A group from our church is heading to Biloxi, MS to do hurricane recovery work. We will leave February 17th and return February 24th. Please pray for us. This is the devotion that I have prepared to be delivered in Biloxi.
Ephes. 2:1-10 (ESV)
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.
Why do we need Jesus Christ?
1. We are disobedient enemies of God and children of wrath. (2:1-3)
2. God’s extends His mercy, love, and grace to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. (2:4)
3. It is in Jesus Christ that we are made alive, forgiven of our sins, and spared from the wrath of God to come. (2:5-7)
4. We come to Jesus Christ by grace through Faith and receive the benefits of His death and resurrection. (2:8-9)
Do we come to God just for salvation without wanting the rest?
So often the Good News of Jesus Christ is presented in a way that forgiveness of sin and escape from the wrath of God is seen as the end. Even eternal life is seen
as a by-product.
We fail to see what we have been saved unto. Our God has saved us and spared us from wrath for specific purposes.
The Purposes for Our Salvation
Westminster Shorter Catechism says “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
1. To bring us into Fellowship with God (enjoy Him forever)
of the great love with which he loved us (2:4)
so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (2:7)
God has saved us to be continual objects of His love, kindness, and grace.
1 John 1:3-5 (ESV)
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
[5] This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
2. To do good works (Glorifying Him)
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
John 14:12 (ESV)
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
We leave behind the evil works of our former ways.
We leave behind the supposed good works we have done that can not save, in which we have tried to boast but can not.
We go on to those good works that God has prepared before hand for us to walk in.
We are here to do this good work in His name. God has prepared this good work for us in advance.
And these good works are to the glory of God.
Col. 1:10 (ESV)
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
What kind of fruit do you bear? It is real fruit or it is fake fruit.
Conclusion
Why do we do our good works?
To impress?
To earn God’s favor?
To do something good?
Because God has a work for you to do?
Examine your heart to see if you are living according to what God has saved you unto to.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
35 comments:
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. What shall we say then that the reward is? For what does the scripture? “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
Now the Lord is that reward; and the Lord is the Spirit, which we receive not by works, but by the hearing of faith. Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore, in order for the reward to be reckoned of debt, and not of grace. A man must be rewarded according to the works which he has done before he was justified by faith; then he would have whereof to glory, that is, he would have something to boast about. But to him that does not work before he is justified by faith, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. And boasting is excluded. As it is written, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Now when the scripture says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works.” Let those who read understand, that these works are not the same as good works which are by faith. So therefore, by these works no man is justified.
It is also written, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” Now when the scripture says, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works.” Let those who read understand, that these works are not the same as good works which are by faith. So again, by these works no man is justified.
It is also written, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” First he says, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” And by these works no man is justified. Why not? Because these works are not by faith. Then he says, “Created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” And by these works a man is justified. Why? Because these works are by faith.
Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. Therefore the works of righteousness which they had done were not by faith.
And this is why the scripture says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” First he says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done.” And by these works no man is justified. Why not? Because these works are not by faith. Then he says, “That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” And by these works a man is justified. Why? Because these works are by faith; and faith is that spirit of faith, and the good works which are by faith are the works of the Spirit.
For we say that Abraham was justified by faith. How then was he justified? When Isaac was out of his loins, or in his loins? Not out of his loins, but in his loins. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when he was justified by faith. For the child being not yet born, neither having been offered upon the altar, that the purpose of God grace might stand, not of works, but of him that calls; It was said, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
For he of whom these things are spoken pertain to a time, of which he gave no attendance at the altar. Therefore when the scripture says, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.” It is evident that by faith Abraham was justified, and not by works; of which time Isaac was not even born. And it is yet far more evident; that after he was born; “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” You see then how that by works Abraham was justified, and not by faith only.
Therefore the general epistle of James poses this question, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” And the answer to the question is, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” Now the question has to do with being saved, but the answer to the question has to do with being justified. Therefore the scripture concludes that whatever justifies a man is what saves a man, because justification is justification of life.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? The scripture says, “And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” (Joshua 6:25) You see then how that by works the harlot Rahab was saved, and not by faith only.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to write more about
this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people
don't speak about such subjects. To the next! All the best!!
Also visit my blog post :: Deborah Koval
Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ultimate internet blogshop for wholesale &
supply korean accessories, earrings, earstuds,
locket, rings, bracelet, bracelet & hair add-ons. Offer 35 % wholesale markdown. Ship Worldwide
My website > La Fiesta Condo
Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ideal online blogshop for wholesale
& supply korean accessories, earrings, earstuds, locket,
rings, bangle, hair & trinket add-ons. Promotion 35
% wholesale price cut. Ship Worldwide
My web page :: jeux entraînement cérébral
Malaysia & Singapore & brunei finest internet blogshop for wholesale &
quantity korean add-ons, accessories, earstuds, choker, rings, hair, bracelet & bangle add-ons.
