Good Works
Eph. 2:8 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.
Intro:
1. The Problem – good works are not a substitute
for saving faith; see Isaiah 64:6
2. The Plan – vs. 10 we should walk in them
3. The Product – there will be some evidence
God has provided what you and
I need to enable us to produce good works.
·
II Tim. 3:16 All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
I. Points Sinners to Christ
·
Matthew 5:16 Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.
·
I Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among
the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by
your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
II. Provokes Saints to Christianity
·
Hebrews 10:24 And let
us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
·
Titus 2:7 In all
things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
III. Proves Salvation to Critics
·
James 2:14-
·
Titus 2:14 Who gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
·
Titus 2:8 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.
·
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good
works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
