OUR DESTINY: HIS WORKMANSHIP (8 OF 40)
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
This content is part of a series.
Our Destiny: His Workmanship (8 of 40)
Series: Emerge: Identity
Jesus Culture - Banning Liebscher
Ephesians 2:10
Last week, we learned how we were designed to rely solely upon the grace of God and not upon our good deeds or works for salvation.
This week, we are going to learn how we were given amazing gifts, talents, and abilities to share God's goodness with the world around us.
We do not work for our salvation - yet we were created to do ''good works.'' This might seem confusing, so let's explore more of the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians.
Main Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
EQUIP: Destined for greatness
Have your group read EPHESIANS 2:10 and then focus on the observations and teaching points provided.
Teaching Point 1: We get to do great things in this life!
- The fruit we produce is evidence of our faith in God's love for us. Actions make faith complete (James 2:22).
- Our good works, labor, and endurance are a natural fruit of our faith, love, and hope in Jesus (1 Thes. 1:3).
In the 15th century, there was an overwhelming idea that salvation was earned by good deeds and that you could even pay to get into Heaven. Martin Luther protested this teaching after he did an extensive study of Scripture. He took seriously Scriptures that say salvation is never earned by good deeds. He did an extensive study of the Book of Romans and translated this book into the common language of the day. ''The man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness'' (ROM. 4:5). Luther revolutionized the world by teaching that salvation is a gift to be received by faith.
That foundational truth is very powerful. But now, centuries later, the Church has done a complete 180. Many of us have heard so much about not working for salvation that we have fallen into error by believing that ''working for God'' is somehow not good.
Jesus tells His followers in JOHN 6:29, ''This is the only work God wants from y ...
Series: Emerge: Identity
Jesus Culture - Banning Liebscher
Ephesians 2:10
Last week, we learned how we were designed to rely solely upon the grace of God and not upon our good deeds or works for salvation.
This week, we are going to learn how we were given amazing gifts, talents, and abilities to share God's goodness with the world around us.
We do not work for our salvation - yet we were created to do ''good works.'' This might seem confusing, so let's explore more of the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians.
Main Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
EQUIP: Destined for greatness
Have your group read EPHESIANS 2:10 and then focus on the observations and teaching points provided.
Teaching Point 1: We get to do great things in this life!
- The fruit we produce is evidence of our faith in God's love for us. Actions make faith complete (James 2:22).
- Our good works, labor, and endurance are a natural fruit of our faith, love, and hope in Jesus (1 Thes. 1:3).
In the 15th century, there was an overwhelming idea that salvation was earned by good deeds and that you could even pay to get into Heaven. Martin Luther protested this teaching after he did an extensive study of Scripture. He took seriously Scriptures that say salvation is never earned by good deeds. He did an extensive study of the Book of Romans and translated this book into the common language of the day. ''The man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness'' (ROM. 4:5). Luther revolutionized the world by teaching that salvation is a gift to be received by faith.
That foundational truth is very powerful. But now, centuries later, the Church has done a complete 180. Many of us have heard so much about not working for salvation that we have fallen into error by believing that ''working for God'' is somehow not good.
Jesus tells His followers in JOHN 6:29, ''This is the only work God wants from y ...
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