Ephesians 2:1-10

Relax, Read and Reflect (3R's)

Prayer Lord, Open my heart and open my mind and help me learn. G-F-W. Amen

Ephesians 2:1-10 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

Ephesians 2

Made Alive in Christ

1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Paul tells us that without grace, we are dead. For without grace, we live in sin and evil. In verse (2) he tells us that we are with Satan,(ruler of the kingdom of the air.) It was believed by Christians in those days that Satan lived in the area between the earth and the heavens, therefore he was the ruler of the air. Satan's spirit is at work in those who are disobedient. What does this mean?

This literally means those who are against Christ, and those that are not with him are against him. Christ has won a victory over Satan, so therefore Satan can only rule over his people temporarily. People sin, that is part of our nature. It is only by God's grace that we are able to rise above this and join Christ. Does this mean that only Christians are good?

No. There are others in this world that are moral, kind and law abiding. Without God's grace NO ONE is good enough to earn salvation. Combined with Christ's love we may become good in God's eyes.

There is more good news. In verses 4-7, Paul emphasizes that we do not have to live with sin. Jesus was resurrected to conquer sin and evil, and because of that we know we will be raised from the dead as well. This is because of God's kindness, and nothing else.

We should not ask how much we owe God for his grace. We need only to say "Thank you," and then live with praise and joy. Verse 10 explains that we are God's workmanship, his masterpiece. If God considers us to be that valuable, we should not think of ourselves-or others- as anything inferior.

Prayer-Thank you Lord, for saving me. I do not deserve it, but I will accept it. I want to follow you, and reject Satan. Protect me as I do your works. I see myself as you made me, a masterpiece. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.

Things to do today:

1. Read Ephesians 2:11-18

2. See God's workmanship in you

3. See God's workmanship in others