From the desk of our Superitendent, Janice Hall|
Lesson Text: Ephesians 2: 1-10
OVERVIEW
Paul explains in this portion of the text, the relationship between the lack of obedience, salvation, and the grace of God. Paul wrote to believers who were made alive by God’s work. It is by God’s grace and mercy that He chooses to forgive. Christians are saved by the grace of God, and not by our own good deeds.
We were once among the sons of disobedience, proven by conduct. God’s motive of reconciliation is because of His great love, and rich mercy. God loved us even when we were dead in trespasses. God continues to show the riches of His grace to us. “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;”(vs.8)
The Apostle Paul insisted that those who God saves, that God expects us to imitate Jesus Christ. God’s grace is interested in making us moral, with a life of thankful obedience. Those who are saved, Gentile and Jew, are part of the same spiritual family. The ultimate example of God’s power is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Psalms 14:1-3; Ephesians 3: 1-12; Titus 3:1-7
David begins Psalms 14 with comments on the general state of humanity, and those who reject the existence of God and are described as fools.Rejecting or dismissing God’s existence is corrupt and leads to an evil life. A person who lacks spiritual wisdom, they are incapable of doing anything that pleases the Lord. David is clear in saying that without God, man cannot do any good because of the sinful nature.
The verses in Ephesians speak about the mystery of Christ revealed. Paul mentions himself, as a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles. The ‘mystery’ Paul spoke of was the Gentiles are now fellow family members of the church in Jesus through the gospel. God will reveal His wisdom by His work in the church, and will reveal it to principalities and powers.
In Titus 3, the verses describe that the Christian conduct is necessary in an evil world. They are reminded to live obedient and kind lives. They were to remember the work of God in the areas of gratitude, humility, kindness, and faith. Only salvation by grace through faith makes eternal life possible.
PRACTICL POINTS
(3)…God’s love has give us new lives in Christ
(5)…Through His grace,God has provided everything we need to believe and to be saved.
God’s mercy and grace is available to us, but there are times we have difficulty receiving it on a daily basis. When we do fall short, God desires for us to learn, grow and to draw closer to Him for direction and guidance. God’s grace is a free gift for all believers, and God gives us the strength to move forward! “ He has saved us and called us to a holy life..”( 2 Timothy 1:9).(NLT) Whatever season we are in, God’s grace is able to cover, lead, and guide us daily.
God’s mercy empowers us to move forward with purpose. God’s mercy allows us to trust in His direction and shift our perspective. God’s mercy and grace allows us to walk-in God’s victory and forgive ourselves. Yes, we can continue to press forward with courage, boldness, and His assurance of the free gift of God’s mercy and grace.