Deal 35 % wholesale discount. Ship Worldwide
Here is my webpage : stitching wire jakarta
Hi there, I discovered your website via Google whilst searching for a similar topic,
your site got here up, it appears to be like good. I have bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hello there, simply become aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative.
I am going to be careful for brussels. I'll be grateful in case you continue this in future. Lots of other people will likely be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
My homepage - Audio Visual
I am not sure where you're getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.
Feel free to visit my homepage - click the following internet page
Normally I don't read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great post.
My page :: click through the following website
Hi, this weekend is good designed for me, for the reason that this
point in time i am reading this great informative paragraph
here at my house.
Here is my site ... neucopia review
For most recent information you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on
world-wide-web I found this web site as a most excellent web
page for most up-to-date updates.
My weblog ; web hosting delhi
It's remarkable in support of me to have a web site, which is useful in favor of my experience. thanks admin
Review my web page :: brand protection
Wonderful items from you, man. I have consider your
stuff prior to and you're just too wonderful. I really like what you have bought right here, really like what you are stating and the way during which you assert it. You're making it entertaining and you still take care
of to stay it smart. I can't wait to read much more from you. That is actually a wonderful website.
Also visit my website - Get your ex back
My page :: How to get your ex back
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start
my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more
than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Feel free to surf to my web blog: gracie st sugustine
This design is wicked! You obviously know how to
keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos,
I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!
my weblog: st augustine mma schools
whoah this blog is fantastic i like reading your articles.
Keep up the great work! You know, many people are hunting round
for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Stop by my blog post; job search
Also see my web page - jobs in uk
Excellent weblog here! Additionally your website loads up very fast!
What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate link on your host?
I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Here is my website :: nikon digital camera
my webpage > manfrotto
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is useful.
Many thanks for sharing!
Feel free to surf to my webpage - Odd News
Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you're working with? I'm
planning to start my own blog in the near future but I'm having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
My site :: Mehran Muslimi Tips 2013 Android Devices
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it ;) I'm going to come back once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
my web blog :: Mehran Muslimi Tips 2013 Android Devices
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession
capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your
blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
My webpage: torrents download speed
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the
future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I wish to read even more things about it!
Here is my web page :: safe free music downloads DownloadShield
It's actually very difficult in this busy life to listen news on Television, so I just use internet for that purpose, and obtain the hottest information.
Also visit my website; download torrent movies
My family members every time say that I am wasting
my time here at net, however I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes pleasant
articles or reviews.
Here is my webpage - HCG Diet
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures
on this blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Review my homepage Best Home Based Businesses
The report offeгs confirmed necesѕaгy to mуself.
It’s еxtremely infoгmative anԁ you are cleагly quite educated of this
type. Υοu posseѕs popped my peгsonаl еуеѕ
іn ordеr to different views on this kind of topic using inteгesting
and solіԁ сontent mаterial.
my website - t100b.ru
I drop a comment each time I appreciate a article on a site or if I have something to add to the discussion.
Usually it is triggered by the fire communicated
in the post I looked at. And after this article "SAVED UNTO GOOD WORKS".
I was excited enough to post a thought :) I do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Is it only me or does it look like some of these responses look as if they are coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are posting at other places, I would like to keep up with everything fresh you have to post. Would you list all of all your community sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?
Here is my page :: party sex videos
It's hard to come by well-informed people in this particular subject, however, you sound like you know what you're talking about!
Thanks
Here is my webpage - sexygirlchat
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative
in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on.
You have done a outstanding job!
Review my homepage; Free Porn Videos
Remarkable! Its really remarkable piece of writing,
I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this piece of writing.
Look at my homepage http://www.cfnmfever.net/
This is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this
one. A must read post!
Here is my web blog; Teen Porn
Hi, Neat post. There's an issue along with your website in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the market leader and a big component to other folks will omit your excellent writing because of this problem.
my blog post ... Teen Porn
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it
a look. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and superb design and style.
Here is my web blog: sex massage in shanghai
Hey there I am so excited I found your webpage, I really
found you by mistake, while I was searching on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic
post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.
My weblog; Cuteteenporn.net
Hey very nice blog!
Also visit my website; xvideos
Post a Comment