We are in the third section of the book and it’s time to apply what it means to have the good life. This section is about practical application and we start by addressing good works.

“Our sinful hearts are cruel dictators. And as long as they rule over us, we’re not free. We’re robots. But when we begin to follow the loving leadership of our Father in Heaven, we’ll begin to experience true liberty.” – Trip Lee

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Paul tell us that Christ gave himself to redeem us and so that we would be a people zealous or God works (Titus 2:14). Trip Lee encourages us to be who we are. We no longer walk in our “old ways” but instead walk in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4b). Our battle, according to Lee, is to live in light of our new identity. So the question remains, what are good works?

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Jesus summarizes it for us in Matthew 22: 37-38: Love God and love others. The purpose of our good works is to bring glory to God and we walk in faith. Good works is obedience to Jesus and Jesus is our only example of perfect obedience. As Lee says, “Look to Christ as the one who did good works. Look to Christ as the one who died so that we would do good works. Look to Christ as the one who forgives us when we fail to do good works.”

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Questions: What hinders you from pursuing good works? Do you ever struggle with the fear of becoming legalist in your quest for Christ-likeness? If so, how do you fight it? Trip tells the story of a guy who unashamedly carries porn with him. This celebrity feels it is his “right.” Is there anything you don’t want to give up because you feel it’s okay, not harming others, or your right? If so, has reading this chapter and thinking through Matthew 22 changed your perspective?