CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 2:10

Key Verse: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 5:14-16; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:8; James 2:14-18; Colossians 1:10; Galatians 6:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9.

Description: God saves us by grace and makes us His workmanship in Christ so that we can fulfil His purpose through good works that glorify His name and bless humanity.

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest questions every believer must answer is this: Why did God save me? Is salvation merely an escape from hell, a promise of heaven, or an opportunity to enjoy God's blessings? While salvation delivers us from sin and brings us into a relationship with God, it also introduces us to a life of divine purpose. God did not save us simply to occupy a church seat; He saved us to become instruments through whom His goodness, love, holiness and power are revealed to the world.

Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. Verse 10 then reveals the purpose of this salvation: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” This order is important. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Good works do not purchase our salvation; they demonstrate the transforming power of God's grace in our lives.

Every believer therefore has a divine assignment. Whether you are a pastor, teacher, businessperson, civil servant, student, parent, artisan or church member, God expects your life to produce good fruit. You were created in Christ to make a difference, serve others, demonstrate godly character and fulfil the good purposes God has prepared for you. Your life is not an accident, and your salvation is not without a purpose.

1. YOU ARE GOD'S WORKMANSHIP

Ephesians 2:10 begins with the words, “For we are his workmanship.” This means that believers are the work of God's hands. Our new life in Christ is not merely the result of human determination or self-improvement; it is the product of God's saving and transforming grace.

The word workmanship points to something carefully made by a skilled maker. God is working in the life of every believer, shaping our character, developing our spiritual maturity and preparing us to fulfil His purpose. We must therefore stop viewing ourselves only through the lens of our past failures, present limitations or other people's opinions.

a) You Are God's Special Work (Ephesians 2:10) – You are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. Your worth is not determined solely by your achievements, possessions or social status. God has called you into a relationship with Himself and is shaping your life for His glory.

b) You Are Being Transformed (2 Corinthians 3:18) – As believers behold the glory of the Lord, they are changed into His image from glory to glory. God is continually working on your character, attitudes, motives and behaviour.

c) You Must Cooperate With God's Work (Philippians 2:12–13) – Scripture teaches that God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. We must respond to His working through obedience, prayer, discipline and a willingness to change.

d) You Must Not Despise Your Beginning (Zechariah 4:10) – Small beginnings do not mean that God has abandoned His work. You may not yet have reached your full potential, but you can trust God to continue developing what He has begun in you.

Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 6:11-16) – Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant, but God called him a mighty man of valour. God saw beyond Gideon's present limitations and prepared him for a significant assignment. In the same way, God can develop your life beyond what you presently imagine.

2. YOU WERE CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS

The verse does not merely say that we were created; it says that we were “created in Christ Jesus.” This refers to the new life God gives us through our relationship with Christ. Good works must flow from this new life, not from an attempt to earn God's acceptance.

Christian service without a genuine relationship with Christ can become empty religious activity. God desires more than outward performance; He desires a transformed heart that produces a transformed life. Our works become acceptable expressions of Christian living when they flow from faith, love and obedience to Christ.

a) You Must Be Born Again (John 3:3) – Jesus taught that a person must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Good works cannot replace the new birth. We must first receive God's life through faith in Jesus Christ.

b) You Are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Your new identity in Christ should produce new priorities and conduct.

c) You Must Abide in Christ (John 15:4-5) – Jesus declared that branches cannot bear fruit independently of the vine. Lasting spiritual fruit comes from maintaining a living relationship with Him through His Word, prayer, obedience and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

d) You Must Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – The Christian life cannot be sustained by human effort alone. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, He enables you to resist sinful desires and produce godly character.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) – Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, and his heart changed. His decision to give to the poor and make restitution showed that his encounter with Christ was producing practical results. His good works were evidence of a changed heart.

3. GOOD WORKS ARE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SALVATION

Ephesians 2:10 clearly states that we are created in Christ Jesus “unto good works.” God has a purpose for your life beyond personal comfort and private blessings. He wants your life to become a channel of His goodness to other people.

