And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. —Luke 12:42-43 ESV
We hear a great deal about people’s intentions, and hopes, and wishes, and feelings, and professions. It would be well if we could hear more about people’s practice. It is not the servant who is found wishing and professing, but the servant who is found “doing” whom Jesus calls “blessed.”
The lesson is one which many, unhappily, shrink from giving, and many more shrink from receiving. We are gravely told that to talk of “working,” and “doing,” is ‘legalistic’, and brings Christians into bondage! Remarks of this kind should never move us. They savor of ignorance or perverseness.
The lesson before us is not about justification, but about sanctification–not about faith, but about holiness. The point is not what a man should do to be saved–but what ought a saved man to do! The teaching of Scripture is clear and express upon this subject, A saved man ought to be “careful to maintain good works.” (Tit. 3:8.) The desire of a true Christian ought to be, to be found “doing.”
If we love life, let us resolve by God’s help, to be “doing” Christians. This is to be like Christ. He “went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38.)
This is to be like the apostles, they were men of deeds even more than of words. This is to glorify God–“Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:8.)
This is to be useful to the world–“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16.)
JC Ryle 1816-1900
I was searching for JC Ryle when I came across the above 👍
We hear a great deal about people’s intentions, and hopes, and wishes, and feelings, and professions. It would be well if we could hear more about people’s practice. It is not the servant who is found wishing and professing, but the servant who is found “doing” whom Jesus calls “blessed.”
The lesson is one which many, unhappily, shrink from giving, and many more shrink from receiving. We are gravely told that to talk of “working,” and “doing,” is ‘legalistic’, and brings Christians into bondage! Remarks of this kind should never move us. They savor of ignorance or perverseness.
The lesson before us is not about justification, but about sanctification–not about faith, but about holiness. The point is not what a man should do to be saved–but what ought a saved man to do! The teaching of Scripture is clear and express upon this subject, A saved man ought to be “careful to maintain good works.” (Tit. 3:8.) The desire of a true Christian ought to be, to be found “doing.”
If we love life, let us resolve by God’s help, to be “doing” Christians. This is to be like Christ. He “went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38.)
This is to be like the apostles, they were men of deeds even more than of words. This is to glorify God–“Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:8.)
This is to be useful to the world–“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16.)
JC Ryle 1816-1900
I was searching for JC Ryle when I came across the above 👍
-
1
-
1
-
1
- Show all
