Ephesians 2:4-10
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.—Ephesians 2:4-10
Today’s lesson covers some of the Bible’s most memorized and treasured verses. We learned last week that our sin separated us from God, and today, we read the powerful words “But God..!” Our lives have been redeemed, and our eternity is secure, but not for any reason of our own doing. Jesus did the work, and the valor belongs to Him alone.
Today’s lesson covers some of the Bible’s most memorized and treasured verses. We learned last week that our sin separated us from God, and today, we read the powerful words “But God..!” Our lives have been redeemed, and our eternity is secure, but not for any reason of our own doing. Jesus did the work, and the valor belongs to Him alone.
Discussion Questions
- What does the word “valor” mean to you? Has anyone close to you (perhaps a relative) lived a life of valor? Tell the group about them.
- Share two of your most significant observations.
- Share one application you plan to put into practice.
- God’s rescue of us is described with three main verbs in 2:4-6. How do these verbs further define our union “in Christ”? See also Romans 6:1-14
- Define the following keywords in this passage:
- “Works” - See Romans 4:1-5 and Titus 3:5.
- “Saved” - See 1 Timothy 1:15-16.
- “Faith” - See Ephesians 1:13.
Dig Deeper: Stolen Valor
The dictionary defines valor “from Latin valēre ‘to be of worth.’” It is most often used in the context of war or self-sacrificing heroism. Stolen valor is falsely claiming military service, rank, or awards. It can also include embellishing or exaggerating one’s military record. The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a crime to falsely claim military service or awards to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits.
It is easy to understand why stolen valor is wrong and despicable regarding men and women who sacrificed much in the armed services. Still, as we learned in today’s lesson, many Christians are guilty of stealing valor from Christ by portraying their righteousness as somehow earned by their own deeds.
Few people would falsely wear a military uniform filled with medals and pretend they had earned them. Why is it so much easier for Christians to glorify themselves rather than Christ?
Read 1 Timothy 1:5.
How is Paul’s instruction helpful in avoiding stolen valor?
How can we cultivate a genuine relationship with Christ that will lead to true holiness?
It is easy to understand why stolen valor is wrong and despicable regarding men and women who sacrificed much in the armed services. Still, as we learned in today’s lesson, many Christians are guilty of stealing valor from Christ by portraying their righteousness as somehow earned by their own deeds.
Few people would falsely wear a military uniform filled with medals and pretend they had earned them. Why is it so much easier for Christians to glorify themselves rather than Christ?
Read 1 Timothy 1:5.
How is Paul’s instruction helpful in avoiding stolen valor?
How can we cultivate a genuine relationship with Christ that will lead to true holiness?
Posted in Sermon Notes