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“In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach" (Titus 2:7-8).
Be careful to make sure that your confidence is in Christ Himself rather than in what you think you know about Him and the Bible. We, indeed, are commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This acquisition of knowledge is unequivocally commanded. However, the goal of biblical knowledge and knowledge of Christ is not knowing simply for knowing’s sake. The objective is, rather, the formation of our character and life that expends all to be God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” and accomplish the “good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Paul warns us, “We know that ‘we all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Moreover, James agreed that a life lived with self-righteous pride in what we know to the exclusion of real-life Christian works that emerge from the heart which has been transformed by the grace and knowledge of Christ is futile. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters,” said James, “if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" (James 2:14). His conclusion was clear and emphatical: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (2:26).
Ancient words from Thomas a' Kempis, the Catholic monk who left the world a gripping inspirational are timeless: “What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed, it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone” (The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter One).
Is your confidence in Christ Himself rather than in your biblical acumen? Then, do as He did. Would anyone dare deny that Jesus, as God-incarnate, possessed all the knowledge of God? Yet we find in Luke’s history of the early spread of Christianity that He “went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). We have, therefore, both the command of scripture and the example of Christ's life as instruction to show that true God-knowledge leads to effectual Christian works.
You might ask, “Where should my good works begin?” Start with the ultimate reason for which Jesus came to Earth. He said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Find as many ways as possible to use your biblical knowledge and spiritual gifts to share the gospel of salvation in Jesus with everyone who will listen to see as many people as possible experience the new birth, enter into God's forever family, grow to spiritual maturity among the body of Christ, the church, and serve Christ's mission with their lives where God has placed them.
Don't you think it's time to put feet to your faith? The clock is ticking. Start today.