The Ultimate Artist
In Ephesians 2:10 Paul says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We are His workmanship. Workmanship is the Greek word, poiema, from which we get our English word poem. What God does in us is the ultimate work of art performed by the ultimate artist! God’s masterpiece!!
Stott said Paul spoke of our salvation as resurrection, as liberation, and as rescue…now he speaks of it as the work of God. Think about what Paul is saying…he just said we are not saved by our own works, “not as a result of works, so that no one my boast,” and then he turns around and says, but we are a result of God’s work!
Those who are born again show the immeasurable riches of God’s grace (vs 7) and we show the greatness of God’s workmanship! Sinclair Ferguson said, “Heaven may be the final showroom; but here in earth God is already ‘showing what he can do.'” He goes on to speak of the church as God’s triumphant art gallery where God displays reflections of his glory.
Think of the great works of art. I’ve stood and marveled at the works of Monet. I’ve stood in front of a Michelangelo sculpture and just marveled. I remember coming through the tunnel and getting my first glimpse of Yosemite. I’ve watched the sun rise and set over the ocean, marveled at the Southern Cross, and listened to music more beautiful than my simple brain can fathom. I’ve walked across thresholds of churches so beautiful that I felt my own unworthiness, but nothing compares to what God has done in the ones He created in His image! Nothing compares to what He has done in you!!
Have you considered this? Have you praised Him or thanked Him for these things?
Stott said Paul spoke of our salvation as resurrection, as liberation, and as rescue…now he speaks of it as the work of God. Think about what Paul is saying…he just said we are not saved by our own works, “not as a result of works, so that no one my boast,” and then he turns around and says, but we are a result of God’s work!
Those who are born again show the immeasurable riches of God’s grace (vs 7) and we show the greatness of God’s workmanship! Sinclair Ferguson said, “Heaven may be the final showroom; but here in earth God is already ‘showing what he can do.'” He goes on to speak of the church as God’s triumphant art gallery where God displays reflections of his glory.
Think of the great works of art. I’ve stood and marveled at the works of Monet. I’ve stood in front of a Michelangelo sculpture and just marveled. I remember coming through the tunnel and getting my first glimpse of Yosemite. I’ve watched the sun rise and set over the ocean, marveled at the Southern Cross, and listened to music more beautiful than my simple brain can fathom. I’ve walked across thresholds of churches so beautiful that I felt my own unworthiness, but nothing compares to what God has done in the ones He created in His image! Nothing compares to what He has done in you!!
Have you considered this? Have you praised Him or thanked Him for these things?
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