March 19, 2018
Ephesians 2:1-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
We have been given the power to live in Christ now. Satan has no power over us unless we give him power. God made the decision to save us and leave us here in this world; he also gave us the freedom to choose how we will live as his children while here. Out of gratitude we should live in obedience to God’s Word. We have been given new life and the grace to live it for God’s glory. Let’s not waste the gift of grace; let’s do the good things God has planned for us.
Ephesians 2:1-10 Made Alive with Christ
2 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.
Prayer: Lord, help me to make good choices to live in the newness of life you extend me each day. As long as you leave me on earth, may you be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.