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We all become aware of the vices and virtues of people in the public eye. But God doesn't view them as special cases. Just like us, they become Christians through His unmerited favor—not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service. They are, however, specially visible examples of the way He transforms lives. That is the focus of this Scripture passage.

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. What does verse 1 tell you about the original status of "all of us"?
2. What do verses 2-3a tell you about the natural condition of "all of us"?
3. Why were "all of us" under God's anger (v. 3b)?
4. What does Paul say (vv.4-8a) God did to liberate us from our hopeless predicament?
5. What else is implied in "all he had done for us through Christ Jesus" (v. 7)?
6. What is it that you "can't take credit for" (v. 8)? Doing good things? Believing?
7. In what ways are you God's "masterpiece" (v. 10)?

Thank God for making you "examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness."

1 Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. 2 You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much,5 that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!)6 for he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms—all because we are one with Christ Jesus.

7 And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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