Remember Who You Are
Last week, Pete spoke about one of those “church” words, grace. We throw it around without much thought, without considering what it means. Grace is the gifts that God gives, that we did not and can not earn. Today, we look at what that grace means for us, and how we should respond to that grace. To do this effectively, we need to remember who God is. Who the Father is, who the Son is and who the Holy Spirit is. When we understand these things, then we are saved by God’s grace and called and enabled to do good works, which God ordained for us before the universe existed.
Scripture
Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Bible Study Scripture
Through faith
Ephesians 2:8 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith
Last week spoke beautifully about grace. Now Paul mentions that by God’s grace we are saved through faith. What role does faith play in the salvation equation?
Romans 10:17 ESV So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Philippians 2:12 ESV Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
The gift
Ephesians 2:8 ESV …it is the gift of God
In verse 8, immediately after talking about grace, salvation, and faith, he says it is the gift of God. But which one is the gift, God’s grace, our salvation, or faith?
Romans 6:23 ESV For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 4:10 ESV Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Not Saved by Faith
Ephesians 2:8 ESV …it is the gift of God
God’s grace is what saves us. It’s not up to us. Our faith is what enables us to receive God’s grace, but it is not faith that saves us. Do you think there is a danger of us relying on the level of our faith to save / not save us?
Philippians 1:6 ESV And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Saved for Good Works
Ephesians 2:9 ESV …created in Christ Jesus for good works
Paul says that we were created in Christ for good works. Does this mean easy, fun, happy, or prosperous works? What is meant by good works?
Proverbs 3:27-28 ESV Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
Genesis 3:17-19 ESV And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Before the First Dawn
Ephesians 2:10 ESV …which God prepared beforehand
Paul briefly mentions that the works we are called to do, God prepared beforehand. He is referring to the fact that God created us for a purpose, which was decided before the world was even created. How does this knowledge impact the way we should live our lives?
Psalm 139:13-16 ESV For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
To Obey or Not to Obey
Ephesians 2:10 ESV …that we should walk in them
With the knowledge that God created us for good works and our belief and trust in God, we are compelled to walk in them… To obey God and live the life He has destined for us, not the lives He destined for others. Why do we not obey and what can we do about it?
Romans 3:23 ESV for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Remember Who You Are
1 Corinthians 11:24 ESV …and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
As part of this morning’s service, we took part in the Lord’s table. At the last supper, Jesus told His disciples to do these things in remembrance of me. Now that we have a clear understanding of God grace for good works, how will we remember Jesus?
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (9) What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.