Ripe Life 6 of 9

Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation… For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Main Thought: What God is doing within us should become visible through the good we do for others.

Remember: We’re not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.

Reference Galatians 6:10

1. “For we are God’s masterpiece.”

God’s workmanship gives us dignity and responsibility.

• Our salvation is God’s gracious work.
• Our worth rests in God, beyond the opinions of others.
• We reflect his character by loving deeply, giving sacrificially, and forgiving freely.
• God brings us together as one family to love and serve.

Personal reflection: Does the way I treat others show that God values them?

2. “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus.”

New life in Christ produces a changed life.

• Regeneration: God gives spiritually dead people new life.
• Sanctification: God progressively frees us from sin’s controlling power.
• The Holy Spirit changes our desires and empowers our obedience.
• Scripture, prayer, worship, and fellowship nourish us; practicing obedience helps us mature.

Remember: We’re being made new in Christ so that we may be made ripe for Christ!

Personal reflection: Where do I need to put God’s Word into practice?

3. “So we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

God prepares opportunities for us to practice goodness.

• Tell the truth, work honestly, share generously, and speak helpfully.
• Recognize interruptions as possible opportunities to serve.
• Stand for justice and do what is right, even when it costs.
• Let goodness begin in your home and extend into your community.

Personal reflection: Whose burden can I help make lighter this week?

Closing Reminder: Love deeply. Give sacrificially. Forgive freely. Stand for what is right. Let the life be ripe!