Episode 94

Saved? No Room for Boasting

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January 23rd, 2022

32 mins 10 secs

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About this Episode

-- Main Scripture Reference --

Ephesians 2:1-10

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh* and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

-- Serman Notes --

1. You didn't do it.

  • Eph 2:1-3 NIV - 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh* and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

  • Eph 2:8-9 NIV - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

2. God did it.

  • Eph 2:4-8 NIV - 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--

  • Rom 5:6-8 NIV - 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

3. There is no room for boasting!

  • Eph 2:9 NIV - 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

  • Col 3:12-13 NIV - 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

-- Discussion Questions, Thoughts and Things to Ponder --

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

  1. Quick Review:
* Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

* Review the main idea behind each of the points below:

    * Are you saved?
    * If you are saved... you didn't do it.
    * If you are saved... God did it.
    * If you are saved... Stop boasting

  1. Are you saved? Tell or rehearse your salvation story.

  2. If you are not saved, what is holding you back? Can you surrender that thing and take a step of faith?

  3. Who do you know that needs to hear what God has done for you??

  4. In what ways do you seem to be trying to earn your salvation?

  5. Why is God's grace so difficult to receive?

  6. Looking back, can you see the hand of God in your salvation?

  7. Are there areas of your life or relationships where you tned to boast about who you are in Christ or areas where you demonstrate an arrogance about being a Christ follower?

  8. Can you ask God to make you more humble?

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