Ephesians 2:8-10

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Great Evangelical Summary of the New Testament

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Believers are saved by grace alone.
    a. Good works are not the root of salvation.
    b. Good works are the fruit of salvation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, we are God’s masterpiece.

QUESTIONS

  1. Review and outline the first seven verses of Ephesians 2.

  2. What is the three-fold enemy of the Christian?

  3. How does the devil appeal to our fallen sinful natures?

  4. What is the good news of Ephesians 2:8-10?

  5. “…it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8). What is the “it”?

ANSWERS

  1. Mankind is in a totally helpless condition before salvation: a. dead in trespasses and sins b. following the world’s system of values and attitudes c. following the enemy, the devil d. following our sinful natures, the flesh.

  2. The world, the flesh and the devil.

  3. By using his satanic world system of values to appeal to our fallen sinful natures.

  4. God in His grace rescued us and made us alive in Christ.

  5. The “it” refers to God’s whole package of salvation.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss why is it difficult for some people to understand that you can’t mix human works with God’s grace, no matter how good the works are. God’s grace is not sprinkled with good works. See Titus 3:5.

  2. How would you explain to someone that good works follow salvation? (They are not the root but the fruit of salvation). What does James 2 say about good works?

  3. What is God’s plan for your life? How can you know and follow His plan?

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you believe that you are God’s masterpiece? Are you living accordingly?

KEY VERSES

  • “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10



Ephesians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsEphesians 2:8-10