Genuine Brotherly Love Produces Assurance:

1. Of our belonging to God (vv. 19-20)
2. Of our ongoing fellowship with God (vv.21-22)
3. Of our unbreakable union with God (vv. 23-24)

1. The Mandate for Discipline

a. The Command of Christ

b. The Example of the New Testament Church

2. The Motivation for Discipline

a. Love for a sinning brother/sister

b. Love for fellow-believers

c. Love for the Lord Jesus Christ

3. The Method of Discipline

a. Spiritual Work

b. Specific Process

4. The Mission of Discipline

a. Restoration of the Sinning Brother/Sister

b. Purification of the Church

Introduction

Paul’s mind had just been directed to the possibility of seeing the Philippian saints again. He now feels he should give direct counsel even in his enforced absence. He frequently expresses the thought of his personal presence with the churches even though he cannot be with them in person (I Corinthians 5:3; Colossians 2:5). In the case of the Philippians he has in mind the need to caution them against a spirit of divisiveness and self-seeking as well as to offer them encouragement in the conflict which they were apparently facing.

It is reasonable to think that part of the trouble inside the church was a loss of confidence arising out of unexpected suffering. Philippians 2:14 warns against “grumbling” and “disputing.” Both terms suggest that there was quarreling and perplexity at what was happening to the church. Why should they have to suffer for their faith and endure a bitter conflict? This church, like the church at Philippi, has experienced unexpected sufferings. There is a danger of losing our confidence in the Lord causing us to complain and argue. Paul’s reply is to justify their circumstances in the light of the purpose of God and the nature of the Christian life which does not exempt Christians from misfortune and trials (v. 29-30). Part of Paul’s reply is the example of his own experience of suffering, both past and present, and to implore the Philippians to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The suffering of Jesus and the apostle Paul together prove that there is nothing inconsistent with the church of Christ living lives of persecution and suffering in a world that is opposed to us (2:15). Paul’s tone in his reply is similar to his appeal in I Thessalonians 3:3-4.

The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. We are soldiers defending the faith of the gospel, and the believer can have joy in the midst of the battle if he possesses the single mind. But the enemy is out to rob us of our joy and faith, and if successful, can cause damage to the ministry of the gospel. We are an army, and we must fight our battle together. This is the message that Paul is teaching the church at Philippi.

1:27

“Only” means just one thing, above all else, or at all costs. It is an admonition lifted like a warning finger. Paul said that above all else and no matter what “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Conduct yourselves” is related to our word politics. It is a verb that meant literally “to live as a citizen.” He desires that the church members at Philippi live together according to the standard set by allegiance to the gospel of Christ. The life of the church community is likened to the citizenship which the citizens at Rome enjoyed in the ancient world. So Paul’s verb should be rendered to bring out this flavor. An exclusively political meaning has been suggested. Brewer translates it, “discharge your obligations as citizens.” But it is more likely that Paul is using a technical verb to call the Philippians to their double responsibility. They were proud of being treated under Roman law as citizens of the empire with privileges to enjoy and responsibilities to fulfill. They must also remember that they are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (3:20), and by this membership of Christ’s kingdom on earth their conduct within the church and in the world is to be determined. The earliest members of the Philippian church would have known that Paul had used his Roman citizenship to bring about his release from prison there (Acts 16:12, 20-21). Out of this background the readers were challenged to live as those who hold a higher and vastly more significant citizenship (3:20). So Paul was telling them to behave the way good citizens are supposed to behave. They must remember that they are citizens of heaven.

Paul tells them that their conduct must in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Manner worthy” means to weigh as much, have equal value to, or be worth as much. The notion of a worthy standard is frequent in Paul’s writing as part of his ethical mandate directed to the churches (I Thessalonians 2:12; Romans 16:2; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1). Here it is the gospel which sets the ethical norm. The essence of Paul’s appeal is, as Gnilka says, “Live as converted people,” both in church fellowship and in the outside world. This is the apostle’s earnest wish for them, even if he cannot be personally by their side. By speaking of a conduct worthy of the gospel it is implied that those who live otherwise do injustice to the gospel.

Am I conducting myself in a manner worthy of the gospel? This is a good question to ask ourselves regularly (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10). We must remember that the world around us knows only the gospel that it sees in our lives, which includes our actions and speech. The gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (I Corinthians 15:1-8). This is the only way of salvation; any other message is false (Galatians 1:6-10). The message of the gospel is that sinners can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This alone is the source of salvation. Nothing must be added to it. A church that conducts itself according to what it believes is going to win the battle, and the gospel will be spread (II Corinthians 3:2).

In this passage Paul instructs us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. As a result of this worthy conduct it will be evident that we are standing firm as one for the gospel, and we will not being alarmed by our opponents. To conduct ourselves in a worthy manner also entails the realization that God has granted that we will suffer.

I. Stand firm as one for the gospel – 1:27

Paul is realistic in his understanding of the church’s struggle against a hostile enemy. He realizes that it is truly a battle, and he addresses it as such. This section is rich in military terms: “Standing firm” means to be resolute as soldiers set at their post; “striving together” or contending carries association of a contest, either in battle or in the arena where the gladiators struggled in a life and death combat; “opponents” or adversaries whether human or demonic; “conflict” such as Paul had known at the time of his first visit to their city (I Thessalonians 2:2 uses the same noun) and possibly endured at the time of his writing (Colossians 2:1).

So Paul says that conducting ourselves properly involves standing firm in one spirit. It is possible that the word “spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit (as in Ephesians 4:3), but his next phrase “with one mind” seems to suggest that these phrases are descriptions of Christian unity of thinking and purpose. It is true that this type of unity must be produced by the Holy Spirit, but the result, not the source, is what is stressed here. It was by their unified faithfulness to the apostolic teaching, which was evidently under fire at Philippi, that they would be able to win through in their conflict, even if Paul’s presence with them is not possible.

Standing firm in one spirit is one of the main attributes of the church, and it is also vital in preserving its health as the enemy seeks to divide it. A twofold unity is described: “one spirit” and “one mind.” The first is that we have the same views, and the second is that we be united in heart. We must first have agreement of our beliefs, and then our hearts will be inclined in the same direction.

Remember, there was a problem with unity in the Philippian church. 4:2 tells us that two women in the church were not getting along. In order to overcome the enemy we must stand together in our beliefs and in our hearts. One topic that Paul emphasizes in this letter is unity. (In the Greek language, the prefix, ‘sun’ means with or together, and when used with other words, strengthens the idea of unity. Paul uses this prefix at least sixteen times in the letter). Unfortunately, there are people in the church who want to receive glory. Even James and John asked to have special thrones. Earlier in this chapter Paul reported that some preached Christ out of selfish ambition. Our church is not immune to this possibility, and we must be on guard against divisiveness and selfishness which could cause division in our church. This is not to be the conduct of believers, and it is certainly not worthy of the gospel.

Paul goes on and gives the goal of Christian unity in our conduct: “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” What a strong bond we have when we fight together under the same banner. Paul wanted to confirm the unity that existed among the Philippians so he tells them that they are fellow-soldiers, who have a common enemy and share a common warfare. Because of this they ought to be of the same mind in the battle. The same is true for us today. If we believe the gospel and claim Jesus Christ as Lord, then that common belief ought to unite us together. Faith here is referring to the body of truth which is the gospel message. We are to be striving or contending to promote and protect the message of Christ. In order to do this, adversaries must be faced. (See Jude 3). The word together shows the need for this to be a joint effort. This is also seen by the previous references to “one spirit” and “one mind.”

The Word of God is what our common belief is based upon, and the one goal is to magnify Christ. This demands discipline as circumstances and adversaries are coming against us. Paul is again reminding us to have a single mind. We are citizens of heaven, and as such, we should walk accordingly. To have a conduct worthy of the gospel, we must stand firm as one and strive together even in the most difficult circumstances.

II. Do not be alarmed by your opponents – 1:28

1:28

When believers stand firm and strive together for the gospel, there will be opposition. But when Christ lives His life in us, we will have courage to face our opponents, and this will be seen in our conduct. Paul did not want the Philippians to be terrified by their adversaries causing them to pull away from the battle. The word “alarmed” was used by the Greeks in referring to a horse shying away from battle (see Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:5-6). At this time in history the most cruel persecutions against Christians occurred almost everywhere. Satan was working to stop the progress of the gospel, but God used his efforts to actually advance the message of Christ. Paul reported earlier in the chapter of this very thing in his own life (1:12-14). Satan hates the gospel today as much as he did in the first century, and this church will face opposition in its efforts to live lives worthy of the gospel. Paul exhorts the Philippian church to stand with courage and not be thrown into alarm, and that message has passed through church history to this very day.

