Doing Good Works (A study of Ephesians 2-4)

 My Faith 

Hello, lovely friend! 

Today I thought I would do a little bible study post. I have been going through Ephesians and a few verses in chapters two through four stuck out to me. Specifically verses on callings and on works. 

A little background, for the last couple weeks, my family and I have been visiting different churches trying to find a good fit. The problem was, each time we went to a new church there would be something…off. 

I wanted to hear the Bible being preached. I wanted to feel something, learn something. Instead I found myself arguing in my head with the different pastors we sat under. After the service I would talk to my parents about these issues and we would end up in discussions. This is something I love about my parents, they want to discuss things. They want us to talk things out. If we have questions or doubts, they want to hear it and help us. 

Anyways, one of the things that felt off to me was this message a preacher had on works. Specifically on doing good works for Christ. 

The preacher came and talked about this revelation he had. For most of his life, he had wished to hear God say the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” For most of his life he had strived to achieve this goal. He did all the right things and all the good works in hopes he would get God’s approval. Then, one day, someone confronted his thinking and—he said—he had a revelation. The revelation was this, that you don’t need to do good works because they don’t matter. When God says “Well done, good and faithful servant”, He is not saying it to you. Oh no, God is saying those words to Jesus who dwells inside of you. Nothing you do can effect whether or not God will say that to you. 

This sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? We know the story of God saying “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We all want to hear those words when we stand before God some day. We know God dwells inside of us. We know we are made new in him. We know we cannot earn our salvation through works because our salvation is in Jesus Christ alone.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

 There was a lot that sounded right about this message. But there still seemed to be something off. 

What was revealed to this pastor (that he also shared excitedly with us) made some sense but only if that’s what the Bible actually means. Yes, the righteousness of Jesus is applied to our account and yes, we are only saved by faith, not by works but does this mean we are not to give our best efforts toward good works. NO! This is not alright. There are holes in this “revelation”. Let's start at the verse I shared above. 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9

If we continue to the next verse, you start to see the problem. 

“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” —Ephesians 2:10 

We aren’t saved by good works but we were created for them. We were created to do good. We are CALLED to do good by GOD. 

There are no works we can do to save ourselves . The only thing we can do is believe in Jesus and put our faith in him. Only Jesus can save us. “It is a gift of God.” Because of this gift we do good because of who is inside of us. Jesus is inside of us. 

“…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted in love.” —Ephesians 3:17 

Being rooted in love, having our faith be rooted in love, we love Him. Because we love him and want to please him, we do good. We are changed because of love. Love changes us. Love changes us into wanting to be better and do good unto the one we love. This love leads unto good works. 

When we do good works and are faithful with the strength He has given us He is pleased. If we go to the story where this message stems from we can actually see the point of the message. Even better, if you want to know how to be worthy of the words “Well done good and faithful servant,” this story tells you how to think.

The Parable of the Three Talents (or servants) | Matthew 25:14-30 

The summary version:

Once there was a wealthy man. He was going on a trip and entrusted three of his servants with part of his wealth. To one he gave five bags of silver, to another two bags, and to the last, only one. Then he went on his trip. 

The first servant with five bags of silver invested it and earned five more bags of silver. Doubling the master’s investment. 

The second with only two bags of silver went to work and earned two more. Doubling the master’s investment. 

The third with only one bag of silver, dug a hole in the ground and hid the silver away for when the master returned. 

Some time later the master returned and called the three servants to himself to see how they used his resources. 

The first came and told the master all he did. The master smiled and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” 

The second came and told the master all he did. The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” 

Then the third came. He brought the single bag of silver back to the master and told him how he hid the silver. The master looked at him with disappointment. “You wicked and lazy servant. You did nothing with my silver. My gift. You could have done so much yet this is all you bring me. Nothing, the same as before.” 

The master turned to his other servants, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Then he ordered the third servant to be thrown into the darkness for he did nothing with the silver. 

——

This story has a double meaning. 

Concerning good works—you should be faithful with what God has given you. He wants you to do good. 

This is also a story concerning YOUR talents and the things he has called you to do. What gifts has he given you? What talents has he created you with? USE THEM! 

Has God given you artistic gifts? Make art!

Has God given you the ability to sing? SING! 

Has God given you the gift of writing? Write down stories! 

Whatever God has given you, use it! Be like the first two servants who were faithful with their master’s resources (who used their talents) and were called by their master (by God), “my good and faithful servant.” 

Do you want to know how to get God to say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Use your gifts! Do good works! Listen to him and do what he calls you to! 

You were created to do good. God has planted inside of you gifts, talents, and desires. What are you going to do with it? 

“…he gave gifts to his people.” —Ephesians 4:8 

How are you going to be faithful with what he has given you? 

Discussion Time

Thank you so much for reading this post! I hope you liked this post and found it moving! 

I want to hear from you! Tell me what you liked about this post. What are you doing today to be faithful in what God has given you? What are your gifts and talents from God? What are you doing today to be faithful in what God has given you? I would love to chat! 

If you have any questions or want to talk, make sure to comment down below or find me on Instagram @fablerosemc!  

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XOXO Moriyah 💛