Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Student Workbook, SW16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

the wrath to come through the undeserved grace of God as we placed our trust in Christ as our Savior and Lord. This had nothing to do with our own works of righteousness, and therefore all our boasting is excluded. Rather, we were recreated in Christ as God’s workmanship for the purpose of demonstrating good works, even those which the Father prepared for us beforehand that we should express. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” This focus on good works is emphasized not only here, but throughout the entire NT. Here is a sampling of this salient and important fact of our calling to be “do gooders:” Matt. 5.16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 2 Cor. 9.8 - And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. Col. 1.10 - . . . so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 2 Thess. 2.16-17 - Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, [17] comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 1 Tim. 6.18 - They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. 2 Tim. 2.21 - Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Tim. 3.17 - . . . that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. Titus 2.7 - Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. Titus 2.14 - . . . who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 3.1 - Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.

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