These guides are designed to help DNA groups engage the Scriptures from the sermon on Sunday and deepen conversations and growth around the gospel. If you missed this sermon, you can listen here as a primer for your DNA time.
INTRODUCTION:
In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul describes grace. The human heart can hardly conceive of a world where grace is the highest truth. Where God’s mercy triumphs over death. Where God’s love outlasts our sin. But Paul says it does. In fact, Paul says in this passage that God’s grace shown to us is immeasurable.
Idea: Consider watching this clip from Les Miserable, where Jean Valjean robs of church only to receive grace in return. It marks him for life. Also, consider watching all of Les Miserable, the whole thing is about our struggle with grace and hope.
DISCOVER:
Read Ephesians 2:1-10 out loud
How would we say this same passage in our own words?
What do these verses tell us about ourselves? Who are we apart from Christ and who are we in Christ?
Why has God done what he has done? What’s the purpose of this grace?
While this is a very evangelistic passage that outlines the gospel extraordinarily well, this letter was written to people very rooted in the faith. In fact, Ephesus was one of the most mature churches in the Ancient Roman Empire. Why would Paul writing these things to people who we would assume, had already heard this before?
NURTURE:
This passage tells us we are dead in our trespasses and sins. But alive because of God’s mercy and love for us. This is often hard to swallow. We often believe we should get what we deserve, both the good and the bad. But the gospel of grace says, we all deserve death, but get life.
Where in your life do you feel you’re getting what you deserve? Where do you want to earn it?
How does the concept of earning love, affection, and mercy impact your relationship with God and others?
How have you experience God’s grace in the past?
ACT:
In the conclusion of this passage, Paul says we are God’s workmanship (or masterpiece) created for good works that God prepared before for us to walk in. In a nutshell, Paul is saying the gospel has raised us from the dead and given us a new identity: God’s masterpiece. And God has given us good works to walk in.
What would it look like to live your life knowing your identity is "Masterpiece”?
What is Jesus calling you to walk in?
PRAY TOGETHER:
Spend time praying for each other as you reflect on this passage and your own lives