How You Got To Be Who You Are
Written by Ed Allen
Sunday, 22 March 2009 09:00
Biology says... You become who you are because of the interaction of your genetic disposition with life circumstances.
Deeper truth... You become who you were meant to be by grace through faith, which means you accept the gift of God's life poured into yours.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (New Living Translation)
Made Alive with Christ
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God”s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God”s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can”t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God”s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
The Great Contrast...
| Death | Life |
|---|---|
| choosing sin | doing good works |
| this world | the heavenly realms |
| sinful nature | union with Christ |
| subject to God's anger | objects of mercy and salvation |
| under "the commander" | seated in Christ |
| by nature | by grace |
| because of works | through faith |
Conclusion
- There is a molevolent spiritual force who opposes God and God's activity.
- Our spiritual DNA determines our identity and our actions.
- Our spiritual DNA comes to us as a gift.
- This gift must be accepted through FAITH.
Small Group Questions
- Where are your ancestors from?
- Tell about a trait you have that one or more of your relatives also have.
- A few years ago, there was a movement some called “Random Acts of Kindness.” Were you ever a recipient of a “random act of kindness?” Tell about it. How did you feel receiving something you didn’t earn?
- Read Ephesians 2: 1-10 out loud. What verse speaks to you the most at this point in your life? Why?
- Have you said “yes” to God? Tell about the first time you said “yes” to God.
- Have you recently said “yes” to God in some area? Share with your group.
- Is God calling you to say “yes” to Him in some area? Share and spend time in prayer together.