I want to go back to one principle related to gathering together.

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

I am sometimes accused of emphasizing study and spiritual growth, and neglecting good works and deeds. It’s easy sometimes to do our regular Bible study, go to church once or twice a week, and feel like we’re really living the Christian way of life.

But make no mistake about it; good deeds are a big part of living like a Christian. That’s why it’s mentioned above in Hebrews, and in this passage:

Ephesians 4:11-12

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, (the reason He gave these spiritual gifts was..)

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

Our gathering together and taking in the word of God should motivate us to good deeds. Don’t worry, it’s not like you have to go out and find some good deeds to do; God has already got some for you!

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Knowledge of the Word of God is of paramount importance. As you continue to learn, you will be more and more motivated to do good deeds. They are the natural result of spiritual growth. That’s why, when Jesus evaluates us, it will be on the basis of our deeds!

Matthew 16:27

27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15

13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. (It’s not just how many things you do, but the quality – were they motivated by selfishness or motivated out of love for God?)

14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.

15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Don’t be like one of these Christians that Paul speaks to Titus about:

Titus 1:16

16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

But be like one of these Christians Paul talks about:

Titus 2:14

14 (Jesus) who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

We’ve been studying Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. But look what Paul says in his prayer for the Colossians:

Colossians 1:10

10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

You can’t just read your Bible or do a devotional, go to church every week, and think that you are really living the Christian way of life. If you are truly growing as a Christian, you will absolutely bear fruit and do good deeds.