Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Ephesians 2:1-10

Justice is getting what we deserve.  Mercy is not getting what we deserve.  But grace is getting what we DO NOT DESERVE.  It is unmerited favor.  In scripture it is God’s loving salvation offered to us while we were dead in our trespasses (v. 5).  Twice our text says, “by grace you have been saved.”

God is full of grace.

The problem with spiritual death is that we don’t know we’re dead until we come alive. Also, the spiritually dead often look alive by worldly standards.  A dead person can have a fit body, sharp intellect and compelling personality. Still, the first three verses tell us we are dead in our sins, slaves to Satan, and under the wrath of God. 

Into that dismal situation, the words, “but God” appear in verse 4.  We see that God is rich in mercy and loves us.  He sent his Son to die on the cross then rise to new life so we could be saved. In the past tense, verses 5-6 tell us that we have been made alive with Christ, raised with him and seated with him in the heavenly places.   All of this was the work of God, so there is no ground for boasting in ourselves.  The way to come alive is receiving this gift through faith (v.8).   A sinner’s prayer should include these elements:  A: Admit you’re sinful.  B. Believe in Jesus’ death on the cross for your salvation.  C: Count the cost of giving him lordship.  D: Decide to live for Jesus. 

For those who are alive in Christ, worship with all your might.  Find the works God has prepared for you (v.10).  And serve as an instrument to awaken the dead by extending grace and good news to all people.

Taking It Home: Pull up the first two verses of the hymn “Amazing Grace.”  In what ways do these words reflect your own life?