Faith, Holy Spirit and Works
David demonstrated a godly life before anyone heard of the term “born again.” God made him King after Saul, the one who men picked, lost his throne. “After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’” (Acts 13:22 NASB) Wow! “Will do all My will.”
David was not born again. He was like Abraham. He believed God. That’s why David was chosen. To do God’s will requires faith in God. David’s faith led to his anointing. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.” (1 Samuel 16:13 NASB) The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David.
We can see the Spirit’s “works.” They are very different than the times David fell to temptation. The Spirit’s work, with the help of a prophet, brought David to repentance. The Spirit’s work, coupled with those declaring the gospel, brings others to repentance. Faith in God receives the Spirit of God whose works are visible. That is why James was able to write, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18 NASB)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NASB) Works are simply the evidence of the Spirit’s activity in and through the one with faith. James had the Spirit of God.
David was a man “after God’s own heart,” his was faulty.
“When my heart was embittered
And I was pierced within,
Then I was senseless and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:21-24 NASB)
David’s faith was in God whom he believed would forgive his shortcomings while he was being guided to glory. We, who believe, have been given the Holy Spirit for the same reason, to guide us to glory. Believers in Jesus are “after God’s own heart”, the new one that He has promised.
His Family Table 