This Is How to Make Sure You Have God in Every Good Work

Scripture says that a man who will not work should not eat and that a man who will not work to provide for his family is worse than an infidel. Obviously, Scripture reveals that God has powerful feelings towards those who work and those who don't!

Paul, the source of much of Scripture’s comments about work, also provided this commentary, “May you walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in EVERY GOOD WORK and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)

Every good work, the phrase is used eight to ten times in the New Testament. And, if there is good work, then doesn’t that labeling also reveal there must be the possibility for bad work? So consider some things with me…

Have you ever thought about the fact that the installation of work took place before Man committed his first sin? Thus, work is not a byproduct of sin. Instead, God exemplifies His word being at work through His power of Creation. God made man in His image and assigned him to work. It was only on the other side of man’s failure that work became associated with toil, pain, and the agony of battling thorns and thistles.

It seems quite clear -- as one merges the Old Testament and New Testament’s contextual statements on the subject of work -- God expects us to be people who will work for His purposes through ministerial endeavors.

Don’t get anything confused with all of this discussion about work. We do not gain entry into Heaven or receive salvation from our sin due to our works. We can only be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, lest any man could boast. Jesus’ death on the cross and His bloodshed remitted our sins! No amount of fleshly work can reconcile us to God. That miracle can only happen by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. However, we exemplify our faith by being people who work, not just in industry and secular society, but by working in our assignment in Christ’s plan for humanity’s salvation.

Here is what I believe GOD wants...

1. YOUR ZEAL CAN BE RESTORED.

Throughout the New Testament, Paul is a beautiful encourager of good works and what God wants, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that...we should live godly in the present age, looking for the ... glorious appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might… purify for Himself His own special people, ZEALOUS for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)

When there is a zeal inside of you to do good work, you are one of God’s special people. God deposits a zeal inside of us so that we may go out and do good works! And, Jesus taught us that when we do good works on earth, those works shine a light into the dark places that result in people beginning to glorify God. So, there is light associated with your good work!

The PROBLEM throughout human history’s timeline is that people tend to lean more towards being defiled, “...to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and DISQUALIFIED for every good work.” Titus 1:15-16 NKJV)

God wants to be in your good works! He wants to light up the world through your good works. BUT so many people disqualify themselves because they would instead do works of the flesh rather than works of the Spirit. Disqualification is a real issue!

The SOLUTION, according to Paul, you are qualified by God to do good works.

2. YOU ARE QUALIFIED.

Giving thanks to the Father who has QUALIFIED us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light… - Colossians 1:12 (NKJV)

The grace of Jesus Christ qualifies you! It doesn’t matter which sin may have disqualified you. Through Jesus, you are forgiven and able to be a part of good works on earth. Through shame, condemnation, guilt, and wrongful accusations, DO NOT let the enemy tell you that you are disqualified. This is a lie! You can be qualified to do good works through salvation!

Why would God QUALIFY us?

3. YOU CAN BE FRUITFUL.

Because He wants to use you! He is looking for laborers, and He wants to be in your good works, “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being FRUITFUL in every good work…” (Colossians 1:10 NKJV)

There is a harvest of people just waiting to be reached and brought into a relationship with God, but Jesus is short on laborers. This reality is not a new issue. The Kingdom of Heaven has needed laborers for over 2,000 years… Consider the promise that the house of the Lord is filled when God’s laborers go and compel the lost to come in. God has chosen not to be responsible for all the work-- He wants us to help Him build the church! God provides the blueprints, and we do the laborer through the might of His strength released in us and through us.

We must live compelling lives! We are qualified through grace to be fruitful in every good work and please the Lord. God is pleased when people are productive. He wants to see us winning souls to Jesus Christ. He wants to see us loving Him and loving others! He wants to see us lighting up the world!

4. YOU CAN INCREASE IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

Look at this verse again, “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being FRUITFUL in every good work and increasing in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.” (Colossians 1:10 NKJV)

Are you increasing in the knowledge of God? This advancement is incredibly important if you desire to be fruitful in your life.

How can you increase in your KNOWLEDGE OF GOD so that your work for Him can be more FRUITFUL?

