Live_2025-10-26_1115am.docx

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored Ephesians 2:1-10, focusing on the transformation that God brings to our lives through His grace. We began by looking at our past condition—spiritually dead, disobedient, and depraved—cut off from the source of life, much like a Christmas tree that looks alive but is actually dead. The sermon emphasized that our salvation is not something we can earn, inherit, or buy; it is a gift from God, made possible by His mercy and grace. Through Christ, we are not only made alive but are also given a new position: seated with Him in heavenly places, already citizens of heaven. Finally, we are God’s workmanship, created for good works, and our lives are meant to display the riches of His grace both now and for eternity.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Our Past: Spiritual Death and the Need for Grace Before Christ, we were spiritually dead—cut off from the true source of life, no matter how good or religious we appeared on the outside. Like a decorated but lifeless Christmas tree, our best efforts and good deeds could not change our true condition. This spiritual death was marked by walking in the ways of the world, under the influence of sin and Satan, and by a nature that was both disobedient and depraved. Recognizing the depth of our lostness is essential to understanding the magnitude of God’s grace.
• 2. The Power of “But God”: Mercy and Resurrection, Not Rehabilitation The turning point in our story is captured in the phrase “But God.” God’s intervention is not about self-improvement or turning over a new leaf; it is about resurrection—bringing the dead to life. His mercy withholds the judgment we deserve, and His grace gives us the righteousness of Christ, which we could never earn. This is not a gradual improvement but a miraculous transformation, rooted in God’s initiative and love.
• 3. Assurance Rooted in God’s Grip, Not Ours Our confidence in salvation does not rest on our ability to hold on to God, but on His unbreakable grip on us. Salvation is not a reward for good behavior, nor is it inherited from family or purchased with wealth. It is a rescue, a gift freely given by God’s grace through faith. This assurance allows us to live with the certainty that we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places, secure in His promise.
• 4. God’s Workmanship: Saved for a Purpose, Not Just from Sin We are not only saved from something (sin and death) but for something—good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. Our lives are God’s masterpiece, crafted to reflect His character and grace to the world. The evidence of our salvation is not in our efforts to earn God’s favor, but in the fruit that grows from a transformed life. We are called to live out our new identity, serving and loving others as an expression of God’s workmanship.
• 5. Living as Trophies of Grace—Now and Forever In eternity, God will display us as trophies of His grace, showing what His kindness and power have accomplished in our lives. But we don’t have to wait for heaven to live this out. Even now, our lives can be a testimony to the world of the change Jesus has made in us. The challenge is to live each day as a visible, living trophy of God’s grace, letting others see the riches of His kindness through us.

1. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, what was our spiritual condition before Christ? What words or images does Paul use to describe it?
2. In verses 4-6, what does God do for us, and what is the reason given for His actions?
3. Verse 8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” According to the passage, is salvation something we can earn or buy? What words in the text make this clear?
4. In verse 10, what does Paul say we are created for? How does he describe our new purpose?

1. The sermon compared our old life to a decorated Christmas tree that looks alive but is actually dead. What does this illustration reveal about the difference between outward appearance and true spiritual life?
2. The phrase “But God” is described as the turning point in our story. Why is God’s intervention described as resurrection rather than self-improvement or rehabilitation? What does this say about the depth of our need?
3. The pastor said our assurance is not based on our grip on God, but on His grip on us. How does this change the way someone might view their relationship with God, especially during times of doubt or failure?
4. The passage says we are God’s workmanship, created for good works. How does this challenge the idea that salvation is only about being saved from sin, rather than also being saved for a purpose?

1. The sermon said that before Christ, we were spiritually dead, even if we looked good on the outside. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to focus on “decoration” (outward appearance or good deeds) instead of real spiritual life? What would it look like to address this honestly?
2. The “But God” moment is about God stepping in when we could do nothing for ourselves. Can you think of a time in your life when you experienced God’s mercy or grace in a way you couldn’t have earned or deserved? How did that change you?
3. The pastor mentioned that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behavior, family background, or money. Are there ways you sometimes slip into thinking you have to earn God’s love or approval? How can you remind yourself of the truth of grace this week?
4. Ephesians 2:6 says we are already “seated with Christ in heavenly places.” How might this truth affect the way you handle challenges, temptations, or feelings of insecurity in your daily life?
5. The sermon said we are God’s workmanship, created for good works that God prepared in advance. What is one good work or act of service you feel God might be calling you to this week? How can you take a step toward it?
6. The idea of being a “trophy of grace” means our lives should show the world what God’s kindness and power can do. Is there a specific relationship or situation where you want to be more intentional about displaying God’s grace? What would that look like in practice?
7. The pastor challenged us not to wait for heaven to live as trophies of grace. What is one practical way you can let others see the change Jesus has made in your life—at home, at work, or in your community—this week?