Topics: Ephesians
I. The Conflict!
- And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).
- For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans 6:23).
- And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:19-23).
- Among them, we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (Ephesians 2:3).
II. The Climax!
- But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5).
- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
III. The Resolution!
- And raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7-7).
- Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God (Galatians 4:6-7)
- The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him (Romans 8:16-17).
Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, June 22nd, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
The Greatest Story Ever Told
An important Guideline of Life Groups: What we believe impacts how we behave! Discuss the biblical teaching of how Loving God and Loving people impacts the rest of our thoughts actions and attitudes.
Getting Started:
- What does it mean to be dead in our trespasses? And how does this metaphor help us understand our spiritual condition before Christ?
- What is the course of this world?
- How does your redeemed heart fight against the sinful flesh?
Discussing Truths:
- How can we remember our past without dwelling on the past in shame and guilt, but use the past to strive towards what is better?
- What actions did God take to make us alive?
Now What? Application:
- How should we live in light of the gospel?
- Who can you share the greatest story ever told with this week? If there is no one I encourage you to branch out to live out the great commission.
- In what ways does Ephesians 2:6-7 emphasize the believer's union with Christ and participation in His resurrection life? How does this reality impact our identity and purpose as Christians?
