Transformed by Grace: Embracing Our New Identity
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound transformation that occurs in the life of a believer, from past to present, and into the future. I began by reflecting on the past, reminding us that before Christ, we were dead in our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world and under the influence of the prince of the power of the air – the devil. This was our identity: lifeless, ensnared by our own lusts and passions, and by nature children of wrath.
But then, I shared the glorious truth of our present state: "But God," rich in mercy and love, made us alive together with Christ. By grace, we have been saved. This salvation is not something we earned or deserved; it is a gift from God, preventing any boasting on our part. We are now seated with Christ in the heavenly places, a testament to the immeasurable riches of His grace and kindness.
I emphasized that our salvation is not the end of the story. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. These works are not an afterthought but a part of God's divine plan for our lives. They are the natural outpouring of a life transformed by grace, and we should walk in them.
I challenged us to consider whether we are willing to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, regardless of the cost or sacrifice. I drew parallels to Jesus' obedience, even unto death on the cross, and asked if we are prepared to follow Him without setting limits on our obedience.
As we approach Easter, I encouraged us to keep Jesus and the cross at the forefront of our minds, remembering our past, recognizing our present, and eagerly anticipating our future in doing God's work.
Key Takeaways:
- Our past identity was one of death in sin, but through Christ's sacrifice, we have been given a new life. This transformation is not based on our merit but on God's mercy and grace. As believers, we must never forget where we came from, lest we fall into complacency or repeat past mistakes. [49:33]
- Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our works. This humbling truth should keep us from pride and self-righteousness, reminding us that our standing before God is solely because of His grace through Jesus Christ. [51:22]
- We are God's workmanship, created for good works. These works are not optional but are the very purpose for which we were saved. They are not to earn salvation but to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [55:34]
- Obedience to God's calling may come with a cost, but it is a path we must walk as followers of Christ. Just as Jesus was obedient to the point of death, we too must be willing to follow God's will for our lives, no matter the sacrifice. [01:02:07]
- The future of the church and every believer is to be the hands and feet of God in this world. We must decide daily whether to walk in the good works prepared for us or to shy away due to fear or discomfort. Our commitment to Christ should be without reservation. [01:06:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
> "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 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—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. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was our state before Christ according to Ephesians 2:1-3?
2. How does Paul describe the transformation that occurs through Christ in Ephesians 2:4-6?
3. What is the significance of the phrase "But God" in Ephesians 2:4? ([50:30])
4. According to Ephesians 2:10, what are we created for, and how does this relate to our salvation?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to remember our past state before Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:1-3? How does this memory impact our current faith and actions? ([46:05])
2. How does understanding that salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) influence our attitude towards good works and boasting? ([51:22])
3. What does it mean to be "God's workmanship" and how should this identity shape our daily lives and decisions? ([56:12])
4. How can we reconcile the idea of good works being prepared beforehand by God with our free will to choose to walk in them or not? ([01:00:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your life before you accepted Christ. How does remembering your past help you stay humble and grateful for God's grace? ([46:05])
2. In what ways can you remind yourself daily that your salvation is a gift and not something you earned? How does this perspective change your interactions with others? ([51:22])
3. Identify one "good work" that you believe God has prepared for you. What steps can you take this week to walk in that work, even if it requires sacrifice or discomfort? ([01:00:36])
4. Jesus was obedient to the point of death on the cross. Are there areas in your life where you are setting limits on your obedience to God? How can you remove those limits? ([01:02:07])
5. As we approach Easter, how can you keep Jesus and the cross at the forefront of your mind? What specific actions can you take to focus on His sacrifice and resurrection? ([01:15:49])
6. Discuss a time when you felt God calling you to do something difficult. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience about obedience and trust in God? ([01:06:11])
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to walk in the good works God has prepared for them? What practical steps can you take to build each other up in faith and action? ([01:09:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Life Beyond Our Past
Before encountering Christ, one's life was marked by spiritual death, ensnared in the trappings of sin and under the sway of dark powers. This state of existence was devoid of true life and purpose, characterized by a relentless pursuit of selfish desires and a destiny aligned with wrath. Yet, this bleak portrait of the past serves as a stark contrast to the vibrant life that has been bestowed upon those who have come to faith. The transformation is radical and complete, a passage from death to life, where the old self is laid to rest, and a new creation emerges. This new identity is not self-fashioned but divinely granted, a testament to the profound mercy and grace that flows from the heart of God. It is a gift that redefines one's essence and trajectory, setting the stage for a future filled with hope and divine purpose. [07:40]
Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV): "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 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—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."
