God's Work In & Through Us (God's Workmanship)

Jason Bearup

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Last week we discussed the prior condition that defined and characterized our lives before Christ redeemed our Soul.

The Direction of the World

The Dominating power of Satan

The Desires of the Flesh

Ephesians 2:4 KJV 1900

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

But now we are His workmanship

Near the end of the passage we dealt with is one of the more familiar New Testament verses found in Scripture.

Ephesians 2:8–10 KJV 1900

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.

We are His workmanship!

We are not, in our new creation something that man could concoct! Only God could make what was made when he redeemed us!

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Definition: Workmanship- Something that is manufactured!

Illustration: Something about the industrial revolution or the modern manufacturing process that allows us to have all of the modern convenience that we enjoy today. However, none of this compares to what God has manufactured in us!

We want to look at 3 aspects of God’s work.

I. God’s Work for us

Ephesians 2:4–9 KJV 1900

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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.

A. He loved us (v4)

“his great love”

John 15:13 KJV 1900

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Its a demonstrated love

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Illustration:

A volunteer at Stanford Hospital, was present when a little boy decided to give the ultimate sacrifice because he loved his sister Liza. The volunteer says the little girl was dying of a rare disease, with only one chance for survival—a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother. After the doctor explained what would happen during the transfusion, the little boy agreed to give his blood to save his sister.

He peacefully laid still during the transfusion. After a while, he asked the doctor a question that gave great insight into his character, “Will I start to die right away?” Apparently, the boy thought he would have to give all his blood, but was willing to do so to save his sister. (From Fresh Illustrations)

John 15:13 KJV 1900

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus laid down His life for you. There is room at the cross for you. Will you come to Him today?

Wilson, J. L. (2009). Fresh Sermons. Fresno, CA: Willow City Press.

B. He quickened us (vs 5)

“hath quickened us”

Def: Made Alive! Spiritually we were dead and now spiritually we are alive!

Jesus raised 3 people from the dead (the widows son , Jarius’ daughter & Lazarus

All with his spoken word - an illustration of the resurrection power

John 5:24 KJV 1900

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

C. He exalted us (v6)

“raised us up together”

We were not raised and left in the graveyard - after Jesus raised Lazarus he sat with him and ate

John 12:1–2 KJV 1900

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Spiritually we sit where he sits

D. He keeps us (vv7-9)

“that in the ages to come...”

He saved you and he keeps you- This is for all eternity

John 17:1–4 KJV 1900

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

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II. God’s Work in us

“we are his workmanship”

Ephesians 2:10 KJV 1900

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Definition: Workmanship- it means that which is made, a manufactured product. His creation!

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

How does God work in us?

Philippians 2:13 KJV 1900

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

How does God work in us?

Hebrews 13:20–21 KJV 1900

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ph 2:13

He uses 3 tools:

A. Through the Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV 1900

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2 Timothy 3:17 KJV 1900

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Are you daily in the Word of God?

Are you allowing its truth to shape you and change you?

B. Through Supplication (Prayer)

Ephesians 3:20–21 KJV 1900

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

When is the last time you had a specific answer to prayer?

God’s people should be experiencing answers to prayer

C. Through Suffering

1 Pt

1 Peter 1:5–7 KJV 1900

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 4:11–13 KJV 1900

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Pt

The only way for you and I to die and for Christ to be manifest in our lives is for us to suffer

Job 23:10 KJV 1900

But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

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All of God’s work in us, is for the purpose that God would work through us

II. God’s Work through us

“created in Christ Jesus unto good works”

Ephesians 2:10 KJV 1900

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Get out of the Graveyard (Ephesians 2:1–10)

“It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.” We are not saved by faith plus good works, but by a faith that works.

Types of Works in the Bible

“the works of the law” - which cannot save

“the works of the flesh” -

“works of darkness”

“dead works”

“works of righteousness which we have done” - these look like good works but are done in our power

The works Paul is referring to here are distinct

A. Good works - “unto good works”

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Philippians 2:13 KJV 1900

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

These are not manufatured in the flesh they are a byproduct of God working in and through us!

B. Prepared works - “which God hath before ordained”

God has a predetermined plan for your life and it is that you would produce fruit and good works through his power!

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Conclusion

God’s work for us (he loved us, saved us, exalted us and he keeps us)

God’s work in us (by the Holy Spirit- through the Scriptures, through Supplication & through Suffering)

God’s work through us (the good works we do that he planned for us to do before the foundation of the world)

Closing Question: Is sin working against you like it was before you were saved or id God working in and through you!

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