Dead Works - Works Done Without Joy The New Testament speaks of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19) as well as of dead works (Heb. 6:1). Those who indulge in the works of the flesh such as immorality, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, etc, will certainly not inherit the kingdom of God. These works are so obviously sinful that it would be difficult for a believer to practice any of them without being convicted in his conscience. Dead works, however, are more deceitful. They are externally good works, but they spring from a corrupt source (for nothing good dwells in our flesh) and are therefore like a filthy garment in Gods eyes (Rom. 7:18; Isa. 54:6). We are therefore commanded to repent not only from sin but from dead works too. It is only after we have laid such a foundation, that we can press on to perfection (Heb. 6:1). It is well known among believers that the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from all sin. What is not so well known is the fact that the blood of Christ must cleanse our conscience from dead works too before we can serve the living God aright (Heb. 9:14). It is essential therefore that we have a clear understanding of what dead works really are. 1. Works Done Without Joy God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). He also loves a cheerful doer of His will. He meets those who rejoice in doing righteousness (Isa. 64:5). When the Israelites did not serve the Lord with joy, they were punished by being made to serve their enemies (Deut. 28:47, 48). The kingdom of God consists of righteousness accompanied by the joy of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Only those who delight to do His will can bring joy to the heart of God. Consider the matter of tithing, for example. This was a law under the old covenant. But it is never commanded by Jesus or the apostles to those under the new covenant. Yet multitudes of covetous pastors compel their congregations to tithe compulsorily either through promise of divine reward or through threats of divine judgment. The people pay up, but without joy. It is not spontaneous giving, but grudging, reluctant giving. The pastors are happy when the offering boxes are full, but God is not. Pastors love large givers, but God loves only cheerful givers! The new covenant principle is NOT, Give as much as you can give, but, Give as much as you can give cheerfully. God does not want any more than that. Of course you will receive in the same proportion as you give (2 Cor. 9:7; Lk. 6:38) - but that is another matter. God does not, however, desire any labor or gifts that are unwillingly given. What we do without joy is a a dead work !
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 04:02:29 +0000
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