Summary: The thought of starting to dance with God can be intimidating. “I don’t know how to do it. I have no confidence in my abilities. This is going to be awkward and embarrassing,” we may think to ourselves. But God’s gracious love is big enough to wash over and fill all our weaknesses and insecurities.
Big Idea: Because of Jesus, we are saved by grace through faith for service.
Ice-breaker question: Describe a time when someone rescued you from a hopeless situation. What was that like for you?
Background: In chapter 1 of his letter to the Christian Church in Ephesus, Paul starts by praising God for all that He has done for us. Then he shares his prayerful concern for the believers in the Ephesian Church, glorifying God for what He has done and will do through His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul then turns his attention to the previous plight and the present blessedness of the Ephesian Christians.
Read: Ephesians 2:1-10
- What word or phrase does Paul use to describe the past condition of the Ephesian believers?
- What can there be for something that has died?
- In your own words, describe what living a “dead” life is like. Why does Paul consider such a life to be dead?
- Starting with verse 4, Paul begins communicating the Good News of how God changed the present and future condition of the Ephesians. What motivated God to rescue them (and us)?
- What did God do for the Ephesians (and for us)? How did God do that?
- A dead person is usually buried in the ground. What new status has God given us through Jesus?
- What do you think it means to be saved by grace?
- What do you think it means to be saved through faith?
- Verse 10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship. How is that Good News for us?
- What is one thing that you could do to be more intentional about stepping into the acts of service (good works) that God has prepared in advance for you to do?
This Bible Study focuses on the same passage as the sermon on Sep 30/18 from Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley BC.
Farewell to Shadowlands 