Raising the Dead
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)
Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins.
You Were Dead
The wages of sin
Romans 6:23a
Romans 6:23a
For the wages of sin is death...
You Were Dead
The wages of sin
Romans 6:23a
Sin doomed your life
No hope
No intimacy with God
Eternal judgment
Ephesians 2:2 (NLT)
You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
The Way It Used to Be
Your life was not set apart
The world’s values were your values
Self centered
Your sin was not cleansed
You were subject to the devil himself
Living under the rule of deceit
Living a life of rebellion towards God
Ephesians 2:3 (NLT)
All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God’s anger just like everyone else.
We’ve All Been There
All have sinned
Romans 3:23
Romans 3:23 (NLT)
For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
We’ve All Been There
All have sinned
Romans 3:23
The old self
Guided by the passions and desires of an evil nature
Impure motives and standards
You were born with it
A sinful nature
Subject to God’s righteous anger
God detests sin
Sin cannot go unchecked
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, [5] that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!)
God’s Mercy Revealed
God’s abundant mercy
Fueled by his deep love for us
Not given out of obligation or eligibility
While you were dead
God broke the claim of sin upon your life
Raising Jesus from death to life
Death and hell were conquered
New life is now available to all
Only by the grace of God
Undeserved
Unearned
Ephesians 2:6 (NLT)
For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms—all because we are one with Christ Jesus.
One with Jesus
Raised to life with Christ
The old life is dead and gone
New life has begun
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!
One with Jesus
Raised to life with Christ
The old life is dead and gone
New life has begun
2 Corinthians 5:17
Seated with Christ
We have been given a place of honor
We are fellow heirs with Christ
Because we are one
Hope for eternity
Power for today
Ephesians 2:7 (NLT)
And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.
A Living Testimony
Your life bears witness to God’s saving grace
Transformed
Empowered
Are you letting others see God’s handiwork in you?
Words
Deeds
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
By His Grace
Salvation
Only by God’s grace
Unmerited
Only by God’s work
Accomplished on the cross of Christ
Not by our actions or our strength
Nothing to take pride in or boast about
God’s free gift
Given out of love
We should respond with gratitude, joy and praise
Ephesians 2:9 (NLT)
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
No Amount of Work Will Do
Salvation cannot be earned
Not by church attendance or religious practice
Not by neighborly goodness
Not by charitable kindness
Not by moral values
Understanding of salvation brings about humility
Recognition of our true condition
Recognition of the fullness of God’s love
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Saved to Serve
Your life is a masterpiece
God has uniquely created you
Gifts
Passions
Abilities
Experiences
God’s finest work is on display in your life
He has no practice pieces
The fruit of our salvation is our works
Proclaiming Christ
Word
Deed
Building up the body of Christ
Using our gifts
Serving together
You’ve Been Given New Life
Use it well!!!
**Powerpoint available on request
