Confirmation

For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We are all familiar with St. Paul’s comforting words that remind us that we are saved by grace and grace alone. It’s a passage we all know. It’s a passage we as Lutheran Christian love to hang our hat upon “For by grace have you been saved through faith. It is a gift of God, not of works that no man may boast.” What I would share with you today is the verse that follows. For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Paul almost contradicts himself doesn’t he? He tells us we are saved by grace through faith and nothing more. He tells us that it is not by “our own reason or strength”. He tells us it’s not by our own works or efforts. But then, in the same breath, he tells us that there is work that we must do, work that God has prepared in advance for us to do. What does this mean?

1. We are God’s workmanship.

A. To be a workman is to be called into service.

1. He called you in your baptism when you were born again.

2. Every day is an opportunity to serve Him. You don’t have an alarm clock you have an opportunity clock. Each day is a brand new day filled with opportunity and possibility.

B. Jesus has called you in to His service. Remember the cleaning service Service MasterTM Started by two clergymen for their kids to earn a little bit of money to fund their college education. Why the name. It spelled out everything they were about – in everything they did - they were to give service to the Master.

2. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

A. True, good works will not, nor can then save you.

1. God’s Word is clear – we are sinners and there is no life in us.

2. Because of sinfulness we need God’s help and grace to save and redeem.

B. Because of the grace of God He has endowed you with talents, abilities, and gifts to be used for His purposes.

1. Think of the decisions you will be making in your life in the next 4-7 years – decisions regarding where you will study, where you will work with whom you will marry. These are huge decisions – life defining decisions.

2. Already the Lord has given you the tools necessary to do His work.

3. Which God prepared in advance for you to do.

A. What a great promise. God has prepared in advance your work.

1. All the tools you would every need are already yours.

2. As you have been equipped so go in the strength of the Lord. Do more then just come to a worship service. In Service worship God.

B. As you go in the strength of the Lord He will bless you.

1. This is His promise to you.

2. As you have been blessed be a blessing.

Remember the things that were taught you cling to that which is good and remember, always remember Your Savior walks with you!