What actions demonstrate belief in "the works" Jesus mentions in John 10:38? Seeing What Jesus Meant by “the Works” - “But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:38) - “The works” are the public, observable actions that verified His identity: • Miracles—healing, feeding multitudes, raising the dead (John 5:36). • Perfect obedience to the Father (John 4:34). • Life-giving teaching spoken with authority (John 7:46; Matthew 7:28-29). What “Believing the Works” Means - Receiving the evidence and concluding Jesus is “in the Father.” - Trusting Him as the only way to the Father (John 14:6, 11). - Moving from curiosity to committed faith that produces visible fruit (John 15:5). Actions That Demonstrate Genuine Belief 1. Trusting Him for salvation • “This is the work of God: to believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:29) • Turning from self-reliance to Christ-reliance (Acts 16:31). 2. Openly confessing Him • “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father.” (Matthew 10:32) • Speaking of Him without shame, even when culture opposes. 3. Living in ongoing obedience • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Aligning moral choices with Scripture, not feelings. 4. Abiding in His word • “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31) • Regular Bible reading and application that shapes thinking and behavior. 5. Displaying sacrificial love • “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • Meeting needs, forgiving quickly, serving quietly. 6. Bearing Spirit-produced fruit • “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23) • Character change that can’t be faked long-term. 7. Persisting in prayerful dependence • “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • Seeking His power rather than trusting human strength. 8. Joining His mission • “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) • Sharing the gospel, discipling others, engaging in local church life. Biblical Snapshots of Belief in Action - The former blind man worships Jesus openly (John 9:38). - Zacchaeus repays fourfold and gives to the poor (Luke 19:8-9). - Early believers sell property to meet needs (Acts 2:44-45). - Paul abandons status to preach Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). Personal Checklist for Today ☐ Have I placed full trust in Jesus’ finished work? ☐ Do my choices line up with His commands? ☐ Is love toward others shaping my schedule and budget? ☐ Can outsiders see Spirit-produced change in me? ☐ Am I actively pointing people to the One whose works proved He is God? |
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