The Word And Works!
"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing,
because when you received the word of God which
you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which
also effectively works in you who believe."
1 Thessalonians 2: 13
Even though Mark tells us it was not the season
for fig trees to bear fruit, Jesus cursed the tree
when He found no fruit on it (Mark 11:13-14).
The mysterious act of cursing the fig tree was an illustration
of judgment on the Jews for their lack of faith in Jesus as the
Messiah. Jesus connected true spiritual life with spiritual fruit
on more than one occasion (Matthew 7:17-19; 12:33).
There must be fruit associated with faith in Christ,
that fruit being a changed life manifested in good
works and righteous behavior. Paul had made this
connection in his first letter to the
Thessalonians.
He commended them for having received “the word
of God” which was “effectively” working in them (2:13).
Their works and labor for Christ served as a model
for
others (1 Thessalonians 1:3, 7-10).
Is your reception of the Word, resulting in
faith, being demonstrated by good
works
and a changed life?
"In short, good works
are the fruit of saving faith."
R. B. Kuiper