Lesson 3
BY GRACE WE HAVE BEEN SAVED
Ephesians 2:1-10
Key Verses: 2:8-9
1. What characterized the Gentiles’ past lives? (1-2) What does “you were dead” mean? (1,5) Who was the ruler of their past life? How did Paul describe the lifestyle of the Jews, including himself? (3) Why did Paul remind them of their past lives?
2. Read verses 4-5. What did God do for helpless sinners? What motivated God to do this? (Ro 5:8; Ja 5:11b) What does it mean to be “made alive with Christ”? (Jn 15:5; Ro 6:5; 1 Cor 15:22)
3. What did God further do, after saving us? (6; 2 Ti 2:11-12a) What is God’s ultimate purpose of saving us? (7)
4. Read verses 8-9. On what basis have we been saved? Why does Paul emphasize “grace” in this passage? (5b,7,8a) If we were saved by works, what problems would arise? Why is a deep sense of God’s grace essential for healthy Christian life and unity among believers?
5. Read verse 10. What is our new identity? What is God’s plan for those he saves? How does this verse help us overcome fatalistic thinking and live victoriously?