Good works include acts of kindness, generosity, integrity, compassion, evangelism, discipleship, faithful service, justice, encouragement and practical assistance to people in need. They are not limited to activities performed inside a church building. Every area of life provides opportunities to demonstrate the character of Christ.

a) You Are Called to Serve Others (Galatians 5:13) – Paul instructs believers to serve one another by love. Your gifts, time, knowledge and resources can become instruments through which God meets the needs of others.

b) You Are Called to Show Compassion (Matthew 25:35-40) – Jesus identifies practical acts of care towards people in need as acts of service rendered to Him. A believer should not ignore the suffering of others when it is possible to help.

c) You Are Called to Do Good to All (Galatians 6:10) – Scripture encourages us to do good to everyone, especially those who belong to the household of faith. Good works should not be restricted to people who can repay us.

d) You Are Called to Be a Blessing (Genesis 12:2) – God told Abraham that he would be a blessing. In the same way, God's blessings in your life should overflow into the lives of others. You are blessed not merely to accumulate but also to contribute.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) – The Samaritan saw a wounded man and responded with compassion, practical help and personal sacrifice. He did not merely feel sorry for the man; he took action. This is the kind of practical love that God expects His people to demonstrate.

4. GOD HAS PREPARED GOOD WORKS FOR YOU TO DO

Ephesians 2:10 declares that God has “before ordained” that we should walk in good works. This shows that good works are not an afterthought in God's plan. He desires His people to live purposeful lives marked by obedience, service and fruitfulness.

You do not have to imitate everybody else to fulfil your purpose. God has given people different gifts, opportunities, responsibilities and spheres of influence. Your assignment may be different from another person's assignment, but every believer has a responsibility to honour God where He has placed them.

a) Discover Your God-Given Gifts (Romans 12:6-8) – Believers have different gifts according to the grace given to them. Identify your abilities and spiritual gifts, develop them faithfully and use them to serve others.

b) Be Faithful in Your Present Assignment (Luke 16:10) – Jesus taught that whoever is faithful in little will also be faithful in much. Do not despise small responsibilities while waiting for a larger opportunity. Faithfulness in your present assignment prepares you for greater responsibility.

c) Use Your Opportunities Wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16) – Scripture calls us to walk carefully and redeem the time. Opportunities to encourage, serve, teach, give and share the Gospel should not be wasted through carelessness or procrastination.

d) Remain Faithful to Your Calling (2 Timothy 4:5) – Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfil his ministry. You must not abandon your assignment because of opposition, comparison or temporary discouragement. Seek God's direction and remain faithful to what He has entrusted to you.

Biblical Example: Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-6) – God filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and craftsmanship for the work of the tabernacle. His skills were not limited to preaching or public ministry; his craftsmanship became a means of serving God's purpose. Your own abilities can also be dedicated to the Lord.

5. YOUR GOOD WORKS MUST GLORIFY GOD

The purpose of good works is not to make us famous, earn human praise or establish our superiority over others. Good works should direct attention to God. Jesus taught His followers to let their light shine before others so that people might see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.

The difference between godly service and self-promotion is the motive of the heart. A person may perform impressive acts to gain applause, while another may quietly serve people without recognition. God sees beyond outward appearance and examines the heart. Our goal must be to honour Him in both public and private life.

a) Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16) – Jesus calls believers to live in such a way that others see their good works and glorify God. Your conduct should make the Gospel attractive and demonstrate the reality of your faith.

b) Serve Without Boasting (Matthew 6:1-4) – Jesus warned against performing righteous acts merely to receive praise from people. We should serve sincerely, even when nobody notices or rewards us.

c) Work With Excellence (Colossians 3:23-24) – Whatever we do, we should do it heartily as unto the Lord. Whether your work is spiritual, professional or domestic, integrity and diligence can honour God.

d) Keep Your Motives Pure (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Whether eating, drinking or doing anything else, we should do all to God's glory. Our service must be guided by love for God rather than pride, envy or the desire to compete with others.

