September 10, 2017. Sunday School Lesson

     September 10, 2017. Sunday School Lesson

Topic: Transformed By God’s Grace

Memory Verse: You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1 (KJV).

Lesson Text: Ephesians 2:1-22; 4:11-32

Central Truth: Salvation revolutionaises a person’s life.

Focus: To study and experience the life-changing power of God’s grace.

Lesson Outline:

1.    Saved by Grace

A.    Dead in Sin

B.    Make Alive in Christ.

2.    United in Christ

A.    Equal Access

B.    One Holy Temple

3.    Renewed Mind; New Lifestyle

A.    New Way of Thinking

B.    New way of Living

Leaning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1.     Affirm that salvation is provided through God’s grace and is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

2.    Adopt practice that promote the unity that believers are to have in Christ.

3.    Reflect through godly attitudes and actions the change God’s grace makes in their lives.

              INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Question: How do You define grace?

 As we contemplate the meaning of this word, we soon realize that there are few words more powerful. When grace is applied to human relationships, restoration and forgiveness often follow shortly thereafter. When we see God’s grace applied to our hopeless spiritual condition, everything changes: our outlooks and attitudes brighten, our lives are transformed, and our eternal destiny is dramatically transformed from hell to heaven.

    The Apostle Paul wrote of the amazing grace of God in his letter to the Ephesians. This lesson explores the life-changing power of God’s grace and how we can experience His grace for ourselves.

    Commentary And Application

1.    Saved By Grace.

A.    Dead in Sin. Ephesians 2:1-3

     In the first several verses of Ephesians 2, Paul provided a detailed description of what happens at salvation . He began by reminding his readers of their utterly lost state before they followed Christ.

QUESTION: What does it mean to be “dead in trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1, kjv)?

      People are dead spiritually because of their sinful condition. They have all fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and are separated from God because of their sinful ways. Sinners follow the course of this world – the culture values and practices ingrained in societies that reject God and His ways (Ephesians 2:2). Such values are human-centred, not God centred. Sinners are clearly under the influence of Satan, who spurs them on towards rebellious behavior.

QUESTION: What are some evidences that Satan is working in someone’s life?

    Paul focused on Gentiles in Ephesians 2:1-2, but in verse 3 he included the Jews among those who lived in disobedience to God. This reminded his Jewish hearers that those who do not follow Christ are guilty of seeking sinful desires and therefore make themselves subject to God’s wrath.Because people live in disobedience to God, they are subject to His wrath against sin and evil. Verse 3 describes them as “by nature the Children of wrath” (KJV), indicating that they deserve the punishment they  receive.  As we contrast the world “Nature” with “grace” (as described later; see verse 5), we note that those described here are choosing to follow their natural desires rather than submit to God.

B.    Made Alive in Christ. Ephesians 2:4-10.

   After painting a dismal picture of the spiritual darkness brought about by sin, Paul switched his focus toward the hope of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). The nature of God is highlighted, particularly His mercy and love. When God acts on behalf of those lost in sin, He does not do it grudgingly but generously.

Through the cross, God provided a means by which those who are spiritually dead can become spiritually alive and walk in new life (verse 5). Grace- God’s unmerited Favour- Provides the way for spiritual transformation to take place.

     It is important to contemplate such grace, for by doing so we are reminded that it stands as a fundamental truth: God does not act mercyfully towards us because we deserve his mercy. Our loving, obedience response to Him follows His bestowal of saving grace.

      God’s grace alone changes lives. His raises believer’s up with Christ, elevating them to a new heavenly realm of living (verse 6; Romans 6:4). And the richness of his grace will continue through all eternity (Ephesians 2:7). One commentator notes that Christians will serve as “trophies” of God’s grace through eternity. The fact that we enjoy everlasting blessing is a testimony to the grace and mercy of God.

QUESTION: What is your response to the extravagance grace of God’s mercy, love, and grace described in Ephesians 2:4-7?

