Big idea: You are either spiritually dead or spiritually alive — and only God can bring dead people to life.
This Sunday we studied Ephesians 2:1–10 and asked a simple (but weighty) question: Are you dead or alive?
1) The problem: we were dead
Paul doesn’t describe humanity as “sick” or “confused,” but dead in trespasses and sins (vv. 1–3). Left to ourselves, we follow the world, our flesh, and the enemy — and we stand under God’s righteous judgment. The hard truth is: we cannot fix ourselves.
2) The turning point: “But God…”
Then come two of the most hopeful words in the Bible: “But God…” (v. 4). God acts out of rich mercy and great love. Even when we were dead, God made us alive together with Christ (vv. 4–7).
3) The means: grace through faith
Salvation is not earned and it is not deserved: “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God” (vv. 8–9). We cannot out-sin God’s grace, and we cannot outwork our way into God’s favor. Our standing is secure because it rests on Jesus’ finished work, not our performance.
4) The result: new life that produces good works
Grace doesn’t just forgive — it transforms. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (v. 10). Good works don’t save us, but they do follow a saved life. If we’ve been brought from death to life, we’re called to walk in that new life.
Reflection questions
- Where do you see “dead life” patterns still showing up in your habits, desires, or priorities?
- What does it look like for you this week to live like someone who is alive in Christ?
- Who in your life is spiritually dead — and how can you pray for them and pursue them with love?
Lifegroup Leader Guide (Ephesians 2:1–10)
Sermon theme: Dead or Alive?
Big idea: Only God can bring spiritually dead people to life — by grace, through faith — and that new life produces good works.
1) Welcome + setup (5 minutes)
- Quick check-in: “High/low from the week?”
- Pray briefly for open hearts and honest conversation.
2) Read the passage (5 minutes)
Read Ephesians 2:1–10 out loud (have 2–3 people read smaller sections).
3) Re-ground the group in the message (2 minutes)
Two lies the sermon addressed:
- “I’m too sinful to be loved or forgiven by God.”
- “If I do enough good, I can earn salvation.”
Paul’s answer: Grace. God saves dead people. We receive it by faith. Then we walk in the good works God prepared.
4) Discussion questions (pick 6–8 total, 25–35 minutes)
A. The diagnosis (vv. 1–3)
- Paul says we were “dead,” not merely “broken.” Why do you think he uses such strong language?
- What are some modern ways people try to deny or soften the reality of sin (without using that word)?
B. The hope (vv. 4–7)
- What stands out to you about the phrase: “But God, being rich in mercy…”?
- Verse 5 says God made us alive “even when we were dead.” Why does that timing matter for grace?
C. Grace vs. works (vv. 8–9)
- Which lie do you drift toward more: “too far gone” or “I can earn it”? Why?
- How would you explain “saved by grace through faith” to someone who thinks Christianity is basically “be a good person”?
D. New life and good works (v. 10)
- How do you keep “good works” in their proper place: not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation?
- What are 1–2 “good works” or next steps you sense God has prepared for you in this season (family, repentance, serving, generosity, evangelism, prayer, etc.)?
E. Mission / evangelism
- Who is someone you love who may be spiritually dead right now? What would it look like to pursue them with patience and clarity this week?
5) Application (5 minutes)
Have each person answer:
- “One dead pattern I want to put off this week is ______.”
- “One alive-in-Christ step I want to take this week is ______.”
6) Prayer (5–10 minutes)
Pray in three lanes:
- Thanksgiving for grace and salvation
- Conviction where believers are living like they’re dead
- Intercession for specific “dead” friends/family by name
Optional closing prayer prompt:
“Father, thank You that while we were dead, You made us alive with Christ. Help us live like people who are alive — and use us to bring others from death to life.”