YOUR WORKS CAN NOT QUALIFY YOU

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God I thank there that I am not as other men are; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Luke 18:11-12 (KJV)

 

Always come to God based on what Jesus did; not what you did. There is nothing that you do that can be enough. Your righteousness is dead works and like a filthy rag. Only His righteousness can make you stand and that is the bases for your victory over your enemies.

 

Some people come to God based on their works like the Pharisees. God, I built the church. I give tithes. I am the biggest giver. If anyone is to be blessed, then it must be me. Wrong belief and wrong prayer. Yes, you gave the biggest and the church will continue to receive your biggest. We love your commitment and you should be committed. You should fast, you should pray, and you should praise. They are good. But they are not good enough if that is your qualification. When you receive what Christ has done, then those things will become good works. But if you are coming to Christ based on those works, you have failed, and you’ve canceled yourself.

 

In the book of Judges, the man known as Samson was beating the philistine to their game. After messing up, he will come out and then lift the city gate. But God, that’s not holy as some will say. You know what? God was trying to teach us grace. Grace is not a message; grace is a person. It is the character of God right from creation. The law is an interruption. God is ever gracious; He is full of grace and truth.

 

Eventually, Samson was humiliated. But when he reached out to God, his strength returned. Contrary to many erroneous thoughts, Grace does not give you the license to live in sin. However, when you have missed it; don’t run from God rather run to Him. He is ever willing to fellowship with you. Approach God by grace, not by your works.

 

Further reading: Judges 16:1-30; Luke 18:9-14

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Ezekiel 8-10; Evening- Hebrews 13