   Those who have experienced God’s grace ought to respond with praise each day. Sadly, however, some people think they are beyond the reach of God’s grace and love. They consider themselves too deeply entrenched in sin. They have not realized that Salvation is not a matter of personal worthiness, but of God’s grace. He is able to make spiritually alive those who are dead in sin. This happened because of Christ’s sacrifice-a blessed gift of God’s grace. He is able to make spiritually alive those who are dead in Christ’s sacrifies.

   Verse 8-10 from one of the most familiar promises in all of Scripture. Salvation is a gift received by faith. There is nothing people can do that qualifies them to be saved. We simply need to accept what God has provided for us through Christ.

QUESTION: Why did God ordain that Christians do good works?

     Good works do not earn salvation,but they provide necessary evidence of the life-changing power of God’s grace. Grace is the “cause” behind the entire plan of salvation. Good deeds, why part of the relationship we have with God through salvation, serves as reflection of the goodness of God at work in us, and they bring glory to Him ( Matthew 5:16).

2.    United in Christ.

A.    Equal Access. Ephesians 2:11-18.

Paul reminded his audience of their spiritual situation before the grace of God revolutionized their lives. This body of believers, primarily Gentile, had not been born Jewish and so were distinguished as not being part of the covenant people of God ( Ephesians 2:11-12). Note that by this time circumcision, first instituted by God himself ( Genesis 17:10-14) had largely become a way of distinguishing Jew from Gentile rather than a distinguishing mark of a follower of God. Elsewhere, Paul pointed out that circumcision of the heart was what really mattered ( Galatians 5:6;Colosians 2:11).

    Gentiles were without knowledge of the Messiah, they were strangers to the true worship of God, and they were excluded from the community that enjoyed the covenant of promise ( Ephesian 2:12). In this condition, they had no ground of hope because they had no knowledge of the true God. But they heard the good news about Jesus Christ, put their faith in him and where thereafter included in the family of God (verse 13)

     Christ eliminated the separation that existed between Gentiles and Jews ( verses 14-15). All Christians were thereafter part of one body, the Church. Christ sysmbolistically tore down the wall in the temple compound that divided the court of the Gentiles from those areas only accessible to Jews. Now all believers could freely enter God’s presence. One source of contention between Jews and Gentiles had been the ceremonial laws of the Jews commanding sacrifices and festivals. When Christ fulfilled the requirements of the Law by His sacrifices, He solved this point of contention ( verse 16). Peace with God is available to all, both (Gentiles and those who were afar off) and Jews( Those who were near). All approach the Father through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit ( verse 17-18).

B.    One Holy Temple. Ephesians 2:19-22

The Gentiles where also regarded as strangers and foreigners to the Jews. “ Strangers” refers to short-term transient and “foreigners” refers to Immigrants who have settled in a land but dnt have rights of citizens. Because of Christ, Gentiles believers had become citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His family, able to enjoy the full privileges of being Kingdom citizens and members of God’s family ( Ephesians 2 :19).

  Paul had used the analogy of body to describe the Church. In verse 20-22, he switched the imagery to that of a temple. The apostles’ teaching and the word of the prophets formed the foundation on which that temple was build. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the temple. Those who came to faith in Christ were like spiritual stones being added to the temple of God, in which His Spirit dwells.

QUESTION: In what sense is Jesus the cornerstone?

     The cornerstone was the stone that sets the standard foe where and how other stones were laid. It was used to assure the walls were straight and did not lean. If the rest of the building was in line with the cornerstone, the structure would be stable.

      As people come to faith in Christ, they are joined together with other believers so that the temple continues to grow. The presence and work of the Spirit is what makes the Church as holy temple in the Lord. Christians must not forget that God is at work to build His Church. When individuals come to faith in Christ, they become living stones that are placed by God in the local church. The local church serves as community, representing Christ and His Church.

