THE APOSTLES’ CREED – 3RDARTICLEGOOD WORKS

Lesson 45Faith Foundations

Course One

WHAT ARE GOOD WORKS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD?

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

1. Recall the Bible story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. When God brought him to faith, Zacchaeus became a changed man. How did he show his faith?

He gave much of his wealth to the poor and to those whom he had cheated.

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

2. Why do you think Zacchaeus’ life changed so much?

He realized that he had been sinning. Faith in Jesus as his Savior led him to want to thank Jesus by doing those things.

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

3. Read John 15:5. When a branch is cut from a vine, the leaves wither and die. When the branches remain connected, they bear fruit. We (branches) are connected to Christ by faith. What fruit do we produce?

Good works that glorify God.

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. To be “in Christ” means to believe in him as the Savior. This passages says that when we believe in Jesus, we become a new creation. Because we are believers, how are the following different for us than for unbelievers?

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

a. PrioritiesUnbelievers = all about meBelievers = Nurturing our faith & help othersb. EntertainmentUnbelievers = Gratify sinful desiresBelievers = Glorifies God & gift of marriagec. The way we dressUnbelievers = Draw attention to our bodiesBelievers = In a way which glorifies God

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

d. The way we treat people who are unkind to usUnbelievers = Seek revengeBelievers = Respond with kindnesse. Our attitude toward the poorUnbelievers = Ignore themBelievers = Willing to help them

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

f. Our attitude about giving offerings to GodUnbelievers = Keep everything for ourselvesBelievers = Worship God with our offerings & use our goods to spread God’s kingdomg. Our attitude about homeworkUnbelievers = Resent it & do enough to get byBelievers = Opportunity to grow & do our besth. Our attitude toward those in authorityUnbelievers = Rebel and ridicule themBelievers = Obey them as God’s representatives

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

5. Read Hebrews 11:6. Why are works done out of faith the only kind that please God?

Works done out of faith are done in loving thanks to glorify God. Works without faith are done for purely selfish reasons.

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

6. Why are the following actions NOT fruits of faith?a. An insurance salesman joined a church in order to sell more polices to membersHis focus was on money and not Godb. A local business owner donated money for a park, in hopes they would name it after him.He loves his name more than God’s name

WHAT INSPIRES US TO DO GOOD WORKS?

7. Why are the following good works examples of true fruits of faith?a. A girl gave the money she was saving up for a doll to a special church offering to help a family with their medical bills.She was unselfish with the gifts God gave her.b. A Christian coworker never complains and works hard all the time. He works as if he is working for the Lord. His work stems from faith.

KEY POINT #1

Good works are all things Christians do in faith.

WHAT GUIDES US?

8. Read Luke 18:10-14. List some of the works the Pharisee boasted about in his self-righteous prayer.

He was better than most other people.He fasted twice a week.He gave 10% of everything he had.

WHAT GUIDES US?

9. By following all these rules, the Pharisee thought God would accept them. Read Matthew 15:9. What tragic verdict does God give about such people?

They worship in vain. Their works are meaningless.

WHAT GUIDES US?

10.Some people argue about which day to worship, which instruments to use in worship, and which Bible version to use in worship. Why are such teachings sinful and dangerous?It may lead them to think that by worshiping in a certain way, they are pleasing God more

WHAT GUIDES US?

11.Read John 14:15. How do we know what are truly good works?

God tells us, whatever we do in faith.

WHAT GUIDES US?

12.Read Ecclesiastes 12:13. Where does God show us the good works he wants us to do?

In his commandments.

WHAT GUIDES US?

13.Casey: “There are so many temptations. I have to think of the Ten Commandments every day.” Why?

They are a guide, reminder her what works do or do not serve God.

KEY POINT #2

Good works are the things Christians do using the Ten Commandments as their guide.

WHAT ARE GOOD WORKS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD?

1. Good works are all things Christians do in faith.

2. Good works are the things Christians do using the Ten Commandments as their guide.

SUMMARYIn God’s sight, good works are all things Christians do in faith, using the Ten Commandments as their guide.

Ephesians 2:8,9

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

The 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed

I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Christian church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

The 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed

What does this mean?I believe that I cannot by my own thinking and choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him.But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

The 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed

In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

The 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed

In this Christian church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.On the Last Day he will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.This is most certainly true.