Studies in Ephesians

1. By Grace You Have Been Saved! Studies in Ephesians Ephesians 2:4-10

2. Ephesians 2:1-3 • We were dead in trespasses • Sins, walking according to the course of this world • Sons of disobedience • By nature, children of wrath

3. Our last lesson (4-7) • A God of mercy, love and kindness • We were made alive in Christ • “By grace you have been saved” (vs. 5) • Grace is God’s part – He does what we cannot do • Not just alive, but raised up together, sitting in heavenly places

4. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Grace – God’s part (summarizing our context) • Up to this point, Paul has not dealt with anything we do to receive the gift of God’s grace – salvation.

5. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – Paul appeals to man’s part in his salvation. • Faith – trusting God (not merely trusting in God) and believing God (not merely believing in God)

6. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • Belief means we will obey! John 14:15, 1 John 5:1-3

7. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” “Believes” πιστεύω (pisteuo) “Does not believe” ἀπειθέω (apeitheo) does not obey! • Obedience is tied to belief! ἀπειθέω, “Unbelieving”Hebrews 11:31Acts 19:9, 14:2 Always in a context of rejection and rebellion

8. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • “And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” • Salvation is not and CANNOT be earned! It is a gift.Luke 17:10 • But you must accept it (by faith)

9. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • “not of works, lest anyone should boast” • This is WHY we cannot earn our salvation – lest we brag! • That implies a certain TYPE of works.

10. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • How does this apply to baptism? Isn’t baptism a work? • Yes, but not meritorious. • It is a work in the same way faith is a work – 1 Thess. 1:3, 2 Thess. 1:11, James 2:14-18

11. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • Belief is a work – John 6:28-29 • Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who sent Me.” • If Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches no type of work is involved in our salvation, then belief is not necessary according to Jesus

12. Saved by grace through faith(8-9) • Faith – man’s part. • Baptism is a work of faith! • Colossians 2:11-12, raised with Him through faith in the working of God. • 1 Peter 3:21, “not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God” • Baptism is about believing God and His promises

13. We are His workmanship (10) • First, He created us! Psa. 100:3, Gen. 1:26 • Our salvation is His work! “Chosen”, “predestined”, “redeemed”, “holy”, “adopted”, etc. (That is why we emphasize His grace)Col. 2:12, Eph. 4:24

14. We are His workmanship (10) • Created in Christ Jesus for good works – our faith is NOT about mere mental assent! • Our lives must be changed!James 2:14-24

15. We are His workmanship (10) • Which God prepared before hand • We must be busyTitus 2:14, 3:1, 8, 14John 15:1-8 • God tells us what to do! “prepared beforehand”,do we need to follow His instructions???2 Tim. 3:16,17, Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46

16. We are His workmanship (10) • that we should walk in them. • Our “walk” is about how we live and act Eph. 4:1 - worthy; Eph. 5:2 – in love, Eph. 5:8 – children of light, etc.

17. We are His workmanship (10) • Condemnation awaits those who do not obey the gospel1 Peter 4:17, Romans 2:8-9, Heb. 3:18-19ἀπειθέω (apeitheo) disobey!

18. God’s grace can make us alive in Him Have you responded to His grace?