Grace That Changes Everything
Teaching Notes
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and revelation so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms, far above any ruler, authority, power, or leader—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Ephesians 1:15–23
Grace That Changes Everything: Understanding the Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel is not just the doorway into our new life in Christ—it's the foundation of everything we are. We never graduate from the gospel; it's meant to be our daily source of power as we follow Jesus and love others. Let's explore how God's grace truly changes everything.
The Reality Check: Our Condition Before Christ
In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul gives us a sobering reality check about our condition before Christ. Just like week one of football season reveals the true state of teams despite preseason predictions, this passage shows us the truth about ourselves:
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient."
The gospel must confront us before it can comfort us. Paul describes three aspects of our condition:
What Does It Mean to Be "Dead in Sin"?
When Paul says we were "dead," he's not talking about physical death but spiritual death. This concept goes back to Genesis 2:17, where God warned that sin would lead to death. God is the source of all life, and sin separates us from Him, causing spiritual death that eventually leads to physical death.
This spiritual death isn't about being inactive—it's about being disconnected from God, the source of life. We can be physically alive, emotionally responsive, and mentally sharp while being spiritually dead.
How Do We Live When We're Spiritually Dead?
Paul describes two influences that guide those who are spiritually dead:
Following the ways of the world - Taking our cues from the culture around us rather than from God. This means pursuing self-promotion instead of humble service, seeking revenge instead of offering forgiveness, and making our feelings the final authority rather than God's Word.
Following the ruler of the kingdom of the air - This doesn't mean we consciously decide to follow Satan. Rather, as 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers." When we're spiritually dead, we simply don't see or care about Jesus. His ways seem irrelevant to our lives.
Why Are We Drawn to Self-Destructive Behaviors?
Paul says we were "gratifying the cravings of our flesh." Our flesh—that part of us that tends toward self-destruction—is constantly trying to convince us that our cravings should be our compass.
It's like the classic cartoon scenario where a character has multiple versions of themselves arguing about what to do. One side whispers, "Everyone lives this way. Just go for it. No one will know. It'll feel so good." This side would have us sacrifice everything that truly matters—family, career, health, integrity—for a momentary hit of pleasure.
The Cure: God's Amazing Grace
Just when the diagnosis seems bleakest, Paul introduces the most hopeful words: "But God..."
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5)
A dead person can't fix their situation. They can't improve their behavior or change their circumstances. That's why God's intervention is so remarkable—He chose to save us while we were still dead.
Why Did God Save Us?
God saved us because of His great love and rich mercy. He didn't have to save us; He chose to. Jesus took the punishment for our sin—death—on our behalf, conquered death itself, and offers new life to all who receive Him.
And why did He do this? "So that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). It will take eternity for God to show us the full extent of His kindness and grace!
How Are We Saved?
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We are saved by grace through faith. We can't earn it or work for it. We must simply put our faith in what Jesus has done for us, not in ourselves or our good deeds.
This is what sets Christianity apart from religion. Religion says, "Clean up your act so you can be accepted by God." Grace says, "You were dead and need a Savior." At church, we're free to admit we're a mess—we don't claim to be perfect people; we claim to serve a perfect Savior.
The Calling: Living Out Our New Life
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
God doesn't need our good works for salvation, but people do. Our neighbors, family, and those God has placed in our lives need us to live into the people God has called us to be.
When we truly understand grace, it changes everything—our marriages, families, jobs, and how we face suffering. Grace transforms us from the inside out, giving us a new perspective and purpose.
Life Application
The gospel isn't just information to know—it's truth to transform us. Here are some ways to apply this message to your life:
Recognize your true condition: Take time to honestly assess where you've been following the ways of the world or gratifying the cravings of your flesh. Acknowledge your need for a Savior.
Embrace grace daily: Don't wake up under a cloud of guilt. We don't work for forgiveness; we live from a place of being forgiven. Let grace be your starting point each day
Live out your calling: Ask yourself, "How can I live as God's handiwork today? What good works has He prepared for me to do?"
Questions to Consider:
In what areas of my life am I still trying to earn God's approval rather than living from His acceptance?
How would my relationships change if I truly believed I was "more sinful than I dared believe, yet more loved than I ever dared hope"?
What would it look like for me to wake up tomorrow morning with a deep sense of gratitude for God's grace?
Who in my life needs to experience God's grace through me this week?
Remember, grace isn't just a theological concept—it's the power that changes everything about how we live and love.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Praise- Elevation Worship
Holy Forever- Chris Tomlin
Gratitude- Brandon Lake
WFC Speedway
Who You Say I Am- Hillsong
Holy Spirit Come- Patrick Mayberry
Made For More- Josh Baldwin
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
