Created for Good Works

17 June 2012

1. Introduction

Eph.2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them”.

· Each of us is a masterpiece – a unique creation of God that He is working on.

· God does not create “junk” – everything He created He said is “good”.

· God has prepared works for you to do – an assignment or purpose for your life.

· “Prepared beforehand” = God designed an assignment, then created you to fulfil it.

· “Walk” =NT4043= to tread all around, to live, to regulate your life.

· It is our responsibility to discover and fulfil the3 assignment God has for us.

2. The Example of Jesus

(a) He was aware of His assignment while He was still young. (12 years old)

Lk 2:49 “…I must be about My Father’s business”.

(b) He was totally committed to His assignment

Jn.4:34 “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and finish His work.”

(c) He could clearly identify and articulate His assignment

Lk.4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to …”

(d) He fully completed His assignment

Jn.17:4 “I have glorified you on the earth, I have finished the work which you have given me to do”.

(e) Jesus continues His assignment through His followers

Jn.14:12 “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also and greater works than these will he do because I go to My Father”.

· Every follower of Christ is called to be productive and fruitful.

3. Keys to Discovering Your Assignment

(a) Your Assignment will always be to a Person with a Problem

1 Jn. 3:16-19 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us, and we also ought to lay down our lives for our brethren …”

· Someone near to you needs you – they have a problem.

· The problems that you notice are a key to identifying your assignment.

· Some problems are more noticeable than others.

· God expects you to take initiative to solve problems for people.

· You are not called to solve every problem for every person.

(b) You need to ask the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants you to do and the timing for doing it.

(c) Connect with the Holy Spirit and Dream of possibilities

e.g. Gen.37:5 “Now Joseph had a dream and he told it to his brothers”.

· Joseph’s dream was inspired by the Holy Spirit – a God given dream for His life.

· God’s purpose for his life was for bigger than he could have thought.

· He dreamed of his future – his assignment.

e.g Jer. 1:4-5 “Then the Word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you, I ordained you prophet to the nations”.

· Jeremiah received a word inspired by the Holy Spirit – a God given dream for his life.

· God’s purpose and assignment was much bigger than he could have thought.

(d) Identify what God has Written Within You

Rom. 12:6 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us let us use them …”

· If God has created you for a purpose, an assignment – He must have hard wired into your DNA the instructions to direct you.

· E.g.       What do you love? – passion - what do you have in your hand?

What do you hate? – anger – e.g. Moses; Jesus (Mk.3:5)

What do you grieve over? – compassion – e.g. Ezra; Jesus (Mk1:41)

What do you get good results from doing? – e.g. “comes naturally”

What do others recognise in you? – name what called to do.

· You are unique – identify your gifts – name what you are called to do.

(e) Take Steps to Initiate Actions

God’s assignment unfolds progressively as you act on what you have.

e.g. Acts 16:6-9 As Paul moved into his assignment the Holy Spirit gave directions.

(i) Look for opportunities to help people solve problems

Prov. 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in the power of your hand to do so”.

Gal. 6:10 “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all …”

(ii) Develop initiative and excellence in serving

Col. 3:23 “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto man.”

(iii) Connect with people who can speak into your life and help you

Prov.15:22 “Without counsel purposes are disappointed …”

(iv) Build a strong devotional life with the Lord

Jn.15:4-5 “We who abides in me I in him bears much fruit.”