The Exceeding Riches of His Grace
Text: Ephesians 2
16 April 2006
(I) THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE
“That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus…” Ephesians 2:7
1. Description of the Grace of God outpoured
“Exceeding riches of His grace…” Ephesians 2:7
a) Riches of His grace
b) Exceeding riches of His grace
2. Dynamic Display of Grace
a) In the extension of God’s mercy
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in whom you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:1-2
i) To those who walk in disobedience
ii) To those who walk according to evil ways
iii) To those who have been deadened by sin
b) In the application of God’s mercy
“But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…” Ephesians 2:4
i) God’s mercy is limitless in richness Ephesians 2:4
ii) God’s mercy expressed in love for the sinner Ephesians 2:4
3. Dynamic Results of God’s Grace Outpoured
(Three highlighted)
a) Those dead in sin are given new life
“Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” Ephesians 2:5
b) They are raised to the highest spiritual level
“And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:6
c) A new work of God begins in the believer
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10
4. Distinctive Benefits from Receiving God’s the Gift of God’s grace
(Two highlighted)
a) We become members of the Household of God
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens and members of the household of God” Ephesians 2:20
b) We become part of God’s living temple Ephesians 2:21-22
“Having being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” Ephesians 2:21-22