General Jesus Key Teachings on Works

[Lori Jane]

The teachings of Jesus regarding "works" are primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels and the letters of the apostles. Jesus emphasized that while good works are important, they are not the sole means of achieving salvation. Instead, faith and a sincere relationship with God are paramount.

Key Teachings on Works​

1. Faith and Works: Jesus taught that faith should be accompanied by actions that reflect one's beliefs. In Matthew 7:21-23, He warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This implies that genuine faith must manifest in actions aligned with God's will
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2. Love and Compassion: Jesus emphasized love and compassion as central to His teachings. In Matthew 25:31-46, He describes the final judgment where people are separated based on their acts of kindness towards others, such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick. This suggests that works of mercy are a natural expression of true faith.
3. Parable of the Good Samaritan: In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate that love for one's neighbor is demonstrated through compassionate actions, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.
4. Critique of Hypocrisy: Jesus often criticized religious leaders who performed works for show rather than from genuine faith (Matthew 23). He condemned actions done for public recognition rather than out of a sincere heart.
5. Faith Without Works is Dead: While this specific phrase is from James 2:26, it echoes Jesus' teachings that faith must be alive and active, producing good works as evidence of its authenticity.

In summary, Jesus taught that while works alone do not earn salvation, they are an essential expression of genuine faith and love for God and others. True discipleship involves both belief and action, reflecting God's love through tangible deeds.

 

[Lori Jane]

IMHO if you are shunning or "unfellowshipping" someone that is not loving and not good works.

You can do all the charity in the world but our mistreatment of others carries a heavy weight and may undo all the good.

Matthew 25:40​

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

"Whatever You Do to the Least of These" - Meaning of Jesus' Words in Matthew 25:40

In Matthew 25:40 we see Jesus say "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Not just what we do but for whom. The least seems to mean the weakest members of Jesus’ spiritual family.

www.biblestudytools.com

 

[Lori Jane]

Jesus' teachings on "works" had a significant influence on early Christian communities, shaping their understanding of faith, community life, and social responsibility. Here are some key ways in which these teachings impacted early Christians:

1. Integration of Faith and Works: Jesus' emphasis on the necessity of aligning faith with actions was foundational for early Christian communities. The early Christians understood that genuine faith must be demonstrated through good works, such as acts of charity and compassion, reflecting Jesus' teachings on love and service to others
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2. Community and Unity: The Apostolic Fathers, who were early Christian leaders, emphasized the unity of the church and the importance of communal support, especially in the face of external threats like persecution
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   . This focus on unity and communal living was influenced by Jesus' teachings on loving one's neighbor and serving others, which required active participation in community life.
3. Hospitality and Inclusion: Jesus' practice of dining with sinners and outcasts highlighted the importance of hospitality and inclusivity
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   . Early Christians adopted this practice by welcoming diverse members into their communities, emphasizing that all were eligible for the kingdom of God regardless of social status.
4. Scriptural Interpretation: The early Christian interpretation of scriptures was heavily influenced by Jesus' teachings. They viewed the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus' message, which emphasized a new understanding that integrated faith with ethical living
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   . This approach helped shape the moral and ethical framework within which early Christians operated.

Overall, Jesus' teachings on works encouraged early Christians to live out their faith through tangible actions that demonstrated love, unity, and service to others, forming a cornerstone for the development of Christian ethics and community life.

 

[LeeB]

The teachings of Jesus regarding "works" are primarily found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Gospels and the letters of the apostles. Jesus emphasized that while good works are important, they are not the sole means of achieving salvation. Instead, faith and a sincere relationship with God are paramount.

Key Teachings on Works​

1. Faith and Works: Jesus taught that faith should be accompanied by actions that reflect one's beliefs. In Matthew 7:21-23, He warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This implies that genuine faith must manifest in actions aligned with God's will
   5
   .
2. Love and Compassion: Jesus emphasized love and compassion as central to His teachings. In Matthew 25:31-46, He describes the final judgment where people are separated based on their acts of kindness towards others, such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick. This suggests that works of mercy are a natural expression of true faith.
3. Parable of the Good Samaritan: In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate that love for one's neighbor is demonstrated through compassionate actions, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.
4. Critique of Hypocrisy: Jesus often criticized religious leaders who performed works for show rather than from genuine faith (Matthew 23). He condemned actions done for public recognition rather than out of a sincere heart.
5. Faith Without Works is Dead: While this specific phrase is from James 2:26, it echoes Jesus' teachings that faith must be alive and active, producing good works as evidence of its authenticity.

