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.  Living Hope Fellowship Church
Church Study Course

SAINTS & WORK

Lesson 7 Part 1

CHURCH (#7), Part 1

SAINTS & WORK

OUTLINE

1. AUTHORITY IN JESUS' NAME 7. PUT GOD'S WORK FIRST
2. JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE 8. MAINTAIN
3. JESUS WORKS THROUGH US 9. DILIGENT, FERVENT, HOT
4. HONOR 10. WORKS DON'T SAVE YOU
5. WORK/DESIRE AND ZEAL 11. YOU MUST BE SAVED
6. LAZINESS

almsdeeds: charitable deeds, gifts given in love to help the needy
zealous: eager desire, enthusiastic devotion
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1. AUTHORITY IN JESUS' NAME

Jesus left the believers the authority to use His name to continue doing His work. He gave to every man his work. That means we each have a work to do!

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:34.

In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul told the people that they were his work in the Lord! He worked and won souls to the kingdom of God. Work is also called labour. Read more about labour (Romans 16:6 & 12). There are not too many like Dorcas and certainly not too many like Epaphroditus:

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Acts 9:36.

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Philippians 2:30.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.

2. JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE

Jesus was found in the temple at age 12 in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. They were astonished at his understanding and his answers. He told his parents "I must be about my Father's business" (Read Luke 2:46-49). Jesus grew up and did mighty works because he pleased God. If we "grow up" in Christ and please God, we can do mighty works in Jesus' name. Read Deuteronomy 32:4 and John 5:17.

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. John 8:29.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10.

Jesus wanted the people to believe him because his works were witness that God was in him. Your works are also a witness whether God is in you or not (Matthew 7:20). 1 Timothy 5:25 says ". . . they that are otherwise cannot be hid." Read John 14:10 and John 15:24.

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. John 10:38.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8.

3. JESUS WORKS THROUGH US BY THE HOLY GHOST.

Jesus was here working on earth but he ascended into heaven after his death and resurrection. He is still working on earth through us. In Mark, Chapter 16, it says Jesus ascended after giving them the Great Commission. We cannot fulfill the will of God, nor do His work without his help. God worked mighty supernatural works through Jesus. Jesus can work through us the mighty supernatural works of God. He promised to be with us to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:20.

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians 1:29.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12.

4. HONOR

The Bible teaches us to seek honor from God and not man. In Matthew 23:5 it mentions those who did their works to be seen of men. Read Matthew 6:3-6. Christ called them hypocrites! Our works will be seen, but we work to please God. If man tries to honor you, accept it graciously, referring the honor to God. In John 5:41 Jesus said, "I receive not honour from men."

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? John 5:44.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my father honour. John 12:26.

(6) Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (7) To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (8) But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (9) Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: (11) For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:6-11.

Although we are not to SEEK honor from men, we are to honor each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Romans 12:10 says to, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Timothy 5:17.

5. WORK/DESIRE AND ZEAL

The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? 1 Chronicles 29:5.

Saints of God have their work for God to do along with normal work. The quickening of the Holy Ghost will stir your heart to work for God. We love God, but HE gave his only Son so we don't have to go to hell! Do you remember the love, joy, and desire to work for God when you first got saved? Read 1 John 4:19 and Revelation 2:4. In Exodus Chapter 35 the people were willing and obedient to give offerings and to work. We are to be zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). We should have a heart toward God, a body yielded to His work, and a mind to do it.

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: Exodus 36:2.

Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7.

So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6.

In these last hours before the coming of the Lord we need to have our hearts, minds, and bodies concentrated on the work we should be doing for God. We shouldn't be so worried about everything else. He will take care of us if we put his will and his work first (Matthew 6:33). Nehemiah has examples of how the devil will fight the work of God.
It is good to be zealous about good things, but it is necessary for the Christian to use knowledge, wisdom and understanding. You don't want to go wholeheartedly in the WRONG direction. Continuously seek God and study the Word. You need the Holy Ghost to guide you in all things. Godly zeal can be contagious, stirring others to work for God. Read Hebrews 10:24. Seek God about your calling in the Lord. He may have a particular work for you to do, added to the normal Christian duties. Read Jeremiah 29:13. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing. Galatians 4:18.

