Pastor Kim reminded us that grace doesn't just rescue us from sin. God’s mercy reshapes us into people whose lives become a blessing to others. In that reshaping, as God’s workmanship, we bear fruit for the Kingdom in ways that are unique to us as individuals.
MY STORY
What is something you’ve been doing for so long that it’s become second nature to you when you do it? The steps are almost automatic; you don’t even have to think about it.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10).
In what sense is God’s mercy and love two sides of the same coin we call “grace”?
According to Paul, what was God’s purpose in saving us?
What is the difference between the types of works that cannot save us, and the good works that are expressions of saving faith?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
In this passage, Paul uses the Greek word poema, from which we get the word “poem,” to describe God’s ongoing work in our lives.
In what sense is every follower of Christ a “poem” or “novel” that God is in the process of writing?
How does God use these ongoing poems or stories to build up and encourage others?
How have you been blessed by God’s workmanship in the life of another person?
What does God want us to do? Flowing from our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s nudging us toward?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Which verse of the poem, or chapter in the novel, is God currently writing in your life?
As you think about the chapter of your life that God is currently writing, what is your role as the main character?
What spectacular, or quiet, blessing can that person (you) play in the life of another this week?
Plan to do that thing.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?
Message Notes
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