Ephesians 2: Saved by Grace Through Faith

 

Saved by Grace Through Faith

Scripture

Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Observation

Grace is undeserved favor from God, and Ephesians chapter 2 says that when we were dead in the trespasses and sins in which we once walked, God “made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” All of us were children of wrath like the rest of mankind. Therefore, salvation could not come from human merits, but from the grace of God. When we are talking about grace, it is not a result of human works, but the result of God’s love and mercy. However, faith is the means through which we receive God’s grace. Now He shows “the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

Application

When a believer understands the amazing grace received through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and such great love that moved God the Father to send His own Son as the payment for our transgressions when we were still living in them, “following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air,” we have to ask ourselves: What can we do to let everyone around us know about the grace of God?

It is important to understand that God “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Then, when we are “in Christ,” we have been transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), and we are called to represent Him as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Through us, God can show others the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness through the good works that He prepared beforehand for us to walk in.

“We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, but we are saved for good works, through which God’s grace can be manifested to others.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, let us understand the amazing grace manifested through our Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross when we were dead and lost in our old ways. There is nothing we can do to earn this gift of salvation; we can only receive it by faith. We pray that the works of Jesus would be manifested through us, so that the people around us may see His love, hear the Gospel, believe in Him, and receive the same grace and salvation that You have given to us.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

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PASTOR JOHNY – JCRC LATIN

GALATIANS 1: THE TRUE GOSPEL: RECEIVE → SHARE → LIVE → GLORIFY

 

What truly the Gospel is?

What do we do with it?

Who do we live for?

Who receives the glory?

Galatians 1

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” — Galatians 1:6

1. CENTERED ON JESUS — SAVED BY GRACE
Galatians 1:3–5

- Jesus gave Himself for our sins.
- The true Gospel is centered on what Jesus has done, not what we can do.
- We are saved by grace.
- Salvation is through Jesus.
- Our faith is not a performance.
- We don't earn God's love.
- We respond to the grace we have received.

Jesus is the center of the Gospel.

2. SHARED WITH OTHERS — MAKE CHRIST KNOWN
Galatians 1:15–16

- God revealed His Son to Paul “so that I might preach him among the Gentiles.”
- Paul received the Gospel, and then he shared the Gospel.
- The true Gospel is not something we keep to ourselves.
- Grace received → Gospel shared.
- We are called to tell others what Jesus has done.

What God has done in us becomes a message we share with others.

3. SEEK GOD'S APPROVAL — LIVE TO PLEASE HIM
Galatians 1:10

“Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?”

- Once we know Christ, our goal changes.
- We don't live for:
      people's applause
      people's acceptance
      people's opinions
      people's recognition
- We live to please God.
      Paul says:

           “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

 

Don't live for people's approval; live for God's approval.

4. GLORIFY GOD — LET YOUR LIFE POINT TO HIM
Galatians 1:23–24

When people saw the transformation in Paul's life:

“They glorified God because of me.”

- This is the ultimate result.
- Paul didn't want people to say:
     “Look how great Paul is.”
-  His transformed life caused people to say:
     “Look how great God is.”
- Our salvation, testimony, service, and ministry should ultimately point people to God.

The Gospel changes our lives so that God receives the glory.

Jesus saves me à I share the Gospel à I live to please God à God receives the glory

Stay centered on Jesus. Share the Gospel. Seek God's approval. Give God the glory.

The true Gospel begins with Jesus, moves through our witness, shapes the way we live, and ends with God receiving all the glory.

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI

 

2 CORINTHIANS 13: TEST OF FAITH

 

2 Corinthians 13:5

‘’ ⁵ Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!’’

This verse speaks loudly to me. Paul did not simply say to the Corinthians to take the test, but to test themselves. It is like putting yourself in the fire and seeing whether you can withstand it.

How can we test our faith?

Sometimes, it is easier for us to see something in others than to see it within ourselves, and that is what makes testing difficult. So, we must ask ourselves:

• Am I in the faith?
• Am I still walking in faith?
• Am I truly living in faith?

