Alive in Christ

Ephesians  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Outline:

Overview of this passage
This is a picture of the Gospel.

Dead in Your Trespasses and Sins

· In which you once walked
o On the surface this sounds very presumptuous.
§ (Paul writing to church of people making this blanket claim)
· Following the course of this world.
o Think about how trends work.
The power of “everybody is doing it.”
· Before you are in Christ, this describes your spiritual state. (for everyone)
Sons of Disobedience
o Do we really understand our state without Christ? We were a part of “that family”. Proof is by looking at the characteristics of that family
o Why would we be compared to the sons of disobedience?
· Influenced by Satan (v2)
o Do you feel like you are or have ever been influenced by Satan himself?
Satan’s deadliest trick might be making us believe he doesn’t exist.
· Living in the passions of OUR flesh
o
Galatians 5:19–21 ESV
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
o It is said that people by nature are good. But this is just not true.
§ Improper definition of good
§ Naïve understanding of themselves.
· Carrying out the desires of the body & mind (v3)
o Hedonism: philosophy that pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind.
o Sensuality:
§ What appeases our physical senses
§ What appeases our emotional senses
· By nature, children of wrath
o We were created to honor God and live forever but our sinful nature is opposite of that
o Being Children of wrath, - subject to God’s condemnation.

We were destined for destruction, but something changed

But God

– God happened (v4)

What was God’s motivation?

o Rich in mercy
o Great love that He has for us.

What was God’s Method?

With Christ (v5-6)
Alive in Christ: Even when we were dead in our trespasses
Raised us up with Him (Christ): Just as he raised Christ from the grave
Seated us with Him (Christ): We enjoy a personal relationship with God
In Christ – also shows us His purpose

What was God’s Purpose?

o So that (verse 7)
o He might show HIs immeasurable grace & kindness toward us
o In the coming ages
§ If you think your life here is blessed – wait till you get to heaven.
o This is only possible if you are “IN CHRIST”
Our good works are not for our salvation – it’s because of it!
o By offering salvation as a gift, God repurposed our life. (verse 9)
o Now we are free to really live the best life possible – one that honors God
o We are His workmanship
§ Created IN CHRIST to do good work
· Not for ourselves but to God’s glory
§ Which he prepared beforehand that we should walk in them
· This life was ALWAYS God’s plan for us.
§ Good works is a lifelong commitment
· Not just our actions
· But also our thoughts, prayers, emotions
· Means – being a disciple
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