Paul does not say exactly who these opponents were. Clearly they are non-Christians since they are on the road to destruction (I Corinthians 1:18 uses the same Greek term in its verbal form to denote eschatological judgment reserved for the church’s enemies in the world). It is likely that these were external enemies and not false teachers within the church. I believe Paul was speaking of adversaries of the church of whatever kind. These opponents were causing hardships within the church as Paul’s call to steadfastness in this section has in mind a struggle or conflict (v. 30) which the Philippians’ associated with Paul’s situation at the time when he was with them (“you saw”) and which he was presently enduring (“and now hear to be in me”). Because of the struggles caused by these opponents is was crucial that the church be unified and courageous.

Who are the opponents that you face that may be causing you to retreat from the battle? Many are suffering in our body and because of that we all suffer with you. The whole world system is completely contrary to the Word of God. Seemingly good people are preaching and writing of a false gospel that is inclusive of every good intent. We are bombarded with this thinking from co-workers, neighbors, family members, government, books, and the media. It is everywhere. While this passage is specifically referring to opposition from the outside world, there are many who are suffering in other ways. Some have relationships that are in turmoil, and others are enduring extreme suffering with regards to health. At times your grief and fear may even cause you to be immobilized. You may be insulted, made fun of, and treated unfairly even in the places that you should feel safe. My heart breaks for you, but the message to you is do not be alarmed. Do not be shaken away from the battle. Continue in the battle, and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Paul’s outlook is optimistic. Although the church is feeling the pressure of persecution, he is confident that its final salvation is assured provided the believers persevere (v. 27). Paul desires that the Philippians’ faith remain constant under trial, and that they stand firm as one, not alarmed by the conflict. This type of courageous living comes from Paul’s conviction that even the persecution of the church is from God, and it is His purpose which is being served.

Paul adds in this verse that their courageous actions are a sign of the enemies’ destruction. Their rejection of the truth only gives proof of their destiny unless the Lord changes their heart. The church of Christ will prevail, and their attacks are futile. On the other hand, the believer, whose conduct is one of courageously standing firm, is showing evidence of their salvation.

The last phrase of the verse is “and that too, from God.” It is referring to the entire fact that believers have been granted courage from God to stand firm in their struggles and so are demonstrating their salvation. In the times of your life that you feel like you are all alone, and your enemies are all around you, and you are tempted to be afraid, the grace of God gives you evidence of salvation as you strive together for the faith. What an encouragement in the battle as God turns a miserable situation into an evidence of great benefit. Your worthy conduct that is carried out together for the gospel, even in the face of enemies, is a sign of your salvation, therefore do not be alarmed by your opponents.

III. Realize that belief and suffering are from God – 1:29-30

1:29

It is not new for Christians who are proclaiming the message of the gospel to attract hatred from the world. Jesus warned about this in John 15:18-25. If anyone defends the truth he will face opposition. In this verse Paul connects believing on Christ with suffering for Him. The two are inseparable. This does not mean that we are in any way adding to the sacrificial work of Christ, but we are sharing in the same kind of rejection that Jesus faced from people who did not accept Him. We, as servants, are not greater than our Master, therefore we should expect the same type of treatment that He received. We must understand that if our conduct is to be worthy of the gospel there will be times when it will be lived in the midst of suffering.

Paul offered this statement to help the Philippians understand their suffering at least in part. The passive voice “has been granted” is Paul’s way of ascribing the activity to the will of God. The ‘divine passive,’ as J. Jeremias calls it, is an Old Testament manner of speech to emphasize that God is in control of all events. Therefore, the Philippians should not be upset by their bitter experience as if God had forgotten them or were angry with them. On the contrary, the verb would remind them that even this trial comes to them as an unmerited gift of God. He says expressly that belief and suffering have been “granted for Christ’s sake.” Our struggles are such a privilege that we do not even merit them on our own. They are a gift from God used to fulfill His purposes. Only in faith, which comes from grace, can suffering be regarded as a privilege. When our purpose in life is fixed on Jesus Christ, then we will have this type of mindset concerning our suffering, and then we will conduct our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel.

