Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” Discovering Our True Identity In Christ 1. In Christ We Are Chosen by God 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:1-4 (NIV) But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:24-27 (NLT2) 2. In Christ We Are Adopted In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will– 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30 (NIV) 3. In Christ We Are Forgiven 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 (NLT2) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV) Remember Verses Are You Ready To Embrace Your True Identity In Christ? My Next Right Steps I will: Start the Ephesians Grace Journal Extend Grace to someone this week Join a small group Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Open in Prayer. Begin with a prayer, asking God to open your hearts and minds to understand and apply the truths from Ephesians 1:1-8. Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” Icebreaker: Think about being chosen first for a team because of the captain’s love for you. How does this analogy help you understand God’s choice of us? Embracing Our Identity in Christ 1. In Christ We Are Chosen by God Scripture Reading: Read Ephesians 1:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 1:24-27 What does it mean to you that God chose you before the creation of the world? How does this truth affect your sense of identity and self-worth? Life Application New Testament Commentary. 1:4 That God chose us forms the basis of the doctrine of election—defined as God’s choice of an individual or group for a specific purpose or destiny. The doctrine of election teaches that we are saved only because of God’s grace and mercy; as believers we are not saved by our own merit. It focuses on God’s purpose or will (1:5, 9, 11), not on ours. God does not save us because we deserve it but because he graciously and freely gives salvation. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; he saved us according to his plan. Thus, we may not take credit for our salvation or take pride in our wise choice. 2: In Christ We Are Adopted Scripture Reading: Read Ephesians 1:5-6 and Romans 8:29-30 The concept of adoption into God’s family is a central theme in Ephesians. How does understanding our adoption as children of God change the way we relate to Him and to others in the church community? How does it influence our daily walk as believers? 3: In Christ We Are Forgiven Scripture Reading: Read Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 Peter 1:18-19 and Romans 5:20. How can you embrace the freedom and forgiveness Christ has provided? What does it mean that God’s grace is lavished upon us? How have you seen God’s abundant grace at work in your life? Consider the analogy of a waterfall pouring out an endless supply of water. How does this help you visualize the abundance of God’s grace? In what ways can you extend grace to others as God has extended grace to you? Reflect on the three points discussed: being chosen by God, being adopted by God, and being forgiven in Christ. Which of these resonates most with you and why? Close in Prayer.