In summary, Jesus taught that while works alone do not earn salvation, they are an essential expression of genuine faith and love for God and others. True discipleship involves both belief and action, reflecting God's love through tangible deeds.

Our works under the law are filthy rags and also the righteousness . Isaiah 64:6 Paul explains this, Philippians 3:9 If we work the works of the law the righteousness is self righteousness and filthy rags. Christians live a life long Sabbath of resting from trying to work in the the law to yielding to GOD in faith, the righteousness of GOD without the law by faith is imputed to the believer . Romans 3:21 Galatians 2:16
The law is what we need saved from. The law condemns the world of sin, the wages of sin is death, the strength of sin is the law. If the works we have are from the law they count as nothing but if the works are GODS working in us this counts for everything. People trying to keep the law today are literally working themselves to death. There is a new covenant and it is not a continuation of the old plus Jesus it is Jesus plus nothing. Everything that contains the hope of salvation is not in the law, it is in faith and grace. Ephesians 2:8 The works James was writing about are GODS works not ours. Love is the fulfillment of the law, this is GODS love, this is the two greatest commandments Jesus gave us and this love comes from GOD . LOVE IS THE ONLY WORK AND IT COMES FROM GOD NOT US.

 

[Lori Jane]

I'm not talking about works under law - just pure good works for the sake of good work - not forced good works. It matters how we treat each other. It matters because Jesus said so in several places. That is what I'm going by.

Following the law is not good works - it's just following a set of rules. I try not to speed because it is the law. But I give money to a homeless person out of love of neighbor.

Please don't detract from or minimize Jesus teaching on this.

LOVE IS THE ONLY WORK AND IT COMES FROM GOD NOT US.

Yes God is love - we are called to be like him and love too.

Here are a couple of key scriptures where Jesus emphasizes love and good works:

1. Matthew 22:37-39 - “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
2. John 13:34-35 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

These passages highlight the centrality of love in Jesus's teachings. It's all about caring for others, isn't it?

 

[LeeB]

My comments were made to show the difference between our works and GODS works. When James said, “ faith without works is dead” , some use this to justify keeping the law. I wanted to show this idea is incorrect. If you or I do works for the sake of good works then it is GOD working those works by HIS love in us. I did not detract or minimize the teachings of Christ but rather emphasized them. Remember, I was formerly with the WCG and learned the lessons of the schoolmaster. I do not frustrate law and grace but show the difference between the two.
I know GODS love is the fulfillment of the law, not my human level love or perceived goodness. If we do good the power and love of GOD makes it possible . I have heard many say, I’m a good person, but Jesus said there is none good but one. We cannot view human level goodness or love as the same as GODS.

 

[Lori Jane]

Ok I made an assumption since you replied to my post and started going into works of the law when my post wasn't about that. Oh well no worries. Thanks for explaining.

 

[LeeB]

Ok I made an assumption since you replied to my post and started going into works of the law when my post wasn't about that. Oh well no worries. Thanks for explaining.

No problem Lori.

 

[Petunia]

Lori: “if you are shunning or "unfellowshipping" someone that is not loving and not good works.”

I wrestle with this. Since nobody has the whole truth, it would be boasting, in my opinion, to shun anyone. Although it had his purpose in the fist century (2 John 9-11), unfortunately apostasy came anyway.

Yes, Christ taught and demonstrated the importance of love, but didn’t he teach and demonstrate as well the importance of truth? John 4:23-24; 8:44-46; 14:6

How do you balance love with truth?
Where do you draw the line?
What your conscience allows, can be against mine.
Should I dismiss my conscience to show you love? And if I would, what would be the consequences for my faith? 1 Tim. 1:19

How I see it right now: I am not comfortable in fellowshipping (in the sense of worshiping) with others who have a different understanding of who God is, who Christ is or who doubt the Bible (John 17:3; 1 Tim. 2:5; 2 Tim. 3:16).
I am aware of the fact that this standpoint limits the amount of persons I can support and love - and that bothers me, but concerning worship, I choose truth above love.

I have no problem in engaging with persons who think differently, like in the exodus group - anyone can have his own opinion, can speak their mind - it doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree, all that matters is that I can show love, listen and support.
My best friends think differently - but we love and support each other and respect each other’s opinions.