Reflection: How does remembering your life before Christ shape your understanding of His work in you now?
Day 2: The Humility of Grace
Salvation is a divine gift, not a reward for human effort. This fundamental truth humbles the heart and eradicates any notion of spiritual entitlement. It is a reminder that one's standing before God is not based on personal merit but solely on the grace that is extended through Jesus Christ. This grace is a reflection of God's character—His love, mercy, and kindness—and it is lavishly poured out upon those who believe. The gift of salvation is meant to inspire gratitude and a posture of humility, ensuring that pride and self-righteousness find no foothold in the believer's heart. It is a call to live in constant recognition of the source of one's redemption and to extend that same grace to others. [08:40]
Titus 3:5-7 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and grace to others as a reflection of what God has done for you?
Day 3: Created for Purposeful Action
Believers are not only saved from something but also for something. As God's workmanship, they are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which are an integral part of their new identity and calling. These good works are not an afterthought but a preordained path, intricately woven into the fabric of God's redemptive plan. They are the tangible expressions of a life transformed by the gospel, a life that now seeks to align with God's will and purposes. Walking in these good works is not about earning favor but about fulfilling one's divine destiny, showcasing the transformative power of grace in every action and interaction. [09:34]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What good work has God placed on your heart recently, and how can you take the first step towards fulfilling it today?
Day 4: The Cost of Obedience
True discipleship demands a willingness to embrace the cost of obedience. Just as Jesus exemplified ultimate obedience through His sacrifice on the cross, believers are called to follow in His footsteps, without setting limits on their commitment. This path may lead through trials and sacrifices, yet it is the road to true spiritual maturity and deeper fellowship with Christ. Obedience is not a burdensome duty but a joyful surrender to the One who gave everything. It is an invitation to trust God's wisdom and goodness, even when the way forward is marked by uncertainty or pain. [10:07]
Philippians 2:8 (ESV): "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God's call due to fear or discomfort? How can you begin to surrender this to Him?
Day 5: Hands and Feet of the Future
The future of the church and every believer lies in being active participants in God's redemptive work in the world. This calling is not a passive one; it requires a daily decision to engage with the opportunities God has prepared. It is about being the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others, and spreading the gospel through word and deed. This commitment to Christ is meant to be wholehearted and without reservation, a reflection of the transformative impact of the cross and the resurrection. As the body of Christ, believers are to embody the hope and love of the gospel, making a tangible difference in the world around them. [11:11]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What is one way you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community this week?
Quotes
"But God, in your mercy and your grace, you saved us. And now you've prepared good works that we should walk in them." [01:15:49] ()
"God, we pray that you would take Satan in the devil out of this service out of this place. God don't give him room to get into a heart, a mind, a soul, a spirit anything." [24:25] ()
"Whatever God has called you to, he will equip you for, and he will walk with you through it no matter what it is." [01:08:27] ()
"We were enemies of God, now we're children of God, and we're gonna be the hands and feet of God." [01:10:38] ()
"God has designed them for us. But there's a little word right there before walk, see that word begins with an 's' ends with a 'd', should. A lot of weight in that word." [59:46] ()
"God loved you so much that he sent his son to die for you, for mercy and grace to be credited to your account." [55:34] ()
"We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [57:39] ()
"Jesus shattered that grip he made a way home for you, for me, for every believer from the church at Ephesus to now and into the future." [53:36] ()
"Remember what you were, remember the way you lived, you were part of that group, the sons of disobedience led by the devil." [49:11] ()
"But God who is rich in mercy because of his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." [51:22] ()
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