We come to the turning point in the book of Ephesians. As we’ve said before, beliefs take action. Our theology gets legs. After three chapters of doctrine, Paul now gets really specific about how we should live out “Being the Church." He calls us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. But if so, what was all that talk about grace being unearned? How can we live the "worth" of something that can never be earned? In one sense, the rest of the letter will be answering this question in practical ways. Let's talk about what it means when we say "grace has an agenda" - especially that the agenda is both for our holiness and for our joy.
Discussion Questions
Are you going to dance or not? Metaphorically speaking, when have you been confronted to act on what you believe and know? What was the payoff or enduring benefit?
The Walk.
Why do anything if grace is not earned? Why stop goofing off or rebelling? Paul asks and answers that question in Romans 6:1-2. When Paul talks about “living in it” (read: filth, mess, and sin); what are you glad you’re not living in anymore? What have you been saved from that was ruining your life?
You’re on a walk right now. Where is the trajectory taking you? Where is your walk going? Is your answer unclear, confused, a sign of denial, or confident and purposeful?
We become like what we’re staring at. Where has that been true for you? Where do you need to shift your gaze now - can you be specific? Is this self-improvement or an effort toward walking in a manner worthy of your calling? What is your calling?
You would grow to resent God if you had to earn His love. Have you ever had to earn someone’s love, and did you grow to resent them? Is someone in your life now trying to earn your love? More pointedly, are you making anyone earn your love now?
The Worthiness.
Scales determined worth in the first century. What or who have you allowed to determine your worth? Explain the gospel using those same terms. Preach the gospel to yourself right now.
Read Philippians 2:12-13. Out of God’s grace you begin to make effort; in response to His grace. It’s all about the order. Is there something you do, because you’re happy to do it for God, because He gave you that ability or motivation?
How do you handle criticism? Why do you handle some criticism with ease, while there’s other criticism that destroys you? Can you imagine responding in meekness to the kind of criticism that destroys you? What would that look like?
Humility sets us free. A limp can make us joyful. How does any so-called limp in your life keep you both humble and joyful?
We all wish we were more patient, but we don’t want to be put in situations where patience gets cultivated. Christ was bearing the weight of our sin on the cross, and now He is patient with us. Who is testing your patience now, and what is the gospel opportunity in that situation – either for you, for them, or for both of you?
Gospel: God partners with us by giving ALL the righteousness needed to live worthy of our calling. He even gives us a calling! God saves hypocrites and we don’t need to “earn this.” (Saving Private Ryan) The outcome is not resentment towards God, but joy and freedom. Jesus earned what we could not, so now we can act, dance, and walk with purpose.
