READ: Ephesians 2:1-10
The letter to the Ephesians serves as a foundational text for understanding Christian belief and life. Unlike other New Testament letters addressing specific issues in particular churches, Paul wrote Ephesians as an overview or “handbook” for Christianity. This makes it an excellent guide for both new and seasoned Christians. Our passage is well-known because it most clearly displays the Gospel and how God's plan and power work in our lives, offering a transformative message of hope and renewal.
1. The Diagnosis
Paul begins by providing a stark diagnosis of the human condition: spiritual death. In verses 1-3, he describes humanity as "dead in trespasses and sins." This condition is not limited to a specific group but includes everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. Even though humans are physically alive, all are spiritually dead, unable to live as intended by God. This diagnosis explains the persistent problems of human history—oppression, war, and brokenness—and even our personal struggles. The doctrine of "total depravity" indicates that sin affects every part of our being and existence. There is no pocket of human life outside of this death. Recognizing the severity of our spiritual condition is crucial to understanding the need for a profound remedy.
2. The Remedy
The remedy for spiritual death is found only in God's intervention, driven by His great love and mercy. Verses 4-7 introduce the pivotal phrase "But God," signifying that God acts to make us alive with Christ despite our dire state. This transformation is entirely a gift of grace, unearned and undeserved. The reason behind this gift is God's abundant, steadfast love. Because of His great covenant love, God is fully committed to making us fully alive in Christ. This love that calls us out of darkness and sustains us is a divine gift that could only be reversed if God ceased to love Christ, which is impossible! Keeping the playback loop in our hearts that God is fully committed to making us fully alive can transform our lives, driving out fear, anxiety, and the need for approval from others. It empowers us to trust in God's power and direct all our forces against the idea that sin no longer kills and we can’t earn His love.
3. The Result
Salvation by grace alone leads to a new purpose in life. In verses 8-10, Paul explains that we are created for good works, which God has prepared for us to walk in. We are described as God's workmanship (poiema), implying that our lives are unique works of art crafted by the ultimate artist. This identity as God's poiema, or poem, means that our good works are not efforts to earn God's favor but expressions of the new life and purpose we have been given. Just as Michelangelo's sculpture “David” is a testament not to David but to Michelangelo’s vision and skill, so our lives reflect God's creative power and love. This understanding infuses our actions with meaning and purpose, motivating us to live out the good works for which we were created.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
What does it mean to be "dead in trespasses and sins"? How can we see evidence of this in the world today? In your own life?
Why is it important to acknowledge the severity of our spiritual condition before we can understand the need for salvation? Do you struggle with the doctrine of “total depravity”? Why or why not?
What is the significance of the phrase "But God" in this passage? How does it change the narrative of our lives? Was there a moment in your life when the “breaker switch” clicked? Are there times now when you forget that the power is already turned on?
How does recognizing God's steadfast and abundant love help us combat fear, anxiety, and the need for others' approval? Where is a place in your life where the love of God speaks more powerfully and particularly to you?
How does the concept of being God's workmanship affect your understanding of your identity and purpose? What examples in our culture compete for claims upon your identity and purpose? How do we resist these for us and our children?
What are some examples of good works that you feel God has prepared for you to walk in? Be specific! Are there concerns, gifts, or abilities you have to contribute that you have leaned into or left off the table? Why or why not?