We are bound to do what is right once we have been declared righteous by faith. This was the solemn charge God gave Abraham, after he was justified by faith. "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by DOING what is RIGHT AND JUST, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:19) We too have been given a charge through the word of God since Paul's charge to Timothy applies to every new testament believer: 'But you, man of God, flee from sin and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith... In the sight of God ... and of Christ ... I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...' (1 Timothy 6:11-13) We are instructed to do what is RIGHT AND JUST, both in the eyes of God and man. 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.' (Romans 12:17) Therefore, Paul wrote: 'We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.' (2 Corinthians 8:21) But many believers don't care to do what is right and just in the eyes of men because they claim to be doing what is right in the eyes of God and thereby 'bring the way of truth into disrepute.' (2 Peter 2:2) As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." (Romans 2:24/ Isaiah 52:5) The Jews had profaned the name of God among the nations where they were exiled because of their sins. (Ezekiel 36:22) Though they were freed from slavery in Egypt, yet they were still slaves to sin. 'To the Jews who believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free." Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin."' (John 8:31-34) 'But thanks be to God that though you used to be slaves of sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.' (Romans 8:17-18) We who are 'Christ's slaves' are "condemned" to do only what is right because Christ, our new master is righteous. 'For sin shall not be your master because you are not under law, but under grace.' (Romans 6:14) '... so now offer the parts of your body in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness ... you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life.' (Vs19-22) Amen.
Sam Matthews. K
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