Paul was single-minded. He made it his determined approach to speak as becomes a servant of Jesus Christ, to speak as becomes an ambassador of God in a foreign land, to speak as Christ’s mouthpiece, as Christ’s tongue on this earth.

Luk 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Luk 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Luk 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Good works are the fruit of conversion, not the means. Abraham and Rahab acted as they did because they trusted the Lord. The Spirit of God within them motivated their works, their worship and their service.

Luk 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

Luk 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

Luk 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Luk 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Luk 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Luk 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

The beauty of James’ practical emphasis again comes to the fore. True good works before God are works of faith, done for the glory of God, in love for the brethren and generally to care for those in need.

Luk 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Luk 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Luk 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

Luk 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Has Jesus made you free?

Then you are free indeed;

Ye sons of liberty,

Ye chosen royal seed,

Walk worthy of your Lord, and view

Your glorious Head, in all you do.

William Gadsby