Lesson 36: Ephesians 2:10
Lesson 36: Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians 2:10
The Blueprint — The Verse
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Paul wrote to Ephesus, where Artemis worship and magic practices shaped the cultural imagination. The Greek word for 'handiwork' implies a masterpiece — a striking identity for people formerly dead in sin.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Ephesians 2 describes salvation by grace through faith and reconciliation between Jew and Gentile. Paul declares believers are God's workmanship, saved not by works but created anew for good works God planned beforehand.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Ephesians 2:9
not of works, that no one would boast.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Ephesians 2:9) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Ephesians 2:11
Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision”, (in the flesh, made by hands);
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Ephesians 2:11) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How does being God's handiwork change your self-image?
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What good works might God have prepared for you today?
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How do grace and good works fit together in this verse?