September 28, 2022 -- Matthew 5:14-16 -- Why do good deeds?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

It is a phrase I have been hearing over and over recently: “You are not saved by your good works, but you are saved for good works.” It is a clever phrase that is very helpful. It is the work of Jesus Christ that saves us. He was brought out to the hill outside of Jerusalem and crucified. True Light that gives light to every man endured great suffering and darkness that He might be for us the sacrifice Who takes away our sin. We don’t have to do things to makes ourselves right with God, Jesus has done it all. Now, as those who have been made right with God, it is a pleasure and a joy to live for Him. We willingly endure mocking and scorn, ridicule and whatever else might happen to us because we know our life has been anchored to Jesus Christ. We are kept in Him by the power of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. The Holy Spirit is the power of God in us so that we can shine brightly for Jesus in all we say and do.

So, I don’t do good works in order to be seen and applauded by others. However, the good I do will be seen by others and I want to recognize Jesus Christ, making it clear He is the Author and Perfecter of anything good that flows from my life. I do this so that He receives the credit and glory. And this will have the result both for believers and for those who are being drawn to Jesus by the Spirit. They see and marvel, looking up to God the Father, they will declare: You are Good. Right and true all Your ways. Thus, the Father receives the glory.

It may be others see your good works and hate you. Rather than despair or question God because of this, be assured this too results in the praise and greater glory of the Father in heaven. Here is how to achieve this. Remember that once you too were revilers, those who questioned God the Glorious and rejected His people. When you experience now what you once measured out against others, you will stop and bless God all the more declaring, “Your grace is so amazing, saving a wretch a like me!” The Light of Jesus Christ will shine through you in all and every circumstance, this generated in you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

O GOD, WHOSE WILL CONQUERS ALL,
There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying YOu 
and being engaged in Your service;
You are All in all, and all enjoyments are what
to me You make them, and no more.
I am well pleased with Your will, whatever it is,or should be in all respects,
And if You propose me decide for myself in any matter,
I would choose to refer all to You,
for You are infinitely wise and cannot do inappropriate,
as I am in danger of doing.
I rejoice to think that all things are at Your disposal,
and it delights me to leave them there.
Then prayer turns wholly into praise,
and all I can do is to adore and bless You.
What shall I give You for all Your benefits?
I am torn between two thoughts,
knowing not what to do; I long to make some return, but have nothing to offer,
and can only rejoice that You do all,
that none in heaven or on earth shares Your honour;
I can of myself do nothing to glorify Your blessed Name,
but I can through grace cheerfully surrender soul and body to You,
I know that You are the Author and Finisher of faith,
that the whole work of redemption is Yours alone,
that every good work or thought found in me
is the effect of You power and grace,
that Your sole motive in working in me to will and to do
is for You good pleasure.
O God, it is amazing that men can talk so much
about man’s creaturely power and goodness,
when, if You did not restrain us every moment,
we should be devils incarnate.
This, by bitter experience, thou hast taught me
concerning myself.
"God The All" edited from The Valley of Vision, page 4
 

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