1. Explore Ephesians 2:1-10. The apostle Paul wrote that “we were dead” (Ephesians 2:1), that is, we were not free to serve God. But a change has taken place. What is the cause of that change? (Cf. Ephesians 2:4)

Paul wrote clearly, “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” God makes us alive. We do not choose to be alive. We make no decisions in this matter because we are dead in sin and not free to choose.

a. Exploring the verses, what blessings do we have because we are made alive?

We are seated with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. It is as good as done even though we live here separated from those heavenly realms. We have received salvation as God’s gift to us.

b. What opportunities does the apostle indicate that presents for us?

We have the opportunity to do good works, that is, works that are good in the eyes of our perfect, holy, and merciful God. We are his workmanship, and he has even prepared works for us to do in advance.

2. Turn to Ephesians 4:17-32. Here the apostle distinguishes between the “old self” and the “new self” Identify some of the behaviors that come from the “new self.”

We speak truthfully, overcome anger, work honestly, share with those in need, and our conversation builds others up and does not tear them down. We are kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

a. True or false. Christians can do the things Paul suggests at all times. (Explain your answer.)

Yes, Christians can do these things at all times, but the reality is that we don’t always do as we should.

b. Paul goes on in chapter 5 to describe additional sins for Christians to avoid. Which of these sins can we see in our contemporary world?

The newspapers are filled with stories of greed and sexual immorality. In our everyday lives we hear obscenities and coarse joking.

3. We do not automatically lose the “old self” when we become Christians. Paul understood that and described what happen within his own heart and the heart of every Christian. Summarize what he wrote in Romans 7:14-25.

Each of us has a war raging within. We know what we should do. Sometimes we do it, but sometimes we fail. We know what we are not to do, but many times we end up doing it anyway.

a. How does Romans 8:1 help us understand Paul’s comment in 7:25, “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”