Created for Good Works
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Ephesians 1:15-2:10 (ESV)
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 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— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Sermon Outline
The love of God (2:4) repurposes us for a life devoted to good works (2:10).
1. The foundation for good works
2:10 “for we are his workmanship”
2:9 “so that no one may boast”
2. The challenge of good works
2:1-3 “we all once lived in the passions of our flesh”
2:4 “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love…”
1:19-20 “the working of his great might that he worked in Christ”
2:10 “created in Christ Jesus” (2:1 “you were dead”, 2:5 “made us alive together with Christ”)
3. The possibility of good works
2:8-9 “the gift of God, not a result of works”
2:10 “for good works”
Prayer of Confession
Merciful and loving Father, we need your grace. We have continually acted in ways that are sinful, and even our best deeds are not pure. Our good actions often have their roots in pride and a desire for personal gain. When we have opportunities to do good, we make excuses, do them half-heartedly, or with resentment. Good works have not been a source of joy. We have not loved the world as you have graciously and generously loved us. Thank you for your mercy. By faith we take hold of your grace, asking for your on-going care and help, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Why do good?
What are some wrong reasons for doing good things?
What does the work of God in creation tell us about God? If you read Genesis 1:1-2:3, what can you learn about God’s character and ways?
What are some implications of your being God’s workmanship?
Why is it hard to continually do good? When do you succeed? When do you fail?
How does God’s work of grace to make us alive in Christ reorient you to the world?
If we are saved by grace, and not by works, what motivation remains (or begins) for good works?
Do you experience joy in doing good?
How can you do your work as an offering to God? What does it look like to do all things for God’s glory?