Compassionate Service

Scripture
Ephesians 2:1-10
[1] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—[3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—[6] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Big Picture
We are saved from a life of death by the grace of God to do good works.
Reflection
1. Respond to the statement “I’m going to Heaven because I’m a good person.”
2. What does it mean that you are “God’s Handiwork”?
3. John Stott says “Good works are indispensable to salvation—not as its ground or means … but as its consequence and evidence.” How does this line up with Ephesians 2:1-10?
4. What are some of the ways the view of salvation by grace alone has been distorted?
5. Consider Pastor Caleb’s statement “The church in our culture is known more for hand-wringing than foot washing.” Many people in our community have a perception of the church that rarely includes compassionate service. Why do you think that is?
6. God has prepared good works for you to walk in. What do you believe those are in this season of your life?
 
Songs
My One Comfort
Multiplied
Agnus Dei
He Is Jesus

Resources