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EPHESIANS

CHAPTER 2  (ESV)

¹ And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³ among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. ⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

REFLECTION:

• Paul explained how all spiritual blessings given by God (ch 1) actually became reality to each believer. He contrasted what the believer was before regeneration with what he or she is after. All the glory for the change goes to God who provided salvation for people. God gave us life and called us to good works, that His grace might be displayed. We do not need to do good works to merit salvation.
• One of the best-known verses in the book of Ephesians is 2:8, “By grace you have been saved, through faith.”
• Focus on God’s graciousness to you in the past days, weeks and months. Allow yourself to experience the depth of His goodness. Respond to Him in prayer and praise.
• Sing “Amazing Grace” meditatively and continue conversation with God.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snare, we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far and Grace will lead us home

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.

PRAYER:

Consider how you have sinned against God today. This may become clearer if we think about how we have sinned against other people. If you can’t think of anything, ask our merciful God to show you (v. 4). Remember that you were made with a purpose and that you can only live that out fully through His grace. (v. 8-10). We can be thankful that we will certainly do so because He has already prepared the way (v. 10).

HYMN:

“Before the Throne of God Above” – www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHXFhJA4SY