4:17-19 What we were… Paul’s goal is to call the Ephesians – and us! – to see that there is, and must be, a radical difference between somebody who isn’t a Christian and somebody who is. Those who aren’t Christian live for the sorts of things that are the direct opposite of what will be valued in Christ’s kingdom.

4:20-24 Who we now are… Those who are Christian are called to daily embrace the gift that Jesus has given to us: we are to put off the old self and to embrace the new. Jesus has done the work, and we are to receive it. Christians should, in every way that treasures Jesus and values His words, look different from our world.

The Point: In Christ, every Christian has been given a new identity, a new life. We don’t earn it, but we are called to receive it and live in it each and every day.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us more and more of our Savior – of all that He has done for us, of what we have in Him, and of what we will inherit in Him. In doing so, make us to see and to treasure all that He calls us to so that we would walk in His ways today and each day.

Application: How will you be intentional about putting off the old self this year? What thoughts and habits need to be cast aside because they are incompatible with Christ’s kingdom? How will you embrace Christ’s new identity given to you? What will treasuring Jesus look like in your life this year?

Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________

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2:11-12 What we were. Prior to Jesus, Gentiles (i.e. non-Jews) were ridiculed and thought to have no hope for salvation. But that wasn’t God’s plan! Instead, His work was to bless all people through the Jews: most directly, through Jesus Christ!

2:13-18 What we are. Because of Christ’s work, not only can we have salvation because of a right relationship with God, but we also can enjoy the unity that the gospel produces: no longer would the world be divided between Jews and Gentiles. Each is succeeded by one new people of God, unified in their worship of Him.

2:19-22 What we are becoming. This radical change means that Christ’s church is a part of what He has planned since before there was time: God’s truth, Old and New Testament, has Jesus Christ as its cornerstone, and the people that result are Christ’s church, indwelt by God Himself.

The Point: The gospel changes everything both individually and corporately so that Jesus Christ would be glorified in us.

Prayer: Lord, so often our picture of Your work is too small. Too individual. Or too abstract. Thank you for changing us and calling us to be Christ’s church. Work in us that our unity and love would reflect our Savior to a world who needs the hope that only He can provide – and does provide!

Application: Spend time marveling at – and worshipping the Lord for – a gospel that is even bigger than we think! Good news for all the world that changes everyone and everything!

Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________

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2:8-9 Saved by God’s grace. Paul makes clear that our salvation is – from start to finish – entirely by God’s grace, received through faith. We contribute nothing; He accomplishes everything. Our salvation is not something we ever earn or deserve, but is a gift, given to us by our loving God. We dare not boast. Instead, we dare to respond with worship and by living as testimonies to our wonderful Savior.

2:10 Saved for God’s purpose. This means that our salvation isn’t simply a self-improvement project for our own sake, as if Christians can now do whatever they want. No, we have far more value than that: our salvation has a purpose, a goal. We are to walk in the works that God has provided for us, that which He planned from before there was time!

The Point: Works do not save – only God does! Works, instead, are how we now respond to God saving us; they are a part of our worship.

Prayer: Father, we are so tempted to think that our own efforts are part of our salvation. When we think that way, we miss Your amazing grace and we get both You and the gospel wrong. Instead, help us to receive Your grace fully and joyfully, and then to see our works as part of Your gracious and perfect calling for our lives.

Application: When is the last time you thanked the Lord for saving you? How should your thoughts, actions, attitudes, and goals reflect the salvation that you have been gifted?

2:1-3 From death… Paul describes us as we were without Jesus: dead. Not just sick or needing a bit of help, but dead. We had given in to the ways of the sinful world, we were followers of the devil in our rebellion, and we repeatedly chose our own sinful passions over anything faithful, true, or good. This is what total depravity looks like: everything tainted by our sin, by our fallenness. And we had no way to rescue ourselves.

2:4-7 …to life! But here’s the great news: God rescued us! Through no merit of our own, without deserving it even a little bit, the Lord shows His love for us by giving us mercy and grace in Jesus Christ. Our salvation – and our new life – is wrapped up in Him. His resurrection is ours, His eternal life is ours, too! In Jesus, we have life, now and forevermore.

The Point: Only by recognizing how dead we were can we truly enjoy and respond to the life we now have in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving us! Thank you even for this picture of how hopeless we were – it’s your love that shows us how much we need Jesus, just as it’s your love that brings us from death to life through the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior and King. Give us joy in what Christ has done!

Application: Do you trust Jesus Christ to give you life? He is our only hope – not ourselves, not anything we can do. Do you agree with Jesus that you need a Rescuer, a Savior, and that He is the One who has done all the work for you?

Here is how I will apply these truths: ___________________

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