In these circumstances I choose love above truth.


Petunia

 

[Lori Jane]

I think you have a balanced and fair view @Petunia. I may love my family member but if they are living a debauched life, I'm personally not going to feel comfortable "hanging out" with them a lot.

Truth is important and we should all be striving for it but if we cut off association from those also seeking truth but coming to different conclusions, we limit ourselves.

I chose love above truth seeking. The later will come - the former was uber important to Jesus.

 

[LeeB]

Petunia, as you may know, I believe that there is no church organization on Earth that is the remnant of the Pentecost Church. The Pentecost church was scattered to the four winds due to heavy persecution and decep

 

[Petunia]

I think you have a balanced and fair view @Petunia. I may love my family member but if they are living a debauched life, I'm personally not going to feel comfortable "hanging out" with them a lot. Truth is important and we should all be striving for it but if we cut off association from those also seeking truth but coming to different conclusions, we limit ourselves. I chose love above truth seeking. The later will come - the former was uber important to Jesus.

“love needs to prevail everything we do”- 1 Kor.13

How did they worship in the first century?
what was the purpose of gatherings?

 

[Lori Jane]

Reminds me of this book I read in 2020 - all about how we arrived at various practices we see in churches today. Very interesting read - I highly reccomend it.

Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices​

 

[Lori Jane]

How did they worship in the first century?
what was the purpose of gatherings?

Love this video - I used my summarizer on it and started a new thread here.

 

[LeeB]

Petunia, as you may know, I believe that there is no church organization on Earth that is the remnant of the Pentecost Church. The Pentecost church was scattered to the four winds due to heavy persecution and deception. The Pentecost church is not organized in the manner of the first century. Today the only way anyone could be disfellowshipped is by GOD and Christ. There is no ministry because of what the Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:27 and the prophet Ezekiel 34:10,11,12 GOD and Christ teach and lead the church since the last days of the Apostle John. Any man or woman claiming to be a teacher or leader is false. GOD through Christ by the spirit of the anointing is what performs all things in the church since the first century and we have no need for some man or woman to lead or teach, where would they lead you, what would they teach you ? Also all the world’s churches think they need to complete the great commission to preach the gospel to the world. Which one of the churches does this, none of them. The scattered remnant has not been given this task as it falls to an angel during the tribulation in Revelation 14:6 that agrees with Christ in Matthew 24:14

What human leadership and teaching has produced is Babylon, confusion. According to Google there are 37 million churches in the world with 34 thousand denominations, there is to be only one. This is the work of Satan, Revelation 12:9 The scattered remnant are those saints who will be alive and remain when Christ returns. This remnant is not in any way associated with the worlds churches, they have answered the call to come out of Babylon. They are taught and led by GOD through Jesus Christ. Only GOD can put a person in HIS church and only GOD can remove a person.

 

[LeeB]

Love this video - I used my summarizer on it and started a new thread here.

Under the leadership of GOD through Christ chosen men were ordained and given a much larger portion of the Holy Spirit in order to be enabled to preach the gospel to fulfill the great commission and to aid in the growth of the saints. These men were the only Apostles there were no more. Once these men were all dead the total control of the church remained only with GOD and Christ. There was no more human ministry.
Since that time all the saints receive teaching by divine revelation from GOD through Jesus Christ just as the Apostle John stated, 1 John 2:20,27 Jeremiah 31:34 John 6:45 John 14:26 1 Corinthians 2:13

 

[LeeB]

Church meetings in the first century were not a one man show. Acts 14:23 The pastor was there to keep order according to what Paul instructed. 1 Peter 5:2,3 Titus 1:5 1 Corinthians 14:29,30,31,32,33 Notice the prophets would speak and if one received a revelation the others listened and the determination was made as to whether or not the message was from GOD. In this group of two or three or more a matter would be established and in this process deception was impossible. Today all of the saints are prophets and prophetesses and have contact with GOD through Christ. It was common in the first century church to have prophetesses and if inspired to speak they spoke. Amos 3:8 In the first century not all were prophets but today it is absolutely required due to the elimination of the Apostles and ministry. Even today things are done decently and in order. The head of the house were the saints meet is charged with the duty to keep order. 1 Corinthians 14:39,40 These churches have only a few members perhaps 2 to 6 but wherever two or three are gathered together, not two or three dozen, hundred or thousand, as Jesus knew many are called but few are chosen.