1 Chronicles 22-23 / Romans 3:9-31/ Psalm 12 / Proverbs 19:13-14
Most of us want to do the right thing. We want to please our parents as children, although some of us can be mischievous! We want to please our families, our bosses, those we go to church with, and most of all we want to please God. Some do the right thing because someone might be watching. Some do the right thing because they think it will earn them favor. And others do the right thing simply because they know it’s right.
I really enjoyed reading Romans 3:19-31 today, even though I’ve read it many times. There are those who believe when they keep God’s law, they become righteous. But verse 20 tells us God’s intended purpose for bringing the law; the law simply shows us how sinful we are. If that’s all the law does, we are left feeling there is no hope!
Once the law has done its work in showing us our sin, what are we to do? Are we to be left feeling lost and without an answer to our sinful hearts? Thankfully, no! Verse 22 tells us We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
The answer to our sin and guilt problem is an easy answer to find, but it’s certainly hard for some to believe. Faith in Jesus Christ is the answer to our sin problem. Our works, or the good things we do, will not save us from God’s judgment. If you want to get away from the judgment of God, you must hide yourself in Jesus Christ by believing He is the Son of God who came to reconcile you in relationship with His Father.
Unfortunately, we still love that pat on the back. We still want to believe we had a hand in our goodness or our accomplishments in faith toward God. If Holy Spirit can draw us into faith, some still believe we must work to keep the gift God gave. If it’s a gift, it cannot be taken away. It is ours for all eternity. The “it” I’m referring to is eternal life, and we will be privileged to spend that life with God, the Creator of the universe.
Yes, there are still things we may accomplish and be proud of! There is nothing wrong with working hard and drawing satisfaction from that. As a matter of fact, our hard, diligent work blesses God and allows others to see His character in us. It is only the area of salvation that we may take no credit. Jesus Christ deserves all credit for the provision and keeping of our salvation.
Philippians 2:12b says, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”
Our “work” in the verse above appears to be obedience. What about this verse in John 6:29 – Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.”
This verse says our “work” is to believe in Jesus Christ. These two statements are simple, yet profound. Do you want to do work for God? Obey Him. Believe in Jesus Christ.
This reminds me of an old hymn Trust and Obey –
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweetWe will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends. we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
