MAINTAIN
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:8.
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. Titus 3:14.
In Luke, Chapter 13, there is a parable of a fig tree that did not bear any fruit for three years. The dresser of the vineyard said he would dig about it and dung it and see if it would bear fruit afterward. If not, he would let the owner of the vineyard cut that tree down. Jesus is merciful to us. He allows things to come in our lives to try to get us to bear fruit - do good works and win souls to God. If we rebel and refuse to obey God we sin (Ephesians 5:6). If you know to do good and don’t do it, it is sin to you (James 4:17). Romans 11:29 says, “. . . For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” We must overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil. Read these scriptures about the promises to the overcomer:
James 1:12, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, and Revelation 3:5, 12.
