TCC Reflection Studies -> Grace -> Ephesians 2:1-10
Below is a "Reflection Study". I provide these to clients in session when they are wanting to work on a specific faith concern. We create them in-house. Enjoy!
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."
Reflection Questions on Ephesians 2:1-10:
1. Verse 1-3 (Dead in Sin):
A. What fears or anxieties arise for you when you reflect on your past or current struggles with sin?
B. How does acknowledging that all of us were "dead in transgressions" make you feel about your own spiritual journey?
C. Do you find yourself overly focused on your failures or mistakes? If so, why do you think that is?
2. Verse 4-5 (Made Alive in Christ):
A. How does it feel to read that God made you alive with Christ while you were still dead in sin? What does this say about God’s view of you?
B. What worries do you have about God’s love or forgiveness that make you feel anxious about your salvation?
C. When you hear the phrase, “It is by grace you have been saved,” what emotions or doubts come up for you?
D. How do you reconcile God's rich mercy with the times you fall short?
3. Verse 6-7 (Raised with Christ):
A. How does the idea of being "raised up with Christ" shift your perspective on your identity and worth in God’s eyes?
B. Do you struggle to believe that God’s grace is enough to cover your sins? What might be contributing to that struggle?
C. How does your anxiety about sin affect your relationship with God on a daily basis?
4. Verse 8-9 (Salvation by Grace through Faith)
A. What concerns or doubts arise when you consider that salvation is a gift from God, not something you can earn through good behavior or works?
B. How does anxiety about “being caught sinning” impact your trust in God’s grace?
C. In moments when you feel overwhelmed by fear of judgment, how can the truth that salvation is "the gift of God" bring peace to your heart?
D. What would change for you if you accepted that nothing you do can add to or take away from the grace God has already given you?
5. Verse 10 (Created for Good Works):
How does understanding that God has prepared good works for you help ease anxiety about needing to “prove” your worth?
A. When you think about the "good works" God has planned for you, does it bring excitement or pressure? How can you trust God to lead you in these works without feeling overwhelmed?
B. How can you find balance between striving for spiritual growth and resting in God’s grace, especially when anxiety tempts you to do more to earn His love?
THEREPEUTIC FOCUS
1. Identify Core Fears: What specific fears are driving your anxiety about being "good enough" for God?
2. Explore Self-Worth: How does your view of yourself align with what God says about you in this passage?
3. Grace vs. Perfectionism: In what ways do you feel that perfection is required for God's acceptance? How can embracing grace change this perspective?
4. Safety in God's Grace: How can meditating on God’s mercy and grace calm your fears about judgment or failure?
COPING STRATEGY
Meditation on Grace: Practice daily reminders that you are saved by grace, not by works. When anxious thoughts arise about sin or salvation, pause to repeat Ephesians 2:8 to yourself: "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