We can only attest that we are in the faith if we can still see and recognize Christ in us. However, faith cannot be tested when we remain within the four walls of a room — when we simply read the Bible, pray, listen to preaching, and sit comfortably. In James 1:22 says, ‘’ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.’’ Faith is tested when we are exposed to the world outside, when we do God’s word outside even when it’s hard or difficult.

·       When we serve people

·       When we go and preach

·       When we minister alongside other people

1.     Serving people is hard because it requires the compassionate heart of Christ toward them so that we can willingly give our time, effort, and energy.

Mark 10:45

‘’ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’’

 

2.     Preaching the Word is difficult when we are rejected because it requires the love of God for us to continue even when people do not receive what we share.

 

1 John 2:5

‘’ but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him’’

 

3.     Ministering with our co-laborers can also be hard because we are different individuals, and it requires a unified spirit for us to continue the work together.

1 Corinthians 12:12 – 13

^‘’12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves^[a] or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.’’

To test our faith is to be willing to take on uncomfortable service for God. We should not choose our work based only on what is convenient or comfortable for us. Taking on uncomfortable tasks helps build God's passion in our hearts and reveals our faithfulness to Him.

Faith is not merely something we profess; it is something that is tested through how we live, serve, persevere, and continue to follow Christ—even when it is difficult.

James 2:17, 26
[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
[26] As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your Word today. May we be willing to take the test and be found faithful. May our service reflect Your compassion, may our lives reflect Your love, and may our faith be seen through the faithfulness of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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ELDER MALYN - JCRC CAMBODIA

2 CORINTHIANS 12: GRACE IN THE MIDST OF WEAKNESS

 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  - 2 Corinthians 12:9

There are moments when life exposes the limits of our strength. There are times when we feel tired, overwhelmed, inadequate, disappointed, or stretched beyond what we think we can handle. Like anyone else, Paul wanted his suffering to stop. He prayed three times for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” Yet God’s answer was not to remove the weakness, but to give Paul sufficient grace to endure it.

Paul discovered that God’s grace was enough—not because the pain disappeared, but because God’s sustaining presence enabled him to remain faithful.

In the same way, we can receive that same grace today. God does not always change our circumstances immediately, but He gives us the strength to remain faithful in the middle of them.

1.       God’s Grace Is Sufficient When the Weakness Remains

- Grace saves us, but it also strengthens us. It forgives our sins, yet it also upholds the weary. Grace welcomes the broken and empowers the weak to continue walking in faith.

2.       God’s Power Is Made Perfect in Weakness

- When we are strong, we may be tempted to depend on ourselves. But when we reach the limits of our own ability, we learn that God is greater than what we lack. Our weakness does not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, it can become the very place where His power is revealed.

3.       Paul Learned to Boast in His Weakness

- We do not have to pretend that we are always strong. We can honestly acknowledge our limitations, struggles, and weariness while trusting that Christ is present with us.

4.       Weakness Can Teach Us Deeper Dependence

- Depending on God does not mean that we stop doing our part. We still work, serve, lead, love, forgive, endure, and persevere. But we do these things with the humble recognition that God supplies what we lack.

Instead of constantly hiding our flaws, exhaustion, or limitations, we can bring them before God. Human weakness reminds us that we were never meant to live by self-sufficiency.

- When our strength runs out, His grace remains.

- When we feel inadequate, His power is sufficient.

- When we cannot see how to continue, His presence gives us strength for the next step.

God’s grace is sufficient—not because we are strong enough, but because He is.

Reflections:

Ø  What weakness, struggle, or situation in my life am I currently asking God to remove, and how might He be inviting me to depend on His grace instead?

Ø  When I feel tired, inadequate, or overwhelmed, do I tend to rely on my own strength or turn to God first? Why?

Ø  How has God sustained me in a difficult season, even when He did not immediately change my circumstances?

