Known by Works I

Thursday 25 August
READ: James 2:17-18
MORE LESSON: John 5: 32-36

True Christianity is not only about the worship of God. It also has to do with doing works that make men glorify the God you serve. True Christianity is not just about faith; it is faith expressed by works. Anyone who is a Christian and is not known for exploits that make men marvel at the God he serves, needs to re-examine his Christianity. This fundamental truth is expressed in James 2:17-18 wherein the Apostle wrote, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
Jesus said to His disciples in Matt.5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. In a previous verse, Jesus said to them, You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid: Matt. 5:14. Connecting the two verses, Jesus seems to be saying that the way to shine your light to the world is by doing works that make men glorify your Father who is in Heaven. He demonstrated this teaching by going about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…: Acts.10:38. When Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees and elders to declare His personality, He simply referred them to His works. He told them that beyond the witness and testimony of John the Baptist about Him, His works testify that God sent Him (John 5:36).
You must be known for good works. If you remain relevant by your works, no one can cast aspersion on you. Even when they hate you because of your belief, by good works, you can shut their mouth. Everyone you ever impact on by works will never forget you or run you down even when others have a cause to do so. The man born- blind, whom Jesus healed in John 9, refused to be convinced of the Pharisees' “testimony” about Jesus. They told him, give praise to God, this man Jesus is a sinner (simply because Jesus healed the man on a Sabbath day, therefore breaking the Sabbath).
The man’s response was very interesting, He told them, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see: John 9:25. The blind man went on to educate them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.... vs. 30-33. Good works will defend a man, come rain come sun. Receive grace for good works today.

PRAYER/ACTION
* LORD, release fresh grace upon me for good works from today.
* Let my light so shine by good works to impact my generation.

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
As the path of the just shines, so shall my path shine more and more unto the perfect day, in the name of Jesus.