POIEMA (Workmanship)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

What is the Word?

The scriptures often speak of the human being as the crown of God’s creation – the apex of all created things. Made in the image of God, humanity is endowed with spiritual gifts that the animals are not given. We have the ability to create things – to construct works of art and beauty. But from God’s perspective, we, ourselves, are his work of art – what the New Testament calls poiéma.

How does the Bible use this word?

Derived from the verb poieó, which means to “make” or to “do,” poiéma is a noun which refers to the thing having been made. A sculpture or a masterpiece comes to mind when the scriptures use this word. More specifically, it is the work made with intent by a creator for a purpose. This is a favorite word that Paul utilizes in several of his letters, giving us a sense of our place in God’s created order and the love that he has for us. 

Where in the Bible?

One instance that we can see Paul’s use of this word is when he is describing the handiwork of God’s creation – that by recognizing it, we can know that God is the creator:

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made (ποιήμασιν). So they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Paul is saying that those who do evil cannot use ignorance as an excuse for their actions, since everything around them gives testimony to their creator – and therefore they are without an excuse for their wicked actions.

Paul uses the word differently in Ephesians:

For we are his workmanship (ποίημα), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

This beautiful statement by Paul frames each and every one of us as God’s craftsmanship, or masterpiece, created with the purpose of serving according to the purposes he has laid out before us. In our service, we become co-workers with the Lord, acting as his hands in loving service to one another. 

Walk in his Ways

Understanding ourselves as God’s workmanship shifts our perspective as followers of Christ. It lets us know that the works of love we do are not rooted in our own goodness, but flow forth from God himself, as the Holy Spirit works through us. In this way, we can truly see God’s providence in our lives as we can see him working through us to continue to walk in the works he has laid before us.