Fruitful works BLL 12-19-2018

Be “Fruitful in Every Good Work”

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)

An old adage relates that Children of God are to talk the talk and walk the walk. Letting Christs light shine always to Glorify Him. There are many admonitions in Scripture instructing all children of God maintain a lifestyle that reflects the holy character of the Savior; our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It may be significant that God saw fit to only have written this phrase “walk worthy” appears only three times in the New Testament: once in our text today; once in Ephesians 4:1, where we are asked to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called”; and once in 1 Thessalonians 2:12, where we are admonished to “walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

Paul’s instance to the church at Colossae was for the members to act, talk and live their life in such a way that everything would be “all pleasing” to our Lord. The church at Gath was having problems with some members who were trying to keep the “old” Jewish law. Paul emphatically stated, “Do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Paul insisted to the Thessalonians, “As we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). We may argue this or that point of the gospel and stand firm on our way of thinking. But, know this one thing.

It is “God, which trieth our hearts.” He sees the motives behind our ‘beliefs’ and he will judge according to the condition of the heart not by any work done. Take the “whole gospel, or take none. There is not one gospel for some and another for others. Jesus died for all and His word is equally restraining upon all. Since we are to “walk worthy,” we are to be “fruitful in every good work.” Indeed, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

We should not e shocked or surprise at these sayings. We’ve known them. When God drew us to Himself (John 6:44 (“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”), He brought the necessary conviction of our sin for us to know them, Christ’s righteousness, and the judgment to come (John 16:7-8( “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:), what was “dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 (“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;) had to become a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17), “created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). That “new man” is then empowered to “walk worthy.” It wont be a struggle or worry. Know God, know peace. Amen BLL 12-19-2018