Good works have nothing to do with a person’s salvation. See Ephesians 2:8-9. It is by grace that we are saved by faith and not by our good works. If we work for something then it is not a gift. We can’t take any credit for our salvation. All the glory goes to God. Works are how we live out our salvation. It is proof that salvation has been worked in. There is a link between good works and our sanctification.

1 – Our purpose

What is the purpose? See Ephesians 2:10. We are God’s labour force to produce good works. We are saved FOR good works. Good works can never, ever save you. You have a purpose. We are to work out our own salvation. We are to live out what God has placed within us. Grace is on the inside and needs to be worked out. Everything we need is on the inside if we are saved by faith. We are to work out our own salvation. We are different from our people. Our service for God may be different from others. God’s purpose for us is to create good works.

2 – Our power

See Philippians 2:13. God is our inner power. We are trying to please God rather than anyone else. God empowers us. God is continually working in us. His power never runs out. God wants to stimulate us to good works. We are to work out what God has worked in. God will empower us to do it. God is doing the work through you. God is there to help you. See 2 Peter 1:1-8. We don’t need a “second blessing”. We have all the things we need – we just don’t realise it most of the time! We are to add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. If you do these things then it shows you know something about Jesus Christ. You can shout and praise the Lord in Church but how are you living? You can fake lots of things but not the fruits and characteristics of the Spirit. If you lack these things then you are blind and have forgotten that you were saved. This is where the rubber meets the road. God wants you to live according to His purpose.

3 – Our perseverance

We have to keep doing good works. See 1 Corinthians 15:57-58. We are to be steadfast and unmovable when it comes to good works. We are to settle in our in our minds that we are trusting in God. We are not to be easily moved from doing good works. We have a firm foundation. We are to keep on doing good works. It is not in vain. One day the Lord is coming and there are rewards for those who keep on labouring.

Categories: Philippians