#1402. God has prepared Good works for us (5/12/25)

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 reflection, we saw that God created us, and in Christ re-created us, so that the fruit of our new life would be good works to God’s glory. Today, we ask:

What is the nature of the ‘good works’ that God has for us, and what does it mean that they are ‘prepared in advance’ for us?

To watch this devotional, select the link below:

1. What kind of good works?

We are told that Christians - those ‘in’ and  united to Christ - will do ‘good works’. What is the nature of these good works? 

i. Works that all Christians do

There is a way of life that every Christian is called to embrace. Scripture is filled with practical commands: honesty (4:25), forgiveness and reconciliation (4:26), working hard instead of stealing (4:28), speaking words that build up (4:29), and so on. These are the “good works” that flow from a Spirit-led life and that glorify God in ordinary, daily faithfulness.

ii. Works that differ person to person

But alongside these shared works, God has also prepared unique opportunities and callings for each of us. For one person this might mean a particular ministry or mission field; for another, a career or skill that becomes a place of witness; for another, specific gifts to serve the church. The Spirit leads each of us into good works tailored to the life God has given us.

2. How do we step into His good works?

This truth is not meant to make us passive—sitting back with a ‘God will do it all while I watch Netflix’ mindset! Rather, it’s meant to fill us with confidence and expectancy. God has prepared works for us, and that assurance motivates us to seek and pursue His will.

We step into God’s works, first, by believing this promise. Second, as we devote ourselves to His Word, we discern His will - His ‘good, pleasing, and perfect will.’ Finally, the Spirit guides us in practical ways: through our conscience, through faith that rises in our hearts, and through the encouragement of prophetic words and the wider church.

Response

Do you believe that God has a new kind of life - a life shaped by His kingdom values - that He wants you to walk in? Are you letting His Word shape your daily habits and choices? Are you praying, both alone and with others, so that you may step boldly into the good works He has prepared for you?

May it be said of us, as it was of the Thessalonians:

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.