“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

When we have a hope which is given to us through the promises of Jesus, that we are forgiven and we have eternal life, lived in the presence of God where we will see His face, then we now must do the work of our Lord God. Salvation comes to us by faith in the person and the works of Jesus Christ. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) When we come by faith, God gives us a new life, a life that is to be lived following Jesus. A life which is transformed by God. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)

As believers in Jesus Christ, God has works for us to do. The works are to be done demonstrating the character of God. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 ESV) We are to live our lives not only following Jesus, but also abiding in Jesus Christ. When we abide, the fruit or the character of God, comes through our lives. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us forever, produces the fruit from which the world can see God and His grace in us. Paul would describe the fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25)

God has also given us the Bible in order to equip us for the good work we are to do. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) There are many different kinds of good works, however they all have the same goal. It starts with each of us as we understand God’s presence in our lives, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) This hope motivates us to offer hope through our good works. “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:28-29) Through the gift of God, may we work with the character of God in order for others to mature in God. Let us go to work.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block