How to Be An Overcomer
The Bible says human nature is not good (Jer. 17:9; Gen. 8:21). Therefore, we are told to consider the old self as dead if we are to make headway as disciples of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:11). God, in His wisdom, knew that if we were to come out of evil, we would have to have something good to do. So, He has told us in His word to overcome our evil natures by doing good (Rom. 12:21).
The Apostle Paul also admonished those who were believers to engage in good deeds because these things are good and profitable (Titus 3:8). Doing good is the way we produce fruit for God, and thus, prove ourselves to be true disciples of Jesus Christ (Titus 3:14).
John 15:8 says, "By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." We see, then, that we glorify the Father when we bear fruit. Good works are represented by the expression "fruit." We can see this by reading Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." and Colossians 1:10 - "…so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
We could keep one of the sayings of Christ by practicing hospitality (Luke 14:13). We could have the poor, the crippled and the blind over for dinner some evening when we invite our friends. This would allow us to express God’s love in our hearts toward others and glorify our Father in heaven. Jesus Christ gave us a precious list of things we could do in Matthew 25:33-40 and in the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7.
Since Jesus Christ is making a peculiar people who are purified and zealous for good deeds, don’t you think we should be doing some good works (Titus 1:10; 2:7, 14; 3:8)? Jesus took on the form of a servant, leaving us an example, that we should be servants, too.
Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for good deeds (1 Peter 3:13)? No one, because that is what makes you a friend of God (John 15:14)!
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