Good deeds-obligation or service?

**warrior** · #1 11-13-2006

We know the bible says we are not saved by our own works-Ephesians 2;8'9.All our righteousness are as filthy rags-Isaiah-sorry-cannot find it right now
We are created to do good works,and God has prepared these good works in advance for us to do-Ephesians 2;10
We do not know what these are-I believe we are led by the Spirit to do them ;the good works would not be done if we were not christians?
See also Titus 2;7,12,14;3;8
So now we have us as children of God-are we doing the good works we are supposed to do and doing them willingly as we are prompted by the Spirit?There are many-certain groups doig good deeds to try to get to heaven;they do it gladly,though they may not realize it will never save their souls.
Now,why do we as true christians who are saved by the blood of Christ have to be told to do good works-should this not come naturally,should we not just go and do them?
Or do we think 'we are saved,so we are not obligated'?Are we being obedient in love to our Master;or are we doing it out of some sort of obliigation?Seems the pagans who are good living,the religious,the cults,those required to do so in their jobs-well;maybe we can learn from them?But are we?

**thedutchman** · #2 11-13-2006

It's an obligation that has no strings attached.

Plus, I don't feel obliged to serve, I just want to!

Norm

**sharky67** · #3 11-13-2006

"Love one another as I have loved you." The first and greatest commandment. That kind of says it all, doesn't it?

**warrior** · #4 11-13-2006

Exactly-we are compelled by the love of Christ are we not?i think it goes easier not having to wonder if enough good deeds have been done in time to get to heaven.We are accountable for what we do not do-we will stand at the 'bema'seat of Christ.We show our faith by our deeds and we do it joyfully-may we all do so!Yet,what of those who are carnal/lukewarm christians?

**warrior** · #5 11-13-2006

comment on these verses?
Jer 4:22
"My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good."

Jer 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

**warrior** · #6 11-13-2006

Also these verses-must be important with all we have written for us!

1Pe 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1Pe 2:15
For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

1Pe 2:20
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

1Pe 3:17 - Show Context
It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

**sharky67** · #7 11-13-2006

We are signposts for Christ. As a Christian, we give up our rights to be private people. Just as Jesus was ready and willing to share with all who came upon his paths, so should we. We shouldn't ram the gospel down anyone's throat but simply be open and share.We don't only share our victories with others, but as true witnesses we expose ourdoubts, fears and defeats as well. To do any less would be untruthful to those around us. We have nothing to hide. The truth itself is so much more powerful than the watered-down version of the truth we might feel obligated to show to the world.

Evanthes · #8 11-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky67

"Love one another as I have loved you." The first and greatest commandment. That kind of says it all, doesn't it?

hehe it really does!