A major idea that Paul was teaching his readers lies in the fact that fellowship with a suffering Christ – “for Christ’s sake” – (3:10) by necessity involves a sharing of His destiny. Paul insisted that the Christian life must be lived along a road of personal identity with a Christ who was exposed to all the risks and hazards of a world that hated Him. Paul was opposing the false teaching that regarded apostolic and Christian sufferings as an unnecessary intrusion and believed that Christians were already advanced to a blissful state on earth and exempt from life’s stresses and humiliations. These false teachers may have claimed that glory was the badge of the Christian. Paul insisted that the distinctive mark is the cross.

The whole situation is part of God’s gracious provision for the church. It is certainly a privilege to be given the ability to believe in Christ initially and subsequently throughout our Christian life. But it is also a privilege to suffer for Him. We must remember that God uses suffering as a means of accomplishing His will. Hebrews 2:10 says that He did this in His Son, and He does this in us as well (James 1:2-4; I Peter 1:6-7). If we can just believe this more fully, what progress we would make for the cause of Christ. It is a great honor to suffer by ridicule, conflict, beatings, and even death for His name’s sake.

1:30

In this matter of suffering, the Philippians were experiencing the same sort of struggle Paul had endured throughout his ministry. The readers would well recall the circumstances of Paul’s struggle which they had seen at the time their church was founded (Acts 16:22-ff; I Thessalonians 2:2). “Conflict” is the same word that is used for Christ’s struggle in the garden where it is translated “agony” (Luke 22:44). These uses of the term are also consistent with the idea expressed elsewhere of the obstacles, dangers, and even catastrophes that the Christian may face. It certainly expresses very well the nature of the battle in which believers find themselves.

Not only did Paul experience suffering before his imprisonment, he was still facing it. Later reports of his experiences would also have been known to them (“and now hear to be in me”). This was probably due to reports from travelers or other messengers, including those who conveyed the information about Epaphroditus (2:26). We must also remember his present trial, which for him was even more serious since it brought him face to face with death’s reality (1:20; 2:17). The Philippians were doubtless wondering how he was doing in captivity (1:12). He wanted to encourage and assure them concerning his suffering. Even though his struggle was fierce and he was faced with momentous issues of life and death, he knew that his apostolic ministry was in God’s hands and that the outcome would be “deliverance” (1:19) because his hope was set on God (II Corinthians 1:8-10). This was precisely the hope he offered to the Philippians, since they were engaged in the same struggle and could know the same confidence as he did.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation” (see also II Timothy 3:12). So why are we surprised when we experience conflict and are engaged in a struggle? It is from the hand of our good, all knowing God, and it is meant for our good. We must not allow the circumstances of life to shake our faith and cause us to pull away from the battle. Understand that it is by the grace of God that we believe and suffer as we conduct our lives in a worthy manner.

Conclusion

In this passage Paul felt the need in his absence to give counsel to the church at Philippi. They were in the midst of a conflict that was endangering the health of the church. He did not want them to be divisive and self-seeking. He was also concerned that their opponents might cause them to be alarmed. With the battle raging around them, they must be as soldiers fighting the battle together for the truth of the gospel. This colony of Roman citizens must remember that they are citizens of heaven, and they must behave as such. Paul said that above all else “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” They were to remain unified and courageous in the face of opposition.

The Philippian church was in a bitter struggle, and it seemed to be causing some to argue and complain. The temptation for us is the same. When conflicts and struggles come, it is easy to be self-seeking. A worthy conduct demands that we strive together as one man with the same beliefs and the same heart. The battle is not easy, and many of you are struggling greatly. How will you respond as the whole world seems to be against you? Do you truly believe that God is sovereign over the events of your life? Then know that His will is being done in your life and gain courage and comfort from that. Paul realized that his imprisonment caused a greater advancement of the gospel. Is the purpose of your life fixed on Jesus Christ? Then issues as great as life and death will not rob us of our joy, and even death itself will be gain. Are you conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel? If so, then you will be found to be standing firm as one body; you will not be alarmed by the opponents of the gospel; and you will understand that with belief comes suffering and both have been granted by God.

a. Believers are annointed with the Spirit of truth
b. Antichrists propogate lies about Jesus

4. A Contrast in Mission (vv. 24-26)

a. Believers pursue fidelity to the truth
b. Antichrists foster confusion in the church

1. The Reminder of Our Holy Calling (v. 1a)
2. The Reality of Our Heavenly Counselor (v. 1b)
3. The Reassurance of Our Heaven-Sent Covering (v. 2)

II. The Realization of The Essentiality of Confession of Sin (v. 9a)

a). How? Put on God’s armor (6:11a).

b). Why? To stand against Satan’s vast, cosmic, subtle battle (6:11b-12).