How can you make sure that you’ve God in it?

The answer might surprise you...

Take time to rest in God.

We have a philosophy that we work to rest, but that’s not how God created man. God modeled that man would rest in the work of Heaven in the book of Genesis, as God’s 7th day was Man’s first day. That means, the first day that Man was alive, he rested with God. Perhaps, they spent time restfully observing and enjoying the wonder of all the work God had done!

Understand that life is not just about work, work, work...but more about starting from a place of rest in a relationship with God and letting Him show you everything He can do, wants to do, and is capable of doing in your life. We all need time and space to see what God can do!

Structure your life, so you work from rest, not work to rest. Even Jesus modeled this example in His ministry by stating that any work He did on the Earth, He had first seen His Father reveal to Him during prayer times. Take time to rest and sync up with God so that God can be in your life. I like to think of it in this way, Get alone with God, get the download from Heaven’s Word for your life, and then update your life’s plans with God’s word. The result is that you will be a lot more effective in EVERY GOOD WORK!

5. YOU CAN BE EQUIPPED.

We must be EQUIPPED through God’s Word! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly EQUIPPED for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

All Scripture is given by God so that you can become thoroughly equipped for every good work! Set aside time to be with the Lord, to partake of the Word of God. Celebrate your qualification to do His work. Allow God to place a zeal in you to do His good work and be fruitful and pleasing to God.

6. YOU CAN BE ESTABLISHED.

And, never forget the only reason that you can be EQUIPPED is that you have been ESTABLISHED through JESUS, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ...who has loved us and given us… good hope by grace… ESTABLISH you in every good work…” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NKJV)

God wants to give you a firm foundation to do good works, but you must first have a relationship with Jesus. It is through Jesus that you are qualified, equipped, and established. If you want God in it, you have to know Jesus!

→ ALL OF YOUR WORKS WILL BE JUDGED.

I leave you with one final verse from the wisest man to ever live outside of Jesus Christ Himself, Solomon. He stated this sobering truth, “For God will bring every work into JUDGMENT, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14 (NKJV)

Your works can not earn you salvation, but there are rewards in Heaven based on our good works. It is never too late to start storing up your treasures in Heaven...It is never too late to let God use you to spread light and compel the lost…Because of Grace, it is never too late to be who you might have been!

YOU can be used to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

There is so much more included in this message when engaged in its entirety, and I hope you will give it a listen. You can view this message here: https://youtu.be/jv1LNAAAjLo

Here are a few things to evaluate in your life:

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus and get your life back on the path God has called you to? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Are you giving enough attention to what God wants to do in you and through you? BEGIN may be the place for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Do you need your zeal for God’s good works restored in your life? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

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How To Know Something Is Worth Fighting For

Last week, in the message, Is It Time To Flee?, we discussed how the Bible gives precise instructions on when we are to FIGHT and when we are to FLEE.

But you, O man of God, FLEE these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called, and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NKJV)

Sometimes there is a need to get involved in a fight on behalf of our faith, but we can not enter that battle haphazardly or casually -- we must move forward with intentionality. And a significant part of choosing to fight spiritual battles with intentionality is choosing to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10 NKJV)

No one can put on the armor of God for you; it’s something you must do yourself.

Memorize the armor elements and pray through their placement in your life daily, the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, loins girded with Truth, the sword of the Spirit, and feet Shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. God has called and commissioned you to fight the GOOD FIGHT of faith, and you must be equipped for battle, “Fight the GOOD FIGHT of faith…” (1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV)

There are two kinds of spiritual fights that exist, one is the good fight, and one is the bad fight. Let’s examine examples of the differences between the two.

BAD FIGHT vs. GOOD FIGHT

PERSONAL RECOGNITION vs. GOD’S GLORY

PERSONAL OPINION vs. GOD’S TRUTH

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE vs. GOD’S PLAN

PERSONAL PREFERENCE vs. GOD’S PRESENCE

PROVE A POINT vs. BLESS OTHERS

TEAR DOWN vs. BUILD-UP

HURT OTHERS vs. HELPS OTHERS

POLITICAL IDEOLOGY vs. SOUND DOCTRINE

We best sum this up by saying that a GOOD FIGHT happens when we fight for others, not against them.

