Discipleship Cliff

Welcome to Week Two of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – Alive in Christ!

The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus while he was under house arrest. Instead of focusing on his own tough times, Paul used the opportunity to strengthen and encourage Christ-followers. Ever since he encountered Jesus in the book of Acts, his life had been marked by a commitment to preach the gospel and build up churches. The goodness of the gospel fueled Paul’s passion to plant churches and encourage believers wherever God sent him.

This week, Paul reminds us what life was like before Jesus and the amazing truth that God makes us alive in Christ. Salvation is His gift of grace, and now we get to live as His people together.

Note for Parents: The post is divided into two parts. The first section is for parents, giving you a deeper look at the passage before you teach it to your kids. Feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. The second section is the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, discussion questions, and a family activity.

Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10 “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.“

Big Idea: God makes us alive with Christ by His grace.

Note for Parents: Ephesians 2:1–10 is one big, powerful thought. If your kids are able, read all 10 verses together.

Introduction

This passage is an impressive summary of the gospel, and I believe it can lead to some great conversations for your family. First, Paul explains that we are dead in sin apart from Christ and His redeeming work on our behalf. Next, he moves quickly from our helpless condition in sin to the incredible rescue that is offered to us in the Gospel. Parents, use this passage to explain the problem of sin and the good news found in Jesus alone in a simple, Gospel-centered way.

Dead in Sin Apart from Jesus

Paul doesn’t explain away our spiritual condition. He wants us to understand the depth of our need for Christ. He describes the human condition apart from Christ as being spiritually dead. Left to ourselves, we are separated from God, controlled by sinful desires, and living under the influence of the world. This is much more than making some bad decisions on a bad day. It’s not a spiritual sickness; it’s spiritual death.

Our spiritual “deadness” is a crucial concept to grasp. It’s not like going to the doctor for a check-up and being told that you need to exercise and eat better food to improve your health. When it comes to our spiritual lives, which affects every area of who we are, we are dead in our sins. Paul wants us to understand that we are unable, on our own, to reach God or fix our relationship with Him.

Stepping aside from our family Bible study preparation, I realize that the language of being spiritually dead might not be appropriate for most of our kids. The words are important, but intense. It’s fair to use some creative language to speak with our kids. For children, you can say: Before Jesus, we were stuck in sin and couldn’t get free by ourselves. Emphasize that everyone who has ever been born deals with a sin problem, so kids understand why everyone needs Jesus.

Made Alive in Christ

Then Paul writes – But God. Out of His deep mercy and love, God made us alive with Christ. How. How do we become alive in Christ? Looking back to our discussion about our spiritual deadness, we know that it’s not based on anything that we’ve done. Spiritually dead people don’t wake up one day and become spiritually alive. Spiritually dead people can’t incrementally change bad habits and turn them into good habits. No. This is a gift of grace received by faith. We are not saved by what we do; we are saved by what God has done through Jesus.

The result is a new identity and purpose. We are now God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do the good works He prepared for us. Now that we have been made alive in Christ, we are free to put every ounce of our energy into living the life that God has called and empowered us to live. This is amazing news for those who put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ!

Remind your kids: “God rescued us and made us new—now we live to show His love.” 

Family Study Guide: Alive in Christ

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word and for the chance to study it together as a family. As we open the book of Ephesians, help us to listen carefully to what You want to teach us. Remind us that You chose us and brought us into Your family through Jesus. Give us hearts that love You more and lives that show Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10 “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.“

Discussion Questions

How does Paul describe what we were like before we knew Christ?

What words in this passage show us how God feels about us?

According to verses 8+9, how do people become saved? Is it because of what we do, or what God has done?

What does verse 10 say about why God made us alive in Christ?

How does this passage encourage you in your everyday life?

Family Activity: Dead vs. Alive Drawing

Grab paper and crayons/markers. Give each person a sheet.

Side One – Before Jesus – Ask everyone to draw a picture that shows what it’s like to be stuck in sin (Ephesians 2:1–3).

Examples: a broken heart, a person tangled in ropes, someone sitting in the dark.

Side Two – Alive in Christ – On the other side (or the same page divided in half), draw a picture of what it means to be alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4–10).

Examples: a heart with light, someone walking in the sunshine, a family praying together, hands helping.

Share and Talk: Have everyone hold up their drawings. Let each person explain their before and after. Connect it to the truth: Because of Jesus, we’re not stuck anymore. We are alive and can live for Him.

Additional Resources: 

Ephesians for Families | Week One | Chosen

Parent-Driven Discussions: God’s Creation Shows His Glory

The Trailhead: Devotions For Disciple-Making Parents – Edition 3

Back to School Family Bible Study: Trusting God As Our Helper

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