Walking the Talk -- 22 February

1  And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:1-10 (ESV)

Hello! We’re going to look at a tremendous passage which shows us who we were and who we are because of God’s love.

Look at verse 4-6.

When did God make us alive through Christ?

How are we saved?

Who are we saved for?

Why did God set up this particular way of salvation?

Having looked at these verses, do you think that there any way that we can work for (earn) that salvation?

Based on what you’ve read so far about who you are through and in Christ, and when and how God chose to love you, do you think that you need to alter your daily walk? If you really believed that God says in this passage, no matter how you feel or what others say about you, would it change your attitude for the better? Would you feel more secure? Would you walk more confidently?

You are His workmanship.

You were known from before the foundation of the world.

God knew you and loved you.

He created you uniquely.

He offers you a free gift of salvation. You can’t earn it.

I suggest that you take the time to read this passage three times every day – morning, noon and night. Hide these words in your heart. Memorize them. Use them to counter Satan’s attacks against you!

There will be no blog post on Friday. I would like you to take some time to really think about who you are. If you’re a list maker, write down who you think you are. Write all your good points and all your bad points. Assess yourself honestly. Look at who you have become because of the experiences you’ve had in your life.

After you’ve written that long and possibly discouraging list, take a look at who God thinks you are. Write down the attributes He sees in you. Review Ephesians 1 and 2 – this week’s passages – and assess yourself again through God’s eyes. Thank Him for who you are because of Christ Jesus!

Please remember that these positive attributes are only seen through God’s eyes once you’ve accepted the free gift of salvation through Christ Jesus. You must accept the gift through faith. You don’t need anyone or anything special to talk to God and tell Him that you are sorry for your sins and that you’d like to accept His free gift. You need to acknowledge that Jesus IS Lord and ask Him to come into your heart. Tell Him that you want to be all God has made you to be. Once you’ve done that, then tell someone! Proclaim your salvation – and ask a pastor what steps you need to take now. You have accepted the free gift, but now you need to know what to do with the gift. The Owner’s Manual is the Bible, and you will learn how to live your life to honor Jesus by studying just as you are now.

If you have accepted God’s free gift, I pray you will also email me so I can share in your joy – and pray for you – and answer any questions you may have.

Meanwhile, I will see you all again next Monday.

YOU ARE HIS PERFECT WORKMANSHIP!