By Grace, Through Faith, For Works

Discussion Questions Week of: March 17, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:8-10 Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter.  Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week’s sermon reminded us that God saves by grace, through faith, for good works.    Digging Deeper:     Read Ephesians 2:8-10  How are people saved? How are people not saved? (vv. 8-9)1  Grace is God’s powerful favor for the undeserved. Why is it good to recognize that we are undeserving before God?   Eph. 2:10 teaches us that we have been saved "for good works.”  Why is it crucial to understand the difference between doing good works because we have been saved, and doing good works so that we might be saved?     How has God’s grace changed your life on a practical level (e.g., think of your marriage, parenting, work, relationships, school, etc)?   How do you hope it will change your life more?   Think about your good works. Why do you do them? Are you tempted to do them out of guilt, shame, pride, or fear? What difference does it make if and when you do them out of love?2   Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  As we “walk” in the good works God has prepared for us, and others see it, they may be tempted to praise us.  If / when that happens, what are some ways we can help them instead "give glory to (our) Father who is in heaven" for these evidences of his grace in our lives?    Is there anyone you hope will be changed by God’s grace through faith? If so, pray for them and ask God to open a door to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ.  Prayer Requests: