Good works

Read this one - Ephesians 2:10 “10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Not created, saved by good works, saved by grace through faith (Eph2:8-9; Tit3:4-7 Summarize

Summarize this one: Ephesians 2:8–9 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Summarize this one: Titus 3:4–7 “4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Again, saved for good works, meaning to do good works (Eph2:10); eager/zealous to do good works (Tit2:14)

Ref only Titus 2:14 “14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

Why do good works?

To bring glory to God (Mt5:16; 1Pt2:11-12)

Turn to or quote: Matthew 5:16 “16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Reference/Summarize this one only: 1 Peter 2:11–12 “11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Good works are a demonstration of our faith (Jm2:14-17)

Jesus calls us to do what He says, would that not include good works? (consider Lk6:46) - - - Why do you call me Lord Lord . . .

(Transition) We were created for good works. Are we fulfilling our purpose for the kingdom? Are we engaged in good works? Remember they bring glory to God, they spread the message, and they are a demonstration of our faith. So, what good works can we do? Let’s talk about that next

What good works can I do?

Tell others of God’s amazing grace (1Pt2:9-10)

Turn to and read 1 Peter 2:9–10 “9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Know God has given you gifts for good works (1Cor12:4ff)

A variety of gifts

Good works of encouraging one another (Heb3:12-13)

Summarize this one: Hebrews 3:12–13 “12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Be a Philemon (Phm7) or a Stephanus (1Cor16:15-18)

Good works of restoration (Gal6:1-2; Jm5:19-20)

Turn to and read: Galatians 6:1–2 “1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

Then turn to and read James 5:19–20 “19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Jesus told the apostles on the limited commission to do good works (ref: Mt10:7-8)

Ref Only Matthew 10:7–8 “7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.”

We too can do good works, some you find in Mt25:34-40 that were blessed because they were done.

Fed hungry

Gave water

Clothed

Visited

Good works of serving one another (Rom12:3-8) - turn to and read

Romans 12:3–6 “3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;”

Romans 12:7–8 “7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Point out God gives a measure of faith

Point out that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts (consider 1Cor12:4)

Point out that God gives the grace, grace with a purpose, salvation and service.

Service in teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, giving mercy are just a few of the ways we can do good works for the kingdom

Be it in the home, an office, a field, wherever God has you, He can and will use You to be a shining light of good works so the Father can be glorified!

Love and good works slide here

James says: James 1:27 “27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” - - - - that is good works

Good works are a blessing to others Acts 20:35 “35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ””

Good works should be maintained Titus 3:8 “8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.”

Good works are a demonstration of your love and devotion for God.

Jesus example of good works

Romans 5:6 “6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. and John 15:13 “13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”