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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 63

Created for Good Works

Intro.

1.  Good works are not the source of our salvation – Eph. 2:8-9.

2.  Good works are the result of being saved in Christ – Eph. 2:10.

  a.  Men may do “good works” & still be lost – Matt. 7:22 (Ac 10:2; 11:14).

  b.  But everyone who is faithful to Christ will walk in good works – Eph. 2:10.

3.  What are these good works & how do we succeed in doing them?

I.  GOD CREATES US (SAVES US) IN CHRIST SO WE MAY WALK IN GOOD WORKS – Eph. 2:10.

  A.  God Defines the Good Works We are to Walk in – Heb. 13:21.

    1.  He has already prepared them – Eph. 2:10.

    2.  His inspired scripture define them & equip us to do them – 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

    3.  What are good works?  (Cf. Jno. 6:27-29)

      a.  Good work = Doing God’s will – Heb. 13:21.

      b.  Do good works = Well pleasing in God’s sight – Heb. 13:21.

  B.  Your Good Works are Observable – 1 Tim. 5:25.

    1.  To people – Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

    2.  To God – Matt. 6:2-4.

    3.  But, our motive in them is not to be seen by men!

  C.  Your Good Works are Influential – Matt. 5:13, 16; 1 Pet. 2:12; cf. 1 Cor. 9:22.  (They can help save a soul from death, or make it easier for others to be lost.)

  D.  Your Good Works Are Not in Vain – 1 Cor. 15:58.

    1.  By them God is accomplishing His work in this world – Heb. 13:21.

    2.  Rest comes to those who labor now – Rev. 14:13 (Heb. 4:10).

II. IN ORDER TO WALK IN GOOD WORKS WE MUST BE:

  A.  Be a Pattern of Good Works – Titus 2:7.

    1.  An example; a form to follow; “a figure formed by a blow or impression” – cf. Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12.

    2.  Since your good works are observable & influential they are to be an example for others to follow.

    3.  Like Titus, we are to be examples for Christ in word, attitude, worship, character, service, etc.

  B.  Be Zealous for Good Works – Titus 2:14.

    1.  Burning with, “most eagerly desirous of,” fervent, burning desire.

    2.  We are to stir up good works in each other – Heb. 10:24.

    3.  It is not a burden but a joy to walk in good works of God! – 1 Jno. 5:3; 2:5

    4.  Do not begrudge (resent) doing the good works of God.

  C.  Be Ready for Every Good Work – Titus 3:1.

    1.  Prepared, ready, using opportunities (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 5:16).

    2.  Readiness implies watchfulness & faithfulness to do what is good – cf. Matt. 24:42-46 (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

    3.  Shows wisdom rather than selfish ambitions – cf. Col. 4:5-6.

  D.  Be Careful to Maintain Good Works – Titus 3:8.

    1.  Careful:  to think, to be careful, thoughtful to give attention to.

    2.  Maintain:  To set or place before; give attention to; to be a protector or guardian.

    3.  cf. Dorcas – Acts 9:36:  Full of good works (9:39) – She was thoughtful & careful to continue to attend to good works.

    4.  How? 

      a.  By giving diligent attention to God’s word – 2 Tim. 2:15.

      b.  By looking for opportunities & then doing the good works.

    5.  No room for neglect / apathy in carefully maintaining good works!

  E.  Learn to Maintain Good Works – Titus 3:14.

    1.  Increase our knowledge by use & practice; to be in the habit of (cf. Heb. 5:8).

    2.  Establish a habit of good works – cf. 1 Jno. 3:7, 10.

    3.  And so, be fruitful in the Lord’s service – cf. Gal. 5:22-23.

Conclusion 

1.  God has prepared good works for all who are in Christ – Eph. 2:10.

2.  Only those who do the good works of God are pleasing to Him – Heb. 13:21.

3.  Be saved in Christ so that you can walk in the good works that please God & be rewarded by Him!  (Gal. 3:26-27; Heb. 11:6)