Scripture Reference

Ephesians 2: 1-5

Sermon Audio

Sermon Notes

As we come together as a unified body of believers for the summer, we begin our four-part series on “Living by Grace” exploring the glorious truths of Ephesians 2: 1-10. We begin with Paul’s description of “the walking dead.”

God’s Mercy and Love Cure the Walking Dead

1. We Have All Been the Walking Dead (verses 1-3)
   1. We have all walked in wrongdoing (verse 2) – this is the pattern of the world (1 John 1:8)
   2. That’s walking death (verse 1), following Satan (verse 2), being children of God’s righteous wrath (verse 3)
   3. This is the natural condition of anyone who doesn’t know Jesus – the walking dead need the cure, we should be passionate about those who are still walking dead
2. God Loves the Walking Dead (verse 4-5)
   – Exodus 34:6 describes the very name and nature of God – grace, mercy, patience, and love

    

   1. God’s Great Love for us (verse 4)
   2. God’s Tremendous Mercy Toward Us (verse 5a) – we were dead and deserved it! So God gave us something we didn’t deserve – mercy and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ (1 John 2: 2)
   3. All Who Trust in Jesus are Made Alive by Grace (verse 5b)
3. Once We’re Alive, We Must Live by Grace
   1. Grace toward ourselves
      1. We didn’t earn it, don’t deserve it, and can’t unearn what we didn’t earn – we’re secure in our standing
      2. God forgives us even though we don’t deserve it (1 John 2: 1)
      3. We must forgive ourselves, because God will
   2. Grace toward others
      1. Others will fail us, but the gospel isn’t just what saves us, it must transform our relationships
      2. We should be known for grace and forgiveness toward all who ask, modeling the gospel we have received