Saved by Grace: Understanding God’s Gift and Our Grateful Response

Written By Rachel Ferrell

Introduction

On Sunday, November 16, 2025, we gathered to walk through Ephesians 2:1–10—a passage that reminds us who we were, what Christ has done, and who we are becoming. Pastor Matt guided us through the depth of God’s grace and the way it transforms everyday life.Sermon on Grace and Salvation

Scripture

Ephesians 2:8–10 (NKJV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

What This Teaches Us

Paul writes to remind the church that salvation is God’s doing from start to finish. Before we ever reached for Him, God reached for us. His mercy stands in sharp contrast to our brokenness—and only when we see our need clearly do we begin to understand the depth of His love.

Paul repeats the core truth twice in this passage: “By grace you have been saved.” Repetition in Scripture is intentional. It’s God’s way of slowing us down so we truly hear Him.Sermon on Grace and Salvation

Key Takeaways

1. Grace is a gift, not a wage.

We didn’t earn God’s favor or climb toward it by good behavior. Salvation is God’s rescue—from the outside, by His power—not the result of our effort. This frees us from performing, pretending, or proving ourselves.

2. Grace produces gratitude.

When we understand what God has done, gratitude naturally rises. Like someone rescued from drowning, our first instinct is “How can I respond?” Gratitude isn’t pressure; it’s overflow. It shapes our speech, our relationships, and our willingness to serve.Sermon on Grace and Salvation

3. Gratitude inspires action.

Paul lived this out. His ministry, sacrifice, and boldness came from a heart stunned by grace. In the same way, gratitude nudges us toward acts of kindness, encouragement, generosity, and sharing the hope we’ve received.

4. We are God’s workmanship.

The Greek word poema paints a picture of artistry. God is crafting something beautiful in us—shaping us for good works He already prepared. Our lives become living evidence of His creativity and redemption.Sermon on Grace and Salvation

Application: Living It Out Today

This week, take a moment each day to look for evidence of God’s grace—big or small. A kind word. A small breakthrough. A moment of peace. Let that awareness shift your heart toward gratitude.

Then speak it. Tell someone why you're thankful for them.
And act it out. Look for one small way to bless someone else.
Grace received becomes grace shared.

Reflection Question

Where did you see God’s grace show up today?

Invitation

You can watch the full sermon on our YouTube channel, and we’d love to have you join us in person next Sunday as we continue walking through Scripture together.

Rachel Ferrell

Rachel Ferrell runs a real estate business in Southern Middle Tennessee, rooted in Tullahoma. She didn’t grow up here. She chose it. That matters, because she understands what it’s like to build a life, a network, and a sense of home from scratch.

She works with buyers and sellers locally, and she also trains real estate agents across the country on how to communicate clearly and use content to build real relationships. As a StoryBrand Guide and KWU Certified Trainer, she helps agents stop sounding like marketers and start sounding like humans.