This is the third lesson for an online Bible study through the book of Ephesians. The entire lesson is posted below. You can read it here and answer the questions in a journal or you can download the PDF or Word Docand print a hard copy. Either way, I would love for all of you to interact with me and each other in the comments section of this blog page. Post insights, ask questions, and discuss the lesson. Let’s get started!
We’ve all seen them many times. Those “before and after” photos that portray the dramatic difference that some diet, makeover, or remodeling project wrought. Even many popular television shows like “The Biggest Loser,” “What Not to Wear,” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” find their success in the “before and after” theme.
The “before” lacks something vital, suffers from some affliction, or fails to fulfill its purpose. The “after” has received what it lacked, been healed and made whole, and can meet its fullest potential. We love this transformation, the process of becoming an “after.”
Chapter two of Ephesians reads like “Extreme Makeover: Spiritual Edition.” Paul paints a graphic picture of what we looked like before God saved us. Then Paul reveals the beautiful “after” portrait. He also clearly shows us what Christ did to cause the transformation.
Read Ephesians 2:1-22 to get the “big picture” effect.
Now, let’s dig in. You’re going to need something to write on, so grab a tablet, piece of paper, or your journal. If you printed a hard copy of this lesson, you can even turn it over and use the back. Now draw a line right down the middle from top to bottom. Label the left column “before” and the right column “after.”
Before
Look back through 2:1-22. As you do, in the left column of your paper list all words, phrases, and facts that describe our condition “before” God saved us.
My list was long – and ugly. How about yours? Before God saved us our condition was dire and “hopeless.” Let’s condense all of Paul’s disturbing descriptions to two basic truths:
- We were dead in our sins.
- We were separated from God.
Read Romans 5:12-14 and Romans 6:23. Explain why we were “dead” before God saved us.
We were separated from God, who is Spirit, because our spirits were dead from the effects of sin. We were “objects of wrath” – deserving of God’s punishment. We were unbelieving and under God’s condemnation (see John 3:17-18). But praise God, He did not leave us that way!
After
Look through chapter two again. This time look for the words and phrases that describe our condition “after” God saved us. Write these words and phrases in the right column of your paper. When possible right them across from the corresponding condition in the left column. For instance, “before” salvation we were “dead in our transgression” but after salvation we are “alive in Christ.”
Here is a picture of our spiritual “before and after.” Before, God intervened we were dead and eternally separated from God, but after His saving work of grace, we are alive in Christ and reconciled to God. Very similar descriptions are found in several other biblical passages. Let’s take a look.
Read Titus 3:3-7. What additional “before and after” descriptions do you find in this passage?
According to verse 5, what causes our spiritual rebirth?
Jesus talked about this spiritual rebirth in a conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.
Read John 3:1-8. What did Jesus say must happen for someone to be saved (“enter into the Kingdom of God”)?
Sin-dead spirits made alive again by the powerful activity and presence of the Holy Spirit! But does God simply pour out His Spirit on sinners because He loves us? Scripture is clear that God loves us and desires to have a relationship with us. But no matter how great His love, our holy God cannot ignore our sin. In his classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers elaborates.
The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the divine nature to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say that God forgives us because He is love. Once we have been convicted of sin, we will never say this again. The love of God means Calvary – nothing less! The love of God is spelled out on the Cross and nowhere else. The only basis on which God can forgive me is the Cross of Christ. It is there that His conscience is satisfied. – Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 19
God’s love desired mercy. But God’s justice required that the price for sin be paid. God demanded the death penalty for our sin and then provided it Himself through the death of Christ. Ultimate mercy. Transforming grace.
Transforming Grace
Although God’s work of grace on our behalf is sprinkled throughout the entire chapter, the heart of God’s transforming work is found in verses 4-10. The first three verses of chapter 2 paint a dismal scene of our “before” condition. But then we get to the “but!”But because of His great love for us…
Reread Ephesians 2:4-10. Write every phrase that includes a “with Christ,” “in Christ,” or “with Him” or “in Him.”
Now reread Ephesians 1:19-20. What parallels do you see?
