God's Workmanship

Created for a Purpose: The Masterpiece You Are

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:10

Summary: Ephesians 2:10 reveals that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, emphasizing our identity and purpose as believers.

Application: This passage reminds us that each person has intrinsic worth and a unique purpose in God's plan. It can encourage Christians who struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insignificance, affirming that they are purposeful creations of God called to contribute to His kingdom.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that our identity in Christ is foundational to understanding our value and purpose. Furthermore, it encourages believers to actively seek and fulfill the good works intended for them, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme of being God's workmanship connects to Christ's redemptive work, which not only saves us but also equips us to do the good works that God has prepared for us. It shows that through Christ, our lives are woven into God's grand narrative of redemption and purpose.

Big Idea: Believers are created by God for good works, reflecting both their worth and God's ongoing work in their lives to fulfill His purposes.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon in Logos, consider exploring the Greek nuances of 'workmanship' (poiēma) and how it conveys the concept of a crafted masterpiece. Investigate the broader context of Ephesians to understand how Paul discusses grace and works, particularly in relation to Jewish and Gentile identities. Additionally, look into commentaries on Ephesians to explore different interpretations of 'good works' and their implications for Christian living.

1. Purposeful Craft: God's Design

Ephesians 2:10

You could emphasize how being 'God's workmanship' highlights our intrinsic value and purpose. This point should underline that we are beautifully crafted by the Creator and our lives are not accidental but divinely intended. You might suggest that understanding this truth can help believers reject feelings of inadequacy or insignificance, instead embracing a sense of belonging and purpose in God's grand plan. This realization of being God's masterpiece can drive a deeper commitment to fulfilling the good works He has planned for us.

The last time I shared a message we spoke about God’s renewing of us, made alive by His grace. We were dead in our sin, children of wrath, unable to follow the ways of God. Following the prince of the power of the air. Inclined to disobedience, separated from God. Without hope.

But God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. By grace we have been saved, so He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

PRAY

Please open your bibles to 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.”

We are His workmanship. The word workmanship in Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus comes from the Greek word poiema, which is derived from the verb poieo, which means “to make’ or “to do”.

Poiema is used commonly to describe the divine power and design of His creations, such as humanity. In Romans 1:20 it is used to describe His creation of all things that have been made.

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

It is also where we derive the words poem, and poetry, which are created and made.