ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Ephesians 2:4-10- We were
created in Christ for good works. 2. Philippians 2:1-8- We are
called to think and act like Jesus. 3. 1 Peter 2:9-12- Our Creator
is glorified when men see our good works. 4. Titus 2:11-15- We are His
own special people, zealous for good works. II. MAIN THEME- Christians are created in Christ for good works, so that the world
can see our good works and glorify God.
The good works of the church are a testimony of God's goodness and
grace which draw men to Jesus Christ. 1. We were created to do good
works. a. We are to
share God's grace with others, Ephesians2:4-10, 3:10. b. We bring
glory to God when we show godliness in our lives, 1 Peter 2:9-12. 2. Good works come from good
motives. a. We must
learn to think and act like Jesus, to be servants, Philippians 2:1-8. b. We must
have experienced the love and grace of God, Titus 2:11-14. c. God gives
His children the spirit of love, Romans 5:1-8. 3. Good works should be done
in a way to glorify God. a. We should
show love to those who are difficult to love, Matthew 5:43-48. b. We should
show a special love to our brethren, Galatians 6:9-10. c. The
helpless should receive special care, James 1:26-27. 4. We are empowered to do good
works because God loved us first and showed us the most powerful demonstration of love in Jesus Christ on
the cross. a. Jesus is
our example of love and good works, 1 Cor 11:1, Ephesians 5:25. b. God's love
was not based on our merit, I John 4:19, Romans 5:8. c. He gave us
His Spirit which teaches us to love, Rom 8:3-14, 1 John 4:7-21. III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 1. Practice doing good to
those who are most difficult to love, Matthew 5:43-48. 2. Good works should not be
done to show our own righteousness, Mat 6:2,5,16. 3. Good works are not a way to
earn our salvation, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-8. 4. Making laws about physical
things is not the way to righteousness, Col 2:20-23. 5. Good works must come from a
converted heart, 1 Cor 13, Romans 12:1-2. 6. We need to look for
opportunities to do good works in a way to bring glory to God in the church.
Whenever possible, do good works through the church so that we are not seen as seeking to exalt ourselves. Ephesians
3:10, Colossians 3:17, Acts 4:32-35. IV.
MEMORY VERSE- TITUS 2:4. |