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As a diligent student of the Bible, you will want to make sure the Bible really says what this study says.  Always remember to test all things with God's word - as the Bereans did.  They "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). 

First, read the study all the way through, without looking up the Scriptures.   Then read the study again, this time looking up the Scriptures.  Highlight or mark each verse you look up so you can easily find it later.

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Jesus said, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working; My food is to do the Will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" (John 5:17; 4:34).   These verses say Jesus did the Will of the Father on earth as it is being done in heaven (Matt. 6:10).  He was doing the Father’s works, which are all righteous (Rom. 10:3).  Jesus Christ and His disciples subjected themselves to the righteousness of God.  Jesus even said some who followed Him would do greater works than He did (John 14:12).

A lot of people are ready to receive the message of the Way of righteousness today (John 4:35).  They are hungry for it.  John 4:36 says anyone who is living this Way is already receiving blessings and bearing fruit for eternal life (Matt. 5:19; 3:10; 1 John 3:7, 10, 17-20).

Jesus Christ’s faith had works of righteousness (John 10:32, 37-38).  He helped people in need of clothing or daily food (James 2:15-17).  His faith was not dead but alive because of His good works (James 2:26).  Jesus knew that a man is not justified by faith alone, nor by works based on the law of Moses, but by works of righteousness done for God’s glory (James 2:24; Rom. 3:20; Matt. 5:16).   Jesus’ works were not based on self-righteousness, which is righteousness of the flesh, but on the righteousness of faith (Rom. 3:27).

So also, our works are to be based on the righteousness of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.  By doing these works of righteousness, our faith is perfected (James 2:22).   Yes, faith without works - daily good works - is dead (James 2:26)!

We glorify God by doing good deeds - deeds of charity, deeds of love, lending and giving to those in need and expecting nothing in return, entertaining strangers (which is opening our homes to those in need), visiting the sick, helping the poor, feeding the hungry and never returning evil for evil (Matt. 25:33-40).  We must overcome our natures by doing all these good deeds or works for God on a daily basis (Rom. 12:21; Rev. 2:26; 1 Peter 3:13).

Begin today to suffocate your old nature and its evil ways.  This will allow God to put it to death and give you His nature (Rom. 16:20; Gal. 4:19).  As you do, you will begin to realize why a faith without good works is dead, yes, truly dead!

(Feel free to give copies of this study to others who want to know God’s truth.   You will be doing God’s Will when you show and tell others how to live this special Way.)      

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