April 12, 2020
Ephesians 2:1-10
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. Point of Origin
Ephesians 2:1-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Where you start doesn’t have to be where you end
II. Proof of Love
Ephesians 2:4-7
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:10
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Jesus died so you don’t have to
III. Prepared for Purpose
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Don’t take credit for someone else’s work
Next Steps
- Receive His gift of hope, grace, and guidance by putting your trust in Him for the first time today.
- Walk humbly before your God and give credit to Him every day “EVEN WHEN” you stumble.
- Commit to carrying hope to the world as you live out His purpose for your life.
Deep Dive
- Share your personal story with others when you began your walk with Jesus.
- Read Ephesians 2:5 and 2:8. Why does it matter that Paul repeats himself? What does it mean that we are saved by grace?
- Read Romans 5:10. If Jesus died for us while we were separated by sin, how should this impact our appreciation of His gift of love and life?
Springboard
- Let’s be honest. What are examples of when we are stubborn and don’t follow instructions in our home?
- Read Acts 28:23-24. Some heard Paul’s message and chose to not believe. Why do you think people reject the hope that Jesus offers?
- 2 Timothy 4:1-4 challenges us to be ready to speak the Gospel. How can we put this in practice this week?