First Baptist Church of Cresson
Sunday Morning – May 2nd, 2004
Ephesians 2:1-10
Walking a Life Worthy of the Calling
“By Grace You Are Saved Through Faith”
I. INTRODUCTION
a. BKG: 10th book of NT. Church @ Ephesus / paul = prison.
b. Central Theme: Ephesians 4:1 - “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
c. Grace = defined as an unearned act of God
d. ILLUS: Finals –> God grades on the cross not a curve.
e. Recap Last Week: Paul’s prayers = Riches in Blessings from God. Build now=You Are Saved by GRACE -> READ
II. What We Were Without Grace - PAST (v. 1-3)
a. EXPLAIN ->
i. Rom. 6:23 – “Wages of sin is death.” ALL but =
ii. Read Ephesians 4:18
iii. Principle problem = Spiritually Dead (not lifestyles)
b. ILLUS -> EMS – Try to revive the dead. (Paramedics TLC)
c. APPLY -> Mac = “Spiritual Zombies” / dead in sin
III. What We Are With God’s Grace - PRESENT (v. 4-9)
a. EXPLAIN -> - (ploo•see•os) = unlimited measure
i. v.4 – John 15:13 – No greater love to lay down life.
ii. v.5 – Dead needs to be given life!
1. no longer dead – “newness of life” Rom. 6:4
iii. v.6-9 – Salv. response = faith = gift -> Phil. 1:29
b. ILLUS -> FAITH = pew sitting on. Drink, car, sleep.
i. Life is based on series of faith.
ii. Not church membership, baptism, confirmation, giving money, taking communion, 10 commands.
iii. ONLY part = exercise faith in what Christ has done.
IV. What We Will Be Because of God’s Grace FUTURE (v. 7 & 10)
a. EXPLAN- > no part in gaining salvation but,
i. Good works are a byproduct of salvation!
ii. John 15:8 – “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
iii. His work in us FIRST then our work in Him.
b. ILLUS ->SS class–why act God made you! Ain’t through
c. APPLY -> We are all works in progress through Grace and relationship. – Knowledge not enough – relationship!
V. CONCLUSION/PREVIEW/INVITATION – United in Christ 2:11-22
