Ephesians 2:1–10 - 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, 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 ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as 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 so that we would walk in them.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul teaches that all people start out spiritually dead because of sin, enslaved to worldly passions instead of pleasing God (vv. 1-3). But because God is merciful and loving, by His grace He chose to make us alive together with Christ, raising us from the dead to seat us at His right hand in heaven though we deserved wrath (vv. 4-7). Our salvation does not originate from our own effort but is His free gift through our faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross and is not based on our works. God then sets us free to walk in the good works He prepared for us, for we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness (vv. 8-10).
How can I apply Ephesians 2:1-10 to my life?
These verses powerfully remind us of the dramatic transformation made possible by faith in Christ. Before knowing Jesus, we were dead in our sins, enslaved to sinful passions, and destined for wrath. But God who is rich in mercy and full of compassion saved us by His grace. He made us alive together with Christ, raising us up to new life! For the believer, this passage contains amazing news of undeserved spiritual privileges now freely given to us. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Acknowledge Your Past Spiritual Death and Live in Gratitude for Your Salvation (vv. 1-3): Before knowing Jesus, all people start in spiritual death, following the passions of the flesh and the ruler of this world. We were once dead in our own trespasses and sins, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh, subject to God's wrath. But by His great love and mercy, God saves those who put their faith in Christ. He made us alive together with Him, raising us up to new life. Being rescued from condemnation and spiritual death should compel heartfelt praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of salvation. Do not take for granted what Jesus did to redeem you. Remember where Christ found you. You were dead, enslaved, and doomed apart from Him. Reflect on the miracle He performed in your heart to wash away your sins and transform your life. Consider specific areas where knowing Christ has changed you, delivering you from various temptations and bondages. Let thoughts of your helpless estate kindle profound gratitude and wholehearted devotion to the One who showed you such compassion. Praise Him for stepping into your spiritual graveyard and commanding you to come forth! (John 5:24, Romans 6:4-6, Colossians 2:13-14).
Food for thought: What sins did Jesus save you from? How has knowing Christ changed you?
2. Embrace God's Rich Mercy, Great Love, and Your New Position in Christ (vv. 4-7): It is incredible that God who is rich in mercy and great in love made us alive with Christ even while we were dead and rotting in the grave of our sin. When we deserved only wrath, by His grace He saved us, adopted us as His children, and lavished spiritual blessings upon us - the indwelling Holy Spirit, peace with God, the hope of spending eternity praising Christ in heaven, and so much more. He raised us up from spiritual death and seated us with Jesus in the heavenly places. This new exalted position compels us to highest reverence toward our God. Let your heart overflow with thankfulness for the undeserved privileges and riches He has freely poured upon you. Do not take for granted the compassion God has shown you. Walk worthy of your high calling in Christ, living as one raised with Him. Honor God with your life in humility and godly fear. Allow the realization that Almighty God loves and values you affect how you view yourself and treat others. Purpose to live as an adopted heir together with Christ, behaving as one greatly blessed (1 John 3:1, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Philippians 2:12-13).
Food for thought: What specific spiritual blessings are you most grateful God has given you? How should your new position in Christ impact how you live?
3. Let the Realization That Your Salvation is a Gift of God's Grace Compel You to Live Out Your Faith through Good Works (vv. 8-10): Your salvation originates not from your own effort, but is God’s free and undeserved gift given by grace alone through faith in Christ. Since no amount of law-keeping can justify you before God, boast only in the Lord’s sacrifice on your behalf. This radical truth should profoundly impact how you live. As one shown such mercy, your life is no longer your own but belongs to the Savior. You have been bought with a price. God created you anew in Christ Jesus specifically for good works which He prepared in advance for you to walk in. Having received such compassion, let it compel acts of righteousness, love, generosity, and compassion. Ask God to show you opportunities this week to honor Christ through serving others, meeting needs, and sharing your faith. Remember that sin no longer enslaves you - you have power through the Holy Spirit to live fully unto God. Allow gratitude for your freely given salvation to make you zealous for good deeds which glorify your Father in heaven (Romans 3:20-24, Galatians 5:1, Titus 2:11-14).
Food for thought: What good works do you think God has prepared for you to focus on this week? What specific actions can you take to honor Christ through generosity and serving others?
We must never forget or take for granted the absolutely amazing love displayed in the gospel! We were dead, rotting corpses doomed for eternal wrath. Yet God, who is rich in mercy and great in love, stepped into the graveyard of our sin and commanded our dead spirits to come alive in Christ! As those shown such compassion and freely given such spiritual riches - forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, access to the Father, membership in God's family - we should walk in deepest humility, overflowing gratitude, and highest reverence, honoring God with our whole lives. May the realization that He saved us by grace through faith alone when we deserved condemnation compel us toward righteous living and selfless good works for His glory.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me an overflowing heart of praise and thankfulness for the great mercy and love You showed by saving me while I was still a sinner. Help me walk worthy of my position in Christ with deepest reverence and awe. Lead me in the good works You have prepared for me, giving me opportunity to serve and generosity to meet the needs of others. Remind me that my life is Yours. I want to live fully unto Your glory. Grow humility and compassion in me as I remember the spiritual blessings lavished on me. Give me grace to share with others the glorious gospel that raised me from death to life. Use me to point lost souls to place their faith in Christ’s finished work.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “ 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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