Introduction

3 Steps to Experiencing God’s grace:

STEP #1. FACE OUR DESTRUCTIVE ATTACHMENTS:
We are following the wrong leader, 2:1-2a

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air…

We are energized by the wrong spirit, 2:2b
the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

We are attracted to the wrong desires, 2:3a
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.

We are deceived by the wrong definition, 2:3b
Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

STEP #2. ACCEPT GOD’S LOVING PROVISION:
The infusion of life

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. 1:4-5

Mercy = withholding what we deserve
The connection of empowerment
And God raised us up with Christ… 2:6a

The privilege of position
…and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus… 2:6b

The gift of riches
…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 2:7

STEP#3. UNDERSTAND GOD’S GRACE

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. 2:8-9

Grace = giving what we don’t deserve

So What?!

LIVE OUT GOD’S PURPOSE!!!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 2:10

Let God LOVE YOU!

Let God CHANGE YOU!

Let God USE YOU!

Who is God?
Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: When you were growing up and did something wrong who let you off the hook the easiest your mom or dad? Give an example!
Read: Ephesians 2:1-10
What does the text say? #1. Verses 1-3, Paul says we lived (walked) according to 3 powers; the world, the devil, and the flesh.
#2. Verses 4-7, Paul says that the riches of his grace are shown through: making us alive, raising us up, and seating us in the heavenly realm.
#3. Verse 8-9, Paul says the agent of salvation is faith. I can’t achieve salvation through works or I could boast about my achievement.
#4. Verse 10, Paul says we are God’s handiwork/workmanship created to follow through on His plan for our lives. What does the text mean? #1. How does the non-Christian world, the devil and my flesh (sinful mind) impact the way I live (walk)? #2. How can the riches of God’s grace (alive, raised, seated) impact the way I live (walk)? #3. Why do you think faith is so important to God? #4. If I do not earn salvation through my good works why are works important to God? Look at these other Scriptures that helps our understanding of how important faith is to God. Read Hebrews 11:6 and John 6:44 & 65.
Pick one area of dysfunction, the world, the devil, or the flesh and determine one attitude that fosters disunity, dislike, dissension, irresponsibility, fear, or values that you can work on changing this week? Write out a quick statement of what you’ll do each time you are tempted to live (walk) in the wrong direction (use: I am created in Christ to do good works which God prepared in advance, as part of your statement.)
Family Time: Read Ephesians 2:10 and talk to your kids about what nice or good thing they can do for a friend during this Covid 19 lock down.