Not Passive Workers
We are not passive workers, but active partners with God, working together to accomplish His purposes.
J. Stuart Holden preaches about the divine partnership between God and believers, emphasizing that as God's workmanship, we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. He highlights the active role believers play in this partnership, as God's life within us energizes, informs, steadies, and directs us, ultimately developing our individuality. The sermon underscores the importance of acknowledging our dependence on God while actively participating in His work, recognizing that any virtue or praise belongs to Him alone.
Text
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them"
(Eph. 2:10).
The old Puritan writer who defined Salvation as "the life of God in the soul of man" was entirely right. Only do not fail to bear in mind that the man in whom He dwells is not himself passive. In the nature of the case he cannot be. For indolent inactivity, even in the name of orthodox belief, can never hold fellowship with essential energy--which is what God is.
Yes! There are Hands unseen working with our hands. There is a Will omnipotent energizing our wills. There is a Wisdom ineffable informing our minds. There is a Patience untiring steadying our impulses. There is a Strength untold directing our members. There is a Divine Craftsman repeating Himself in us. And all in such a manner that our individuality is not thereby destroyed but developed. We are ourselves workers together with Him, pledged to do our part, though always aware that without Him we can do nothing, and always sure that "if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," it belongs to Him alone. For the final explanation of life is that deep and yet how simple statement that "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
Sermon Outline
- We are not passive workers
- The nature of God is essential energy
- Our role is to do our part, but always acknowledge God's sovereignty
- We can do nothing without God
- All virtue and praise belong to God alone
Key Quotes
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” — J. Stuart Holden
“We are workers together with Him, pledged to do our part, though always aware that without Him we can do nothing” — J. Stuart Holden
“If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, it belongs to Him alone” — J. Stuart Holden
Application Points
- Recognize that you are a worker together with God, and that your individuality is developed, not destroyed, by His work in you.
- Acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life, and always give Him the credit and glory for any virtue or praise.
- Partner with God in your efforts, recognizing that you can do nothing without Him.