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Romans 10:2.

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 2 Corinthians 9:2.

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29.

6. LAZINESS

LAZINESS is SIN. The Bible teaches against it. Read Matthew 25:26-30.

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. Proverbs 18:9.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10.

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25.

(23) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (24) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.

Some want the power and precious things of God without praying, fasting, reading the Word, and continually seeking God. Most people have to labor for their living. Read Ecclesiastes 6:7. We work and spend time and money, but remain unsatisfied. One thing is sure, our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Read John 6:27 and Psalm 127:1.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58.

The Word says that if a man doesn't work, neither should he eat. Read all of 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. This means physically and spiritually. If you don't work for God, you won't receive the great things God has for you. Read Psalm 84:11.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10.



7. PUT GOD'S WORK FIRST

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 55:2.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13. Read Proverbs 23:4, Proverbs 24:27, and 1 Timothy 6:18.

8. MAINTAIN

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:8.

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Titus 3:14.

In Luke, Chapter 13, there is a parable of a fig tree that did not bear any fruit for three years. The dresser of the vineyard said he would dig about it and dung it and see if it would bear fruit afterward. If not, he would let the owner of the vineyard cut that tree down. Jesus is merciful to us. He allows things to come in our lives to try to get us to bear fruit - do good works and win souls to God. If we rebel and refuse to obey God we sin (Ephesians 5:6). If you know to do good and don't do it, it is sin to you (James 4:17). Romans 11:29 says, ". . . For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." We must overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil. Read these scriptures about the promises to the overcomer: James 1:12, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, and Revelation 3:5, 12.




9. DILIGENT, FERVENT, HOT

(15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:5.

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4.

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11. Read Proverbs 22:29.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12.

10. WORKS DON'T SAVE YOU OR JUSTIFY YOU

Works do not save you. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Carefully read and study the following scriptures. Remember to read scriptures surrounding those given. Read Jeremiah 48:7 where they trusted in works and treasures and they went into captivity. Don't let your salvation get cold. Keep the Holy Ghost fresh and HOT. Read Jude 20 and Matthew 16:26. According to the scriptures, God's grace saves and justifies, not works.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12.

(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10.

(11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14.

(1) Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men, (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6)Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:1-7.

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Romans 4:6.

11. YOU MUST BE SAVED to acceptably work for God.

God heareth not sinners. You must be saved by the blood of Jesus. Then you can work pleasing to God. The Bible says we must be born again (John 3:7). You are saved, remembering that (Matthew 10:22) if you endure to the end you will be saved (it is possible to backslide). If you are backslid, your works will not profit you. If you are not pure, your works are not pure. The Lord said this of backsliding Israel (God's people): "I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. Isaiah 57:12.

(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight: Colossians 1:21-22.

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14.

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Titus 1:15.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11. Read Proverbs 21:8.

(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:19-21.

IF YOU ARE NOT SAVED, and you try to work for God, read John 9:31 that tells us ". . . God heareth not sinners. . . ." Hypocritical Christians can make their converts "twofold more the child of hell than themselves".

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Matthew 23:15.

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. Isaiah 32:6.

If you say you love God and are not serving him according to His Word, you are a hypocrite. Hypocrites hinder God's work. If a soul that is hungry for God follows a hypocrite, they will follow him into hell. Therefore the scripture is fulfilled where they made empty the soul of the hungry and they cannot drink of the water of life and be saved (Read Revelation 22:17). That water of life brings salvation of the soul through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16 & 1 Corinthians 1:18)

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14.

In Webster's Dictionary one meaning given for conversation is "manner of living." People are watching your life. They are looking for a REAL Christian. A hypocrite only destroys the kingdom of God and that is why you must be saved to accomplish anything for God.

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. James 3:13.

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 1 Peter 3:16.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2:7.

A pattern of good works means consistent continuous living according to the Word of Go

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