"Not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."(Ephesians 2:9,10, NASB).
Ephesians 2
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV
We were created to be able to do good works. We were given the ability to. All we have to do is walk it out. So God gave us the inclination, the ability, the strength, the compatibility, and the drive/desire to do what his purpose is for us. Our works mean nothing. God went before us and did it all already. We must be faithful and choose to do it.
We can't do good works because we are not good. Even Jesus said that he wasn't good. The Lord has to create in me the ability to do good works. Holy Spirit,who lives inside of me. does this. I want to take a leap of faith right now. I say that I do good works for the Lord. I ask you Lord to drop in our spirits that good work that you have prepared in advance for us to do. By faith, we will do it. Whatever our hands find to do, we will do for you.
Pastor Ted's tweet 12/11/2009:
Ted "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."—1 Thessalonians 5:24.: "Faithful is He that call... http://twitter.com/ymmusa
Here are the verses before that one:
on http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults2.php?passage1=1+Thessalonians+5&book_id=59&version1=9&tp=5&c=5
1 Thessalonians 5
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
According to this word, the Lord is the one who sanctifies us. He is the one who preserves us blameless. Don't worry about the Lord's coming, followers of Christ.
Although, we must also do what is said in the previous verses, too:
1 Thessalonians 5
6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16Rejoice evermore.
17Pray without ceasing.
18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19Quench not the Spirit.
20Despise not prophesyings.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
These are practical things we can do on a daily basis, but don't believe that these works are going to save you on the day of judgment. Remember, we must pray that the Lord sanctify us.
Verse 7 is referring to our spiritual state. Do not allow your spirit to sleep. Stay vigilant in the spirit. Verse 6 says be sober (Lexicon below).
I am so glad that if I forget to give thanks, the Lord is there to forgive me. I would be in trouble if I was reliant on my own works. What I call righteous in my daily life is as filthy rags to the Lord. Thank you for your mercy, Lord.
Sober:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3525
1) to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit
2) to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect
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