Biblical Example: Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42) – Dorcas was known for her good works and acts of charity. She made garments for widows and used her abilities to bless people in practical ways. Her life demonstrates that ordinary acts of service can have extraordinary value in God's sight.

6. YOU MUST CONTINUE IN GOOD WORKS UNTIL THE END

Good works are not meant to be occasional activities performed only when we feel inspired. Ephesians 2:10 says that we should “walk in them.” This suggests a consistent pattern of life. God desires a lifestyle of obedience and service rather than isolated moments of goodness.

There may be times when your good works are misunderstood, ignored or repaid with ingratitude. You may become tired of giving, serving or helping people. Nevertheless, Scripture encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good. Your responsibility is to remain faithful to God and trust Him with the outcome.

a) Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9) – The Bible promises that we shall reap in due season if we do not faint. Continue doing what is right even when the results are not immediately visible.

b) Be Steadfast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58) – Paul urges believers to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

c) Let Your Life Produce Lasting Fruit (John 15:16) – Jesus appointed His followers to go and bear fruit that would remain. Seek to make a lasting impact through discipleship, godly character, service and the advancement of God's kingdom.

d) Remember That God Sees Your Labour (Hebrews 6:10) – God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love. Even when people overlook your sacrifices, the Lord sees your faithfulness and remembers your service.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-20; 6:15-16) – Nehemiah remained focused on rebuilding Jerusalem's wall despite opposition, ridicule and threats. He did not allow resistance to stop him from fulfilling his assignment. His perseverance reminds us to continue doing the work God has placed in our hands.

CONCLUSION

You were not saved merely to escape condemnation; you were saved to become God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Your life has a divine purpose, your gifts have a kingdom purpose, and your opportunities carry responsibilities. You do not need to compare yourself with others, because God has prepared good works for you to fulfil in your own sphere of influence. The important question is whether you are faithfully using what God has entrusted to you.

Today, make a fresh commitment to live purposefully. Allow God's grace to transform your character, discover your gifts, serve people with love, work with integrity and remain faithful even when your efforts are not recognised. Remember that good works do not save you; they are the fruit of a life that has been saved by grace. May your life become a testimony of God's goodness, and may people see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me Your workmanship and creating me in Christ Jesus for good works, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, reveal Your divine purpose for my life and help me to fulfil it faithfully, in Jesus name.

3. Father, transform my character and make me more like Jesus every day, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to discover, develop and use my gifts for the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from laziness, procrastination and every attitude that hinders my fruitfulness, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a channel of blessing, compassion and practical help to people around me, in Jesus name.

7. Father, purify my motives and help me to serve You without pride or the desire for human praise, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen me to continue doing good even when I face opposition, discouragement or ingratitude, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my family, ministry, workplace and community experience the positive impact of the good works You have prepared for me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my race faithfully and let my life bring glory to Your name until the end, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are God's workmanship, and your life shall not be wasted; you will fulfil the good purpose for which God created you in Christ Jesus.

2. The grace of God shall transform your character, renew your mind and empower you to live a fruitful Christian life.

3. You shall discover and develop your God-given gifts, and you will use them to bless people and advance God's kingdom.

4. Every spirit of laziness, procrastination and unfruitfulness working against your purpose shall lose its hold over your life in the name of Jesus.

5. God shall open your eyes to opportunities for service, and you will not miss the good works He has prepared for you.

6. Your hands shall be strengthened for productive work, your heart shall be filled with compassion, and your life shall become a channel of blessing.

7. You shall not be discouraged by opposition or the ingratitude of people; the Lord shall strengthen you to remain faithful in doing good.

8. Your good works shall point people to Jesus, and your conduct shall bring honour to the name of the Lord.

9. Your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain; by His grace, you shall produce lasting fruit in your family, ministry and community.

10. You shall finish your divine assignment with joy, and your life shall stand as a testimony of God's grace, faithfulness and transforming power.