Living a Life of Faith and Good Works

In our gathering today, we reflected on the profound journey of faith and the essence of living a life that is pleasing to God. As we embark on a new year, we are reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness and the importance of gratitude for His goodness. Our focus was on the concept of wisdom, particularly the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy and good fruits. This wisdom is foundational, rooted in the fear of the Lord, which is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and reverence for God, ensuring that our actions do not grieve the Holy Spirit.

We delved into the significance of good works, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ. Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by our deeds, but once we are saved, our lives should reflect the inner work of the Holy Spirit. This involves a continuous process of cleansing and repentance, akin to the tears that constantly wash our eyes. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to present them as living sacrifices, keeping them pure and undefiled.

Moreover, we explored the balance between inward spiritual growth and outward good deeds. While some may criticize a focus on inward reflection, it is essential for genuine outward expressions of faith. Our good works should be done in humility and secrecy, not for the praise of others, but as acts of love towards God and His people. Jesus' life exemplified this, as He tirelessly did good for others, motivated by love and obedience to the Father.

As we strive to live out our faith, we are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good. Our good deeds are like a wedding dress we prepare for our meeting with Christ, woven with acts of righteousness done in secret. Let us be rich in mercy and good deeds, always ready to serve and bless others, knowing that our reward is with the Lord.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Foundation of Wisdom: True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which is a deep respect and reverence for God. It involves aligning our lives with His Word, even when it challenges our cultural norms or personal preferences. This foundation ensures that our actions do not grieve the Holy Spirit, and it is essential for building a godly life. [04:14]
• 2. Salvation by Grace: Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by our good works. Our righteousness is like filthy rags before God, and we must humbly accept His grace. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live in gratitude for His mercy. [11:30]
• 3. The Role of Good Works: After salvation, good works become a natural expression of our faith. They are not for earning salvation but are acts of love and obedience to God. Our good deeds should be done in humility and secrecy, not for the praise of others, but as a reflection of our transformed lives. [19:00]
• 4. Continuous Cleansing and Repentance: Like tears that wash our eyes, our spiritual life involves ongoing cleansing and repentance. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to reveal areas in need of change and growth. This process keeps our hearts pure and our lives aligned with God's will. [25:06]
• 5. Perseverance in Doing Good: We are encouraged not to grow weary in doing good, as our good deeds are like a wedding dress we prepare for our meeting with Christ. These acts of righteousness, done in secret and humility, are precious in God's sight and contribute to our eternal reward. [36:22]
  ** [36:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:15] - Opening Prayer
• [01:11] - Reflections on Recent Months
• [02:08] - Revisiting Wisdom Studies
• [03:34] - Pillars of Wisdom
• [04:14] - The Fear of the Lord
• [06:23] - Good Works and School Memories
• [09:37] - Understanding True Goodness
• [11:11] - Salvation and Good Works
• [14:22] - Cultural Perspectives on Salvation
• [19:00] - Inner Work of the Holy Spirit
• [25:23] - Living Sacrifices
• [30:00] - Balancing Inward and Outward Works
• [36:22] - Perseverance in Doing Good
• [40:41] - Summary and Encouragement
• [55:00] - Closing Prayer

1. Proverbs 9:1 - "Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars."
2. James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
3. Ephesians 4:30 - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

1. What are the characteristics of the wisdom that comes from above, as mentioned in James 3:17? How do these characteristics compare to worldly wisdom? [02:50]
2. In the sermon, what was described as the foundation of wisdom, and why is it important for building a godly life? [04:14]
3. How does the speaker describe the role of good works in the life of a believer, and what is their relationship to salvation? [11:11]
4. What analogy does the speaker use to describe the continuous process of spiritual cleansing and repentance? [19:37]

1. How does the concept of the "fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom challenge or align with contemporary cultural values? [04:34]
2. Why might the speaker emphasize that good works should be done in humility and secrecy? How does this align with the teachings of Jesus? [33:28]
3. What does it mean to present our bodies as living sacrifices, and how does this concept relate to the idea of continuous spiritual cleansing? [25:23]
4. How does the speaker's personal story about doing good works without seeking recognition illustrate the sermon’s message about humility and service? [51:13]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be grieving the Holy Spirit? What steps can you take to align your actions with God's will? [05:11]
2. Consider the balance between inward spiritual growth and outward good deeds. How can you ensure that your good works are a natural expression of your faith rather than a means to seek approval from others? [30:00]
3. The speaker mentions the importance of not growing weary in doing good. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel weary. What practical steps can you take to renew your strength and continue serving others? [36:22]
4. Think about a recent situation where you acted out of obligation rather than love. How can you shift your perspective to see these actions as opportunities to serve God and others? [09:03]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility in our good works. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, especially when you are tempted to seek recognition? [33:28]
6. Reflect on the analogy of tears constantly washing our eyes. What daily practices can you incorporate to ensure continuous spiritual cleansing and growth? [19:37]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from an act of kindness done in secret. What specific action can you take this week to bless them without seeking recognition? [51:13]