God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:1-10)

"For we are God’s handiwork [workmanship, masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph 2:10).

1. The Human Condition (1-3).
2. The Divine Intervention (4-7).
3. The Gift & The Result (8-10).

1. What does it mean to be "dead in your transgressions and sins" (Eph 2:1, 5; Lk 15:24, 32)?
2. What is it to follow "the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (Eph 2:2a; 1 Jn 2:15-16; Jn 12:31)?
• Who is "the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Eph 2:2b; 6:12; Rev 12:9)? What chance do you have of defeating him (Gen 3:1)?
3. What are "the cravings of our flesh and ... its desires and thoughts" (Eph 2:3; Gal 5:19-21)? How do you deal with them (Rom 6:1-2, 11)? Why the transition from "you" to "us" (Rom 3:23, 9-11)?
4. Why are the two words "But...God" (Eph 2:4) the most important in this passage? What is God's motivation in saving you (Ps 103:8-10, 11)? Does it have anything to do with you? Do you experientially and existentially sense God's great love and grace?
5. How does God make us "alive" (Eph 2:5-6)? Why does He do so (Eph 2:7)? What evidence of being "made alive" in Christ can you see in your own life? Any changes in desires, hopes and loves?
6. Do you know Christ because of your effort, sincerity and good works (Eph 2:8-9)? What should you never boast about (Eph 2:9)? How do you remind yourself of this truth daily?
7. What does it mean that you are "God's handiwork" (Eph 2:10; Jer 10:23)? What are the "good works, which God prepared in advance" for you to do? How can you [and your community] discover and walk in them (Tit 2:14; 3:8, 14)? How do you "let your light shine before others" (Mt 5:16) without boasting?