Michael Harrison
Advanced Member
Member # 6801
|
posted
I would spare anyone if I could from building wood, hay and stubble, which will be meaningless to the eternal well being of the believer. Wood hay and stubble is like treasure that does not get laid up in heaven. Then why be deceived.
The results one would get from 'doing' things just because they are motivated to, will be just like the story of the three little pigs. The big ol wolf huffed, and puffed and blew the two houses down, which means that when tried by fire, they burnt down to the ground. Now that third house, which was built with brick, and built on the rock, this ol house wolfie could not blow down. This compares with:
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
This means that the follower understands that works are the results of faith, which cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. It means that they are led, rather than ‘motivated’ to do. Being motivated is not hearing. Hearing means you discern the will of the Lord, and you know what He will do.
Abraham knew what God would do. The Centurion knew what God would do. Concerning Mary’s brother, she didn’t know what He would do, but she found out. What if Abraham hadn’t heard from God, but took it upon himself to slay Isaac? _ _ ? God only blesses what He is in. If Abraham did what he did based on assumption he would have been in real trouble just like we all are because of the handmaid. But what is illustrated by his actions concerning being led of God to slay Isaac is that he had faith, which ‘cometh from hearing’, which comes from the word of God. He heard! He didn’t suppose.
It cometh from the word of God - by hearing. Therefore, one heareth, because it is therefore said, however that may be of. It may be a leading, someone encouraging you, or a word, or a still small voice, or an unction; and it will be in line with His written word. But hearing doesn’t happen without relationship. So, first priority is to seek that relationship until it is properly understood. Then cometh the revelation of what He wants without your determining of you own accord, which would be a work of the flesh i.e. Wood, Hay, and Stubble.
Fruit and works are confused. Maybe they can be rightfully. But fruit is the evidence that you are in relationship with God our maker:
1Pe 2:12 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.
Here it uses the word works, and conversation in the same sentence. Conversation means manners, or fruit, or BEHAVOIR.
Everyone gets bound up in the ‘works’ lingo until the view is marred. The anxious want, in superfluity of zeal, to go out and do. Perhaps that is not altogether wrong, but increase comes from the Lord. So of primary importance is the fact that one must ‘obey scriptures’ not unlike these verses:
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Isa 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
If you have relationship you will not be ‘in the dark’ concerning what he will do. You will not have to guess, and plug at it hoping for results. Works are the result of relationship, which must come first. Don’t go before you are sent. You can’t be sent until you are in a hearing relationship. Increase comes from the Lord, and it may be through such simple means as to say something to someone. Or it may mean getting on an airliner to some foreign country. For most, it will be your behavior in front of your neighbors, or fellow employees.
Do, wood hay and stubble out of well meaning, or trust the Lord who cares even more than you do about those that you desire to reach. Proper alighment with His will is more important than sticking your finger in the face of someone because you are motivated for Christ. He can reach them if you are where you are supposed to be.
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
| IP: Logged | 
|
Printer-friendly view of this topic
