How does Paul describe our life, prior to our coming to Christ? What about his description do you find to be most significant?

 

In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul discusses the world, the devil, and our sinful nature. How does Paul describe how these powers oppose us as Christians? How have you seen any of them oppose you personally in your life?

 

Why is it so important to understand the severity of the situation that we were in, prior to coming to Christ?

 

How does Paul describe the Christian’s salvation in Ephesians 2:4-7? What terms and phrases does he use that jump out at you, as being most significant?

 

What similarities do you see between the language in Ephesians 2:4-7 and the language in Ephesians 1:20-22? What are we to make of these similarities?

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 describe our salvation as “by grace”, “through faith”, and “not by works”. Why are these concepts so significant? What are the implications of these concepts in our lives?

 

Ephesians 2:9 says that we are not saved by works. Then, Ephesians 2:10 says that we were created to do good works. How are we to understand the relationship between grace and works, as they relate to us as Christians? Both in our salvation, and in our sanctification?

Resources
Reflection Questions