The Daily Word: Friday, July 17th, 2020
1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11
Romans 4:1-12
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 19:15-16
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness… – Rom. 4:5
Here, Scripture tells us not to work. Righteousness doesn’t belong to the man who works for it; “…but to him who does not work but believes.”
But other portions of Scripture tell us to work!
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; – Phil. 2:12
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. – 2 Thess. 3:10
So which is it? Are we supposed to work? Or are we supposed to believe?
The answer is yes to both. But the order in which working and believing happen is incredibly important. First, you must believe. You must believe that Jesus is Lord and you are righteous in Him. Nothing you do can make you holy, but the Jesus in whom you believe can make you holy!
Then and only then, you get to work. We work not for God’s approval, but from His approval. We must believe that we are loved whether we work or not! And once we have received God’s love, free from the belief that we have to work for it, then and only then can we go out and work with, “…clean hands and a pure heart” (Ps. 24:4). So receive God’s love through Jesus Christ, and then go out and get to work!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me. You loved me before my work, so that I can love you as I work! Help me to receive Your love first, and work second, in Jesus’ name.
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.