Ephesians 2:1-10

[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [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—[3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—[6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1. How does the Parable of the Prodigal Son draw us to Ephesians 2:1-10? What role has this passage played in your life? 2. What is the big idea of vv. 1-3, and how does Paul break this condition down into several parts/aspects? What did this look like for you prior to Christ? 3. Why are the opening words of v. 4 so significant? How does Paul go on to describe God’s attitude and actions towards us? 4. What is the purpose of God’s gracious salvation according to v. 7? How does the language magnify the extent of God’s love for his people? 5. How are vv. 8-9 logically/grammatically related to v. 7? How does this salvation remove all grounds for boasting? 6. What does Paul say about good works? What errors are corrected by vv. 8-10? 7. How does this passage deepen your love for the Lord and desire to serve him? How does it humble you and make you thankful?

References: Luke 15:24; Romans 6:4; Galatians 1:4; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Romans 1:29-31; Ephesians 4:22; Isaiah 53:6; Ephesians 1:4-6; Romans 5:8, 10; Colossians 3:1-4.