Rescued to Rescue

Ephesians 2:1–10 NLT

1 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. 4 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. 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. 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. 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.

Opening Story

How do I struggle with this?

Many years ago in my teens, I don’t even remember my exact age. I remember being at youth summer camp and they were short staffed and didn’t have any life guards. They asked if anyone was certified and willing to help them out. I jumped at the chance. I was ready to look cool and watch the pretty girls. I MISSED THE POINT!

Question

How do we all struggle with this?

Many act just like the knuckle head teenager did when it comes to being saved. We want to look good and have the easy life as part of the club. A life guard is trained so he can save lives. A Christian is saved so that they can point others to being saved. We are rescued so that we can rescue.

Text

What does the Bible say about this?

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

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.

Let’s break down this verse.

“For we are God’s”

We belong to the Lord. “We are not our own” 1 Corinthians 6:19

“we are God’s” what? “masterpiece.”

We are God’s masterpiece. Work done with extraordinary skill. We are His work, His creation.

God could have created anything or anyone on that 6th day. He chose to create man and He said that it was very good.

The Greek word that is translated masterpiece here is where we get our English word for poem.

We are created new through and in Christ.

The previous verses explain that a little. I love new!

“ so we can do good things”

Good things for yourself?

We are Rescued to Rescue!

“he planned for us long ago.”

planned literally means - get ready beforehand

long ago - we were not created nor were His plans for us on a whim.

Application

What should you do about this?

Do good things that He planned for each of us!

Challenge

How can we all live this out together?

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