2). The Call to Arms (6:13).

3). The Call to Readiness: Stand (6:14a).

a). By having girded the belt of truth (6:14b).

b). By having put on the breastplate of righteousness (6:14c).

c). By having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (6:15).

d). By having taken up the shield of faith (6:16).

4). The Call to Action: Take Up (6:17).

a). The Helmet of salvation (6:17a).

b). The Sword of the Spirit (6:17b).

5). The Mental Preparedness Required (6:18).

a). By continuous prayer (6:18a).

b). By being continually alert (6:18b).

The doctrine of salvation

The doctrine of the church

In the first half of the book, Paul lays out the doctrines dealing with our position in Christ. The second half deals with our walk in Christ. Both of these aspects must agree with one another. The first chapter speaks of the believer as God’s child. The second chapter of Ephesians is an extension and elaboration of the first. The first 10 verses in this chapter are among the most evangelistic in the Scriptures, explaining beautifully the steps which occur in salvation. Paul wanted these Gentile believers to be firmly grounded in the knowledge of what they formerly were and in the knowledge of what their lives currently were because of God’s grace. These believers were left with nothing to boast about in themselves, but only in the Lord. He did not want them to be influenced by false teaching, and as a result, not give God the glory due Him. The past and present states of these Christians is common to believers through all the ages, and it is common for saints today. Every believer in Jesus Christ was once dead in sins but has been graciously made alive solely by God’s work through Christ.

I. The former state of all believers – 2:1-3
A. We were dead because of trespasses and sins – 2:1
2:1
To give a better understanding of the doctrine of Divine grace, Paul reminds the readers of their former condition. He first says that they “were dead” and goes on to give the cause of the death: “trespasses and sins.” He does not simply say that they were in danger of death, but he makes it clear that it was an actual and present death in which they walked. This death refers to spiritual death which is the state of separation or alienation from God. We are all born in this state of being dead and continue to live this way until we are made partakers of the life of Christ. While it is true that those in this state do live their lives, but it is done at a distance from Christ. And it is a life marked by death as every thought, act, and will is death and ultimately leads to destruction. Union with God is the only true life, and those outside of Christ are altogether dead because of sin which reigned in us.
Paul’s use of the word “you” refers to his Gentile readers, but his use of the word “we” in verse 3 points out that the Jews are in no better condition. The condition of all who are without Christ is shared by all mankind (Romans 2), and being spiritually dead characterizes man without God (Colossians 2:13). Not only that, but we will see that we are unable to meet the requirements of God’s law (Romans 7:9).

B. Jews and Gentiles all walked in sin (death) – 2:2-3
2:2
The mention of “trespasses and sins” in verse 1 leads Paul to expound on the readers’ former way of life. He will pick up his thought again after this account, where in verse 5 we see the dead being “made alive.”
In the mean time, this verse continues with the description of our lost condition. It specifies the forces working against us and gives proof that sin reigned in them by the phrase “in which you formerly walked.” When he goes on to say “according to the course of this world,” he is not referring to the earth or the heavens that God created. It is saying that this death is a universal disease and has infected the nature of mankind. Sinful depravity does not just affect a few, but is common to the whole world. In other words, unbelievers live out their state of spiritual death by living lives of enslavement to the world’s values. These values are always human-centered and never God-centered.
Paul goes farther and gives us the cause of this disease: the realm which Satan reigns over us. The devil is the “prince” or ruler of the realm of death. He is declaring that those without Christ are slaves to Satan and are his subjects. A more horrible and hopeless condition could not have been pronounced. All men and women who live “according to the course of this world” are living under the reign of Satan.
Keep in mind that Paul does not give Satan authority over God, who has the highest authority. He only operates in areas in which God permits, and his successes here are limited to unbelievers. So Satan does not have unlimited power, and he acts under the control of the Supreme Authority. It is also worth noting that man cannot blame the devil for his condition. The very reason he is a subject of Satan is because he is rebelling against God and refuses to yield to His authority.
The last phrase in the verse, “sons of disobedience” refers to being stubborn. Because of stubbornness they have refused to believe.

