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"But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary." (Philemon 1.14). Notice that Paul classed what Philemon was being asked to do (namely, to allow Onesimus to remain with Paul and assist him in his work) as a "good deed." Further, note that it was Paul’s desire that Philemon receive "credit" for the deed though his consent. Paul implied that had he constrained Onesimus to remain and help him, Philemon would not be credited with the deed.

Though motive is not everything in obeying God, right motives are essential to pleasing God. Jesus taught this truth in the Sermon on the Mount and since it is applicable in every age and under all circumstances, we would do well to consider His teachings. Specifically Jesus spoke of three "religious" acts (giving, praying, and fasting) and how the performing of them could be made void in God’s eyes. In each example cited, the deeds were performed in order "to be seen of men" and in each case the Father declined to acknowledge their deeds. The things they were doing were right things but their motives were wrong. Wrong motives in religious service result in God’s failure to bless the deeds at all!

Imagine how it must look to God when we do good deeds in order to receive some human plaudits and not to merely glorify Him! Apart from God and His revelation, we would have no idea of what is good! And yet, we frequently fail to acknowledge Him in our work and worship. Rather than honor God and give Him the credit for the good we achieve, we are often wont to accept the credit while He goes begging! That is the very attitude that Jesus condemned and that we must avoid if God is to recognize our deeds.

In a similar vein, Paul told the Corinthians, "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9.6-7). The gifts (good deeds) of the believer are to be performed cheerfully and from the heart; further, they are to be done according to that which a person determines from the heart. These principles are the same as that stated by Jesus and the same as that stated by Paul to Philemon. Only those deeds which are done willingly and from the heart are accepted by the Lord.

Contrast these truths with the idea that someone else can assign another works of penance in order to be forgiven of a sin! How can a deed assigned to the believer by someone else possibly have an efficacious result? To ask the question is to answer it! Only those things which we elect to do out of a willing mind are of spiritual value before God; all other motives and attitudes make such service null and void as far as He is concerned.

The one point that must never be forgotten is this: Pleasing service to God always originates from the willing heart of a believer!

Questions:

1. What motive did Paul NOT want to be behind Philemon’s good deed?
2. What motive did he want to be behind Philemon’s good deed?
3. Jesus spoke about some who performed religious duties in order to be seen of men. What reward did he say they received? What reward did He say they would not receive?
4. What type of giver does God love?

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 3-7