Ø  What is one area of my life where I need to surrender self-sufficiency and trust that God’s grace is sufficient for me today?

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E  ELDER BAYIS - JCRC HANOI

2 CORINTHIANS 11: DISCERN FALSE APOSTLES & THEIR TEACHINGS

Are you being led to different gospel? different kind of Spirit? similar but different Jesus?

⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

Who are False Apostles?

a)      They are opportunists. (they came, but not sent nor appointed by Christ)

¹² … those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. ¹³ These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. -2Cor11:12-13

b)      They boast of being same work as true apostles. (for a claim of high spiritual authority and demands as same recognition as true apostles)

¹⁷ Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. ¹⁸ And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.

¹⁵ So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

c)      Being lifted up as greater “super-apostles” but not worked as true apostles have on their service (lack the sacrificial service, humility, and hard labor that define true apostles)

⁵ But I don’t consider myself inferior in any way to these “super apostles” who teach such things.

²⁰ You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. ²¹ I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!

d)      They impart different teaching (leads people astray from Christ since they themselves are non-Christlike and imparts different spirit and teaching)

⁴ You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

 

Therefore we are to DISCERN: (False apostles and teachings may come by people around us or through other open sources such as internet or social media claiming authority to teach and preach different gospel, different Jesus and imparting different spirit)

How can we not be led astray?

a)      Pray for God’s guidance, discernment and protection from people and teachings.

²⁷ For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. -1John 2:27

b)      Don’t just follow someone for being charismatic and skilled in speaking. Check their background, character and fruits.

⁵ But I don’t consider myself inferior in any way to these “super apostles” who teach such things. ⁶ I may be unskilled as a speaker, but I’m not lacking in knowledge.  -2Cor11:5-6

c)       Be knowledgeable in God’s word to see for oneself if the teaching is true, in context, having additions or subtractions.

⁶ my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.   -Hosea 4:6

d)      Have the jealousy of God for brothers and sisters to have undivided, non-corrupted and pure devotion to Christ to protect them from being led astray

² For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. ³ But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

e)      Fellowship with Jesus’ believers, be taught and equipped with guidance of mature believers such as trusted pastors, elders and mentors.

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

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PAS MELODY - JCRC CAMBODIA

2 CORINTHIANS: ''DO NOT COMPARE, GLORY IN THE LORD''

 

Paul reminds us that the Christian life is a battle. But it is not a battle with human weapons. It is a spiritual battle, and our strength comes from God. Paul also teaches us about humility, gentleness, and the danger of comparing ourselves with others.

Scripture

3For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Paul was criticized by some people in Corinth. They said he looked weak in person and only sounded strong in his letters. But Paul explained that his authority came from Christ, not from human strength. As believers we must know that Christian life is a spiritual war. We do not fight with anger, pride, or force. We fight with prayer, faith, and the Word of God.

The gospel has power to break down strongholds—walls of pride, unbelief, and false ideas. It brings every thought under the obedience of Christ. Paul also shows the gentleness of Christ. Even when correcting people, he does it with love. And he reminds us that we should not compare ourselves with others, because the only approval that matters is God’s.

How to live as Christians today:

· Fight with God’s weapons: When fear, temptation, or doubt come, we fight with prayer and Scripture. For example, if you feel afraid, pray and remember God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

· Stay humble: Do not boast about yourself. If you succeed, thank God. If you fail, lean on His strength.

· Gentle correction: When someone criticizes you, answer with kindness. Show the spirit of Christ, who was gentle even when He was attacked.

· Glory in the Lord: All good things come from Him. Let your praise and joy be in God, not in yourself.

But Paul warns us:

· Stop comparing: Many Christians feel sad because they compare themselves with others. But God looks at the heart. He values faithfulness, not outward success.

12Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. (2 Corinthians 10:12)

 The warning is clear: comparison makes us unwise.

When we compare ourselves to others, two dangerous things happen:

• If we think we are better, pride grows in our heart.
• If we think we are worse, discouragement and jealousy take over.

Both pride and discouragement are traps of the enemy. They are strongholds that keep us from living in the freedom of Christ.

Why Comparison is Dangerous

• It makes us forget that God has given each of us a unique calling.
• It blinds us to the gifts and talents God has placed in us.
• It shifts our eyes away from Jesus and onto people.
• It steals joy, peace, and contentment.

What God Wants Instead

God does not measure us against other people. He measures us by faithfulness. He looks at the heart. He cares about obedience, not competition.

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17) This means our joy and confidence should come from Christ alone.

Do not compare yourself. Comparison is a thief. It steals joy, peace, and focus. Instead, look to Jesus. Be faithful in your calling. Glory in the Lord. That is wisdom, that is freedom, and that is victory.

Being a Christian is not about looking strong on the outside. It is about trusting God’s power inside. The world fights with pride, anger, and competition. But we fight with prayer, truth, and love. When we feel weak, God is strong. When we feel small, God sees our faithfulness. So let us walk humbly, fight spiritually, and give all glory to the Lord.

 

Reflection

• When I feel afraid, do I pray and trust God’s Word?
• In what areas of my life am I tempted to compare myself with others?
• Do I look at others too much instead of looking at Jesus?
• How can I respond with gentleness when someone criticizes me?
• Do I give thanks to God for my success, or do I boast in myself?

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me strength. Forgive me when I compare myself with others. Help me to trust Your Word and pray when I feel weak. Keep me humble and faithful in the work You gave me. Teach me to be gentle when people criticize me. Let my joy and praise be only in You. Amen.

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PAS MAY - JCRC CAMBODIA

2 CORINTHIANS 8: THE GRACE OF GENEROUS GIVING

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Chapter 8 is about the grace of God, giving and generosity. Paul is talking to the believers at Corinth about the collection or offering for the church in Jerusalem. This is not just a simple lesson about money. Paul has deeper point; true generosity is a fruit of the grace of God that is in the heart of the believer. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their commitment to help. He mentioned how generous the Macedonian churches amidst of the hardships and poverty because they have joy and devotion to the Lord. The Macedonian were not generous because they have money. It started when they give their heart to Jesus. Change of heart starts from surrendering to God. We can give generously when we know that everything we have comes from the Lord. He is the source of what we have, therefore we are not the owner of whatever we have right now.
Jesus’ grace is our salvation.

GRACE CHANGES WHAT WE BELIEVE.
GRACE CHANGES HOW WE LIVE.
GRACE CHANGES HOW WE GIVE.

In verse 5 it says the Macedonian gave themselves first to God, then they exceeded in the expectations of Paul. Before God wants our resources, He wants our hearts. Before you give something, give yourself to God. JESUS gave Himself. Jesus gave His life. He demonstrated sacrificial love.
When giving becomes difficult, remember: We are not trying to pay Jesus back. We are responding with gratitude to grace we could never repay.

 
Generosity is not determined by how much you have, but by what God is doing in your heart. Generosity is revealed through a willing heart. God sees the heart behind the gift. Generosity requires willingness and not pressure. Generosity is according to what God has given you. True generosity moves from intention to action. It turns willingness to action.

Jesus is the source of our grace.
Jesus is the greatest example of giving.
Jesus is the best example of generosity.

Generosity begins with the grace of God, then we give ourselves to God, our heart changes and filled with gratitude, then generosity is produced that we become willing to give, then people’s needs are met so God is glorified.

May we always be a reflection of god’s love and grace by being generous in sharing the gospel, by being generous in giving of our time, talent, energy, money and gifts god has entrusted us.


Let us pray.
Thank you Lord for the revelation.
Thank you for the conviction.
Make me grateful for your grace. May your grace change my heart. Let me fully surrender my heart to you. May I be willing to give so that others needs be met. Give me a generous heart Lord. May in my giving and everyday living you will be glorified. Amen.

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Elder Mayen - JCRC Cambodia