But God…(Acts 2:1-10)

Ephesians 2:1–10 ESV

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Big Idea:

We were dead, but God made us alive—and grace now defines our identity and purpose.

Outline:

1. Dead in Sin (vv. 1–3)

Not sick—dead

Following the world, the flesh, and the enemy

Key Line: You don’t need improvement—you need resurrection.

2. But God (vv. 4–5)

Rich in mercy

Great in love

Key Line: Your story doesn’t turn on your effort—it turns on God’s mercy.

3. Saved by Grace (vv. 6–9)

Not earned

Not deserved

Completely given

Key Line: Grace is not God helping you—it’s God rescuing you.

4. Created for Purpose (v. 10)

New identity

New direction

Key Line: Grace doesn’t just save you—it sends you.