Created for Good

Posted on Jul 5th, 2009 | 0 comments

Message by Doug Towle

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. A Spite Move
1. We were “objects of wrath”
1. v. 1 – dead literally through, or by, our transgressions – this is an expression of agency.
1. We were following the ways of the world
2. The ruler of the kingsom of the air and who is at work in the disobedient is . . .
2. We also lived among them (the disobedient)
1. We gratified the lust of the flesh
2. We gratified the lust of the mind
3. Because of these things, we were under condemnation
1. One result of spiritual death is an inability to respond to God
2. Another is condemnations to eternal death
2. In spite of all this, God made us alive with Christ!
1. WHY?
1. Because of His rich mercy
2. Because of his great love for us
3. It is by grace – again showing mercy – we were condemned by our sin, but made alive by His grace!
4. NOT because of any good thing in us.
2. And not only that . . .
1. He raised us up with Christ (definite idea of association)
2. He seated us together with Him in the heavenly places
3. Notice that this is in the past tense – it’s a done deal!
2. An Eternal Reason
1. The ages (eons) to come . . . a VERY long time!
1. WHY God chooses to save us is mostly a mystery
1. God’s promise to Abraham
2. An intricate plan that includes provoking Israel to jealousy
3. For His own purposes
4. His ways are higher than ours!
2. Here He does give us a glimpse
1. He wants to show the riches of His Grace
2. To whom? The angels, to us, or for some other purpose? We don’t know.
2. It is shown to be only by His Grace
1. A repeat for emphasis
2. Paul argues that we can do nothing to earn this
3. The Freedom to Serve
1. Our security in Christ sets us free
1. God saved us in spite of our sin
1. Sin no longer condemns us – no guilt!
2. He did this because of His nature, NOT ours, so we are secure!
2. Eternal life does not depend on works
1. Not good works
2. Not refraining from eveil works (but NOT a license to sin)
3. Not obedience to a law
2. We are free to obey and to serve
1. We were created for good works
1. Good works glorify God
2. Good works help grow the Kingdom
2. God determined beforehand that this is how His true people would serve Him.
1. By serving our community
2. By serving each other in the assembly

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