Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” How Do You Go From Death to Life? 1. Admit You Were Spiritually Dead 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in 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. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV) “What shall we conclude then? [as Jews] Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Romans 3:9-11 (NIV) 2. Accept Salvation Is Only Through God’s Grace 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV) 8 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. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) Remember Verse But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 (NIV) 3. Embrace Good Works With Gratitude 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 2:10 (NIV) Remember Verse 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17 (NIV) Will you begin your new life in Christ? My Next Right Step: Admit You Were Spiritually Dead Accept Salvation Is Only Through God’s Grace Embrace Good Works With Gratitude 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 With Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to the truths of Ephesians 2:1-10 and to guide the discussion. Icebreaker: Share a moment when you experienced an unexpected act of grace or kindness. How did it impact you? How Do You Go From Death to Life? 1. Admit You Were Spiritually Dead Read Ephesians 2:1-3 How does Paul describe us before we knew Jesus? What does transgression mean? What is the consequence of following one’s desires and passions? Read Romans 3:9-11 Do you agree or disagree with this passage? Why or why not? 2. Accept Salvation Is Only Through God’s Grace Read Ephesians 2:4-5 What does it mean to you that God has made us alive with Christ? How has this transformation impacted your life? Share your personal story of how you came to understand God’s grace and how it has changed you. Read Romans 5:8 How did God demonstrate His love for us? Read Ephesians 2:6-9 How do you understand the concept of grace as a gift? How does understanding this affect your relationship with God? Read Titus 3:4-7 Why did God save us? What is the Holy Spirit’s role? 3. Embrace Good Works With Gratitude Read Ephesians 2:10 How can you help someone who struggles with feeling unworthy of God’s grace? Share practical ways to encourage them. What good works do you feel God has prepared for you? How have you seen this purpose unfold in your life? Read James 2:17 Discuss the balance between faith and works in your life. How do you ensure that your actions reflect your faith without relying on them for salvation? Identify one specific good work you can engage in this week. How will you take the first step to act on it? Discuss how living out your faith through good works can impact your community. What role can the group play in this collective effort? Close in prayer: