Ephesians 2.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Greear: If we think we can be good enough to earn God’s approval - we reject God’s testimony about the indispensability of Jesus…

Profound & Practical ~ Ephesians 2.8-10

Discussion Questions: 

• Share something (big if possible) you were given as a gift. How did you feel about the person who gave you the gift? How did it make you feel to receive the gift? Did you struggle to accept the gift?
• Discuss the biblical definition of grace. (look it up if you need to.)
• Considering what the word grace actually means, why is it a mistake to try to earn grace?
• Do you think that some people try to earn God’s grace anyway? Please explain your answer.
• What does verse 8 specifically say about our personal effort in our salvation?
• Why do you think the Bible makes this clear at this point?
• Verse 9 adds that our salvation is not a result of works. What are some “works” that people try to do in order to earn salvation, even if they don’t see it that way?
• How do Ephesians 2.8-9 remind us that we should not be ashamed of the gospel in the world today?
• Though we cannot earn salvation, what does verse 10 say is the result of salvation in our lives?
• What does it mean to you that you are his workmanship (poem, handiwork, masterpiece)?

Ephesians 2.4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— 

Profound & Practical ~ Ephesians 2.1-7

Discussion Questions: 

• Share a time when things looked bad, but unexpectedly turned around for good.
• As silly as it sounds, discuss the difference between a dead goldfish & a living goldfish.
• The Bible describes us all, in the past, as also being dead in sins. Discuss how this spiritual death is somewhat similar to our dead goldfish.
• How would someone dead in trespasses and sins behave?
• According to verse 2, whose influence do unbelievers actually live under?
• What evidence have you noticed that this is true?
• According to verse 3, if we simply do what comes naturally, where will that take us?
• How did things unexpectedly turn around in verse 4? Who is responsible for this turnaround?
• What two characteristics of God make all the difference in verse 4?
• Do you think these characteristics are in short supply? Please explain your answer.
• What incredible work does God do on our behalf in verse 5?
• What two other amazing things does God do for us in verse 6?
• Discuss together the significance of these three miraculous works of God in 5-6.
• According to verse 7 why did God do this?
• As usual Paul piles on the truth in this long seven verse sentence. What is the most profound thing you found in these verses? What is the most practical thing you found in this long sentence?