Why is understanding the role of good works important for Christians?

Misunderstanding the role of good works can lead one to believe they can earn favor with God through their deeds, which ultimately points them away from Christ. It is vital for Christians to grasp that any good they do is a result of God working through them, as highlighted in Phillipians 2:13, which states that it is God who works in us to fulfill His good pleasure. This understanding frees believers from striving for righteousness based on their own strength and instead relies on Christ’s righteousness, fostering a genuine pursuit of holiness inspired by gratitude for His grace.