“Playing Opossum” Unpacking Ephesians 2:1-10: A) Our Former Condition: Dead in Our Sin (vv. 1–3) Paul tells us that three powerful forces shaped our lives. The World The Devil The Flesh B) God’s Merciful Intervention: “But God…” (vv. 4–7) God’s Motivation God’s Miracle God’s New Position for Us God’s Ultimate Purpose C) Saved by Grace Alone (vv. 8–10) LifeGroup Discussion Questions: 1) Paul describes our life apart from Christ as being “dead in trespasses and sins.” How is this different from how people today typically describe spiritual struggle (e.g. “broken,” “searching,” or “needing improvement”)? 2) Paul identifies three forces that shaped our former way of life: the world, the devil, and the flesh. Which of these do you think is most subtle or dangerous in our current cultural context? Can you identify ways these influences still try to pull believers back into old patterns of thinking or living? 3) The sermon highlights “But God” as the hinge on which the entire passage turns. Why is it important that God acted while we were still dead, rather than after we showed improvement? How does this challenge common ideas about earning God’s approval or “cleaning ourselves up” first? 4) Paul insists that salvation is a gift, leaving no room for boasting. Why do you think people - even Christians - still struggle to fully accept grace without adding performance or merit? How does truly believing salvation is a gift change the way we view failure, guilt, or comparison with others?