6-8 Therefore let us not sleep, as others [do], but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and [as] a helmet the hope of salvation.

1Th 5:11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

1Th 5:15-22 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

2 Th 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

1 Ti 2:1-2Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

1 Ti 2:11-12 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.
ANd a few more follow below:

 

[Jim Parker]

A the last of a Few MORE Works prescribed by Paul in Scripture

1 Ti 4:7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

1 Ti 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Ti 5:1-3Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort [him] as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows who are really widows.

1 Ti 5:8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Ti 5:19-20Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

1 Ti 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.

1 Ti 6:7-14 … we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all [kinds of] evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and [before] Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep [this] commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing,

1 Ti 6:17-19Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
[Let them] do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

2 Ti 1:6 ….I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2 Ti 1:13-14 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

2 Ti 2:22… the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Ti 2:11-13[This is] a faithful saying: For if we died with [Him], We shall also live with [Him]. If we endure, We shall also reign with [Him]. If we deny [Him], He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

2 Ti 2:15-16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane [and] idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

2Ti 2:22-23Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

2 Ti 2:24-26And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and [that] they may come to their senses [and escape] the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to [do] his will.

Tts 3:9-10 … avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

So, Paul had a whole lot to say about what a believer is supposed to be doing.
God is not glorified by "believers" not acting like the believe; by people who "have faith" not being faithful.

Jesus did everything the Father gave Him to do.
Imitate Christ.
Do everything the Holy Spirit has given us to do by having His will written down in the scriptures.

Or work on our alibis and hope God's in a good mood when it's our turn in the dock.


iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)


DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

 

[Jim Parker]

I'm not saying we don't have to put forth any effort. But even the effort we are able to put forth is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

It is not TOTALLY by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have to cooperate.
We have to desire to do God's will.
We can't do it without the Holy Spirit but the Holy Spirit won't do it for us without our cooperation.

 

[Papa Zoom]

It is not TOTALLY by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have to cooperate.
We have to desire to do God's will.
We can't do it without the Holy Spirit but the Holy Spirit won't do it for us without our cooperation.

We can't even come to faith unless the Spirit calls us. Yes we cooperate but we do so by the loving tug of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Apart from the work of the HS, we'd simply do our own thing.

 

[Jim Parker]

All of mankind has sinned and has earned the wages called death, every last one of us.
God saves us by His grace (His loving power to save) and His mercy. (His loving desire to save)
NO ONE will be saved just by doing good works.
NO ONE will be saved who does not do good works.

Ah has spoke. :yes


iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)



DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

 

[Jim Parker]

We can't even come to faith unless the Spirit calls us. Yes we cooperate but we do so by the loving tug of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Apart from the work of the HS, we'd simply do our own thing.

Right.
But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do HIS thing which is what we were created for in the first place.

 

[dirtfarmer]

dirtfarmer here

Ephesians 2:10 " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Whose workmanship are we?
What were created for in Christ Jesus?
What is it that we are ordained to do?

We are God's product in Christ Jesus unto good works. The purpose of the ordination is that we should walk in them. Where do we find any of our workings that replaces our walking in the good works that we created in Christ Jesus. We live by faith not by works.

 

[Jim Parker]

Whose workmanship are we?

God's

What were created for in Christ Jesus?

To do good works.

What is it that we are ordained to do?

That's the same question.

Where do we find any of our workings that replaces our walking in the good works that we created in Christ Jesus.

No one said there were workings that replace our walking in the good works that we created in Christ Jesus to do.

We live by faith not by works.

If you live by faith then you will be FAITHFUL to do the GOOD WORKS for which God created you in Christ Jesus to do.

If you are not walking in (doing) the good works for which God created you in Christ Jesus to do then you are faithless and your reward will be the lake of fire with the rest of the faithless people who did not walk in those good works that God created them in Christ Jesus to walk in no matter what you believe about Jesus or have faith that He is.

If someone has faith that Jesus is who He said He is, then he should be faithful in doing what He told him to do.

Make sense?

 

[Papa Zoom]

Right.
But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do HIS thing which is what we were created for in the first place.

Yes, I see it this way as well.

 

[dirtfarmer]

God's

To do good works.

That's the same question.

No one said there were workings that replace our walking in the good works that we created in Christ Jesus to do.

If you live by faith then you will be FAITHFUL to do the GOOD WORKS for which God created you in Christ Jesus to do.

If you are not walking in (doing) the good works for which God created you in Christ Jesus to do then you are faithless and your reward will be the lake of fire with the rest of the faithless people who did not walk in those good works that God created them in Christ Jesus to walk in no matter what you believe about Jesus or have faith that He is.

If someone has faith that Jesus is who He said He is, then he should be faithful in doing what He told him to do.

