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In our new sermon series, “Church: God’s New Society,” we’re exploring Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, which provides a profound vision of who the Church is and why it matters. This first sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10 tackles one of life’s biggest questions: What does it mean to be saved? For Paul, this question is at the heart of our understanding of the Church, God’s new society in the world.

Paul begins by showing us what we are saved from (verses 1-3). He describes the human condition apart from Christ as one of spiritual death, a state in which we are enslaved to sin, the values of this world, and the constant pull of self-centered desires. In this condition, we’re not simply lost or in need of guidance; we’re powerless, unable to respond to God on our own. Paul uses strong language, describing this life as one of being "dead in transgressions," where sin dominates our lives and we are trapped in a cycle of self-focus. This enslavement manifests in various ways: for some, through overt acts of cruelty or tyranny, while for others, it shows up in more subtle forms like pride or an obsession with success and approval.

In contrast, Paul then describes the life we are saved for (verses 8-10). Salvation, he emphasizes, is a gift from God, not something we can earn by our own efforts. This gift changes everything. It moves us from striving for self-worth to resting in God’s grace, from seeking approval to living in gratitude. Instead of a life marked by boasting in our own achievements, we’re called to find our confidence in Christ and boast in what He has done for us. This life of grace is marked by humility, contentment, and freedom from the need to prove ourselves. We can forgive more freely, accept others with compassion, and live with a deep-seated peace.

Finally, Paul explains how we are saved (verses 4-7): by the love and mercy of God, shown through Jesus Christ. In His great love, God made us alive with Christ, raised us up, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Salvation is not merely about escaping punishment but about being united with Christ in His victory, sharing in His resurrection life, and being welcomed into God’s family. Jesus took our place on the cross, bearing the penalty for our sin, so we could receive His righteousness and new life.

Through this transformation, we see that God’s Church is a new society—a people saved not only from sin but also for a life of grace and purpose, to reflect God’s love to the world. This life is not about striving for worth but about living with confidence and gratitude in the completed work of Christ.

Application Questions:

1. Do you see your salvation as a gift, or are you sometimes tempted to feel like you need to earn God’s approval? How might embracing God’s grace change your daily life?
2. Paul talks about being “dead in transgressions” before knowing Christ. Are there areas in your life where you still feel a struggle with spiritual “deadness” or old habits? How can you invite God’s grace into these areas?
3. When you consider Paul’s description of the life we are saved for—a life free from boasting and striving—does it resonate with your current life experience? What steps could you take to live more deeply in the freedom of God’s grace?
4. How does understanding that Christ has already taken our place and defeated sin help you approach challenges in life, whether they’re internal struggles or relational conflicts?
5. In what ways can you help others experience the freedom of God’s grace? Are there specific relationships or situations in your life where God is calling you to extend this grace?