• Hell’s PLOT: We fight each other.

• God’s PLAN: We fight for each other.

It is not God’s plan for us to be fighting each other; we are to be fighting for each other! Why? Because we do not wrestle against FLESH and BLOOD, we wrestle against powers and principalities! Yes, you may be dealing with a personality, but that personality is hosting spiritual darkness. Never lose sight of that truth. It will help you to keep the fight from becoming personal.

When the enemy uses people to come against us, hard conversations become unavoidable. But, unfortunately, those conversations can often feel like a fight. So, how do you have the necessary discussions and maintain a good fight, not a bad fight?

When HARD CONVERSATIONS must take place, follow this strategy:

1. CONVERSE PRIVATELY FIRST

Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. - Matthew 18:15 (NKJV)

2. SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE

...no longer be children… carried about with every wind of doctrine...but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in Christ-

-Ephesians 4:14-15 (NKJV)

3. FILL YOUR SPEECH WITH GRACE

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. -Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)

4. OFFER BLESSING, NOT CURSING

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…” If your enemy is...thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” -Romans 12:12, 20 (NKJV)

At the best you can do, there will still be moments when you recognize a SPIRITUAL fight is becoming increasingly PERSONAL. I borrow Paul’s recommendations for suggesting your next step, “Now I urge you, brethren, NOTE those who cause divisions and offenses...and AVOID them. (Romans 16:17 NKJV)

The takeaway of that verse is that sometimes, when dealing with challenging personalities, we have to take good notes (if you’ve ever been through a legal battle, you know what I’m talking about!), and on occasions, altogether avoid them.

Another way of saying it is that sometimes we have to understand that there will be personality conflicts with people. However, we can still love and bless them while simultaneously setting healthy boundaries, so that offense and bitterness do not take root within our hearts.

It’s essential to align our battle strategies with God’s instructions because the result will be something we can celebrate, “I want you to be wise in what is GOOD… And the God of peace will CRUSH Satan under your feet shortly.” (Romans 16:17-18 NKJV)

Give God praise! This approach is how you will win! It’s amazing what happens when you stop trying to fight your way -- the bad fight -- and fight God’s way -- the good fight!

“Fight the GOOD FIGHT of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called…” (1 Timothy 6:12). In this letter, Paul is telling Timothy to fight the GOOD FIGHT. Years later, Paul writes another letter stating, “I have fought the GOOD FIGHT, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)

• I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH!

Don’t you want that proclamation to be your testimony?

Your kids are worth fighting for... your family is worth fighting for... your calling is worth fighting for… God’s church and God’s truth -- sound doctrine is worth fighting for... Don’t stop fighting! Fight the GOOD FIGHT, it won’t come cheap, and you may have to sacrifice your pride, personal recognition, and even personal preference at times. But, I challenge you to realize that there is no more remarkable testimony than to say, “I have kept the faith, I have fought the GOOD FIGHT, God CRUSHED the enemy under my feet!

You can view the message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/smWkQi0Gu9o

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE | MESSAGE NOTES

Three Questions That Will Help You Identify The Idols In Your Life

Did you know the Bible gives some precise instructions on when we are to FIGHT and when we are to FLEE?

But you, O man of God, FLEE these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called, and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NKJV)

The first verse instructs us to FLEE, and the very next verse commands us to FIGHT. So, which is it, fight or flight? Both. Sometimes, God intends for us to get in the ring and fight. Other times, he intends for us to run in the opposite direction. Over the next few weeks, we will evaluate God’s expectations of us in these regards.

Looking at it again, Paul said, “FLEE these things….” What things? If you choose to read it, you will discover the list is quite specific in 1Timothy 6, but Paul also gets very direct in some of his other writings regarding what we are expected to flee. Idolatry is one of the things that he speaks of specifically to the church at Corinth, “Therefore, my beloved, FLEE from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14 NKJV) Don’t stick around. Don’t put on your boxing gloves and fight with it, just get moving. Get out of there! Flee from it!

