Very good thoughts Bionic. This is one of the "Key" concepts of following Christ -- without this we can do nothing, can bear no good or lasting fruit. My challenge has been: how do we do this on a regular, consistent basis? Some suggest a personal communion with Him (which I agree with but have trouble living in) -- others emphasize our "good works" or human effort. Our abiding must produce fruit -- but the fruit is the Fruit of the Spirit, not our own self-effort. Comparing: Matthew 5:16 -- Ephesians 2:10 -- Philippians 2:12-13. How do we balance all of this in our daily life?
Alan: “How do we balance all of this in our daily life?”
Matthew 5: 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 2: 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Alan, I think you said it well in your note: “As branches we must abide in the Vine so His Life can produce fruit. Without this, we can do nothing “good”.”
Our works are only good when we know that our being is grounded in, built on, and sustained by Christ, and that our forgiveness is secured only by His grace, and when we do such good works only to His glory and not to ours.
As Jesus said in the verse cited from Matthew: our good works should shine before men only when these glorify God the Father – not for our benefit, but for His glory.
Good answer. I often think I am not doing enough .. or for my own glory. I grew up in a very legalistic, arminian, if it is to be its up to me .. mindset. It's hard to totally get away from our upbringing. Always enjoy, appreciate your writing. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas season. Glad I found you on Substack.
Very good thoughts Bionic. This is one of the "Key" concepts of following Christ -- without this we can do nothing, can bear no good or lasting fruit. My challenge has been: how do we do this on a regular, consistent basis? Some suggest a personal communion with Him (which I agree with but have trouble living in) -- others emphasize our "good works" or human effort. Our abiding must produce fruit -- but the fruit is the Fruit of the Spirit, not our own self-effort. Comparing: Matthew 5:16 -- Ephesians 2:10 -- Philippians 2:12-13. How do we balance all of this in our daily life?
Alan: “How do we balance all of this in our daily life?”
Matthew 5: 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 2: 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Alan, I think you said it well in your note: “As branches we must abide in the Vine so His Life can produce fruit. Without this, we can do nothing “good”.”
Our works are only good when we know that our being is grounded in, built on, and sustained by Christ, and that our forgiveness is secured only by His grace, and when we do such good works only to His glory and not to ours.
As Jesus said in the verse cited from Matthew: our good works should shine before men only when these glorify God the Father – not for our benefit, but for His glory.
Good answer. I often think I am not doing enough .. or for my own glory. I grew up in a very legalistic, arminian, if it is to be its up to me .. mindset. It's hard to totally get away from our upbringing. Always enjoy, appreciate your writing. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas season. Glad I found you on Substack.
Thank you, Alan. I appreciate your comments and your support.