Works of honour
Works of justification
Works of worship
Works of sacrifice
Works of love
Out of the above list the only one I have a problem with is works to self-justify.
One could do this to show to show one is good, rather than I do this because it
flows out of who I am.
There is a subtle difference. I mean subtle because if you feel you must do something
to show you are something, the focus is wrong, and probably you are not what you think
you are showing. So an evangelical must witness because they are an evangelical.
Or a lover of mens souls knows they are lost in need of help, so they witness to pull
them out of darkness into the light.
I witnessed once to guy who knew scripture on the outside of his heart, but not within.
I did not get him to the point of prayer asking God to become a reality within, but we
got some way down that road.
If you can see the issue I am pointing out, you know where brothers and sisters are.
If you cannot see this, then I am your enemy, and you read in everything which simply
is not there.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Amen
We do this because He is worthy, He is our Lord and we love Him.
Why? Because we know He went to the cross to save us, Praise to His
glorious name.
Now to some rejoicing in God like this is so strange they think it is make believe,
but as John says this kind of witness comes from the Holy Spirit alone, Jesus
the Messiah has come in the flesh and saved us from death, Amen.