Ephesian 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
When God wants to display His workmanship, He doesn't point to the starry night sky, the snow covered Alps, a beautiful red rose, or an sunset over the ocean. When God wants to display His workmanship, He points to a wicked sinner who's life has been transformed by the grace of God and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Good Works are the Purpose for Which God has Created Us. " created in Christ Jesus unto good works..." God has created and saved us so that we can do good works. Good works are not the price of salvation, but rather the product of salvation. Good works are not something we can generate, but they are the result of God working in our lives and making us new creatures as believers. Philippians 2:13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Titus 3:8, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." Good works are performed for the glory of God not the glory of man. Matthew, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Our Good Works were Planned by God! "...which God hath before ordained..." It is not what we think are good works, but what God has determined to be good works. Too often we come up with our own ideas of what "good works" are. God has a very wonderful and specific plan and purpose laid out for each of our lives. Too often we fail to see the fact that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. If we fail to or refuse to cooperate with His plan or even refuse His plan for our lives, we experience unnecessary problems. When we cooperate with God's purpose and plan for our lives as a believers, life becomes a privilege, life becomes a joy and has a definite purpose. Too often we think only in terms of our daily chores or immediate needs, pleasures and trials, rather than keeping in mind the greater plan and purpose God has for our lives.
Our Good Works Have Practical Applications. What are these "good works" that God has ordained? - These are works that glorify our Heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." If a work does not bring glory to God, then it is not a good work. - These are works that point the unsaved to the Savior. Colossians 1:28-29, "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily." - These are works that edify our Christian brothers. Romans 14:17-19, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." - These are works that exemplify our Savior. 1 Peter 2:21, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps..."
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