STRONGER-Part 4-AFTER THE SERMON
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!
Sermon Title: I’m Not Who I Used To Be!
Main Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10
Other scripture mentioned: Galatains 5:16-17; Romans 5:12; 1 Timothy 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 2:14
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Check out this overview of the entire book, especially the first chapters of Ephesians to better understand the depth of Ephesians 1 Ephesians Overview
Summary:
How do you explain good news without explaining the bad? Paul sets out to remind the church of who they used to be, how bad it was, but how God changed everything through Jesus. Pastor Ryan broke down verses 1-3 to show us what it’s like to live life without Christ. In just two words, “But God,” everything changes! Pastor Ryan broke down how God changes everything in verses 4-10. We were lost but by the grace of God, we were saved when we believe. We can’t take credit for our salvation, it is a gift. We simply believe and accept this gift and that’s why we become a new person! The result of this amazing grace is a COMPLETE transformation. In verses 1-3 we are dead and helpless. By verse 10 we are alive, a new creation, and useful in God’s great plan to save the world! That is amazing!
Takeaways: This week we are including Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes!
Ephesians 2:1-3 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Without Christ:
Spiritually dead
Following the ways of this world
Under the influence and rule of Satan. “At work” in greek is (energeo) Literally means energize or energizing. To be without Christ is to be influenced, inspired, and even used by the devil.
Have a propensity to gratify cravings of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16-17: So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Subject to God’s wrath or by nature children of wrath. Romans 5:12: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned
Ephesians 2:4-6- But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
God’s love led to mercy on us!
We were dead, helpless, and deserving of judgment but God says we’re worth saving!
The shared life with Christ: 1) We are alive in Christ. 2) Raised up with Christ 3) and seated with Christ.
Ephesians 2:7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
We are like trophies or works of art displaying God’s amazing grace!
1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Salvation means deliverance. Salvation includes deliverance from sin, from the ways of the world, from the dominion or rule of satan, and from the wrath of God.
Salvation has three stages 1). The past, which is the finished work of Christ’s death on the cross. 2). The present reality for those are reconciled by faith to Christ and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. 3). The future stage, which occurs at the second coming of Christ, and includes the resurrection of our bodies.
We are God’s supreme demonstration of grace.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Titus 2:14 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
God restored us not only to display but also to express His grace to our world!
FOR THE BELIEVER:
I’M NOT WHO I USED TO BE!
I was dead BUT now I’m alive
I was guilty by nature BUT now I’m innocent by grace
I was the reason for God’s wrath BUT now I’m the reason for God’s love!
I was stuck in the pit of sin BUT now I’m raised and seated with Christ!
I was broken and useless BUT now I have purpose!
I was a mess BUT now I’m a masterpiece!
I was lost in this world BUT now I follow Christ!
FOR THE UNBELIEVER:
I’m too far gone, BUT GOD leaves the 99 for the one!
I’m too broken, BUT GOD makes all things new!
I’ve done too much, BUT GOD’s grace has done more!
I can’t let go, BUT GOD has more than you could ever imagine!
I’ve tried to change, BUT GOD does the changing!
I’m chained to my sin, BUT GOD sets the captive free!
I’ll mess it up, BUT GOD’s love doesn’t give up!
I have a BUT GOD for every lie that satan has said to you or for every fear that is stopping you from surrendering to the greatest love you will ever know!
Are you ready to be transformed?
If you are ready to experience salvation and be transformed we encourage you to say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I see who I am without Jesus. Thank you for saving me from my sin, my past, this world, and your judgment. I repent, I turn away from that life and I put my faith and life in Jesus! Amen!
We would love to know if you made the decision to accept this wonderful gift from God. Let us know!
Discussion:
What was one big takeaway for you from this message?
What something new you learned, today?
What scripture verse stuck out to you and why?
What did you sense the Holy Spirit was saying to you during this message?
If you feel comfortable would you share what God has saved you from?
What can we do for God, now that we know we are His masterpiece and created to do good works?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we are overwhelmed by what you have done for us. We would still be helpless without your mercy. Thank you for making us new and we will give you our lives to thank you! We pray this in Jesus name, Amen!
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!