In our day, hearing this term, IDOLATRY, we might think that Paul’s exhortation doesn’t apply to us in this modern world, but that's because we lack context.

First, let’s look at it in a New Testament setting and then our present day. As revealed in the New Testament’s Book of Acts, at the time Paul was preaching and teaching, there was a great deal of pagan idolatry in the world. Each city worshipped its favorite god or goddess and built shrines around its idols for worship. So, for instance, when Paul went to the philosophical epic center of the ancient world, Athens, he observed that it was overly inundated with idolatry.

The idolatry of ancient societies was facilitated through worship that sought a pathway to receive such things as beauty, power, and money. When you evaluate that list of things to pursue, it becomes evident that modern society is not fundamentally different from ancient cultures. Today, we still bow perpetually to BEAUTY, POWER, and WEALTH.

A great lesson in learning to flee idolatry is that we must realize, one doesn’t have to visit a paganistic shrine or burn incense to a false god to become an idolater. God speaking through Ezekiel informs us, “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts.” (Ezekiel 14:3 NLT) Based on this statement by God, Tim Keller provides the commentary, “The Bible teaches us that the human heart is an idol factory.” This principle is why so many people will sacrifice so much to obtain beauty, power, and wealth.

Grasping the truth that Idolatry can manifest in anyone’s life, each of us must evaluate our lives to see if it is time for us to flee personally. Thankfully, Keller’s book, Counterfeit Gods (which influenced many of my thoughts on this subject as a whole), provides an excellent survey for understanding, “What is an idol?” So, we can better know when it is time to flee!

An idol is:

1. Anything more important to you than God

2. Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God

3. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give

Keller, Timothy. Counterfeit Gods . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Idols can rise in your life in the form of a relationship or anything that rules your thought life and overly consumes your imagination or creative energy. An idol can be almost anything that is elevated to an improper status in our hearts! Even an addiction can be a form of idolatry. One clear example of a potential idol from the Bible’s teachings is money as it can also take on divine attributes in our lives, “...Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (Colossians 3:5 NLT) According to this verse, a greedy person is no different than someone who worships false gods! So, we learn, God views idolatry as something more than that which we associate with statues, shrines, and incense.

As we referenced before, Paul further exhorts, “But you, O man of God, FLEE these things and PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:10-11 NKJV)

Notice in those verses, we are told to FLEE one thing and PURSUE another. Run from idolatry to God! We are to FLEE from idolatry and PURSUE the things of God.

The reason we can fall in love with pursuing Jesus passionately is that He first loved us. He loved us so much He gave His life for us! But too often, we take His love for granted and become complacent in our relationship with God. To maintain spiritual success, it is imperative that we always put God first and never lose our first love. This approach helps tremendously with overcoming the temptation to elevate idolatrous behaviors in our hearts.

I find it helpful to think of it this way:

F IRST

L OVE ____________over

E VERYTHING

E LSE

FLEE from idolatry by NEVER putting anything above your FIRST LOVE! According to his own word, only God is entitled to own that spot; your First Love (Ref. Revelation 2:4).

As you run from idolatry and towards God, remember this point of worship, it is impossible to topple the idols in your life without denying yourself. You will always have to lay some things down in order to flee the idols in your life. But, don’t get discouraged -- it’s an ongoing process because there will always be another thing to lay down! We are human and the world has a way of reeling us in unexpectedly. You will constantly need to make sure that you are putting your First Love first by giving Him your whole heart, mind, and soul.

Paul took idolatry so seriously that he went as far as to encourage us to take a spiritual inventory every time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:14–16 NKJV)

It’s impossible to experience a “common-union” with God and simultaneously bow to the idols that tend to take an elevated position in the desires of our hearts. So right now, stop what you’re doing. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you examine your heart. Is there any idol that needs to be toppled over? If so, don’t delay. Knock that idol down and flee! Arrive at the throne of God’s presence and go all in, once and for all!

There is so much more that I have to share on this subject that I believe can be helpful to you in your pathway to being an all-in follower of Jesus Christ. You can find those insights in this message, Is It Time to Flee?

You can view the message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/3lPq1kmvYZQ

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE | MESSAGE NOTES