Neighborhood Study Guide

Ephesians 2:10
Introduction Good works. Thats the end goal. God sent his Son Jesus to all that he did in order that we might walk in the good works that he prepared ahead of time for us. In our culture and generation, there is a deep hunger to do good to make a difference. But anyone who has tried to really make a difference in the world, or in their own lives knows how tricky this can be. How does Jesus and trusting him lead us into good works?

Ephesians 2:10 We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Questions
1. What is the best example you can remember of someone being good? What is your best definition of good? 2. We are Gods workmanship. What does this mean to you? What are implications of being Gods workmanship? (See Genesis; 1:26-31; Psalm 8; 1 John 3:1-4) How is this different from other views of the human condition? 3. When you read the phrase good works, what comes to mind? What are good works, in your mind? What does the Bible mean?

Read Mark 10:17-29

17 And as Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother. 20 And he said to him, Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth. 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 4. Why is Jesus so hard on this man? Is Jesus discouraging him from obeying the commandments? 5. How does this man fail to understand the true nature of goodness? How does Jesus expose the inadequacy of his vision? Why is a truncated vision of goodness so problematic?

We are Gods Workmanship Goodness is more complicated and difficult than we like to think. We imagine that goodness is merely a matter of will or choice. And we often mistake goodness for greatness great acts that change the world or make a difference. We forget how far we and the world have fallen from that original goodness. So we proceed arrogantly or we fall into despair when our attempts fail. This is true whether we are trying to change ourselves, or changing the world. We may give up, but God does not give up. He consistently invites us into good works, and does not hold our failings against us. He assures us that, as Gods workmanship, we will continue to progress to good works. Instead of fighting or striving, we should continue to draw closer to God and immerse ourselves in his vision of goodness. And then we should start to walk, slowly and carefully into the good works that he calls us too. If we are confused about where to start, we can always look at the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) and perhaps finding an enemy to love!

Questions
6. 7. 8. Why is it necessary to understand all of Ephesians 1 and 2 before we can come to understand good works? How should the first 2 chapters of Ephesians help us to understand and do good? How do prayer, Bible study, church, communion function as means of grace (ways to help us transform)? How can we misuse these means?

Practical Question
1. From the Yale Daily News, the daily newspaper of Yale University, where 25% of all graduates go to work for consulting and finance. Annie Shi 12 applied to and received a job at J.P. Morgan for next year. Here are her justifications for taking it: When asked what she might be most interested in doing with her life, she mentioned a fantasy of opening a restaurant that supports local artists and sustainable food. Eventually, shes aiming for something that does more good than just enriching [her]self. She just doesnt think shes ready for anything like that quite yet. How can I change the world as a 21- or 22-year-old? she said. I know thats a very pessimistic view, but I dont feel like I have enough knowledge or experience to step into those shoes. Even if you know that you want to go into the public sector youd benefit from experience in the private sector. Annie also considers the financial incentives of the position. Im practical, she says. Im not going to work at a non-profit for my entire life; I know thats not possible. Im realistic about the things that I need for a lifestyle that Ive become accustomed to. Though she admits shes at least partially worried of ending up at the bank longer than [she] sees [her]self there now, at present she sees it as a hugely stimulating and educational way to spend the next few years.

What does goodness look like to Annie? What holds her back from doing good? How would you advise her?

2. As you think about your neighborhood group, how can you pursue goodness, without succumbing to arrogant dreams of grandeur? What would make your group truly do good?