Three Essentials: Ephesians - The Gospel and a Gospel-Shaped Life

Three Essentials: Ephesians - The Gospel and a Gospel-Shaped Life By Timothy Moore Daily Devotions Ephesians 2:1-10

Religion = Good advice = Something to do (Burden Increased)

Gospel = Good News = Something done (Burdens Gone!)

Burdens = Anything that increases feelings of fear, failure, futility, or finality

Religion = “I obey and therefore (gods or God) accepts me.”

Gospel = “I’m fully loved and completely accepted because of Christ. I’m going to live differently.”

If fear motivates your belief system, it is religion.

If gratitude motivates your belief system, it is gospel.

Religion = I obey to obtain things from God

Gospel = I obey because I am grateful to God

SATISFACTION “Once you were dead…” Thanatos (Greek) = separated

“All of us used to live that way…” No one is exempt Romans 3:23

“But God is so rich in mercy…” All hope is in this phrase.

“You can’t take credit for this…” It is good news NOT advice. It’s done!

“For we are God’s masterpiece…do the good things…”

VISUALIZATION AND ACTION

Believe the gospel and live a gospel-shaped life.

Human (fallen) Nature = take and take advantage of others

Gospel-Shaped Life = give, forgive, and build up others

God created us to use things and love people. Satan flips that for everyone and says “love things and use people.”