Paul’s defense to Agrippa is very powerful, and something all Christians should study to understand, and be able to recite.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
I OPENLY DECLARE…
I Worship the God of the Bible. John 4:24 God is Spirit: then let his worshippers give him worship in the true way of the spirit.
I Believe all things which are written in the Law (of Moses) and the prophets. Luke 24:26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to go through these things, and to come into his glory? 27 And he made clear to them all the things in the Writings, from Moses and from all the prophets, which had to do with himself.
I Have Hope toward God. Heb 6:19 And this hope is like a strong band for our souls, fixed and certain, and going in to that which is inside the veil;
I Hope in the Resurrection of the dead, (both of the just & unjust). 2Cor 5:10 For we all have to come before Christ to be judged; so that every one of us may get his reward for the things done in the body, good or bad.
I Strive to have a conscience without offense toward God. 1Thess 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
I Strive to have a conscience without offense toward mankind. Acts 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
None of the above is to be separated from the New Testament to make a creed we recite in a rote manner. These are the words the Apostle Paul came to know and Believe through inspiration of the Holy Spirit as he gave his defense before Agrippa.
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
NUPTIALS.
Prov 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
TIME.
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
EATING & Enjoying company with Family & friends.
Ecc 2:24; 3:13; 1Tim 6:8
1Tim 4:3-4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.
NEEDS being MET.
Phil 4:11-13; Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
TALENTs (ability).
Matt 25:15. Each according to his ability.
EFFORTS (wages according to my effort.) Luke 3:14. 1Cor 7:17; Matt 25:15
DOCTRINE of Christ.
2John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Living in the world without becoming part of this world is difficult. Yet, we need to live among them so we can reach them. Paul said,
“I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world” (1Cor 5:9-10).
He also wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18).
here are 4 ways we can LIVE in the world peacefully:
LOVE Always. (Luke 6:27-36; cf; John 3:16; Rom 5:8-10)
be INDEBTED to them to love, which requires being grateful. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8)
live VIRTUOUSLY among them. “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:1-8; cf. 1Peter 3:1-6; 2Pet 1:5-10; Romans 12:14-21)
EXPECT less from people, Except Christ and Him crucified. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1Cor 1:2)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ in Borger Texas.
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your GOOD WORKS, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
(1Peter 2:12, emph seb)
What are the good works. There are 5 key things to remember about good WORKS.
Firstly, they must be according to the WILL of God (authorized through scriptures; 1Pet 4:2; Eph 2:10).
They need to be ONGOING in our lives (habitual; cf Titus 2:7; 3:8, 14).
Thirdly, we need to be constantly READY & willing from the heart to do them (Titus 2:14; 1Tim 6:18; 2Co 8:12).
We can KNOW what they are and be taught them (Heb 10:24; Titus 3:14)
Lastly, they are to be SEEN, but not to be seen from pride (1Pet 2:12; 3:1, 16)
The faithful Christian will LEARN, PRACTICE, & MAINTAIN good Works all the days of their life. Here are all the passages in the New Testament that speak about good works.
GOOD WORKS;
Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Joh 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1Tim 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1Tim 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Tim 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1Tim 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1Pet 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
GOOD WORK:
2Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The person that teaches there is nothing for a person to do to become a Christian and to remain faithful has obviously never read the scriptures.
There is a purpose behind good works. Peter says, “which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” He is talking about using our good works to win others to Him (cf 1Peter 3:1-2; 15).
We’ve already talked about being living STONES, now we turn our attention to the second half of verse 5:
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
(1Peter 2:5, emph seb)
What exactly are the SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES we are to offer up to God?
Before we attempt to discern what they are, let’s note four things about them.
Firstly, we are to be ACTIVELY doing them, “Offer up…” Being a Christian is not a passive condition, it’s active. Note that we are “LIVELY” stones.
Secondly, our sacrifices must be “ACCEPTABLE to God.” Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2Tim 2:15a; cf. Rom 12:1).
Thirdly, they we are to AIM them “…to God”. Whatever these sacrifices are, they are to be directed toward God.
Fourthly, they are directed toward God through the AVENUE of Jesus; “…by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Paul also wrote on spiritual SACRIFICES, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom 12:1). So, what are they? Verse 6 begins a list from Paul, so we shall look at both Peter & Paul’s letters. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether…”
We are to SHEW Forth Praises of God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9; cf Heb 13:15-16). It reminds me of when Jesus told the healed man to “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:16).
ALL of our BODY, our whole being is a living sacrifice to God. “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). This clarifies how much of our life is dedicated to God, ALL of it. Christ is our life (Col 3:4).
We are to give a CONTRIBUTION for the helping of needy Saints and for the work of the Church. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil 4:18; cf. Heb 13:15-16). “He that giveth, let him do it with liberality” (Rom 12:8). God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor 8:2; 9:7).
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb 13:15-16).
It’s a spiritual sacrifice to submit to Leaders that God has ordained for the local church, and those that RULE are offering up a sacrifice. “He that ruleth, with diligence” (Rom 12:8; cf. 1Tim 3:1-7). This is further supported in Peter’s letter, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1Peter 5:2-3).
Peter’s letter is just as much about how the Saint INFLUENCES the world. “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Peter 2:12). This speaks to evildoers converting to Christ through the INFLUENCE of good works done by the saints (cf. 1Pet 3:1).
Paul includes Prophecy or FORETELLING in his letter to the Romans. “Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom 12:6). While there was a miraculous element in the 1st century, we today can FORETELL through the inspired written word. Peter wrote, “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 4:10-11). The future return of Christ is just one example.
It’s a sacrifice to be an INSTRUCTOR or Teacher of God’s word. “He that teacheth, on teaching” (Rom 12:8; cf. 2Tim 2:2).
It’s certainly a sacrifice to have COMPASSION (Mercy) on our fellow man. “He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:8). We have obtained mercy through the blood of Jesus. Ought we not show mercy on others?
EXHORTING (to urge one to pursue some course of conduct) is another important sacrifice. “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation” (Rom 12:8; 2Tim 4:2). Encouraging brethren to better conduct can be a challenge. For example; “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but EXHORTING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
Finally, SERVING (ministering) our brethren is a Spiritual Sacrifice to God. “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering” (Rom 12:7). When we serve the brethren, we serve Christ. Jesus listed some things, “For I was an hungred, … I was thirsty, … I was a stranger, … Naked, … I was sick, … I was in prison… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when … ? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Acts 25:35-40’ cf. Acts 6:1-7).
These are all matters the individual Christian does through their own lives and homes. Some believe we abdicate these to others. These are OUR SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES. May we all offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