2:3
So far Paul has been describing the former state of the Gentile Christians. Here Paul uses the pronoun “we” to show that the sinful condition he had just described applied to Jews as well as to Gentiles. He also does not exclude himself from this indictment by saying “we too all.” It may seem surprising that Paul said this of himself when in other places he claimed to be technically blameless under the law (Philippians 3:6). But here he says that it applies to all who have not been given new life in Christ. No matter how good or praiseworthy an unbeliever’s life may appear, they are still dead in their sins. And just because their sins do not seem to be as evident in the sight of men, there is nothing good or holy that does not come from the Holy One.
“Indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind” is to be guided by our natural disposition and our mind. Unbelievers naturally and habitually yield to the cravings of the sinful nature with which they were born (Romans 5:12). As a result, they “were by nature children of wrath.” All of mankind, without exception, no matter what nationality are here pronounced to be guilty. This is their state until they are redeemed by Christ. There is no redemption or righteousness outside of Christ. “Children of wrath” are those who are dead in their trespasses and sins, and as such, lost. They deserve eternal death. The word “wrath” speaks of God’s judgment (Matthew 3:7; Romans 1:18), so they are condemned before God. This is the current state of all those who are without Christ. It was also the former state of all followers of Jesus Christ through the centuries including this those in this church. We were all living lives marked by death because of sin. This was our nature from our very beginning. Every believer in Jesus Christ was once dead in sins but has been graciously made alive solely by God’s work through Christ.

II. The salvation of God’s chosen is His work alone – 2:4-10
A. Salvation by grace, not human efforts – 2:4-9

2:4
The first three verses of chapter 2 tell us what we once were. Now the next few verses tell us what God has done. Paul begins his picture of the present condition of Christians with “but God.” This begins a section that marks the amazing contrast between the state of death and the state of life. Paul says that God had delivered the believers from the destruction to which they were previously guilty. This state is completely different from the former. It says that God is “rich in mercy.” One commentator describes this as God being “exceedingly bountiful and liberal in the exercise of mercy.” In verse 5 we see the result of that phrase as “God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ” meaning that there is no other life than that which is given to us by Christ. We only begin to live when we are brought into Him and share the same life with Him. Only now can we begin to see what is meant by our former state of death, for it is here that death and life are brought into contrast. What a priceless gift it is to be partakers of the life of God the Son, Jesus Christ!
Paul is full of praise to God for His mercy that has been poured out as he describes Him as being “rich in mercy.” Every part of our salvation has its roots in God’s mercy. The passage goes on to add that it is “because of His great love with which He loved us.” This is an astounding statement showing that our state of life, as opposed to death, is totally due to undeserved goodness. God loved us (I John 4:10).
Man does not have to continue to live the life just described. God made it possible to live a higher and better life for those who accept it. God intervened because of His great love, which is the motivating force. In fact, His love gives us the ability to love (I John 4:19). This love caused God to act in mercy, which demonstrates His love in action. Because He loves us so much, God performs specific acts of mercy. The verses show God’s marvelous remedy in Christ. Mercy is God’s love in action, resulting in grace, which is His undeserved favor toward the lost, the objects of His love.
The first three verses of the chapter show the awful condition that we were in, and if God had decided to destroy us He would have been completely justified. Instead, God acted in mercy because of His love.

