Focus verse
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9
Read
- Romans 3:23 and 6:23
- Romans 5:6–8
- Romans 10:9–10
- John 1:12
Teaching
The good news only makes sense once we face the bad news honestly.
The problem: sin. Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin is more than breaking rules. It is going our own way instead of God’s way. No one is excluded, not the worst person you know and not the most respected elder in the village. Romans 6:23 adds the cost: “the wages of sin is death”, separation from the holy God we met in Lesson 1.
God’s answer: grace. Grace means a gift we do not deserve and cannot earn. The same verse continues: “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And Romans 5:8 shows how far that love goes: “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait for us to clean ourselves up. Jesus took the penalty for our sin on the cross and rose again to give us new life.
Our part: faith. Ephesians 2:8–9 is clear that salvation is not a reward for good works, church attendance or giving. It is received through faith: trusting Jesus and what He has done. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
The result: a new identity. John 1:12 says that everyone who receives Jesus is given the right to become a child of God. You are not just forgiven; you are adopted into God’s family.
Good works still matter. Ephesians 2:10 says we were created for them. But they are the fruit of salvation, not the price of it.
Reflect
- Have you ever felt you had to earn God’s love? Where did that idea come from?
- In your own words, what is the difference between a wage and a gift?
- Have you personally received God’s gift of salvation? If not, what is holding you back?
Respond
If you want to receive Jesus today, you can pray something like this, in your own words:
Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and I cannot save myself. Thank You for dying for me and rising again. I believe You are Lord. I turn from my sin and receive Your gift of life. Make me Your child. Amen.
If you prayed this, please tell someone. Speak to a pastor after a Sunday service, or call the church on +254 114 863077. We would love to pray with you and help you take your next steps.
Pray
Father, thank You for grace I could never earn. Help me to rest in what Jesus has done and to live each day as Your grateful child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.