Scripture Lesson:
- Ephesians 2:1-10
Think of the most evil person you’ve ever encountered, or heard about. Then, contemplate your worst thoughts that have ever crossed your mind. Where does such evil come from?
Based on this passage, what is the spiritual condition of someone who hasn’t accepted Jesus as Savior? What makes us sinners…our outward behavior, or inner nature? (See verses 1-3.)
Forgiveness emerges from three aspects of God’s nature. According to our scripture lesson, and your thinking, what do God’s love, His mercy, and His grace mean to you?
According to verses 4-6, what happens when we accept Jesus as our Savior? How do we demonstrate God’s love, even to those who wrong us?
Verses 8-9 explain God’s grace. How would you explain this to someone who is trusting in their good works? What does God expect from us in order to receive His forgiveness?
Our scripture passage also explains how we are to forgive others. How do we demonstrate God’s love in our forgiveness of others?
The author of this study says, “We do not do good works in order to be made right with God. Good works happen when we’ve been changed by God’s power. New behavior flows from a changed heart. Forgiven people forgive.”
If you have any questions about this, or other lessons, please feel free to contact me. — Pastor John