GOD’S WORD FOR SEPTEMBER 26

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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HOLY WORK

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12–13

D.L. MOODY

I have very little sympathy with any man who has been redeemed by the precious blood of the Son of God and who has not got the “spirit” of work. If we are children of God, we ought not to have a lazy drop of blood in our veins. If a man tells me he has been saved and does not desire to work for the honor of God, I doubt his salvation.

Laziness belongs to the old creation, not to the new. In all my experience, I never knew a lazy man to be converted—never. I have more hope for the salvation of drunkards and thieves and harlots than of a lazy man.

ERWIN LUTZER

Of course, a lazy man can be converted but, as Moody pointed out, if you are lazy after you claim conversion, others are right to question your conversion. Simply put, conversion results in both a new nature and a new motivation. God will test our works by fire to reveal whether they are gold, silver, precious stones—or wood, hay, and straw (1 Corinthians 3:12). Christians are no longer under condemnation, but we will give an account for our faithfulness, or lack of it (2 Corinthians 5:10). So, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and with trembling.”

“Fear and trembling” you ask? Yes, but not a soul-destroying fear, like a servant has of an unpredictable master. It’s the kind of fear between a son and a father. I’m grateful my father would have never neglected or disowned me. But a look from my father compelled me to obey!

The bottom line: No true Christian wants to hear Jesus say, “You wicked and slothful servant!” (Matthew 25:26).

    PRAYER

    Father, show me the doors you have opened for me, and may I have the initiative to walk through them, wholly committed to work with you and for you.

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Ephesians 2:10

 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

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Colossians 3:23–24

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

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“James 2:17

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

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Galatians 6:9–10

 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…”

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1 Corinthians 15:58

 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

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Matthew 5:16

 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

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1 Corinthians 10:31

    “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

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Proverbs 13:4     “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”

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