Created for Good Works (Eph. 2:10)

Introduction

· Please turn to Ephesians 2.

· We have discovered a number of features of salvation in this passage. Last week, we considered the God of our salvation – that he brings about a radical reversal from our former condition of being dead to sin to now being alive in Christ, summarized in those little words, “But God.” We saw the gift of salvation, that forgiveness and eternal life are not by works, or else we would boast. We can’t earn it. We can’t buy it. Rather, it is a free gift from God. Then we saw the glory of salvation, as we ascended from death, to life, to transformation, exaltation, and eventually to glorification. Through our union with Christ, it could even be said that we are currently seated with him in the heavenly places. But we are left with one other feature of our salvation, and that is the goal of salvation.

· What is the goal of salvation? Why did God save you? We might be tempted to say, well, because he loved me. And that would be true. But that was his motive. We still have not identified the goal. Let me give you a clue. Why did God create you in the first place? The Westminster Confession says, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” So it should not surprise us that as forgiven people, chosen and saved, that we would be restored to a state where we can once again fulfill our God-given purpose. Notice how this is stated in Eph. 2…

· Read Eph. 2:8-10.

· Dwight Morrow was a businessmen appointed by President Calvin Coolidge to serve as ambassador to Mexico in the late 1920’s. He helped improve relations between the US and our neighbor to the south, but he’s known for something else as well. He was very forgetful. He’s even been called the “Absent-minded ambassador.” On one occasion, he arrived at Grand Central Station in New York, immediately ran to the telegraph office and wired his secretary: “Why am I in New York? What am I supposed to do?” He received a prompt answer; that he was on his way to Princeton to deliver a lecture.

· Hopefully we do not make such mistakes, though I will admit I sometimes walk into a room and forget why I went there. But Morrow, finding himself in a new location, at least knew how to ask the right questions. Why am I here, and What am I supposed to do? We will use these questions this morning as an outline to our talk. They are the very same questions that Paul addresses in Eph. 2:10, and in fact that every single one of us should be asking.

Why Am I Here?

· Workmanship (Gk poiema). It means that which is made or done, with an emphasis on skill and craftsmanship. We get our English word “poem” from this word.

· Mark 13:1–2 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

· It was indeed impressive. The Largest Stone, also known as the 'Western Stone'. I have seen it with my own eyes and touched it. is now located underground along a passageway. This stone is 45’ long 13’ ft. high, made of pure limestone and estimated to weigh 570 tons. Today’s best cranes can only lift 250 tons. It is recorded as one of the heaviest objects ever lifted by humans without modern machinery. That is workmanship!

· God’s handiwork is apparent throughout all of his creation. In fact, the only other place this word appears in the NT is Romans 1:20 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…

· Especially true of humans, who are the pinnacle of God’s creation, both physically and spiritually. “The Amazing Body” series by PBS - considered the most sophisticated organism on earth. Psalm 139:13–14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

· My girls are taking anatomy right now. We were sitting at the table eating pizza and my daughter leaned over and said quietly, in eight hours I’ll have digested all this food.” Sure enough, it takes about 6-8 hours for food to work through the stomach and small intestine.

· Also true spiritually. We are the only part of creation made in his own image. Resemble him and contain his imprint. Capability to love, to feel, to will, to imagine, to explore, to invent, to worship. Imagine how this would affect our approach to racial reconciliation. Tune in next week for more on this.

· A couple other observations about this phrase – it is Plural – the transformation includes the people of God, and the community of faith. Plural to singular. Seems to be a corporate identity here. Possession is emphatic - His workmanship.

· He made us with incredible design and sophistication. But he also programmed us with a specific purpose.

· For good works. Note the contrast between vv. 8-9 and verse 10. V. 9 “not a result of works.” V. 10 “for good works.” Verses 8-9 are empty of good works. Verse 10 is full of good works. V. 8-9 works are foreign. V. 10 works are front and center. Vv. 8-9 explains how you were saved. V. 10 explains why you were saved. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.

