Acts 10:38, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."

We do good because God is with us, and he's with us by grace. He was with Christ by the virgin birth. God was manifested in the flesh. He was with him by the Spirit as a Man. He's with us also. Christ makes us acceptable to the Father, and he's with us by the Spirit in the inner man. The same Spirit that worked in the Savior works in us. His mediatorial work is so great that God HEALS us of sin, and then uses us to serve others. We are regenerated to do good.

Bless God for this double cure. Spotless acceptance and Christlike character are given to us.

Do good because of it. Do not restrain yourself. Go about, because you have the Spirit, and help others. Do not magnify self. God will help us serve him. He's glorified in well doing.

First, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth." He said, "This is my Son, in whom I'm well pleased." The Holy Spirit rested upon him, and enabled him to yield perfect obedience. The Spirit was his without measure, and his every act of faith was accepted. He had a perfect heart, and yielded perfectly. He obeyed by the Father's power.

We have the same Spirit! How blessed are we! We get God's power to serve humanity. Like Jesus, never lean on yourself. He said, "The Father who dwells in me does his works." Do not attempt in your own strength even one good work. Believe God, and let the Spirit work.

Secondly, Jesus "went about doing good." This is God's character! He's a good God, and he helps people. He helps demon possessed sinners. He doesn't condemn. He's gracious to the oppressed! 1 Corinthians 2:12, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."

The gospel is for failures. His kindness is for people who've messed up. Therefore, beseech and warn with gentleness. Let the Holy Spirit rebuke through you. Minister in his Spirit. Put away the striving. Use weapons not of this world. 2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." This is when we fight mightily, when we lovingly and patiently preach Christ.

Thirdly, "God was with him," and he's with you. Reconciliation is made, and redemption is accomplished. God and man are one.

He hears our prayer, and loves us. Song of Songs 4:10, "How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!" He delights in our fellowship. He's not angry, because he put our sins away. He delights to be called on to work what pleases him.

Believe in Christ, now, and receive this blessing. Work in the field as God has equipped you. Use your gifts for good.

Serve sincerely and uprightly. Labor with an open heart. God's with us for a purpose: he heals us to heal others. He blesses us to be a blessing. He's with us to serve mankind. Some serve one way and some another, but compassion makes us do what we can along with spreading the gospel. Christ owed no one, but God's goodness compelled him. God, the love of Christ, and the anointing compels us!

Look to Christ, beloved, as he looked up to the Father. He will work by grace. John 14:13-14, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."