Make sense?

hello Jim Parker, dirtfarmer here

Jesus said in John 5:39 "the work of God is that we believe on him whom he hath sent". Zechariah 4:6 " Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of host."

God prepared the path of good works for the believer which he will perform in and through them that is his workmanship in Christ Jesus. Good works are evidence of salvation, not something that produces salvation. It is God that has produced the good works, it is the Christians that walks in

 

[Edward]

Love is the fruit that a believer bares. Love is the good work that he does. Love is the prima facie evidence that he is “in Christ” and, therefore, has eternal life. And love is not an emotion. It is the force of eternal life within a believer by which he delights in the acts of love, the good works, which men can see and for which they glorify the Father in heaven.

That's exactly correct. Love is not an emotion. The emotion comes after the fact of the Love being present.

We're to be led by the Spirit, period. When one walks in the Spirit, one will be led into the acts of good works. There's your evidence, there's your fruit.

 

[Jim Parker]

God prepared the path of good works for the believer which he will perform in and through them that is his workmanship in Christ Jesus.

Is it your belief that you have absolutely no part in any of the good works that God" performs in and through you"?
Do you see yourself as a puppet with God pulling your strings?

Good works are evidence of salvation, not something that produces salvation.

I never suggested that good works produce salvation.

I do state, however, that, if anyone dos not do the good works prescribed by scripture and which God created for him to do, he will not be saved even if he believes that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ and all the rest of the Apostles Creed.

If someone does not do what Jesus commands then Jesus is not his lord and he is not saved.

Scripture gives extensive instructions concerning the good works that believers are to do. (I posted 4 pages of what Paul told us we are to do.) Could you explain why you are so opposed to admitting that Christians are required to do the works which God created us to do as a way of life? (Eph 2:10)

iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)


DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Is it your belief that you have absolutely no part in any of the good works that God" performs in and through you"?
Do you see yourself as a puppet with God pulling your strings?

I never suggested that good works produce salvation.

I do state, however, that, if anyone dos not do the good works prescribed by scripture and which God created for him to do, he will not be saved even if he believes that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ and all the rest of the Apostles Creed.

If someone does not do what Jesus commands then Jesus is not his lord and he is not saved.

Scripture gives extensive instructions concerning the good works that believers are to do. (I posted 4 pages of what Paul told us we are to do.) Could you explain why you are so opposed to admitting that Christians are required to do the works which God created us to do as a way of life? (Eph 2:10)

iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)


DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

hello Jim Parker, dirtfarmer here

Paul stated in Romans 7:18 that no good thing dwells in his flesh. It is Christ that works through us as we yield to him and it is he that does the work. We have no way of accomplishing any thing that is pleasing to God through our flesh. Can you supply any scripture where God states that he is "well pleased with us? The only person that God ever said that he was well pleased with was Jesus Christ.

With you statement: "If someone does not do what Jesus commands then Jesus is not his Lord and he is not saved." Sounds like a "works" based salvation rather than a faith based salvation in which works follow.

Papa Zoom stated in Post #9 "Apart from the Holy Spirit , we simply do our own thing." Would not "do our own thing" be self-righteousness? We are told that our righteousness is a "filthy rags".

If you live by faith then you are led by the Holy Spirit and are instruments for him to use in pleasing God.

 

[Jim Parker]

hello Jim Parker, dirtfarmer here
Paul stated in Romans 7:18 that no good thing dwells in his flesh. It is Christ that works through us as we yield to him and it is he that does the work. We have no way of accomplishing any thing that is pleasing to God through our flesh. Can you supply any scripture where God states that he is "well pleased with us? The only person that God ever said that he was well pleased with was Jesus Christ.

Paul also said, at Ro 6:16, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"
Do you see that? Paul said that obedience leads to righteousness.

I asked:
1. Is it your belief that you have absolutely no part in any of the good works that God" performs in and through you"?
2. Do you see yourself as a puppet with God pulling your strings?
Your response, " It is Christ that works through us as we yield to him and it is he that does the work." seems like a "yes" answer. What you said seems to tell me that you have absolutely no part in any good work and that Christ operates you like a brainless puppet by pulling your strings.
Is that really what you meant to tell me? You're just a puppet that can't think or choose to do anything good? Really?

With you statement: "If someone does not do what Jesus commands then Jesus is not his Lord and he is not saved." Sounds like a "works" based salvation rather than a faith based salvation in which works follow.

That's not my statement, DF; it is what JESUS' said.
Luke 6:46 (NKJV) “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?"
BY that saying, Jesus stated that, if He is our Lord then He expects us to do what He says.
Or do you think it was just a suggestion?
Maybe it was for "extra credit."

Papa Zoom stated in Post #9 "Apart from the Holy Spirit , we simply do our own thing." Would not "do our own thing" be self-righteousness?

