GPS Guide – January 21, 2020
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
Tuesday
Read: Ephesians 2:8-10
” 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV Ephesians 2:8-10)
Study: These verses by Paul, were most likely addressing a common belief that it was what you did that mattered, not what you believed. Yesterday, we see James saying it is both faith and works that are important but James is often misinterpreted as saying “Works trump faith”. Paul wanted to make it clear that our salvation is through Jesus Christ. We have done nothing to earn it though our good deeds. Paul says that we are created to do good works in response to this gift of God. How do you respond to this gift today?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your selfless gift in Christ. I have done nothing and I cannot do anything to deserve this gift but I pray you give me the strength to respond by doing your will in the world around me.