GOOD WORKS! – PART 1– INTRODUCTION!

 

The concluding sermon in our series for the month of April, “Unhindered”, centered on purpose. God’s purpose in creation is for good works. As Genesis 1:31 declares, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day”. We see the refrain, “and God saw that it was good” all through Genesis chapter 1.  And when Adam’s sin brought a separation, God still had a good work of redemption in that He gave His only begotten son, Jesus to die for our sin (John 3:16). Apart from the redemptive purpose, God empowered Jesus for good works as seen in Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

We are created in the image of God, and not only are we expected to model Him and His Christ in good works, we are actually designed to do so. Ephesians 2:10 puts it this way – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. Most times we come to God in prayer, with selfish needs and desires. While this is not wrong, God desires that we meet the needs of others, put a smile on peoples’ face, and make a difference in our world. We don’t do this to boast, but as a mark of worship to God and to point others to Him.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus gives a clear and compelling mandate: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This statement sits at the heart of kingdom living. It reveals that the Christian life is not meant to be hidden, private, or inactive. Instead, it is meant to be visible, impactful, and transformative. Our lives are designed to put God on display through the way we live and the works we do. From the beginning of Scripture to the end, God has always been interested in a people whose lives reflect His nature through good works.

May is the fifth month, and five is the number of grace. There is nothing that can hinder the purpose of God for our lives as the enabling grace is made available. Our five-part series for the month, “Good works”, is a call to look beyond our needs and do good works. Some may be big, others small; some may be in secret, others in the open. Whichever case applies, let us be intentional about carrying out the commandment of Christ to shine our light in this dark world, and by so doing point others to God. Join us this and every Sunday, on-line or in person, as we explore the theme.

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