Paul wrote that both Jews and Gentiles were justified by faith. He continued by reminding the people that Abraham had believed God and "it was reckoned to him as righteousness" - not something earned but given as a gift. Paul also reminded the people of what David had said about the blessedness of those who have faith. Serving others by doing good works is essential, but good works must flow from faith in God. Faith comes first, and good works follow.

Jesus was warning His disciples to be wary of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, which would eventually be exposed. We, too, must be aware of the hypocrisy of many teachers in our society. Many say one thing and do another. We read about them in the news. The one whom we need to respect and follow is God. Jesus said that God knows each sparrow and has numbered each hair on our heads; in other words, God knows and loves us with everlasting love. We are called to honour that love by following God's ways.