The Book of Ephesians - Week 3

Ephesians 2:1-10

 

1. Opening

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• Begin with prayer, asking God to help everyone see the depth of His grace and the gift of salvation.

• Read Ephesians 2:1–10 aloud together.

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2. Context

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Paul continues his letter reminding believers who they once were without Christ and what God has done for them. This passage moves from death in sin to life in Christ by grace, emphasizing salvation as God’s gift, not our works.

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3. Key Sections

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A. Our Condition Without Christ (vv. 1–3)

• Spiritually dead in sins.

• Following the ways of the world and the enemy.

• Living according to sinful desires, deserving God’s wrath.

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B. God’s Intervention (vv. 4–7)

• “But God…”—rich in mercy and great love.

• Made us alive with Christ, raised and seated us with Him.

• Our salvation displays God’s grace for all ages to see.
   

C. Salvation by Grace (vv. 8–10)

• Salvation is a gift, received by faith—not earned by works.

• We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works He prepared for us.

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4. Discussion Questions​

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1. How does Paul describe our condition before Christ (vv. 1–3)? What does “dead in sin” mean?

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2. What words in verses 4–7 stand out to you about God’s character? How do they contrast with vv. 1–3?
 

3. What is the significance of being “made alive,” “raised,” and “seated with Christ”?

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4. According to vv. 8–9, how is salvation received? Why is it important that it is not by works?

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5. Verse 10 calls us God’s workmanship. What does that say about our identity and purpose?

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Personal Reflection

6. When you think about your life before knowing Christ, what stands out most to you about God’s grace?

7. Which part of “But God…” in verse 4 has been most real in your life—His mercy, His love, or His grace?

8. Do you ever struggle with trying to earn God’s favor instead of resting in His grace? What does this passage teach you about that struggle?

9. What good works do you sense God has prepared in advance for you to walk in (v. 10)?

10. How can this passage help you share the gospel more clearly with others?

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5. Application

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• Remember Your Story: Write down what your life was like before Christ and how God’s grace has transformed you. Be ready to share it with someone this week.

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• Rest in Grace: If you struggle with guilt or performance, memorize Ephesians 2:8–9 and remind yourself daily that salvation is a gift.

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• Walk in Purpose: Ask God to show you a specific “good work” He has prepared for you this week (encouraging someone, serving, giving, sharing the gospel).

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• Live Gratefully: Begin each day with a short prayer thanking God for His mercy, love, and grace.

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6. Closing Prayer

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• Thank God together for His gift of salvation and ask Him to empower you to walk in the good works He has prepared.