Exploring Thriving Through EphesiansSample

If chapter 1 gives us the vision and aspiration for a thriving walk with Jesus, chapter 2 gives a glimpse behind the scenes. We peek around the curtain of all those descriptors from chapter 1 and see ourselves, where we have come from. Paul holds up a mirror and the reflection is not attractive. We previously stood dead in our sinfulness. We thought only of ourselves and gratifying our wants and desires. And we eagerly followed Satan, the ruler of this world. We utterly deserved God's wrath, punishment, and disdain.

But God (a phrase that I just love!) reached in with His grace. He saw into our lives. He was moved with mercy. His mercy moved Him to kindness and action. And He saved us and gave us new life. We are alive in Him.

And you might ask Why? To demonstrate His grace through His kindness to us. Amazing.

This gift, he explains, cannot be bought with good deeds, cannot be boasted about or earned. A gift is offered. 

Then we learn that the possessors of this gift of salvation- you and I- have been created for 'good works'.  He has jobs for us to do in our uniqueness. There are the big jobs that we go to every day and clock in, there are the everyday tasks of kindness towards others, there is the huge task of mothering or fathering. These all together comprise our "good works". Works and effort do not earn us salvation. But once we stand adopted (and all the rest of the descriptors), we begin the good works He's set aside for each of us.

What did the process of your 'believing in Christ' look like? How did you come to receive the gift?

What are some of the ways that you see His 'good works' for you to do?

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to send someone your way today that you can share this gift with!