Read Colossians 3:12-14
A person once knocked on my door at home and after pleasant formalities proceeded to tell me about true salvation in Jesus Christ. After he finished his little preformed spiel, I asked him why he was doorknocking. He told me that he hoped to get into heaven by doing enough good works and thus to prove himself to God.
This incident shows that over the centuries since Christ walked on this earth in human form, many groups and people have perverted the place of works in the Christian life. Some have said that you have to work for your salvation. Some have said that you need good works to prove yourself to God. Others have said that works play absolutely no part in your salvation. In between all these views there’s been a myriad of different opinions and teachings.
Colossians 3:12 helps us to understand the role of works in the Christian life.
But because we chosen, holy and loved we are to live in a certain way. Colossians 3:5-11 shows the way we are NOT to live. Colossians 3:12-14 shows us the way we ARE to live. One is positive the other is negative. The works of our lives flow out of the love we receive from God.
It’s much like a husband and wife adopting a child into their family. That child is chosen by grace. It is solely the free choice of the parents. Once that child is in the family, he or she learns to live in a way that befits the family. The child is educated in the ways of the family and conforms to that pattern of living. So too we have been adopted into God’s family by grace. Now that we are in His family, we conform to the pattern of His family. Colossians 3:5-11 are things that family members avoid. Colossians 3:12-14 are the things that family members value and practice.
The guy who knocked on my door that day had it totally wrong. He was trying to manipulate God into loving him by his good works. He thought that if he knocked on enough doors, God would have to let him into heaven. I can only pray that the gospel I shared with him brings peace and genuine salvation.
There are many other errors around as well. The Christian who thinks that they can live for themselves now that they’re saved is as wrong as that young man at my doorstep. The church that thinks any form of social work and social help is ungodly is equally wrong. The church that uses guilt to get members involved is wrong too. The reality is far more simple. Good works flow out of the love that Christ has for us.
Prayer:
Using today’s Bible reading and notes spend time praying.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
à Ask the Lord to bring great blessing through the preaching of the Word this Sonday in your church. Pray that the Spirit of God would be powerful and active in bringing fruit from the proclaimed Word in the lives of everyone present.
à Pray that weekly attendance at your church would increase to 90-95% consistently.
If you understand the role of good works in the Christian life, a life of worship will flow outwards.
1. Why is it important to understand the place of good works in the Christian life?
2. What would you say to a “believer” who has no apparent good works in their life?
3. Mariah works 60 hours per week and has 3 young children to care for. As a believer in Christ Jesus, she is worried that she has no time for good works. What counsel would you give Mariah?
Intro: Families work best and are the most ‘fun’ when everyone loves each other and is happy to serve each other. This is exactly what God expects in His larger family of believers.
Discuss a really good time in your family and a really bad time. How did you see the above comments working out?
Read John 13:34-35
What does Jesus expect us to be doing to and for each other?
Why does He expect this?
List 10 ways you could do this?
Pray together that God would give you a heart that is filled with love for the people in your church.
Intro: Mateship works best and are the most ‘fun’ when everyone loves each other and is happy to serve each other. This is exactly what God expects in His larger family of believers.
Discuss a really good time in your family and a really bad time. How did you see the above comments working out?
Read John 13:34-35
What does Jesus expect us to be doing to and for each other?
Why does He expect this?
List 10 ways you could do this?
Pray together that God would give you a heart that is filled with love for the people in your church.
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