Saved by Faith, Formed by Following Ephesians 2:8–10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. You are saved by through faith. Ephesians 2:8–10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Grace is free, but it’s not . 9 Salvation is not a reward …we are God’s masterpiece...created …so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. “Effort is not the enemy of grace — earning is.” You are mainly formed through . Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Two Opposite Errors: #1: Legalism (Earning) “If I obey enough, God will accept me.” #2: Lethargy (Inaction) “Since I’m saved by grace, obedience doesn’t matter.” #3: Loftiness (Perfectionism) “Real Christians don’t struggle.” You aren’t saved by obedience . You aren’t formed without it. What Now? Reject “cultural Christianity”. Move from association to apprenticeship. Continuing the Conversation 1. In your own words, how would you explain the difference between being saved by faith and being formed through obedience—and why does that distinction matter? 2. Where in your life are you confidently trusting Jesus for salvation, but hesitating or resisting obedience in formation? 3. Do you tend to lean more toward earning God’s approval (legalism) or neglecting growth (passivity)? How does that show up in your habits? 4. What is one specific act of obedience you sense God inviting you into this week—not to earn His love, but to grow in it—and when will you take that step?