July 22-23, 2006, Ephesians 2:1-10

Identity Theft

Peace Of Mind

Ephesians 2:1-3 [NIV]
[1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Principle #1
We are dead in Sin.

Ephesians 2:4-5 [NIV]
[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

Principle #2
God’s great mercy has given us life.

Romans 5:6-8 [NIV]
[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 8:36 [NIV]
[36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Ephesians 2:6-10 [NIV]
[6] And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, [7] in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. [8]For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Principle #3
God has made us alive to experience real life.

Big Idea
Your identity is based upon Christ’s sacrifice, which has allowed us to have real life.

MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST PRAYER:
I praise you LORD for choosing me,
for adopting me into Christ’s family.
Thank you that in Christ, I am deeply loved,
totally forgiven and complete.
Thank you Lord for saving me and making me alive in you.