Key Scripture — Ephesians 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10 

1. What does “God’s workmanship” mean?

The word workmanship refers to something made or crafted by an artist or master worker. Paul is teaching that believers are God’s creation and handiwork.

This means your identity ultimately begins with what God has made you to be, not merely with your accomplishments, failures, circumstances, or the opinions of other people.

• Psalm 139:14 — We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
• Isaiah 64:8 — God is the potter, and we are the clay.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — In Christ, we become a “new creation.”

God doesn't simply repair an old life; in Christ, He is doing a transformative work in us.

Discuss the following statements with your group:

• Only God can change a heart.  (How so…??)
• Only God can break the chains of bitterness.  (…maybe a testimony from a group member)
• Only God can replace pride with humility.
• Only God can transform selfishness into sacrificial love.  (How does the Cross do that in our lives…??)
• Only God can give peace that isn't dependent upon circumstances.  (…probably everyone in the group has experienced this one.  Allow for a few life stories…)
  
  

2. We are created “in Christ Jesus”

Ephesians 2:10 follows Ephesians 2:8–9:

“it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith… Not by works, so that no one can boast.”

There is an important order here:

Grace → Salvation → New Creation → Good Works

We don't do good works in order to earn God's salvation. We do good works because God has saved and transformed us.

Our works are therefore a response to God's grace rather than a payment for it.

Discussion:  Allow a few members to chart verbally how their spiritual maturity has progressed over years since salvation…(this could be a fun conversation and encouragement to those in your group)

3. God has a purpose for His workmanship

Ephesians 2:10 says we were created in Christ Jesus “to do good works.”

God's workmanship has a purpose.

The Christian life isn't simply about receiving salvation and waiting for heaven. God intends for His people to live lives that demonstrate His character through:

• Love
• Mercy
• Service
• Forgiveness
• Generosity
• Holiness
• Compassion
• Faithfulness
• Sharing the gospel

Jesus expressed this principle in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise (glorify) your Father in heaven.”

The goal of our good works is ultimately God's glory.

4. God prepares the work before us

Paul says God has “before ordained” these works.

This gives the Christian life direction. God doesn't merely save us from something; He saves us for something.

There are people we can encourage, needs we can meet, responsibilities we can faithfully carry, and opportunities to reflect Christ that God places before us.

The question becomes:

“Lord, what work have You prepared for me to walk in today?”

Henry Blackaby – “God is ALWAYS at work around us.  He invites us to join Him where He is at work.”  (…if you listen on Sunday mornings, you have heard the pastor quote that a few hundred times.  If we walk in the Spirit we will live looking for what God is doing around us…!!  He invites us to join Him in that work…!!  

Allow a discussion…What might be somewhere when one of your group members is seeing God at work in their lives…AND…how are they joining God in that work…??)

5. We are meant to “work…or walk - KJV” in those works

Notice Paul's words…work or walk.

Walking suggests a lifestyle rather than a single event.

God's workmanship is displayed through the ordinary rhythms of life:

• How we treat our family
• How we respond when we're offended
• How we conduct ourselves at work
• How we treat people who cannot benefit us
• How we use our money and possessions
• How we respond to suffering
• How faithfully we serve others

Christian discipleship is not merely what happens inside a church building. It is a daily walk with God.

6. God is still working on us

Being God's workmanship doesn't mean we are already finished.

Philippians 1:6 says:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God begins the work, continues the work, and ultimately completes the work.

That gives us encouragement when we see areas of our lives that still need growth. Our unfinished condition doesn't mean God has abandoned His work.

7. Our response: surrender

If we are God's workmanship, then our lives belong to the One who made us.

Romans 12:1 calls believers to present themselves to God as “a living sacrifice.”

A useful prayer is:

“Lord, make me useful for Your purposes. Shape my character, guide my steps, and help me walk in the good works You have prepared for me.”

• What does it mean to you personally that you are God's “workmanship”?
• How does Ephesians 2:8–9 help us understand Ephesians 2:10?
• What is the difference between doing good works to earn God's favor and doing good works because of God's grace?
• Where do you currently see God shaping your character?
• What opportunities to serve others might God be placing in front of you?
• What area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God's workmanship?
• How can your good works point other people toward God rather than toward yourself?

• You are God's workmanship.

  He created you, redeemed you in Christ, is continuing His work in you, and calls you to live out the good works He has prepared for you.

  You are not saved by your works—but you are saved for a life of purposeful works that glorify God.

John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

• • Find yourself and group members praying “thankfulness” for FREEDOM…!!
  • Pray for that “ONE” in your life and DIVINE appointments when you can tell them the difference Jesus has made in your life…!!
  • Pray that person will find FREEDOM that is in Jesus…!!
  • Pray that person doesn’t die until they trust Jesus for salvation…!!