Created for Good Works

1. Ephesians 2:10 Createdfor Good Works “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

2. Introduction • Good works are not the source of our salvation • Ephesians 2:8-9

3. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

4. Introduction • Good works are not the source of our salvation • Ephesians 2:8-9 • However, everyone who is faithful to Christ will walk in good works • Ephesians 2:10

5. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

6. Created in Christ Jesus • God defines the good works we are to do • Hebrews 13:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

7. Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you.”

8. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

9. Created in Christ Jesus • God defines the good works we are to do • Hebrews 13:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • Your good works are observable • 1 Timothy 5:25; 1 Peter 2:11-12

10. 1 Timothy 5:24-25 “Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”

11. 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

12. Created in Christ Jesus • God defines the good works we are to do • Hebrews 13:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • Your good works are observable • 1 Timothy 5:25; 1 Peter 2:11-12 • Your good works are influential • 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:13,16

13. 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

14. Matthew 5:13,16 (13), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (16), “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

15. Created in Christ Jesus • God defines the good works we are to do • Hebrews 13:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • Your good works are observable • 1 Timothy 5:25; 1 Peter 2:11-12 • Your good works are influential • 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 5:13,16 • Your good works are not in vain! • 1 Corinthians 15:58; Revelation 14:13

16. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

17. Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”

18. Conclusion • God has prepared good works for each of us to do as His children • We must be careful to zealously maintain those works in our lives! “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”(Titus 3:8)