Jesus said, "... Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4. Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Man says there are no works to do, but God's Word
teaches the opposite. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have
always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in
my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his
good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13. Put your trust in God.
Works and obedience go together. Jesus said, "I
must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the
night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. We must abound
in the work of the Lord. "Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in
the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58. James 1:25 teaches, "But
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word,
this man shall be blessed in his deed."
We must do what God's word teaches. It justifies
us. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and
not by faith only." "Not by faith only ..."
God's word is right.
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do,
that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto
them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he
hath sent." John 6:28-29. Thus, belief is a work. Man must
believe it is man's work to obey.
The Jewish Christians turned away from the Law
of Moses. Their faith did not stand in the wisdom of men, but
in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. They were not saved
by the works of the Law. Ephesians 2:8-10. God was able to make
them perfect in every good work to do his will. Hebrews 13:21.
A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts
6:7
Let us listen to the teaching of Christ and obey.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which
I say?" Luke 6:46. "Not every one that saith unto me,
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew
7:21. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15.
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
John 15:14. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved
of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to
him." John 14:21. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth
not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have
spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.
People who love God, obey. Love and Care Personal
Care Home, PO Box 1512, Parkersburg, WV 26102.