Scripture References: Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 6:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Romans 4:4-5; Titus 2:14; Ephesians 2:10; Acts 13:36; Revelation 22:12
Intro: Welcome. This sermon, with guest Terry Virgo, builds on God's grace – His acceptance of us in Christ, not based on our efforts. Hebrews 9:14 states Christ's blood cleanses our conscience from "dead works" so that we may "serve the living God." What are these dead works? And how do we shift to living service motivated by grace, not guilt?
Key Points:
- What Are "Dead Works"? Religious or seemingly good activities devoid of God's life and Spirit. They can include:
- Works without Faith/Hope: Actions done out of mere routine or habit, lacking expectation that God will act (like cutting roast ends unnecessarily).
- Presumptuous Works: Relying on past success or our own strength instead of dependence on God (like Israel failing at Ai after Jericho).
- Uncommissioned Works: Getting busy with activities God hasn't asked us to do, even if they seem like good opportunities.
- Works without Love (1 Cor 13): Impressive acts (giving all, great faith) done without genuine love are empty. Compare Ephesus (lost first love) vs. Thessalonica (labor of love).
- The Motivation for Dead Works: Bad Conscience: Often, we engage in dead works because our conscience is troubled. We try to appease guilt, justify ourselves, earn acceptance, or impress God/others through frantic activity, instead of resting in His finished work.
- The Solution: Cleansed Conscience via Christ's Blood (Heb 9:14): Jesus' sacrifice perfectly cleanses our conscience. We are declared righteous by faith, not works (Rom 4:5). This grace frees us from having to perform dead works out of guilt or fear. We can say "no" to things not motivated by grace.
- Living Works: Serving the Living God: Freed from dead works, we engage in living works:
- Empowered by God: He works with us and through us by His Spirit.
- Expressing God's Will: Doing the specific good works He prepared beforehand for us (Eph 2:10; Acts 13:36). This involves discerning His call, often discovered by serving within the body.
- Motivated by Love & Grace: Done freely as a response to His love.
- Anticipating Eternal Reward: While saved by grace, our works will be tested, and faithfulness rewarded (1 Cor 3:14; Rev 22:12). This motivates diligent service, not for salvation, but out of love and stewardship.
Conclusion: Christ's finished work frees us from striving through dead works born of guilt or fear. His blood cleanses our conscience, empowering us by grace to serve the living God with living works – those done in faith, hope, love, dependence on His Spirit, and obedience to His specific call, all while anticipating His "Well done!"
Call to Action: Examine the motivations behind your service. Are you driven by obligation or grace? Repent of any "dead works." Receive the cleansing power of Christ's blood for your conscience. Ask God to reveal the specific "living works" He has prepared for you and serve Him freely out of love.
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