Equipped for Good Works
In our journey of faith, we learn that 'Good works are because God works.' This profound truth reminds us that our ability to do good is rooted in our relationship with God and His transformative power in our lives.
Watch the full sermonThe Power of Scripture
Scripture is described as God-breathed, meaning it is inspired and spoken by God Himself. It is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Through this process, believers are made wise unto salvation and then sanctified, becoming complete and equipped for every good work. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, 'All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.' This highlights the sufficiency and power of God-breathed Scripture in our lives.
Plan a VisitGood works are because God works.
Good Works Through Faith
Good works are only possible because God works in and through believers. God creates, justifies, and sanctifies us, equipping us through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. All good works flow from a relationship with God and are done by faith, out of love and gratitude, in obedience to His Word. As we reflect on the sanctification process, we recognize that without God's work in us, we cannot be complete or equipped for the good works He has prepared for us to do.
Obedience and Good Works
Obedience is a significant part of good works. Believers obey God out of faith, joy, love, and hope. Good works align with God's Word and are done in obedience to His commands. The example of Peter, who obeyed Jesus by not speaking of the transfiguration until after the resurrection, illustrates faithful obedience. When we obey, we recognize that we are unworthy servants simply doing what God has called us to do, not earning His favor but responding to His grace.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching.
Scripture Highlights
2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Matthew 17:1-9: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that good works are because God works?
Why is Scripture described as God-breathed and how does it equip believers?
Can unbelievers do good works before God?
What role does obedience play in doing good works?
How does God equip believers throughout their lives?
Content Transcript
Grace, mercy, and peace be unto you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord, may the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be pleasing and acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. You may be seated.
**Introduction**
As we complete the "Divine Wisdom" series, we are considering how the man of God may be competent and equipped for every good work. Over the past weeks, we have closely examined 2 Timothy chapter 3, specifically focusing on the good works that God has prepared for us.
I want you to take home this phrase: "Good works are because God works." As we consider the elements of this last portion of 2 Timothy chapter 3, we recognize that these are perilous times. However, there is a precious truth that the Apostle Paul is passing on to Timothy: the word of God is powerful. It is God-breathed.
**The Power of Scripture**
All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
There is a sequential element to these sections of scripture. We are made wise unto spiritual renewal, and then we consider the sanctification of the believer as we move through teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness.
As we look at our lives, we may ask how long this process takes. This cyclical element leads us to the moment where we examine the good works that God wants to accomplish through each of us. Again, remember: good works are because God works.
**The Man of God**
In relation to being a man or woman of God, we must understand that this refers to individuals who have entered into a relationship with God. This is the first and primary step necessary for us to be complete, equipped, and able to do good works.
If you are not a man or woman of God, you are simply not complete and not equipped for every good work. We are born in sin, and without God, we are incomplete. God uses a series of important steps in the life of any person to bring them toward completion and competency.
As individuals born in sin, we need the word and work of God, along with the power of the Holy Spirit, to make us wise unto spiritual renewal. This process begins with the truths of God’s word and the quickening power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, bringing us into a relationship with Him.
**God's Means of Grace**
God uses many means to complete us. As we grow up, our parents play a significant role in this process. However, it doesn’t stop with our upbringing. God equips us through various means. Many of us realize that God may bring a Christian spouse into our lives, or He provides other spiritual gifts through pastors, teachers, evangelists, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
This process of completion and equipping is a work of God’s creation, justification, and sanctification. We are equipped through the word and the means of grace that God uses to make us complete. This work continues throughout our lives.
**Good Works Defined**
The word "every" in the ESV is a small Greek word meaning "all." God is at work throughout our lives for us to do the good works He has prepared beforehand. These good works begin with our relationship with Him, where we receive His forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and Spirit.
No one who is an unbeliever can do good works before God because it requires faith. They may perform good deeds, like helping someone cross the street, but these are not deemed good works before God without faith. Good works are done by faith, out of love and gratitude, and they align with the word of God.
In the Small Catechism, we see that good works are tied to our vocations. A Christian mother changing diapers is doing a good work, as is a Christian father. Whether washing dishes or vacuuming, these actions are good works for a Christian man or woman in a Christian household.
**The Role of Forgiveness**
Good works are also tied to the forgiveness of sins that we can offer to others. A couple of weeks ago, we had a vesper service with our youth, discussing the good works God wants us to do. We shared from Luther’s Small Catechism that not only are pastors able to bring the message of forgiveness, but all Christians can do so in their vocations and stations of life.
Good works align with the word of God and are done in obedience to it. On this Transfiguration Sunday, we remember how Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah present. They represent the law and the prophets that bear witness to who Jesus Christ is.
**Obedience in Good Works**
We don’t hear everything Moses and Elijah discuss on the mountain, but we know they talk about Jesus’ exodus. This exodus is our exodus as well, greater than the one Moses led the Israelites through. Jesus will deliver His followers from slavery and bondage to sin into the glorious freedom of the gospel.
Obedience is a significant part of good works. Peter did a good work by not speaking of the transfiguration until after Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead. It took Peter going through the process of denying Jesus three times and then being reinstated to experience the fullness of his calling.
Obedience is part of the good works we do. We obey out of faith, joy, love, and hope. Good works will be rewarded by God, as the scriptures tell us. When we obey, we recognize that we are unworthy servants, simply doing what we are called to do.
**Conclusion**
During the Lenten season, we will discuss giving. It is important to understand that giving does not earn us anything before God; it is a response of obedience and love. God’s work results in good works. He created us, recreated us, and redeemed us. Every good work we do is only possible because of what He has done.
We love because He first loved us. We give because He first gave to us. Good works flow out of a relationship with God, enabling the man and woman of God to be competent, complete, and equipped for all the good works that God has ordained for us to walk in until our final breath.
Pray with me.
Lord, as we humble ourselves before you, we acknowledge that any good works we do are only possible because of your good work in our lives. You have made us and fashioned us to be who we are. We want to live out our days in gratitude and love, offering our lives to you. Our obedience to your word is only possible because you work in us, giving us hearts that desire to do your will. May we continue until you call us home, living out our days to the glory of your holy name. Amen.