What "good works" has God prepared for us to do? Created for a Purpose Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance so that we should walk in them.” Clarity on “Good Works” • Not a way to earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) • A natural outflow of the new life we have in Christ • Pre-arranged paths of obedience, service, and witness that display God’s character to the world Snapshot of the Works God Prepared 1. Works of Worship • Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” • Gathering, singing, praying, giving thanks—daily and corporately 2. Works of Holiness • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – Called to be holy in all conduct • Turning from sin, embracing purity, guarding thoughts and speech 3. Works of Love and Compassion • Matthew 25:35-40 – Feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick • Galatians 6:10 – “Do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith” 4. Works of Justice and Mercy • Micah 6:8 – “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly” • Defending the vulnerable, honest dealings, fair treatment of others 5. Works of Generosity • 2 Corinthians 9:8 – God supplies so we can abound in every good work • Stewarding money, time, and talents for kingdom purposes 6. Works of Witness • Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine so others glorify the Father • Acts 1:8 – Spirit-empowered testimony at home and to the ends of the earth 7. Works of Discipleship • Matthew 28:19-20 – Making disciples, teaching obedience • Colossians 3:16 – Encouraging, admonishing, singing truth to one another 8. Works Produced by the Spirit’s Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 – Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control • Each trait expressed in concrete actions toward others How to Walk in These Works • Stay rooted in Scripture—2 Tim 3:16-17 equips “for every good work” • Yield to the Holy Spirit—Phil 2:13, He works in us to will and to act • Look for daily opportunities—small acts often fulfill God’s larger plan • Serve in community—Heb 10:24-25, spur one another on toward love and good deeds • Persevere—Gal 6:9, keep sowing even when results seem slow The Ultimate Aim Titus 2:14: Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Good works are God’s chosen showcase of His grace in us. As we walk in them, the world sees His workmanship—and He receives the glory. |
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