3.    Renewed Mind; New Lifestyle

A.    New Way of Thinking. Ephesians 4:17-24

 Christians are to live as those who are changed by the grace and power of God ( Ephesians 4:17). Before Christ, their mind-set was darkened; they had no spiritual discernment or desire for God. As a result they felt no shame for their sinful ways. They also had sense of hope ( verse 18-19). For this reason they gave themselves over to licentiousness, falling deeper and deeper into what brings pleasure or pain.

QUESTION: Why should a Christian’s way of thinking and living be different from before he or she followed Christ?

    The Christian lifestyle must reflect a transformation from the life of sin ( verse 20). Paul reminded his readers that they had learned how Christ came to set people free from spiritual bondage ( verse 21). Now transformed with spiritual understanding. They could grasp what it meant to restrain from sin and discern the good. As a result, they needed to live in a way that honored God. It can seem like a paradox, but even after they had been freed from sin, they needed to put off their old ways and follow Christ ( Verses 22-23)

QUESTION: How can a Christian live the new life when the temptations of the old still exit?

     In verse 24, Paul wrote of putting on the new person. This points to a surrender to the Holy Spirit as the controlling force in their lives. Through the Spirit’s work, Christians should faithfully practice righteousness and holiness that pleases God.

B.    New Way of Living. Ephesians 4:25-32

     In Ephesians 4:25, Paul identified one key component of a changed life: Because lying adversely affects relationships, honestly should prevail. God calls Christians to speak the truth in Love so that others grow in their faith and in their relationships with fellow believers.

     Another component of changed living is found in how Christians deal with anger ( verse 26-27). Anger in and of itself may not be sinful. But expressing anger in inappropriate way may be wrong and hurtful. When anger is allowed to simmer until it boils over, the result can be hurtful words and harmful actions that leads to regret and broken relationships. It is critical that Christians not let a day go by without resolving angry feelings.

QUESTION: What are ways Christians can deal with anger appropriately ?

  Open communication between Christians in time of conflict can often resolve the situations. Prayers is also key, asking God for wisdom, healing,  and grace to forgive the source of hurt. Conversely, harbouring anger can cause bitterness to spring up in the Christian’s soul or stir dissension.

    Paul proceeded to deal with the sin of stealing, which appears to have a problem among the Ephesians before their conversion ( verse 28). Instead of justifying theft, Christians must recognize the value of earning their living. This would also provide means for them to share with others.

    Speech was another area of concern ( verse 29). Here Paul focused on both profane or vulgar speech and hurtful words. Too often words are used to tear down and denigrate others. For the Christians, however, words ought to build others up. Speech that pleases God and help others is a good sign that the Spirit is at work within an individual.

 Finally, Paul called on believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit (verse 30-32). The Spirit directs and empower Christians.  If bitterness and malice rules our thought, then the actions that follow may not be pleasing to the Lord and will conflict with His plan for our lives. We, are God’s people, must reject such attitudes and actions, instead embracing kindness, a gentle spirit and forgiveness ( verse 32). But how can we do this? These godly attitudes demonstrate the work of the Spirit within us, as we follow the example of God, who forgives and shows kindness to us.

Discipleship In Action.

  Salvation comes by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. While good works are not the mean by which someone receives salvation, such work demonstrates the life changing power of God at work in an individaul’s life ( Matthew 5:14-16).

    Paul’s words in Ephesians are valuable in that they call us to examine the way in which we live. Take a moment to evaluate your attitudes and actions. What evidence might others observe in your life that confirms within them that you have a relationship with God? What makes you different from those who are not Christians? Do you think, act, and talk differently? Commit to living out the change God has made in your life.

Ministry in Action.

  Christians are called to passionately proclaim Christ as Saviour. Urge students to take some time this week to finish the testimony they started in this lesson. They should pray about how they could testify as to the difference God has made within them. What Scriptures could they share in explaining the life-Changing power of God’s grace? Close the class session with a time of prayer, asking God to empower and guide students this week.