Seeking Jesus First Aug. 22, 2025
Only one of these is bad.
- Works of the Law
- Works of the flesh
- Works of righteousness
None of these justify a person.
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” (Galatians 2:16, NKJV)
“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5, NKJV)
However, once we are justified by faith, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV)
Once we have been born again, we take on the nature of our Father in heaven. “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” (Ephesians 5:1, NKJV)
The divine nature is gifted to us through God’s grace, and the self control needed is accessed by faith and empowered by the Spirit in us. We live and walk by faith. (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, Hey. 10:38, 2 For. 5:7, Gal. 2:20) It is by faith that we overcome. It is by self control that we cease from the works of the flesh and live by the spirit instead of the carnal mind. It is through faith and self control empowered by the Spirit that we renew our mind with God’s words. It is through faith and self control that we become imitators of God in our language and in our Walk.
The works of the flesh kill. The works of the law and the works of righteousness do no produce eternal life. However, good works glorify God and produce a harvest of God’s goodness in the earth.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7–10, NKJV)