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Takeaways
Spiritually dead. Now spiritually alive.
Paul encourages the Ephesians and us by reviewing the miraculous things God has done in them and will do through them and us!
v. 1 – We were dead in our sins, not connected to God and eternal life.
vv. 2-3—We followed the course of the world that was dead to God.
v. 4 – But God – rich in mercy fueled by great love,
v. 5 -made us alive! He drew us to Himself – by His glorious grace!
v. 6 – He seats us in a heavenly realm with us – this is not a spatial place but a spiritual one. As we experience life in a visible, physical realm, we also can experience a spiritual realm.
v. 7 – We experience immeasurable riches – this is not material riches but the miraculous experience of life with Him, where He guides us and involves us in what He is doing in the world.
v. 8-9 – This experience is because of, and through, His grace, NOT our good works. We don’t have to earn this favor!
v. 10—As His workmanship, we are invited and equipped to participate daily in the good works He has pre-determined for us to do. These could be as “small” as a kind word or “big” as a major mission project—they are all important and part of His plan to draw people to Himself and allow us to have a part in it all!
How intentional of God to prepare a life like this for us and not require us to be or do something to earn it. He makes a way for us to come alive and live freely and abundantly in Him.
God intends us to experience the same type of life Jesus did – in Him:
Invited
Dependent
Empowered
Prepared
Watchful
Effective
Alive!
For the praise of His glory.
Reflection Prompters / Suggested Homework
Read through the book of Ephesians this week and mark it on your bookmark.* We are encouraging you to read through the book 10 times during the 13-week series. You may also wish to review the additional texts used this week. We also suggest you read Act 19 for more context about what was happening in Ephesus then.
What does it mean to you personally to have been “spiritually dead” and now be made “spiritually alive” in Christ?
How have you experienced this transformation in your own life?
How do you see the evidence of God’s mercy and love shaping your everyday experiences and choices?
Have you experienced His grace at work recently?
In what ways do you currently experience the “heavenly realm” in your daily life?
What helps you stay aware of God’s spiritual presence amidst your physical surroundings?
Reflect on a time when you participated in one of the “good works” God prepared for you.
How did that experience affect you and those around you?
Which of the six aspects of Jesus’ life—Invited, Dependent, Empowered, Prepared, Watchful, Effective—do you feel God is inviting you to grow in most right now?
How might you respond to that invitation this week?
