Skip to main content

Ephesians 2:10: His Workmanship


Ephesians 2:10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We know that the works that we do cannot save us.  In fact, they are actually offensive to God because we boast about them and attempt to steal the glory he deserves.  So, what are we supposed to do?  Do we just avoid doing any works?  Should we sit on our spiritual butts until Jesus returns.  Sadly, I think there are some who have chosen that option.

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul talks about what we are to do since we are saved. In his description of what we are to do, he speaks of what we call sanctification.  What is sanctification?

“The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.”
- Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

Sanctification is a word that we usually just define as “being set apart” or “being made holy.” That is true. However, I love how the word understood a little further means to be used for the purpose God intends. Like a pen is sanctified when it is used to write. Like eyeglasses are sanctified when they improve our eyesight. Like a Christian is sanctified when they do works. Notice, that the good works do not save us. We have firmly established that. But a Christian is doing what they were set apart to do when they are doing good works. Look at the verse again, now that you understand this concept of sanctification.

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Why do we do good works? Because we were created to do them. We do not do them to somehow gain more of God’s attention. We do not do them to get God to love us more. We do not do them to pile up rewards for ourselves in eternity. We do them because they are what God created us to do. Will we be rewarded for the works that we do? Yes! But, we do not do good works for the selfish purpose of racking up rewards. We are to do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31
[31] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Whatever you do (THAT’S WORKS), do all to the glory of God!!!! We do all our works for God’s glory. If you are doing works for your glory, or for reward, you are sinning against God by not doing what you are doing for his glory.

If you are not a believer in Jesus, your works that you do are useless.  You can give everything you have away, and be unfulfilled.  Works are the sanctification of the believer only.  We were set apart by our designer to do good works.  Christian, get to work!  You will find the greatest fulfillment by doing all that you do for God's glory.  Non-believer, stop working for salvation, and place your faith in Christ, so that you can finally do what you were made to do.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Romans 8:18: For I Consider That The Sufferings Of This Present Time Are Not Worth Comparing

Romans 8:18 [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (ESV) Perspective. What an important word. Let's be honest. We do not like the idea of suffering. We will do almost anything to avoid any kind of suffering. Some churches have gone so far as to preach against the idea of suffering, declaring it to not be a part of the true believer's life. Paul is not shy about the topic. Paul uses the sufferings of this present time as a means to consider the greater glory that awaits us. Perspective. Paul is not in any way attempting to diminish our suffering. A view toward eternity puts our suffering in a proper understanding. Yes, our suffering is terrible. In the grand scheme of eternity it is not even worth comparison. Maybe you are thinking that Paul does not know what he is talking about when it comes to suffering. In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul describes countless beatings, often near death,

Romans 11:24: For If You Were Cut From What Is By Nature A Wild Olive Tree, And Grafted, Contrary To Nature, Into A Cultivated Olive Tree . . .

Romans 11:24 [24] For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESV) We continue looking at the illustration of an olive tree. The root of the tree is the covenant relationship relationship of God with Abraham. Abraham's faith is what this spiritual tree is built on. The first branches would have been the faithful people of Israel, who like Abraham, placed their faith in God. They believed God, just like Abraham, and it was credited to them as righteousness. There were branches of the people of Israel who never placed their faith in God. Because these branches were not true followers of God they were broken off of the tree. Faith in God was the essential element that made the branches true branches of this spiritual tree. Some branches remained. Others, the faithless unbelievers, were removed. After Jesu

Romans 15:20-21: And Thus I Make It My Ambition To Preach The Gospel, Not Where Christ Has Already Been Named

Romans 15:20–21 [20] and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, [21] but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (ESV) We need to be reminded continually that the message of the Gospel is intended to move all across the world. Jesus said that his followers were to preach the Gospel, starting in Jerusalem, and continue preaching the Gospel to the whole world. Christians have not always been good at delivering the Gospel message as far and as often as they should. In the first century church it took intense persecution to motivate the disciples in Jerusalem to bring the Gospel to Judea and Samaria. Once the disciples fled to new regions they shared the Gospel wherever they went. Would the disciples have preached the Gospel without the persecution? We may never know. Some probably would have stayed in their co