Step by Step in Grace

Overview/Review:

• Chapters 1–3: What God has done
• Chapters 4–6: How we respond
• Who we are In Christ
• Paul’s prayer for us - open the eyes of our heart

Ephesians 2:1-10

• Why do I need a Savior?

The Bad News:

• Dead - in transgressions and sins (v. 1)
• Disobedient – following the ways of the world (v. 2)
• Matthew 7:13
• Proverbs 14:12
• Corrupted – driven by sinful desires (v. 3a)
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• Deserve Wrath (v. 3b)
• “It is because of God’s love that He is opposed to all that is evil.” - Alistair Begg

The Good News:

• “But God…” (v. 4) - God’s love and mercy change everything
• Alive with Christ (vv. 4–5)
• 1 Corinthians 15:55
• Romans 5:8
• Made Righteous / Raised Up (vv. 6–7)
• Given Grace – saved by grace through faith (vv. 8–9)
• Do Good Works (v. 10)

The Tension & Truth - vs. 8-10

• Salvation is not by works
• But we are saved for good works

“We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." - Tim Keller

Application

• We are more sinful than we realize
• Yet more loved than we ever imagined
• Matthew 11:28

Respond

• Receive or renew faith in Christ
• Walk in grace and purpose
• Take next steps (prayer, baptism, obedience, community)