2:5-6
These verses explain God’s greatest act of mercy. It is very similar to Romans 5:8. Even though we were dead in our sins, He “made us alive together with Christ.” The language describes the readers new position in Christ. This is called the regeneration of believers, and Paul ends the verse by saying that it is by an act of God’s grace. He will restate this in verse 8. It is as though he cannot adequately proclaim the riches of His grace.
The verb in the phrase “made us alive together with Christ” is the first of three in the context that has the prefix sun which is translated “with.” The second is in vs. 6: “raised us up with Him”, and the third is later in the same verse: “seated us with Him.” These verbs beautifully summarize what God does for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to being made alive, He has “raised us up with Him.” Christ was raised from the dead by God’s power and actually appeared to many people. He has also “seated us with Him in the heavenly places.” As believers, we do not currently have all that God has in store for us, but they are so sure that they are mentioned as if we already had possession of these blessings. It illustrates the change that has taken place in our condition. John Calvin put it this way: “It is as if we had been brought from the deepest hell to heaven itself.” Christ is the One that we already possess and is also our object of hope for the future. And it is only in Christ that these blessings can be found.
The results of God’s action toward us as threefold: past, present, and future. We were raised from the dead with Christ. In God’s plan this occurred when Christ was raised. As a result of our union with Him by the baptism of the Spirit (Rom. 6:3-4) we were raised with Him. So all in the Body have been awakened from spiritual death, and also have been baptized by the Spirit into union with Christ. This is true because we have been baptized by the Spirit into Christ’s Body. Our union is with all other believers in Him (I Cor. 12:12-13), and into union with Him, the Head of the Body (Rom. 6:3-4). Therefore we share the death, burial, and resurrection position of the Body. From these verses it is easy to see the great contrast between the believers former lost condition and their present situation in Christ. Every believer in Jesus Christ was once dead in sins but has been graciously made alive solely by God’s work through Christ.

2:7
In verse 7 we see the future and why God did these things (vs. 4-6). It starts with a strong statement of purpose, “in order that.” It was all done with the purpose of “showing the surpassing riches of His grace.” Throughout all eternity the Church will be a demonstration to all creation of God’s grace. This is a plan that is destined to be remembered through all ages. We too must continually remember this astonishing work and be prompted to hand down these truths to the generations. So God will display to the universe the unfathomable wealth of His gracious kindness to us through Christ. His triumph over sin will be exhibited to every created being, fallen and unfallen, and God will be glorified.
God’s mercy is again seen here as He does these things in “kindness.” It is love in tender action. God showed his kindness to man when he needed Him most. The love of God is free and undeserved, and He displayed it in the extraordinary riches of His grace. Again notice that this grace exists only in Christ Jesus.

2:8
Paul again reminds his readers that they owe their salvation entirely to the undeserved favor of God. Verse 5 has already amplified the statement: “by grace you have been saved.” Verse 8 begins with the word “for” indicating that grace is the cause for the salvation from God. The verse emphasizes this divine method of salvation: “by grace.” The salvation of the Ephesians was entirely the gracious work of God. We are owed nothing from God so salvation is not a reward. The text answers the question of how men receive this life offered by God: “through faith.” This is the personal medium for the process of salvation, so it is a necessary condition. Faith involves knowledge of the gospel (Rom. 10:14), acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and personal reception of the Savior (John 1:12). This is the way in which salvation is received, therefore the usual means that man relies on are thrown out. Some would falsely say that faith is man’s contribution to his own salvation, so Paul immediately explains that it has nothing to do with our efforts, but is “the gift of God.” Salvation by grace, through faith is “not of yourselves.” We can claim nothing to our own doing, so that we may acknowledge God alone as the author of our salvation.
The next two verses continue to show us that works cannot save, but good works always accompany salvation (James 2:17).

2:9
Paul continues the idea of salvation and its non-meritorious nature. He firmly excludes any possibility of self-achieved salvation, and therefore leaves no reason for boasting. Notice how abundantly clear he is. He has just insisted that this salvation is “not of yourselves,” and now he adds “not as a result of works.” Any kind of human self-effort is completely ruled out by this statement. Given the holy nature of God and the sinful nature of mankind, there could never be a human work or achievement that could possibly satisfy God. Paul immediately gives the reason with the phrase “so that no one may boast.” God demands the glory and will not share it. If our works had anything to do with our salvation, then we would have cause for boasting in ourselves. Since it is because of God’s unmerited favor all boasting must be toward God, the author of salvation (Romans 3:9-28).
The three phrases “not of yourselves,” “it is the gift of God,” and “not as a result of works,” capture the doctrine that Paul taught in Romans and Galatians. They reveal to us that righteousness comes to us from the mercy of God, it is made available to us in Christ, and it is received by faith alone without any human efforts. This involves more than just a starting point in our lives as believers, but it includes the whole of our salvation. If our deeds were totally inadequate to lead to salvation, then they are equally inadequate to complete it. Remember our former deeds and condition, and realize what God has done and is doing. Every believer in Jesus Christ was once dead in sins but has been graciously made alive solely by God’s work through Christ.

