Bible ReadingEphesians 2:1-101. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins”
[51:43]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—”
[51:49]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.”
[52:02]4. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,”
[52:36]5. “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”
[53:14]6. “and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”
[53:22]7. “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
[53:33]8. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”
[53:45]9. “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
[53:49]10. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
[53:54]1 Corinthians 11:23-2823. “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,”
[37:16]24. “and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
[41:07]25. “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
[42:45]26. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
[37:45]27. “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.”
[38:34]28. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
[38:50]John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
[52:52]Observation questions- In Ephesians 2:1-3, what descriptions does Paul give of humanity’s condition before being made alive in Christ? [54:12]
- What actions does God take in Ephesians 2:4-6, and what do those actions show about His mercy and love? [57:31]
- According to Ephesians 2:8-10, what is salvation called, what is it not based on, and what are believers created to do? [01:02:01]
- In 1 Corinthians 11:23-28, what do the bread and cup represent, and what does Paul ask believers to do before taking them? [38:28]
Interpretation questions- Paul says people were spiritually dead, not merely struggling or wounded. Why does that truth rule out the idea that a person can save himself by becoming a better version of himself? [54:26]
- What does the phrase “But God” reveal about who starts and accomplishes salvation? How does that shape the way a believer views his or her own redemption story? [56:53]
- If salvation is God’s gift and not a result of works, why does Paul immediately describe believers as God’s workmanship created for good works? What is the difference between working for salvation and working from salvation? [01:02:05]
- The Lord’s Supper proclaims Christ’s death until He comes. How does remembering both Christ’s sacrifice and His return give deeper meaning to this practice? [37:45]
Application questions- When you look honestly at your life before Christ—or at the areas where you still resist Him—which parts of Ephesians 2:1-3 help you see your need for God’s mercy more clearly? [55:57]
- The Lord’s Supper calls believers to examine themselves, confess sin, and turn from it. Is there a specific area of sin, bitterness, pride, or disobedience that you need to bring honestly before God this week? [39:12]
- Every redeemed person has a “but God” moment. How would you describe yours in a few simple sentences: What was your life like, how did God meet you, and what has He changed? [01:08:24]
- God is still at work through salvation, healing, restored relationships, faithful service, and changed lives. What story of God’s grace have you seen recently that could encourage someone who feels discouraged? [47:13]
- Today’s faithfulness makes more sense through yesterday’s grace. What present act of obedience—such as forgiving, serving, praying, welcoming someone, or sharing Christ—becomes more meaningful when you remember what God has done for you? [50:51]
- Ephesians 2 says believers are created for good works prepared by God. What is one good work or act of love that may be in front of you right now, not to earn God’s favor but as a response to His grace? [01:03:06]
- Your story can be a key God uses to help another person see freedom in Christ. Who is one person you could encourage this week by sharing what God has done in your life? [01:09:02]