Christ’s death and resurrection satisfy the justice of God. Our salvation is possible because of this work of Jesus on our behalf. According to what we see here in Ephesians, Christians – those who have trusted in Christ’s work for salvation – also indentify with His resurrection and glorification! Our new life is truly “in Christ.” We have been joined with Him. God’s work through Christ is His work in us.
God works through Christ for our benefit. We cannot buy or earn our salvation. God graciously gives it through the vehicle of faith. And even our faith is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit (2:8-9). We have no reason to boast only great cause to glorify our Savior.
Eternal grace. Paul tells us why God undertook this great spiritual “before and after.” God made us alive in Christ, raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms so He could continue to display His incomparable grace and kindness throughout all eternity (2:7). We are His glorious masterpiece (2:10), proof of God’s great goodness and unceasing mercy. May He be praised!
Repurposed
Recently, I met with a staff member of a local church. After our meeting she gave me a tour of their lovely facility. The older section of the building had just been remodeled and updated. My guide used the term “repurposed” to highlight the fact that the rooms were being used differently than they had been before. For instance, the former sanctuary is now a gathering room for groups and old children’s classrooms are now offices for preschool staff.
Reread Eph 2:10. How have you been spiritually “repurposed?” Describe the difference between “your” purpose for your life before salvation and God’s purpose for your life after salvation.
God has a purpose for your life. He poured out His grace and gave your new life. He raised you up in Christ and even now you “sit with Him in the heavenly realms.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts about your “before and after.” What’s the biggest difference God has made in your life personally?
Please respond to any of today’s questions in the comment section of this post. Share insights, ask questions, or simply praise our God.
Weekly Challenge
(Each week, in addition to the weekly lesson, I will provide an opportunity – for those who have the time and desire – to go a little deeper. If you are unable to do this, please don’t worry, but if you can, take the plunge!)
Do you know Ephesians 2:8-9 by heart? If not, I challenge you to memorize these two verses this week. These verses, which encapsulate the Gospel message, will help you share the Good News with those around you!
Oh yes, I have memorized Ephesians 2:8-9 some years ago. But I will continue to recite it especially as I continue through this study of Ephesians with you Kathy.
It helped me to write out the two columns of Before and After. It was astounding when I wrote all of the descriptions of my after life with Christ. I don’t think I’ve totally comprehended all He has done for me. I am excited to be so malleable to His purposes for me in this life. May He work in me and through me in a mighty way to impact others. And then He will get the glory.
Thank you for leading this study.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie, I also memorized Ephesians 2:8-9 years ago. I love that the bedrock of our faith is “hidden in my heart!”
I’m glad you did the “before & after” exercise. Sometimes we hesitate to complete what may seem like busy work, but it is amazing how they can help us see a bigger picture or a new aspect. Thanks for sharing what you learned!
I grew up as a pastor’s kid so there wasn’t this amazing obvious transformation from the moment I accepted Christ. But now as an adult as I’ve had the experience of growing in my faith, I can see obvious ups and down in my life. I can see a lot of the “Befores” from Ephesians in my life at times when I might not be walking closely with God.
The thing that caught my attention the most in this passage, is vs. 22….”And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” It kind of puts a new perspective on my soul. God through his Holy Spirit is living there. My body is a temple. It has a purpose to be used by God. I need to nurture it and take good care of it physically and spiritually.
Sorry I got a little off topic but after I read that verse it was one of those “AHA” moments and I couldn’t get past it.
I too have Eph. 2:8-9 engrained in my head from childhood but it has taken me a lifetime to fully grasp it’s meaning.
Thanks for all the time you put in posting these studies. So thankful for them every week.
Great insight Grace, thank you for sharing that! One thing that is great about studying together is that we get to share with the group what the Spirit highlights for us individually.
Just got done doing a 2 week personal study of Ephesians 2. In my journal, I sum up each chapter and I LOVE your ‘before and after makeover’ theme. That’s just what it is! I did the time to write it out and felt in love with God AGAIN. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your well written article. Now, on to chapter three! 😉
So excited that you’re doing such a careful study. I love Ephesians!