We’re considering the fruit which is borne in our lives as we truly hear the Word of God. Hear it so that it lodges not just in our mind but in our heart, and we act on it accordingly. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on pages 14 and 15:
“A third fruit that blossoms as we hear the Word of God is the proliferation of good works of ministry to touch the weary, searching lives of others with the grace of God.“God’s Word is given so that men and women of God might be perfected in divine grace, ‘complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ We are created anew in Christ Jesus to be, as it were, sponges of grace and truth. In the tight spots and hard squeezes of life, amid the misery and grime of sin, those who hear the Word of Christ emit not a squeal of fear nor a wail of complaint, but the warmth of grace to heal and bless, renew and revive, encourage and edify those around us. Having drunk our fill at the fountain of grace and truth, we go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, rivers of living water flowing out from us to bathe the unclean, refresh the thirsty, and buoy the sinking with the message of forgiveness and eternal hope.
“The Apostle Paul is adamant about this. We are not saved by good works, he would say, but we’re not truly saved without them. To Titus he wrote that God wants His people to be ‘ready for every good work’ (3.1) and to be ‘careful to maintain good works,’ ‘to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful’ (3.8, 14).
“James wrote that you cannot claim to have true faith in the Lord, or to be a true hearer of His Word, unless there is evidence of abounding good works in your life. And the writer of Hebrews explained that we can only be sure of having heard the Word of God in a saving and sanctifying way when good works of service and love are proliferating in our lives.
“Where the Word of God is preached and heard, repentance, sanctification, and good works bloom to life.”
For reflection or discussion
1. We’re not saved by good works, but unto them. We’re not saved by good works, but we’re not saved without them. Explain.
2. Why does it make sense that God’s good and true Word would bring forth good works in those who truly hear it?
Jesus aims to fill the world with His goodness, the goodness He everywhere demonstrates and testifies to in His Word. And He intends to do that through His people, as they daily hear Him speaking to them in His Word and commit themselves to carrying out His will in everything they do. What a great way to live our lives! Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Order your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart by going to The Ailbe Bookstore today.
T. M. Moore
