Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Focus Thought
Paul writes that we are God's workmanship. The word "workmanship", or poiema, is better translated as "masterpiece." It denotes something that is created with great skill and is valuable. In this verse, Paul ends his discussion of salvation by comparing how Satan saw us and how God sees us. Satan saw us as doers of evil who were plain, easily manipulated, and without escape; God sees us as doers of good who are valuable, empowered, and free to walk.
The Next Step
One of the ideas discussed in this week's lesson was that of building on the foundation of our salvation. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 3:11-13 that our foundation is our salvation experience with Christ. But as we build the remainder of our lives, we are posed with the choice to either build using materials that are convenient, cheap, and easy to obtain (wood, hay, and stubble) or using materials that are precious, require an investment, and require some work (gold, silver, and precious stones). Here are some actions to take throughout this week:
1. Read I Corinthians 3:11-13
Read the verses using other Bible translations (ex. KJV, NIV, the Amplified Bible) to get a better feel for what is being said. Read a few verses before and after to get some context. Walk away for awhile, think about what you've read, and then come back a few moments later for fresh insight.
2. Make a List
What are the items in your life that you would call hay, wood, or stubble--things that may be convenient and even enjoyable, but don't mean much in the grand scheme of things. Examples include a new car, money in your bank account, or doing your own thing. Do the things you listed hold a prominent place in your life?
3. Make Another List
What are the items in your life that you would call gold, silver, or precious stones--things that may be inconvenient and even costly, but have lasting effects. Examples include Bible Study, your prayer life, your relationship with your spouse, your relationship with your kids. Do the things you listed hold a prominent place in your life? More prominent than your previous list?
4. Pray About Your Shortcomings
Fall short in your priorities? Does everything seem good, but you want things to be better? Either way, pray. Pray for wisdom in your priorities. Pray for an attitude that puts spiritual things first. Pray for the mind of Christ in everyday life.
5. Share Your Testimony
Invite at least one person out to service...or even just out for coffee. Suprisingly, Jesus and Java go very well together.
