When Good Works Aren't Good Enough

O. T. #2199  "When Good Works Aren't Good Enough"

May 25, 2022

Micah 6-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Folks, this is such an important Scripture that I feel there is one more thing for us to learn here. Wiersbe has this to say about it (Micah 6:8):

None of the sacrifices Israel brought could cleanse them from their sins. "Doing penance" without truly repenting and trusting God's mercy only multiplies the sin and deadens the conscience. When the people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" He replied, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." (John 6:28-29)

True saving faith comes from a heart that's been broken in repentance and realizes no amount of good works can atone for sin.(Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Spiritual blindness had lead them (Israel) to offer everything except the one thing God wanted-a spiritual commitment of the heart from which right behavior would ensue. (MacArthur)

We must not get the cart before the horse, so to speak. First, we repent of our sins, agree with God that it was wrong, ask forgiveness, believe that Jesus died for those sins to become our Savior. As a result, we love Jesus, and want to please Him and do the works He directs us to do, for His glory.

Why are we doing good works? Is it for the glory of God, in obedience, to show His love to others, or is it for our won gain, recognition? Something to think about, huh?

LET IT GROW

Another perspective on the three things Micah said to do come from Wiersbe:

1. We can't do justly until we have been justified by faith and are right with God. (Ps. 32:1-2)
2. How can we love mercy if we personally have not experience the mercy of God? (Eph. 2:4)
3. If we want to walk humbly with our God, we must first bow himself before Him, confess our sins, and claim His promise of forgiveness. (Luke 14:11)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:7-8)

Israel didn't get it, but do you get it, dear one? Have you believed in Jesus as Savior? Has He thrown your sins as far as the east is from the west? (Ps. 103:12)

If so, then you and I have the hope of eternal life with Jesus in heaven one day. 

What about our family and friends and neighbors? Do they have this hope, too?

LET IT GO

Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus thank You.

The Father's wrath completely satisfied, Jesus thank You.

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table, Jesus thank You!

Thank You Jesus that salvation is not by works because we could never measure up nor do enough to meet the requirement of God. Thank You that it is my faith, by Your grace, Your sacrifice that we are saved!

What do you need to let go of today, friend?