BAC Sermons
Good Works, Good Lord, Good Glory - part 1 |
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2009-08-16 | Ephesians 2:10 |
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Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Definition: Good works are purposeful Christlike actions, prompted and enabled by the HS of grace, which eternally benefit others (through having real needs met), God (by making Him look good in the eyes of others) and ourselves (through growth and reward).
1. Good Works are a function of the light shining in us (having an unhindered relationship with God) and should result in God looking good in the eyes of others Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
2. Jesus deliberately engaged in GW Jn 17:4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
3. GW (are distinguished from giving alms) don't make you immune from dying, but appear to increase your chances of getting a miraculous resurrection Ac 9:36 disciple named Tabitha, called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and merciful acts which she did.
4. Glory hounds patiently continue to do GW even though they don't see the immediate payoff.
5. GW are the hottest fashion for a godly woman, should be done without wrath or doubting, but with reverence/modesty and sobriety (sound-minded, objective thinking) 1Tim 2:8 women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works
6. We can/should have a reputation for GW which is gained by diligently following/chasing after every opportunity to render service to those in need. 1Tim 5:9…she has been the wife of one man,10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
7. GW are obvious (as light in a dark place) 1Tim 5:24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
9. You're not adequate to do GW unless you're first taught/reproved/corrected/instructed by the Word of God and the GW's flow out of a sanctified life (light). (Otherwise you'll wind up just doing the kinds of thing to make yourself feel good/less guilty RATHER than what God wants/is pleased by [which the Word tells you about]). It would also seem that every GW should have a Biblical basis/motivation, and/or that the Word should be involved in every GW. 2Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished/equipped for all good works. [cf 4:2 Preach the word! Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching]
10. Personal holiness (in which we've taken the initiative) is a prerequisite to GW 2Ti 2:21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
11. Failing to be pure disqualifies you from doing a GW Titus 1:14… men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. |