"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."
Have you ever been overshadowed by a sibling? My older brother was great at science and band. I managed to get by in science and didn't stay with band past 6th grade. That's not to say it was Carl's fault I did those things, but I just couldn't compete in those areas. Sometimes you may feel that people over look what you can do because they focus on the other sibling.
Ephesians 2:4,5 may feel that way. Verse 8 is usually the one quoted when we mention this section or talk about being saved by grace. But, Paul begins his discussion here after reminding us where we are without God's love and grace. We are victims of our own desires and sin. We are disobedient rebels, lost. Two of the most powerful words in Scripture are, "but God". I know they don't appear beside each other here, but that is what Paul is saying, "But, God, who loved us and is rich in mercy, changed everything.
This is a great verse to remind us where we have come from, nothing, and where we are now, we are alive. When sharing the gospel with someone that is a go to kind of verse, especially when you bring in the first part of chapter 2. We are all lost without Jesus, even the ones who think they have it. We can't earn God's favor, but neither do we have to. It isn't our riches that save us, but God's. And the only way to have access to that storehouse of love and mercy is through faith.
Memorize this and then find someone to share it with.
Have you ever been overshadowed by a sibling? My older brother was great at science and band. I managed to get by in science and didn't stay with band past 6th grade. That's not to say it was Carl's fault I did those things, but I just couldn't compete in those areas. Sometimes you may feel that people over look what you can do because they focus on the other sibling.
Ephesians 2:4,5 may feel that way. Verse 8 is usually the one quoted when we mention this section or talk about being saved by grace. But, Paul begins his discussion here after reminding us where we are without God's love and grace. We are victims of our own desires and sin. We are disobedient rebels, lost. Two of the most powerful words in Scripture are, "but God". I know they don't appear beside each other here, but that is what Paul is saying, "But, God, who loved us and is rich in mercy, changed everything.
This is a great verse to remind us where we have come from, nothing, and where we are now, we are alive. When sharing the gospel with someone that is a go to kind of verse, especially when you bring in the first part of chapter 2. We are all lost without Jesus, even the ones who think they have it. We can't earn God's favor, but neither do we have to. It isn't our riches that save us, but God's. And the only way to have access to that storehouse of love and mercy is through faith.
Memorize this and then find someone to share it with.
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