Day 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
9not by works, so that no one can boast.
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
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Ephesians 2:11) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- How does being God's handiwork change your self-image?
- What good works might God have prepared for you today?
- How do grace and good works fit together in this verse?