I totally agree with Papa Zoom. Doing "our own thing" would be self-righteousness because "our own thing" is not "God's thing."

I never said we should "do our own thing apart from the Holy Spirit."
I said we are to OBEY the leading of the Holy Spirit.
You seem to have a problem with obeying God.
You seem to want God to take over your body, your mind and your will and give you absolutely no choice in anything you do but, instead, force you to do whatever He wants. You seem to believe that believers are essentially God's little wind-up toys.
Why is that?
Why are you so adamantly opposed to making any decision to do what God tells you to do?
Why do you need God to do everything for you as if you were an infant who could do nothing for himself?

If you live by faith then you are led by the Holy Spirit and are instruments for him to use in pleasing God.

If you "live by faith" then you will be faithful TO DO the good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10) You will be like the saints in Hebrews who "by faith" did good works.
You seem to think that the Holy Spirit turns believers into a kind of flesh and blood robot.

Jesus commanded believers TO DO GOOD.
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Luk 6:27 But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.

In view of the multitude of instructions to do good works, like the 4 pages of Paul's instructions that I posted above, how is it that you consider a believers obligation to do good works to be an impossible task, something you are unable to do?

I assure you that, if God tells you to do something, you are most certainly able to do it.


iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)




DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Paul also said, at Ro 6:16, "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"
Do you see that? Paul said that obedience leads to righteousness.

I asked:
1. Is it your belief that you have absolutely no part in any of the good works that God" performs in and through you"?
2. Do you see yourself as a puppet with God pulling your strings?
Your response, " It is Christ that works through us as we yield to him and it is he that does the work." seems like a "yes" answer. What you said seems to tell me that you have absolutely no part in any good work and that Christ operates you like a brainless puppet by pulling your strings.
Is that really what you meant to tell me? You're just a puppet that can't think or choose to do anything good? Really?

That's not my statement, DF; it is what JESUS' said.
Luke 6:46 (NKJV) “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?"
BY that saying, Jesus stated that, if He is our Lord then He expects us to do what He says.
Or do you think it was just a suggestion?
Maybe it was for "extra credit."

I totally agree with Papa Zoom. Doing "our own thing" would be self-righteousness because "our own thing" is not "God's thing."

I never said we should "do our own thing apart from the Holy Spirit."
I said we are to OBEY the leading of the Holy Spirit.
You seem to have a problem with obeying God.
You seem to want God to take over your body, your mind and your will and give you absolutely no choice in anything you do but, instead, force you to do whatever He wants. You seem to believe that believers are essentially God's little wind-up toys.
Why is that?
Why are you so adamantly opposed to making any decision to do what God tells you to do?
Why do you need God to do everything for you as if you were an infant who could do nothing for himself?

If you "live by faith" then you will be faithful TO DO the good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10) You will be like the saints in Hebrews who "by faith" did good works.
You seem to think that the Holy Spirit turns believers into a kind of flesh and blood robot.

Jesus commanded believers TO DO GOOD.
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Luk 6:27 But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.

In view of the multitude of instructions to do good works, like the 4 pages of Paul's instructions that I posted above, how is it that you consider a believers obligation to do good works to be an impossible task, something you are unable to do?

I assure you that, if God tells you to do something, you are most certainly able to do it.


iakov the fool
(beaucoup dien cai dau)




DISCLAIMER: By reading the words posted above, you have made a free will choice to expose yourself to the rantings of iakov the fool. The poster assumes no responsibility for any temporary, permanent or otherwise annoying manifestations of cognitive dysfunction that, in any manner, may allegedly be related to the reader’s deliberate act by which he/she has knowingly allowed the above rantings to enter into his/her consciousness. No warrantee is expressed or implied. Individual mileage may vary. And, no, I don't want to hear about it. No sniveling! Enjoy the rest of your life here and the eternal one to come.

hello Jim Parker, dirtfarmer here

I see myself as having died to sin, but made alive in Christ by the power of the Spirit that has made my spirit alive unto Christ by dividing my spirit from my soul as stated in Hebrews 4:12, and the ability to cry Abba Father.

Tell me, have you ever seen anybody that is dead do anything.

In your use of Luke as basis for "church doctrine", you fail to see Luke for the reason it was written. Luke is a explanation of the birth and infancy of Jesus, also of John the Baptist. It should be taken as a narrative of the beginning of the promised era for Israel's salvation by the establishment of the promised kingdom. the main theme is Jesus' offering the kingdom as he rode on the colt into Jerusalem and their rejection of him,his crucifixion and resurrection of the glorified Christ that has a body of flesh and bone, not flesh and blood.

What I see in those 3 post is a life lived by faith, not works of the flesh.