"This is a trustworthy saying" #4

Titus 3:8 sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good works.   

Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works."

I know we want to be careful when we talk about good works.  Always establishing that works are an expression of our love for Jesus, not our attempt to produce salvation.  We are involved in faithful love to Jesus first and equally important faithful service to others (Matthew 22:34-40). 

We are to be involved in acts of charity to other believers and to the world of non-believers.  We have been given charge to make sure we are not playing church but that we are being the church.  Not some form of religion but true and undefiled religion friends. We are given as Christians the definition of religion

James 1:27 Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

God has called us to a work in the world around us and He has shown us that He desires to bless the work that is done through the directions of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of these instructions as I think about “maintaining good works.”

Philippians 2:12-13 12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

There are many sets of instructions that help understand the type of work God is doing in and through us.  Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3; Ephesians 4-5 and other places.  It is not us who can pull these things off, it is God working in our lives, through the Holy Spirit, that we have a chance at all. 

What is important in living out the things God has for us: “obeying God with deep reverence and fear” (Philippians 2:12).  Obedience is the key, even Jesus was obedient to the Father’s plan and workings.

John 5:19 So Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

Seeing God at work requires our spiritual eyes to be open and our hearts pure.  Seek God for the areas in your life that He wants to make pure, repent and seek His direction for the “good works” He want to lead you through.  Search for God now and may we proclaim with gladness and joy these words “The Lord is great!”

Psalms 40:16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!"

I am searching for ways we can immobilize as the Family of God to help those who may need it if this virus attack lasts too long.  The affects at this time in our community are unknown, I believe we have an opportunity to seek God’s heart and make Holy Spirit led decisions for helping.  Let’s start thinking out loud how we might immobilize as the Body of Christ, to meet the needs of our community.