Ephesians 2:1-10
Q.1. How bad was the condition and destiny of man before God sent His Son? Who was our master formerly? Why do some people find it hard to accept that they are under God’s wrath? – (Eph.2:1-3)
Paul left the Ephesians in no doubt about the terrible plight that they and all humanity were in – … you were dead in your trespasses and sins … by nature children of wrath (Eph.2:1 & 3). This was so because – you formerly walked according to the spirit of the age, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (Eph.2:2). In fact – we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind … (Eph.2:3). We were children of the Devil who dominates the airwaves and technology (Eph.2:2 c.f. Jn.8:44). It is hard for some to understand that they are dead because they feel very much alive.
Q.2. What changed the outlook for the child of God? What language did Paul use to describe the transformation? For what purpose did God step in? – (Eph.2:4-7)
Our plight was changed by the heart of God … because of His great love that has expressed itself by rich mercy (Eph.2:4). His love and mercy brought about a massive transformation. Even though – we were dead in our transgressions, He made us alive together with Christ (Eph.2:5). Our salvation came about by God’s amazing grace (Eph.2:5). Our future is guaranteed because we are identified with Christ in His ascended triumph, which means we are – raised up and seated with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus (Eph.2:6). The unsaved take offence at the exclusiveness of the Gospel. However, believers love the fact that their inclusion in God’s family gives testimony to the gracious nature of God – so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Eph.2:7 c.f. Eph.1:9-10; 3:9-11). We were created for God, and most of all, to bring Him the glory due to His name (Rom.11:33 & 36).
Q.3. What is God’s plan in the ‘here-and-now’, and for the future? How can both grace and faith be involved in our salvation? What part does works play in salvation and servanthood? – (Eph.2:7-10)
God is a giving God. Without His gracious offer of salvation, we would be lost and could not have had the opportunity to express our faith in the Saviour (Eph.2:8). Paul is clear that we can add nothing to our own salvation … that it is entirely a gift from a kind God (Eph.2:9 c.f. Ps.49:8-9; 1 Pet.1:18-19). Nevertheless, though we are saved entirely by the merits of Jesus Christ, those who are truly saved will want to express their gratitude in the way that they live. Not only does God desire to showcase His generous nature to Heaven’s hosts for eternity, but in the here and now, He has made each of us a unique story (Greek: poiēma) of His grace.