By Grace through Faith

From Death to Life: The Marvel of Grace

Bible Passage: Eph 2:1–10

Summary: This passage explains the transformative power of God's grace, emphasizing that we were once spiritually dead in our sins but have been made alive through Christ's sacrifice. It highlights the contrast between our former state and the new life we receive through faith.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the depth of God’s grace and how it transforms every aspect of life. It encourages individuals to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, reminding them that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy, and urging them to share their stories of transformation with others.

Teaching: The essential teaching from this passage is that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, not by our own works. This truth empowers believers to live confidently in the freedom that Christ provides, recognizing their identity in Him as His masterpiece created for good works.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the grand narrative of Scripture, Christ is the pivotal figure who bridges the gap between humanity's broken state and God's redemptive plan. This passage illustrates how through Jesus' death and resurrection, believers are granted a new identity and purpose as they are reborn into eternal life.

Big Idea: God’s grace brings us from spiritual death to life, creating us anew in Christ for His glory and purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider delving into the historical context of the Ephesian church using your Logos library. Examine how Paul’s message of grace would have been received by both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Pay attention to any potential translation nuances in key phrases related to grace and works, as they may deepen your understanding of Paul’s argument.

INTRO

Throughout history, humanity has shown an alarming capability for depravity, from the brutal empires of the past to the systemic injustices present today. The fall of empires often begins with moral decay, as seen in the Roman Empire's eventual collapse. This decline serves as a poignant reminder that without God's guidance, society becomes lost in greed and hatred, emphasizing our need for divine intervention.

The Gospel is the ONLY way of salvation, the only thing that saves us from hell

1. Dead in Sin, Alive in Christ

Eph 2:1-3

You could begin by discussing the human condition without Christ, as described in these verses.

Emphasize that all are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, following worldly paths. Highlight the universal nature of this condition to underscore humanity's need for God's grace.

This point can lay the groundwork for exploring how only through Christ can we be brought from spiritual death to life.

v1.

DEAD in our trespasses. Those bound to sin, are doomed to death. If your master is sin. Then your master is darkness. You are in a bad standing with God.

Jewish literature

Ecclesiastes 9:5 ESV

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.

v2.

two factors of a life rooted in sin.

The influence of this world

The New Bible Commentary 1:15–2:10 Paul’s Report of His Thanksgiving and Prayer for His Readers Begins

the present fallen creation and the forces it generates in society, seen as standing in rebellion against God and in contrast to the ‘new age’ or ‘new creation’ awaited

b. the Influence of satan

The New Bible Commentary 1:15–2:10 Paul’s Report of His Thanksgiving and Prayer for His Readers Begins

as the ruler of the kingdom of the air. The air denoted the lower heavens, closest to the earth, and was often thought to be the abode of the evil spiritual beings. The idea of Satan being at work in those who are disobedient is found elsewhere in Jewish literature. For example in The Ascension of Isaiah he is said to have ‘rejoiced in Jerusalem because of Manasseh and strengthened him in his leading to apostasy and in the lawlessness which was spread abroad in Jerusalem’ (2:2–4; cf.

2. Mercy Manifest, Life Given

Eph 2:4-7

Grace is power. It does not instruct, it energizes; and what dead men need is energizing, such energizing as raises the dead.

Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield

Gods Rich mercy and great love even when we were dead HAS MADE US ALIVE.

The Gospel is the most powerful reality in the world. Th e Gospel is truth communicated with words.

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Perhaps use this section to contrast God's rich mercy and great love with our former plight. Explain how God, even when we were dead, made us alive with Christ, emphasizing that it is by grace we've been saved. These verses can be a powerful testimony to God's initiative in salvation, offering hope and a new identity in Him, urging believers to embrace their transformed lives.

The new identity in Christ is this. Every converted sinner is a saved sinner. Delivered FROM sin and wrath, Grace in the soul is a NEW life in the soul.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.

Jerry Bridges

3. Grace Gifts, Purposeful Works

Eph 2:8-10

A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough for the next six months or take sufficient air into his lungs at one time to sustain life for a week. We must draw upon God’s boundless store of grace from day to day, as we need it.

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist); Donald S. Whitney

Maybe conclude by focusing on the well-known declaration that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Stress the idea of being God's handiwork, created in Christ for good works. Encourage the congregation to live out their purpose, created anew in Christ, not only as recipients but as active participants in God's redemptive plan, sharing His grace and love with others.

It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end. So that when you and I come to lie upon our death beds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning. Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, it ends with grace. Grace, wondrous grace. By the grace of God I am what I am. Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)