Scripture:
Ephesians 2:4-10 ESV
[4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— [6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Observation:
Ephesians is one of those books in the bible that when you read it, you will walk away feeling empowered. It prepares you for the battle that is sure to come. Yet it allows you to see that it is all GOD’S doing at the same time. This morning, we start in chapter 2 verse 4, seeing how it’s all part of GOD’S redemption plan. HIS mercy and love are the catalysts of the grace he showed on the cross through the price that Jesus paid while we were still trapped in our sins. That very same grace gave us a seat next to HIM in glory. HE saved us while we were still sinners thinking about the future and how HE was going to use that one moment in time for all eternity. In other words, Jesus died on the cross once… and for ALL mankind. All we have to do is receive it. It’s HIS grace that did it. Paul wants us to know that it’s all about HIM (JESUS), nothing we do could earn it. It’s by grace that you have been saved through faith so that no one can boast. Our salvation is a gift. It’s not something we can earn it’s something that has to be received. I believe verse 10 brings everything into the picture. GOD has taken great pleasure in HIS plan of redemption. HE has saved us for the good works that HE had in store for us before time began that we should walk in them.
Application:
I don’t want there to be any confusion, and after yesterday’s SOAP, I felt like there could be. So first of all, I want to tell you what I am not saying so we can get that out of the way… you can not earn your salvation. It’s a gift. No matter what, it’s a gift. Now that being said, I believe that if you accept that gift, there will be evidence that you have received it. Believe it or not, a relationship with Jesus changes you. Once I saw how deep HIS love was for me, HE was willing to lay HIS life down in exchange for mine. I was brought to my knees. I couldn’t help it. Tears came to my eyes. I understood what grace was designed for. It’s not to leave us trapped in our sins. Living for our flesh. The cross of Jesus Christ is a representation of what we are supposed to do. Crucifying our flesh and living for our spirit. That’s where the good works come in. When you are willing to lay down what you want and pick up the needs of someone else, it’s made clear that Jesus Christ and HIS free gift of salvation are a real thing. Can I say something to you? Grace is designed to pull you out of your sin, not leave you trapped within it. So, if you are using GOD’S grace as a license to live however you want, you are in a dangerous place. Once a sin is identified in our lives, we need to do something about it. Not to earn our salvation because that is already sealed… it’s a gift. If our lives are not steadily changing to conform to the image of Christ, we need to take a good look at it. GOD’S mercy saved us so that we can be used to show others the characteristics of Jesus Christ in the way we treat them. I have to say living a life for GOD is not always easy. But it’s always worth it. There is nothing better than knowing that GOD is using you. For something that HE had planned years before, your mom and dad were ever born. Salvation is a gift. The work was all part of GOD’S plan, and you are HIS vessel for getting it done. HE has made you for such a time as this. I feel like someone out there this morning needs to know that you are loved… GOD has called you out by name. It’s it’s you that needs to hear that. You can feel that love as you are reading this. Your eyes may be the ones welling up with tears… I have been there. Just surrender… whatever it is surrender it…give it to Jesus. You were not meant to carry it… HE has a plan for you… Give HIM control of your life… you won’t regret it.
Prayer:
Father, I don’t always know where these SOAPS are going to end. But I just want to be obedient in what you have called me to do, and I feel like sometimes you have a prophetic message for someone who is reading it this morning. I am overwhelmed with that feeling. So I just want to pray that as I press the send button to post this… you have already prepared the hearts to receive it. We know that your word will produce the fruit you intend for it too. So we release it to you, we love you may our lives be evidence of that. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen