2013-02-24
God's Grace on Display
Steve Lane

A. Review/Intro
Paul is Urging us to look into the grace of God... and respond Rom 12:1, Ephesians chapter 1
A still deeper understanding of our response to His grace... how His grace is displayed in salvation
We live in the same way we first come Galatians 3:1 – 5
2 Cor 12:8, 1 Pet 5:10, Heb 4:16, Psalms 25:16, 1 Cor 15:10, 1 Pet 4:10
Urged not to waste His grace 2 Cor 6:1 – 2
We are to grow up... but constantly receiving His grace through the Holy Spirit.
To know better the God who has called us and reconciled us to Himself. Ephesians 1:16 – 18

The same great power and the grace behind salvation is still available Eph 1:19 – 20.
His grace at work...

B. The believer's past – we were all in the same boat
A couple of wrong approaches to grace... it negates grace
But Don't just be an admirer of the grace of God... participate

1. We're dead in trespasses and sins
Ephesians 2: 1 - Rom 5:12 Separation/death 3 types of death
Religion – trying making your self acceptable to God ruins His grace

2. Lived according to the mind of this world
Ephesians 2: 2 – 3 Sin nature... Try to cover it up or press it down and it pops up somewhere
We do not condemn the world, we are channels of His grace Rom 12:2

3. Lived under the control of Satan
Ephesians 2: 2b - who is guiding the people of this world? [Us too before]

4. Lived in disobedience to God
Ephesians 2: 2c, Romans 3:20 Tells us we have left the path

5. Lived according to the dictates of our evil heart
Ephesians 2: 3a - old nature in control – thoughts word action – Romans 8:5-9

6. We're under the wrath of God
We lived in continual disobedience to God – and wrath is coming.
But God is grace, mercy, love equally –

C. The believer's present
Ephesians 2: 4 – 6 Only way, identified with death and resurrection of Jesus – new life
“By grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone”
“Grace is devoid of earning but it is not devoid of effort”

D. The believer's future Eph 2: 7 – His every intent toward us forevermore is kindness, love, grace

E. The believer's salvation is God's work
Ephesians 2: 8 – 10 How did we first receive deliverance? Gal 3:3
He is preparing us and shaping us for His purpose
Rom 2:4