1. Focus on the Eternal
  1. We have been looking at the transformation that is taking place as a follower of Christ because of the New Covenant
    1. We have the glory of God inside of us.
    2. We have this incredible treasure inside jars of clay.
    3. The glory of God is being revealed as we look upon the face of Jesus.
      1. This is done through
        1. Repentance
        2. Faith
        3. Spending time in his presence
      2. This comes through reflecting the character of Jesus through our trials we may encounter
  2. The culmination is our bodies will be absorbed by the heavenly body
    1. We will receive new bodies that will be able to live forever
    2. We will receive our assignment and purpose for eternity
  3. As long as we are in this body, we are away from the Lord.

2. Keep in mind that there is a day of judgement Vs 9, 10

  1. The motivating force behind what Paul does is the fact that he will stand before God in judgement
  2. THIS IS NOT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT OF REVELATION.  EVERYONE WHO STANDS BEFORE THAT THRONE WILL BE FOUND GUILTY.
  3. We make this judgement our aim so we live lives that are pleasing to Jesus.
  4. The reason for being “well pleasing” Vs 10
    1. All of us must be made manifest
    2. Revealed is a better word than appear.  We will be revealed for who we are.
    3. Each individual will “receive” or “obtain wages”
      1. According to what we did in this present life
      2. Indicating that all facades will be stripped away. (See Hebrews 4: 13)

3. Mitsvah

  1. This is not the earning of salvation.
    1. Ephesians 2: 8, 9 for grace are we saved through faith and this not of ourselves…
    2. It is easy to become saved through grace and stay saved through works.
      1. This is the Old Covenant which is fading away.
  2. Mitsvah is religious and moral obligations. (See Romans 8: 12)
    1. There is no English equivalent to this word so we use good deeds and commandments or duties.
    2. “Works of righteousness” because of the righteousness of Christ in us
    3. God our righteousness is Jehovah tsidkeneau  Works of righteousness is Ts’dakah which means to to right and be just
    4. This is also used in charitable giving going beyond the requirement of the tithe.
    5. Jesus = you will recognize people by their fruit Matthew 7: 16
    6. Paul = do works worthy of repentance Acts 26: 19, 20

4. Mitsvah and Zechut

Luke 18: 18 – 28

  1. What must I do to inherit eternal life.
    1. This is not a trap like some of the Pharisees are trying to use to trick Jesus.
  2. Good Teacher Give me something beyond the Torah (Bible) that I must do to be sure of my salvation.
  3. Good is confusing unless you know that good here is referred to the Torah (Proverbs 4: 2)
  4. Translation “Why ask me what is Good.  God already gave us the Torah and that is good.
  5. Jesus explains this when he says, Keep the commandments. Vs 20
    1. This is the same problem in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) He requested something beyond the Torah be sent to his brothers to warn them and the messenger said if they don’t believe what is beyond that, they will not believe anything else.
  6. The man obeyed all the Torah said.  Mark 10: 21. this is not an arrogance, but a desire to really attain eternal life.  We know this because Jesus loved the man (maybe kissed him on the forehead)
  7. Man pressed it in Matthew 19: 20 what am I still lacking?
    1. Zachut = something that will give me merit before God on judgement.
    2. Also give me merit here on earth.  Get what I want in my prayers.
    3. Jesus called him to become one of the disciples Vs 22.
    4. Zachut is to get some favor here on earth while Mitzvah is to receive eternal merit.
  8. We can live our lives for Zuchut here or we can live them for Mitzvah later when e stand before Jesus
  9. God and the Lord of the Impossible Vs 24