| Introduction to 'How To' Instructions in Righteousness |
| I want to introduce you to a 48-lesson
Bible Study we have had posted at the Portland, Oregon web site for a
number of years now. It is called, "The 'How To' Instructions in Righteousness." It was originally suggested by a member up in Minnesota. We took several months putting it together. It is a compilation of scriptures that speak specifically to our becoming righteous by the power of the Holy Spirit using the Word of God. Each study ends with a set of instructions based on the scriptures of that study. Each lesson has a key scripture.
I will share one with you now. [But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only] Obey the gospel, and do not merely listen to it. Compare Matt 7:21. –Barnes
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. –Matthew 7:21
[But be ye doers of the word] They had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they had put it to no practical use. They were downright Antinomians*, who put a sort of stupid, inactive faith in the place of all moral righteousness. This is sufficiently evident from the second chapter. –Clarke
James 1:21-22 Christianity is a religion of action. As important as it is to listen (cf. James 1:19), one must not stop there. Doing must follow listening. To be a hearer only is a form of self-deception. –Wycliffe
Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only-not merely 'do,' but 'be doers' systematically and continually, as your regular business. James again refers to the sermon on the mount (Matt 7:21-29). –JFB
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. –Matthew 7:21-29
2) Understand the difference between physical works and spiritual works. 3) Obey God. 4) Be a performance Christian. Allow Christ to live in and through you. This is just one lesson. Each lesson is a process. Each
lesson gives each of us lots to study, contemplate and make a part of
our lives. Let us not let these lesson lie idle. |
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