JANUARY 6, 2018
TEXT: EPHESIANS 2:10
TITLE: CONSCIOUS AND INTENTIONAL MINISTRY:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
A. We do not bring gifts to the altar, we are the gifts on the altar
B. Romans 12:1, 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
C. In the Old Testament system of sacrifice, God accepted and honored a gift if the gift was offered the way that God said to offer it, and if the offeror lived the way that He said to live. If the quality of the gift and the character of the giver were accepted, it provided a sweet aroma or fragrance to God.
D. We are both the Gift and the Giver…
1. The Quality of the Gift
2. The Character of the Giver
WE ARE WHAT HE HAS MADE US
A. Biological Parents – I am what they have made me
B. Spiritual Parent – I am what God has made me
CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS
A. We are created = To create in a spiritual sense; to regenerate, to renew
B. For “Good Works” = Benevolent works, life-transforming works, works that make a difference
C. He did not say “Perfect Works”
D. Why should I do good works?
1. Romans 2:6-8, 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (NIV)
2. I Corinthians 3:12-15, 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)
WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND TO BE OUR WAY OF LIFE
A. The moment God saved us, God prepared us for good works
B. Not as a job, as a lifestyle…
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:
THAT I WILL BEGIN PREPARING MYSELF TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