B. The believer is God’s workmanship – 2:10

2:10
This verse is not just thrown in for good measure. It is the outcome of the change that has occurred in our lives. Even though it is not possible to earn salvation, this verse reminds us that work indeed is part of the process, that is, God’s work. We are saved apart from works, but unto good works. We are the result of God’s work, which is intended to produce good works that attest to its reality. Our works themselves are a part of grace. Here we see the consistency between Paul and James (James 2:14-26).
The total passage (vs. 1-10) has come full circle. Verse 2 reminds us how those in a lost state live, and indeed, how we formerly lived. The word “walk” in verse 2 is now repeated in verse 10, only here the walking of the believer is as His “workmanship,” as products of what God’s grace can do in people. We are a new creation. Christians are God’s “work of art,” His “masterpiece,” so they may “walk” in good works. In fact, believers were emphatically “created in Christ Jesus” for that very purpose. It must be noted that this passage applies solely to believers in Jesus Christ. It is the believer that has been regenerated, and everything good in him is the gift of God. This verse gives us further evidence that the Christian has nothing to boast about, for even the good the believer now does has its source in God, who made it possible.
Let us be careful that we understand the Word of God. Some would say that we were assisted by God, or that we are left to continue on our own strength. But this is directly opposed to what the passage teaches. Even an effort to promote our own ability to choose can lead to undermining the grace of God. The Apostle Paul teaches his readers that we are God’s work, and everything good in us in His creation. Our very being is formed by His hand for good works. Man cannot receive salvation for himself, but he receives it as a free gift of God.
Some very important truths are brought out in this verse. To be saved, or “created in Christ Jesus,” is for the purpose of coming into God’s plan for the Christian life, or “for good works;” and this plan has been divinely pre-determined for us, and is not a hit-or miss proposition: “which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
So what does Paul intend to teach in this matter? He intends to show that we have brought nothing to God, and therefore, deserve nothing in return. And he also points out that even the good works that we perform come from the hand of God. As a result, we are nothing except through the pure display of His kindness.

Conclusion:
All of us here who are united with Christ were once dead in sins but have been graciously made alive solely by God’s work through Christ. Paul, in this passage, gives us some graphic details of our former condition. He clearly states that we were dead in our sins and alienated from God. Our every thought and action was marked by death. We were not unique in that position as all of mankind was either in that state or is currently in that state. It is a state of rebelling against God and refusing to yield to His authority causing one to be a subject of Satan. These facts are very sobering as it leaves no hope in ourselves to change from our state of being dead to a state of being alive.
But God stepped in and provided the only acceptable work in which life can be found: His work. There is no amount of human effort that can be done that could have ever made us alive. It is only because of the rich mercy and kindness of God that this life even exists. Salvation is by God’s grace and through faith. He has done a complete work in the life of the believer so that “in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Christ died on the cross and was raised from the dead for us, and we, as His Body, share in that position. It is a position that is attributed entirely to God’s grace, and as such, He deserves all the glory.
God’s work continues in the Christian’s life, for even the good works we do are in reality His work in our lives. They are the outworking of the change that has been brought about by God. It is a work that was pre-determined for us “that we should walk in them.” What a merciful and gracious God we have! May we spend our lives proclaiming His grace with our mouths and in our deeds.

A. We were dead because of trespasses and sins – 2:1
B. Jews and Gentiles all walked in sin (death) – 2:2-3

II. The salvation of God’s chosen is His work alone – 2:4-10

A. Salvation by grace, not human efforts – 2:4-9
B. The believer is God’s workmanship – 2:10

a. Your hoarding is in vain. (vv. 2-3a)
b. Your hoarding will be judged. (v. 3b)

II. Weep over your certain condemnation because you have cheated your workers. (v. 4)

a. The pay you withheld, and the workers you cheated cry out against you. (v. 4a)
b. The outcry has been heard by the Lord of Hosts. (v. 4b)

III. Weep over your certain condemnation because you have lived a self-indulgent life. (v. 5)

a. Your lived a soft and self-centered life. (v. 5a)
b. You fattened yourself for destruction with your life. (v. 5b)

IV. Weep over you certain condemnation because you have oppressed the righteous. (v. 6)

a. You oppressed the righteous. (v .6 a)
b. The righteous did not even resist you. (v. 6b)

Conclusion:
Do not envy those who are consumed with their riches on this earth for their life has been wasted, and God will punish them for their rebellion.