Week 1 · Receiving your new identity
Day 4
Grace comes before good works
Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and respond honestly.
Read
Ephesians 2:1-10
Read in the ESV ↗Read the whole passage slowly, twice if you can. Then come back here.
Reading the chapters alongside your first ten days? Today's is chapter 4: Learning to read the Bible.
Understand
Paul describes the depth of human need before describing God’s mercy. God makes his people alive with Christ. Salvation is his gift, received through faith. No one can boast of earning it.
Then Paul explains that God creates his people for good works. The order matters. You do not perform enough good works to become accepted by God. Because he has rescued you in Christ, you begin a life shaped by his goodness. A disciple can take obedience seriously while resting in grace. Your Bible reading today is an opportunity to know your Father, and your action is a response to his love.
Pray
Father, thank you for rescuing me through Jesus. Free me from trying to purchase your acceptance. Show me a good work you have placed within reach today, and help me do it with gratitude. Amen.
Use this as a starting point, then speak in your own words.
Reflect
Where are you tempted to measure God's love by your performance?
Act today
Offer one helpful act to someone without looking for credit. Before you do it, remind yourself that Christ's saving work is the basis of your acceptance. Afterward, thank God for the opportunity to love.
Words you will hear today
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Walking with someone through this? See the week 1 guide
Missed a day? Resume where you stopped. You don't need to catch up.