Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (119 page)

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Ephesians 2:11–22

TIME COMMITMENT:

45 minutes

“What is . . . transformation? Well, the very same person who formerly had an old way of living now has a new relationship with Christ, and that affects everything about that person. She has a new standing before God, a new heart, a new empowerment from the Holy Spirit, a new capacity to understand God’s Word, and a new destiny. No wonder she begins to live in a new way” (pp. 312–13).

M
uch of the content of chapters 40 and 41 in
Living By the Book
explains the concept of transformation. The previous exercise showed how Old Testament craftsmen took raw materials (wood, gold, or whatever) and transformed them into something magnificent through their skills of workmanship. The Tabernacle and Temple were a result of God-given artistic skill.

More important, however, is the realization that God is a craftsman and we as believers are His workmanship. Chapter 41 used Ephesians 2:10 as a primary reference. This exercise will allow you to put that verse in a broader context and see what else you can discover about transformation.

Read Ephesians 2:11–22. Review the section of Chapter 41 that examines the terms mentioned in Ephesians 2:10, and then see what this passage contains that may add to your understanding of:

• God’s Workmanship (Beauty and/or functionality of what has been created)

• Good Works (What have people been designed to do? And more specifically, what have you been designed to do?)

• “Beforehand” (What has God already done to equip us to perform good works in the twenty-first century?)

• Walk (How does this passage exhort you to improve your daily life?)

Now read through Ephesians 2:11–22 a second time. This time look for further insight into the “old vs. new” nature of believers described in Chapter 41. How are you still the same person God created in His magnificent workmanship? How are you different now than you were before you came to know Him?

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Ecclesiastes 3:1–14

TIME COMMITMENT: