Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This verse teaches that as Christians, we were created by God to do good works that fulfill His purposes. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this important passage:
Created by God for Good Works
The first key phrase is “we are his workmanship.” The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiema, which refers to something made or produced. As Christians, we are God’s poiema – His work of art, His masterpiece. God created us and redeemed us not because of anything we did, but because of His love and grace.
Not only did God create us, but Ephesians 2:10 specifies we were created “in Christ Jesus.” When we put our faith in Christ, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature that desires to honor God. This new creation is capable of doing the good works God has planned for us.
The verse goes on to say we were created “for good works.” Our purpose as Christians is not idle religious observation. Rather, we are crafted by God to produce good works that serve others and bring glory to Him. These works are not what save us but they are an outflowing of our faith and new life in Christ.
Good Works Prepared by God
Ephesians 2:10 also teaches God prepared these good works ahead of time: “which God prepared beforehand.” The works we are called to do are not random acts of kindness. God, in His sovereignty, foreordained specific actions He wanted us to accomplish. He tailor-made good deeds for each of us to fulfill.
Not only did God prepare these works beforehand, but He also promised to equip us to succeed in them. Paul writes in Philippians 2:13, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” As we submit to God’s will, He provides the motivation and power to carry out the good works He prepared for us.
Walking in Good Works
The last part of Ephesians 2:10 states why God created and equipped us for good works: “that we should walk in them.” A “walk” refers to a way of life. The entire trajectory of the Christian life should be exemplified by fulfilling the good works God directs us to.
This requires both intentionality and dependence on God’s leading through prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. As we seek God’s will, He will reveal the customized “walk” of good works He created us to fulfill for His glory.
Implications for the Christian Life
This powerful verse contains several key implications for how Christians should approach living out their faith:
1. Our identity is found in being God’s workmanship. We are His masterpiece, not a result of our own efforts. This gives us value, security and purpose.
2. We were redeemed by grace to become new creations in Christ. Our old self centered patterns of living are replaced with an others-focused lifestyle.
3. Our lives should be characterized by good works, not passivity. We were crafted for a purpose – to serve God through serving others.
4. These good works are prepared and empowered by God Himself. We need to rely on Him to reveal and equip us for what He has planned.
5. Fulfilling our God-given good works should be the main focus of our Christian walk. Our priorities and lifestyle choices should maximize fulfilling this calling.
6. We need to intentionally submit our lives to God’s will in order to discover and walk in the good works He has foreordained for us. This requires committed spiritual discipline.
7. When we steward God’s gifts and calling well, it brings praise and glory to Him. The motivation is about living for His purposes, not ourselves.
In summary, Ephesians 2:10 teaches we were lovingly designed by God for the purpose of fulfilling good works He planned in advance for us. As we submit our lives to His will, He empowers us to complete these deeds which glorify Him and serve others. If we neglect God’s calling, we rob ourselves of His best and fail to become all that He created us to be for His glory.
Digging Deeper – Components of a “Good Work”
Since Ephesians 2:10 reveals that Christians were created by God for “good works,” it is helpful to analyze the components that characterize a spiritually good work:
Motivated by Love – The essence of good works is loving God and loving others. Actions done from selfish ambition or pride are not the good works referenced in this verse. Doing good out of genuine love is key. (1 Corinthians 13:3)
Done in Faith – Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” The highest good is having faith that God is who He says He is and rewards those who seek Him. Any work not done in dependence on God is merely a human effort. (John 15:5)
In Keeping with God’s Will – God prepares specific good works for each of us to walk in. We must submit our human will to His perfect will in order to know and accomplish all He has planned. (Ephesians 2:10)
To Glorify God – Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The chief aim is to bring honor and glory to God, not ourselves. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Service to Others – Good works involve contributing value to the lives of others through self-sacrificial service. Christ-like good works always benefit others. (Galatians 6:9-10)
Performed with Excellence – Colossians 3:23 instructs us to “work heartily, as for the Lord.” God expects the good works He assigns to be done with excellence to reflect His nature. (Proverbs 12:24)
Brings Spiritual Fruit – Good works contribute to the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. This brings maturity in Christ. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Accomplished in God’s Strength – We cannot produce supernatural good works in our own strength. Relying on and abiding in Christ allows Him to live through us. (John 15:4-5)
Conforms Us to Christ’s Image – As we walk in good works, we become more like Jesus in our character and actions. We were saved to become like Him. (Romans 8:29)
Prepares Us for Eternity – At the judgment seat of Christ we will give an account of our service to Him. Faithful good works store up eternal treasure. (Matthew 6:19-21)
In summary, truly good works flow out of a life humbly submitted to Christ with the goal of serving God and others. This brings glory to the Father and enables us to fulfill our purpose as His workmanship created for this very calling.
Bible Examples of Good Works
The Bible contains many examples of the kinds of good works God has prepared for His people to accomplish according to His will. Studying these examples encourages us in our own calling to fulfill the customized good works God foreordained for each of us.
1. Using personal gifts and talents – Bezalel designed the tabernacle and ark of the covenant using the special skills God gave him for craftsmanship and creativity. (Exodus 35:30-33)
2. Hospitality – Martha opened her home to provide food and lodging for Jesus and His disciples. (Luke 10:38-42)
3. Helping those in need – Dorcas made clothing and cared for widows who were poor and needy in her community. (Acts 9:36-39)
4. Sharing the gospel – The apostle Paul spread the good news of Christ throughout the Roman empire on his missionary journeys. (Acts 13-20)
5. Teaching and discipling – Priscilla and Aquila together instructed a man named Apollos to explain the gospel more accurately using Scripture. (Acts 18:24-28)
6. Encouragement – Barnabas consistently offered encouragement and affirmation that strengthened Paul and other believers. (Acts 4:36-37)
7. Financial giving – The Macedonian Christians generously contributed money to support the members of the Jerusalem church in need. (2 Corinthians 8:1-4)
8. Prayer intercession – Epaphras labored constantly in prayer for the believers in Colossae to stand mature and fully assured in God’s will. (Colossians 4:12-13)
9. Serving in church – The early Christians who held the various gifts of apostle, prophet, teacher and pastor used them to build up Christ’s church. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)
10. Caring for family – Parents raising children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord provides the foundation of good works. (Ephesians 6:4)
The possibilities for good works prepared by God are endless. We must look to Scripture for guidance while also relying on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to know how to apply our gifts and abilities to serve others for God’s glory.
Verses on God’s Good Plans for Our Lives
Since Ephesians 2:10 teaches that God prepared good works in advance for us to accomplish, it is helpful to look at other Bible passages that describe God’s good plans for our lives and how we should respond:
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 33:11 – “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Psalm 37:23 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Acts 26:16 – “I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.”
Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
These verses emphasize God’s perfect knowledge of the future and His loving plans for each person. We can take great comfort that the Lord guides our steps and conforms our lives into His good purposes when we submit fully to Him.
How God Reveals our Good Works
Since God has prepared unique good works for each of us to walk in, an important question is how does God reveal His specific will so we know what good works He has called us to? Scripture and the example of godly men and women provides some key ways God makes the good works He has prepared for us clear:
1. Listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading – As we develop sensitivity to the inner voice of the Spirit through studying the Bible, He impresses God’s customized callings upon us. (John 10:27)
2. Scriptural commands – God’s Word gives many specific commands that apply to all believers such as sharing our faith, making disciples, caring for the needy, living ethically, honoring marriage etc. Obeying these commands fulfills God’s good plans.
3. Desires of our heart – When God plants new desires in us that align with His Word and draw us into greater obedience and service, they often reflect His will for good works He wants to accomplish through us. (Psalm 37:4)
4. Counsel of others – Wise, godly counsel from pastors, parents, mentors and even friends can help confirm and clarify what good works God is calling us to focus on. (Proverbs 11:14)
5. Circumstances – Open and closed doors either permit or block certain opportunities for service. Submitting to God’s sovereign orchestration of circumstances helps reveal His will. (Acts 16:6-7)
6. Spiritual gifts – The way God has specifically gifted us provides insight into what good works He has prepared in advance for us to emphasize. Using gifts in service allows us to operate in strengths. (Romans 12:4-8)
A combination of these factors together will provide direction and confirmation of what good service God is calling each of us to provide for His glory. As we walk closely with the Lord, the good works He has prepared become increasingly clear.
Barriers that Keep us From Good Works
Although God created us to walk in good works, believers may struggle to fulfill this calling because of the following barriers:
Sin – Any patterns of willful disobedience to God’s commands will stunt spiritual growth and quench the Spirit, hindering our ability to bear good fruit. (1 John 1:9)
Worldly distractions – The lure of entertainment, leisure, materialism, success or worldly approval can distract from making good works a priority. These things can become idols. (Luke 14:18-20)
Bad influences – Spending large amounts of time with people who have ungodly values or practices can sway us from righteous living and service. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Laziness and apathy – The enemy can drain motivation and passion for serving God through attacks of apathy and discouragement. Believers must fight this through discipline. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-13)
Lack of biblical wisdom – Ignorance of God’s Word can cause confusion about what He desires. Increased scriptural knowledge fuels obedience. (Hosea 4:6)
Unbelief – Doubting God’s power and goodness can cause us to shy away from obedient steps of faith required to walk in good works. (Matthew 13:58)
Distorted priorities – When we value comfort, reputation or prosperity above serving God, it leads to a lukewarm faith and lack of fruitfulness. (Revelation 3:14-17)
Busyness and stress – Allowing schedules to become too crowded can remove needed margins of rest, reflection and time with God which refresh our souls to serve Him. (Mark 6:31)
By submitting every area of life to the Lordship of Christ, we can overcome these barriers. God empowers us through His Spirit to walk in the good works He lovingly prepared for us to fulfill.
Faithful Service Should be Our Life’s Focus
In light of the amazing calling that Ephesians 2:10 describes of being God’s workmanship created for good works, believers should take to heart that a lifetime of faithful service to Christ should be the main focus of our lives. Scripture gives the following exhortations about making good works through obedient faith a priority:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” (Ephesians 6:7)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
The consistent message is that as Christ’s disciples, we have been given a magnificent, eternal calling to leverage all of life as opportunities for selfless service done in God’s strength and for His glory. May we walk worthy of this holy calling He has given us for His good purposes.
Conclusion
Ephesians 2:10 powerfully expresses our identity in Christ. As His workmanship, we were created to fulfill the good works He planned for our lives. God helps us discover these deeds through His Spirit, Word, counsel, circumstances and gifting. He strengthens us to walk faithfully in them to bring praise to Him. Let us worship God through loving obedience to this life purpose He has described – blessing others through good works that express His love and character. There is no higher calling than to use our days fulfilling what the Lord prepared beforehand for us to do for His glory.
