Scripture - Ephesians 2:1-10
2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace p 1053 through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Sermon Points
God’s
Work – Bringing
from
(Ephesians 2:1-5)
• Exposition: Paul begins by reminding us of our former state—we were spiritually dead in our sins, but God, through His great love and mercy, made us alive in Christ. This transformation wasn’t superficial; it was a complete change from death to life.
• Application: Just as God worked intentionally to transform us, we are called to engage in works that bring transformation into the lives of others. This includes investing in discipleship, helping others grow spiritually, and creating environments where people can encounter the life-changing power of Christ.
• Reflection Question: Where in your life or community can you intentionally work to bring about transformation?
God’s
Work – Reconciling and Restoring from
(Ephesians 2:4-7)
• Exposition: Through His grace, God not only gave us life but restored us to a relationship with Him. He raised us up and seated us with Christ, fully reconciling us to Himself. His work is about making things whole again—restoring what sin has broken.
• Application: Our service should aim at restoring what is broken in the world—whether it’s broken relationships, broken systems, or broken hearts. This means being peacemakers, offering forgiveness, and working for justice and reconciliation in our homes, churches, and communities.
• Reflection Question: What broken areas in your life or around you is God calling you to help restore?
God’s
as the
–
by Grace to
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Exposition: Paul makes it clear that we are saved by grace, not by works, so that no one can boast. However, while we are not saved by good works, we are saved for good works. Grace is both the source of our salvation and the motivation for our service.
• Application: Just as God freely extended His grace to us, we are called to serve others from a posture of grace—motivated by love, not obligation. We serve not to earn approval but to reflect the grace we’ve received.
• Reflection Question: How can you serve others more intentionally out of a heart that reflects God’s grace?
Our
in Christ – Created for
Works
(Ephesians 2:10)
• Exposition: We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for good works that God prepared in advance for us. Our lives have a purpose, and that purpose is to live out the transformative and restorative work of God through intentional service.
• Application: We are not meant to live passively but actively walk in the good works God has prepared for us. This means serving with intentionality—seeking to make a real difference in the lives of others and pointing them to Christ.
• Reflection Question: What specific good works has God prepared for you to walk in today? How can you intentionally serve in a way that reflects His grace?
—Conclusion:
God’s work in us is the perfect model for how we are to serve others. His work is transformative, bringing life where there was death, and restorative, bringing healing and wholeness to what was broken. As we walk in the good works He has prepared for us, we reflect His grace to the world, living out our purpose in Christ.
Practical Application
Serve to Bring
and
in Others
Commentary:
God’s transformative work took us from being spiritually dead to alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). Similarly, our intentional service should aim to bring life and promote growth in others. Whether it’s through sharing the gospel, offering encouragement, or mentoring someone, we should serve in ways that foster spiritual, emotional, and personal growth.
Call to Action:
This week, identify one person you can intentionally pour into. It could be through prayer, encouragement, or simply walking alongside them in a challenging situation. Ask yourself, “How can I help this person grow closer to Christ?” Be deliberate in fostering life-giving conversations and actions.
Serve to
What is
Commentary:
God’s restorative work reconciled us to Himself and gave us a new identity (Ephesians 2:6-7). Restoration is at the heart of God’s mission, and He calls us to join Him in bringing wholeness to broken people, relationships, and communities. Whether it’s helping someone struggling emotionally or working to reconcile conflict, we are called to be agents of healing.
Call to Action:
This week, think about one area in your life or community where restoration is needed. It might be reaching out to someone you’ve had a strained relationship with or helping someone in need. Take one intentional step toward healing and reconciliation.
Serve with
and Intentionality
Commentary:
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, uniquely created for good works. Serving with purpose means recognizing that every good work we do has eternal significance. God has already prepared opportunities for us to serve—our job is to walk in them intentionally, knowing we are fulfilling our God-given purpose.
Call to Action:
At the start of each day this week, pray and ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to serve. Write down one intentional act of service you will commit to each day, whether big or small. At the end of the week, reflect on how serving intentionally impacted you and those around you.
Personal Notes
Devotionals
Monday: Remembering Who We Were Without Christ
Scripture: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world.” – Ephesians 2:1-2
Reflection:
Before Christ, we were spiritually dead, following the patterns of the world. Recognizing our past state helps us understand the depth of God’s grace and the transformation He brings. This awareness stirs gratitude and motivates us to live differently.
Practical Application Question:
How does remembering who you were before Christ deepen your gratitude for His grace?
Tuesday: Saved by Grace Through Faith
Scripture: “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection:
Salvation is entirely a gift from God. We cannot earn it or boast about it—it’s an act of His mercy and love. This truth frees us from striving for salvation and allows us to respond with humble worship and trust.
Practical Application Question:
In what ways can you thank God today for the gift of salvation, and how does this truth affect how you see yourself?
Wednesday: God’s Masterpiece
Scripture: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Reflection:
You are God’s masterpiece, uniquely designed for a purpose. He saved you by grace and created you to carry out good works that glorify Him. Every act of kindness, service, or love is part of fulfilling the purpose He has for you.
Practical Application Question:
What unique gifts or talents has God given you, and how can you use them this week to serve others?
Thursday: Living Out Our Faith
Scripture: “In which you previously walked according to the ways of this world.” – Ephesians 2:2
Reflection:
As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. This includes intentionally choosing actions that align with God’s will, serving others selflessly, and shining His light in a world that often walks in darkness.
Practical Application Question:
What intentional act of service or kindness can you do today to reflect Christ’s love to those around you?
Friday: Walking in Prepared Good Works
Scripture: “Which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Reflection:
God has already prepared opportunities for you to serve and make an impact. Walking in these good works isn’t about earning salvation but responding to it. Trust that He will guide you to the right opportunities as you remain willing and available.
Practical Application Question:
How can you open your heart to the opportunities God has prepared for you to serve and make a difference in the lives of others today?