There have been some discrepancies concerning doing works verses demonstrating grace in 1 John, but I hope
to clear that up by taking a look at what Jesus says.
When we speak about the
love of God, it is all about relationship with Him, not an abstract concept
about love that is detached from reality. Remember that God IS love, and those
who dwell in Him dwell IN love. Let’s look at this in its context:
“We have come into an intimate experience with God’s
love, and we trust in the love he has for us. God is love! Those who are living
in love are living in God, and God lives through them. By living in God, love
has been brought to its full expression in us so that we may fearlessly face
the day of judgment, because all that Jesus now is, so are we in this world.”
1 John
4:16-17 (TPT)
John was making a point that as we live in God, we allow
God to work through us in our experiences with Him and with others; it doesn’t mean that we
physically work for the benefit of others out of the flesh, which has been the assumption all
along and has brought precious little fruit in bringing the Kingdom of God to this earth.
I believe it means
that as we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, He changes us to look more
like Jesus and begins to operate through our lives to establish His rule and
reign in us, demonstrating what Jesus looks like through us.
Sometimes Jesus
gives us the means to meet the immediate direct needs of the individual with
monetary resources. Still, more often than naught, Jesus provides us with a
heart of compassion and understanding, where He can work through us and speak into the life of the
individual we are reaching out to through the love of Jesus demonstrated in us.
The “good work” spoken of references the work that
God is doing in us that spills over and affects others. Jesus makes it clear:
“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good
that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (CEV)
The Aramaic word for “light” (noohra) is
often used as a metaphor for teachings that bring enlightenment and revelation
into the hearts of men. Light can also represent the presence of God (“the light of his countenance”). Jesus is the light of God within us.
The “good”
spoken of references its nature and characteristics, it is beautiful because of the purity of heart and life, and is hence praiseworthy.
Jesus speaks of the light of revelation which shines on
us and through us:
“No one would think of lighting a lamp and then hiding it
in the basement where no one would benefit. A lamp belongs on a lampstand,
where all who enter may see its light. The eyes of your spirit allow
revelation-light to enter into your being. When your heart is open the light
floods in. When your heart is hard and closed, the light cannot penetrate and
darkness takes its place. Open your heart and consider my words. Watch out that
you do not mistake your opinions for revelation-light! If your spirit burns
with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining
lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live.”
Luke 11:33-36 (TPT)
Of course, this does not preclude doing what is necessary
to providing immediate life-giving sustinance with what we have so that we can meet the
needs of others, sometimes revelation-light is not enough to a person who is
starving. Even Jesus met the immediate needs of His followers when they were
hungry by feeding them when they were hungry, but it was by God’s increase
through spiritual and natural means.
Late that afternoon, his disciples said, “It’s getting
really late and we’re here in this remote place with nothing to eat. You should
send the crowds away so they can go into the surrounding villages and buy food
for themselves.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” “Are
you sure?” they replied. “You really want us to go buy them supper? It would
cost a small fortune to feed all these thousands of hungry people.”
“How many loaves of bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and
see.” After they had looked around, they came back and said, “Five—plus a
couple of fish.” Then he instructed them to organize the crowd and have them
sit down in groups on the grass. So they had them sit down in groups of
hundreds and fifties. Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, gazed into
heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the bread and the two fish and
distributed them to his disciples to serve the people—and the food was
multiplied in front of their eyes! Everyone had plenty to eat and was fully
satisfied. Then the twelve disciples picked up what remained, and each of them
ended up with a basket full of leftovers! Altogether, five thousand families
were fed that day!
Mark 6:35-44 (TPT)
God’s provision may be as simple as trusting Him with
what we have and giving it away, and believing Him for the increase, whether it be food,
resources, income, housing, or anything.
God’s love can be more than we imagine if
we are creative in the ways we respond to the light of God’s love shining through us. For His love is about magnifying (increasing) Him in creative ways that bless others that
they may come to know Him and His unfailing love.
It doesn't matter if others know or receive God or not, our expectations are placed solely on what God will do. Our testimony of His light through us is enough bring others to an awarness that our God is alive and lives within His people.
God is big enough to do the convincing, healing, and blessing, our call is to share the light of His love.
It doesn't matter if others know or receive God or not, our expectations are placed solely on what God will do. Our testimony of His light through us is enough bring others to an awarness that our God is alive and lives within His people.
God is big enough to do the convincing, healing, and blessing, our call is to share the light of His love.
Be Blessed;
Stephen Barnett
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