Ephesians Day Two
Read verses 1-3. Also read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
-
Ephesians 2:1-3 makes it clear that apart from Jesus every person is a child of wrath, walking in sin and following the devil.
- Does this sound extreme to you? Of course it sounds extreme, those are God's rules. It is an absolute and I think we are afraid of having absolutes in our culture. Though it seems extreme when read, there is comfort in knowing that I am no longer a child of wrath, but a child of God. If there is no delineation between the two I think it would wash out the "value" or meaning of salvation.
- Does this change how you think about unbelievers – or believers? I am often puzzled by the differences, or lack thereof, between believers and non-believers. How a "good" person can be a non-believer, and how a miserable cuss can claim to be a believer. When you consider we all have the same origins I guess it makes a little more sense.
- Why or why not? Only in that I can point to scripture to show that I am just as sinful as my neighbor who mows his lawn or washes his car on the sabbath.
-
Verse 1 says “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked”. Notice the past tense. So be prepared to share the following things with our group:
-
When was the specific time when you first believed in Jesus? (And...do you think there needs to be a specific time in every believer’s life?) As a member of the CRC I made profession of faith in May of 1995. So that is my first public sharing of my beliefs... however it must have been before that that I believed. I don't feel that I need a specific time in my life because I've grown up in the church and in Christian schools and with a God-fearing family. Furthermore I've never worked more than a few weeks in a non God-fearing business. As a result I don't believe I've had that "moment" where it just clicked or a life event made me change my ways. I have plenty of growing, learning and relationship building to do in my faith, I'm just not sure I tie it nicely around a specific time or event.
-
How is your life different now that you believe in Jesus? I'd like to think I'm a good person and that I can discern good vs. evil and live my life in an honoring and glorifying way. However, sometimes I wonder if I don't discern the difference while making poor choices in the moment. I think I need to do a better job of actively living a life that honors and glorifies God.
-
Ephesians 2 Day One
1. Write down at least 3 things that stood out from reading chapter 2.
A. We all have lived in the ways of h world away from Christ.
B. through His grace we are saved, and He wants to share his riches with us.
C. Through Christ all people have access to the Father regardless of history or origin.
2. What does this chapter teach you about the Church?
While the earthly church can be fractured, arguing over hymns, traditions, or sacrament, His church is about being One in Him. Even then, as some today there were factions perhaps thinking they were the right way and others were going about it the wrong way or were unclean. Gods Grace and perfect plan make that a pointless exercise.
3. What does this chapter teach you about salvation?
It is not boastful, it is done by Gods Grace. It is freely available for our taking.