· The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone. Yet when it comes to sanctification, works are essential. God is not done with you when he saves you. He saved you for holiness. You are to abide in Christ and walk by faith, and when it comes to sanctification, you do have to work. You were saved to work!

· A common pattern. Many other passages that teach the purpose of salvation is holiness, good works. Titus 2:11–13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

· So why am I here? To do good works. It is perfectly modeled by Jesus in Act. 10:38. Peter says, “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed.”

What Am I Supposed to Do?

· Start walking in the works God has prepared for you.

· The phrase “prepared beforehand” appears only one other place in the NT. Cf. Romans 9:23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—

· God’s predestination has already been a theme in the book. Ephesians 1:4–5 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

· Louiseville Slugger Factory in Louisville, KY. When manufacturing baseball bats, go through a series of tests. Only the most superior quality are used by professional athletes. Only the very best material is used for MLB. Baseball bats “chosen beforehand” and set apart for a special purpose. What moments will be experienced! What crowds! What highlights! Moments in the hall of fame. And all of them start with those bats in the factory.

· Like a checklist, itinerary.

· Walk – the daily ritual, routine, mundane.

· Can pray, “Lord, what good works have you prepared for me to do? What works of service? What words of wisdom? What expressions of mercy? What acts of worship? What dreams would you have me to dream? What discoveries would you have me to make? This may look different at different stages of your life.

· Example - the Worthy Widow. 1 Timothy 5:9-10 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work... And he said back in v. 5 She has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

· In his book, The Practice of Godliness, Jerry Bridges takes an in-depth look at each of the fruit of the Spirit. You know, love, joy, peace, patience, and so forth.

· He notes the progression between four of these words: patience, gentleness, kindness, and goodness. Patience is a godly response toward those who irritate or mistreat us. Gentleness is godly demeanor toward all people at all times. Kindness is being thoughtfully aware. It is taking an interest in the happiness of others, and looking for ways to serve them. Goodness is deliberate deeds to help others.

· Ephesians 4:1–2 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

· Walk – speaks of a lifestyle, a pattern of behavior. A consistent way of living.

· Bridges: “The word walk suggests our common, everyday experience, not the unusual and heroic… Most of our opportunities for good deeds will arise out of the course of our daily lives. The challenge to us is to be alert for these opportunities and to see them not as interruptions or inconveniences, but as occasions for doing the good works God has planned for us.”

· Inceptive aorist – “that we should start walking in them.”

· What a change from our former walk. A transformation has occurred. Ephesians 2:1–2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— Ephesians 4:17–18 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

· This is how we express our faith and love for God. Corporate worship is wonderful! Missions trips are great! We should sing and pray and read. But we spend the vast majority of our days glorifying God in the ordinary. Fixing meals. Changing diapers. Driving to work. Making phone calls. Doing homework. Writing reports. Going to doctor appointments.

· What works has God given you to do? Your roles. Your resources.

· Draw three concentric circles, like a target with a bullseye. My Family. My Church. My Neighbor (co-worker, literal neighbor, anyone in need).

· My Family. The highest priority. 1 Timothy 3:5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

· My Church. Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. This is where the early church really excelled. Acts 2:42–47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Carol Travella in her book Caring without Wearing shares 30 ways that we can care for another person in need: send a card, provide transportation, care for a child, prepare a meal for someone, provide financial help, give counsel, write a note, take a meal, give a hug, shop for food, volunteer, give a party, hold a hand, do manual labor, and more…

· My Neighbor. Family and Church not enough. See Galatians 6:10 again. Matthew 5:14–16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

· Recent examples of good works in our church – Betty picking up food for food drive, Matt cleaning the church and fixing the walls, Kevin working outside on landscaping

· Gives our live purpose, joy, blessing.

· Later, Paul will get into specifics. Three whole chapters of imperatives.

Applications:

o Work is a blessing, not a curse

o Great amount of joy, satisfaction in doing work

o No work is insignificant when done for God.

o Not called to do everything, but we are called to do something