Jesus demonstrated the works of God with teaching, wisdom, healing, miracles, signs and wonders. Jesus also demonstrated an intimate relationship with His Father.
In Christ, this is also our inheritance; a direct relationship with the Father where He continues to make His will known to us, allowing us to do His work here on earth.
Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
John 5:19
Jesus testifies that a faith relationship with the Father precedes all of His work. However, it is possible to pursue the ‘works of God’ without knowing God.
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
John 5:39-40
It is possible to study, teach or proclaim the scriptures and not know God.
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Matthew 7:21-23
It is possible to prophesy boldly, it is possible to cast out demons or perform miracles and not know God.
Work without faith is dead; it is a white washed tomb, a house built upon sand, a barren fruit tree.
If we chase after the work of God we have built an idol on our own mountain. Yet if we chase after a relationship with God we have come to the mountain of the Lord.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized that every aspect of His life was an act of obedience. His words and wisdom were conceived in heaven and born on earth through obedience to His father. His love, compassion, healing, signs and wonders were all conceived in heaven and delivered on earth through His obedience.
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.
John 12:49-50
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
John 5:30
True, authentic faith in God produces works of obedience; work that is conceived in heaven and then delivered to earth by an obedient servant of God. This work is eternal.
Work conceived in the hearts and minds of people, and then born through their sweat and toil, are not works of faith. This work will perish; this is true even if the work is done as unto God.
I’m hoping I figure this out one day. Love this post! Thanks Ben ❤️?
Thanks Gina, so glad it connected and was encouraging!
If we chase after the work of God we have built an idol on our own mountain. Yet if we chase after a relationship with God we have come to the mountain of the Lord.
This is a brilliant truth ,I love it it and it makes me want to come!
“Come and let us go up to The Mountain of the Lord,
and to the house of our God”