The sermon today brought up the tension between faith and works based on the exposition of Gal 5:1-6, where Paul says that if the Galatians were to depend on circumcision, they will never be free. If they do, two things become very clear - (1) they will not need Christ and (2) they will be obligated to keep every bit of the whole law and not just parts they like. The thing is that we are never perfect enough to fulfil the entire law, which is why the only way is to depend on Jesus's work on the cross for only he is perfect to fulfil all the requirements.
But of course that does not mean that we no longer need to produce good works. Good trees will certainly bear good fruits, it is just natural. So in the same way, when we live a life that is in Christ, the result is good works produced naturally. Our works in Christ is a "because of", not a "so that".
pearlie
So simple, but because of its very simplicity so very many miss it!!! Also, the problem of the flesh arises and we want to do it in our OWN strength and not admit that we are helpless, hopeless and incapable of doing it.
ReplyDeleteHey Pearlie! It has been a while. I was just checking in and loved this post and figured I would comment on it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great topic!
Works is the byproduct of a victorious life in Christ. I would go one step further and say that our works are a direct result of obedience to our Father in Heaven. When we do these things, it is not to our reward, but rather should be to His glory.
This is one of the ways in which I rectify the 'depart from me you workers of iniquity' parable. If you have an answer of 'didn't we do these things FOR You', we are missing God's point. Shouldn't we be saying 'God wasn't I called to do this BY You?'. The work in this is seeking the Lord and His will rather than resting on our own understanding. This is what Jesus modeled to us.
Thanks for the great reminder today!
God Bless
Doug
Hi Doug!
ReplyDeleteI knew I have not done something - and that is to respond to your comment. It is nice to hear from you again :) How have you been? I hope you have well and abundant in the Lord.
"Works is the byproduct of a victorious life in Christ"
I like that - so aptly put.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI am in the opinion that it is the simple things that we miss :)
Hey Pearlie,
ReplyDeleteThings have been pretty great for us. I am still an Elder at my church, and I am also in the band. My daughters are doing well, though we have physical challenges with the younger one: she is simply an amazing miracle. My older is a total blessing.
My main focus lately has been in writing music. If you are interested, stop by my music site:
www.soundcloud.com/DougALug
I have about twenty songs up there, including a Christmas instrumental set that was pretty fun to do. We do a few of these songs at our church. And other than one song and the traditionals, I wrote them all.
I have not been inspired to write as much lately, but I might start writing again in a couple months. Until then, I will keep checking up on you and I still love reading your blog. It is a real blessing... so much better than Maehgan's Ponderings....lol
God Bless
Doug
Hi Doug,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to know that you and your family are doing good. We thank God for his grace and providence.
I've visited your music site and heard some of your songs - nice! I love the words in some of the songs. Where do you record them?
That is quite a cool website - I have joined and see how I can be involved as well :) I love to sing -- the only problem is I do not have anyone to play the music.
I did not complete my music when I was younger, and as such I am not be able to formally compose much - what I do sometimes though is to just sing it, and then it is gone and forgotten. I wrote a wedding song quite awhile ago with a friend who put in the music - we sang it in a wedding but did not keep it - I can't remember it now :(
Thanks for still visiting - would love to read your posts again.
"so much better than Maehgan's Ponderings"
Haha...that made me laugh :D
It has been 5 years since I started, and it has been 5 years since I've known you - wow! :)
Hey Pearlie,
ReplyDeleteI actually recorded all of them at my home on my dining room table. All of the instruments are just me (except the drums: they are a software program).
I purchased a program to record music, and some add-ons for it (the drum machine). I play guitar and can play some keyboard. I think in my life I've taken about one and half years of music... I taught myself to play guitar.
If you are interested in what to start with I can suggest some sites that will give you a good starting point.
God Bless
Doug