Topics: Ephesians, salvation, faith
I. Saved by Grace
* God initiated your salvation because of His great love for you!
- For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
- But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many . . For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Romans).
II. Saved Through Faith
* You have to believe and receive the free gift of God's salvation!
- For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
- He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:11, 12).
- But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).
III. Saved for Good Works
* Your life has a Divine purpose as God's masterpiece for His glory!
- For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:10)
- Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? (James 2:17?20).
- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 29th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Saved for a Purpose
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Recognize that God has prepared good works for your Life Group to fulfill. Pray and brainstorm together on how you, as a group, can minister and serve for God's glory. Remember all is done in His power that mightily works within us (Colossians 1:28, 29).
- How would you describe the biblical idea of being "saved"?
- What are some specific divine purposes that God has saved you to accomplish?
Discussing Truths:
- How do you balance Faith and Works from a biblical teaching?
- Why does biblical grace distinguish Christianity from every other belief system in this world (John 1:16, 17; Romans 11:6)?
- Why do you think many people have a hard time accepting God's gracious gift of salvation? Do you ever feel like you need to earn God's favor?
- What does faith in Jesus achieve for the new convert (John 3:16; 5:24)? How does faith in Jesus transform a Christian's life (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)?
- List some common ways that people wrongly understand good works in relation to salvation. What Scripture corrects these wrong views?
- How does it make you feel that God sees you as His work of art, His masterpiece?
- In what way does Romans 8:28 give your life stability and depth and freedom in knowing that your experiences in this world "work together for good" in God's sovereign Hand?
Now What? Application:
1. What steps can you take this week to more actively walk in the good works that God has prepared beforehand for you?
2. Don't grow weary in doing good for in due time you will reap a reward (Galatians 6:9, 10; 2 Timothy 4:7, 8). Think of ways you can "excel still more" in your ministry for our Lord!
