#1401. We are God’s workmanship (4/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

In our last devotional, we were urged to ‘boast in the Lord’ rather than in ourselves. Now Paul shows us why: we boast in Him because He is the source not only of our salvation but also of our new life and good works. Today, continuing in Ephesians 2:8-10, we ask:

Do we appreciate that God chose to create each of us, and that we have been created for important reasons? 

To watch this devotional, select the link below:

1. For...

The word “for” links this thought back to what Paul has just said. Salvation is entirely by grace, received through faith, not the result of our works. Now Paul takes it further: even the good works that follow are not, fundamentally, our own achievement, but the fruit of God’s creative work in us.

2. We are His handiwork

‘We are His handiwork’ (poiéma- His workmanship, His masterpiece). Our creation is the work of God. As in Genesis, God took all the initiative in the creation of all things and the creation of mankind out of the dust, so our creation is by God’s power and design. Each of us is to wonder, with the psalmist, 

In addition, we are read more into this than our creation, we are to see that we are a ‘new creation’. He adds, ‘created (ktizó: To create, to form, to make) in Christ….’ 

As God breathed life into Adam in the garden so that he became a living being, so, in our salvation, God has breathed His Spirit into us to make us a new creation. 

3. Created for good works

This new creation has a purpose: “to do good works.” Paul has already made clear that works cannot save us, but he now makes equally clear that works will flow from those who are saved. Good works are the evidence and fruit of new life in Christ. By them we fulfil the very purpose of our salvation—to bring glory to God:

Response

Do you know that God has created you? Do you know that He chose to create you? Do you rest in His love as your Father and creator? 

Have you experienced being born again? Are you a new creation by virtue of receiving Christ? Do you know that God wants the goodness and good works of your life to bring Him glory? 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Note:

• Please be thinking and praying about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December)

  
  

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

THIS WEEK IS SIV (SERVE INVEST AND INVITE) WEEK.

What is SIV? 

SIV stands for Serve, Invest, and Invite. This is our very simple strategy to help bring our community to Jesus. We believe that God has placed us in relationships and in specific locations to be 'salt and light.' and to ‘fish for people’.  We can effectively bring people to Jesus by 'Serving' them - demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways; by 'Investing' in the people to whom we feel the Spirit is leading us; and by 'Inviting' them into our homes by showing hospitality and inviting them to church events, to Alpha, and ultimately, inviting them to come to Jesus through the gospel. 

Along with a brief reflection on Sunday’s text, let's spend this time sharing, thinking and praying about how God wants to work through us to help our communities to come to Jesus. 

This week, we continue in our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:8-10 was: We are God’s good work for His good works 

In these verses, we see that although we are in no way saved by our good works, we are re-created in Christ for God's good works; good character and works are the inevitable outcome of being united to Christ.

Please read Ephesians 2:8-10 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How does God's promise of 'good works' affect our approach to evangelism?

• Why should understanding that salvation - including our faith - is the gift of God lead us to greater confidence in sharing the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.

• Pray for our upcoming carol service (7th) and those who may be planning to invite.