Vital Signs: Terminal Diagnosis

Texts:

• Ephesians 2:1–10 ESV
• Philippians 2:12–16 ESV

Opening Picture:

• Nobody enjoys a physical—because vital signs reveal the truth.
• Spiritually, we need to check our vital signs too.

Philippians 2:12–13“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling … for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

• “Fear and trembling” = stewardship of God’s gift.
• God works in us to bring health and purpose.

Baseline Diagnosis: Ephesians 2:1–3

• Without Christ: dead in sin, following the enemy, children of wrath.
• Not “sick,” but spiritually dead.

The Good News: Ephesians 2:4–7

• “But God, being rich in mercy … made us alive together with Christ.”
• Our terminal diagnosis meets God’s mercy.
• Resurrection life is the starting point of true spiritual health.

Gift of Grace: Ephesians 2:8–10

• Salvation is by grace, not works.
• We are God’s workmanship, created for good works He prepared in advance.

Application:

• Don’t settle for “treatment” when you need resurrection.
• Remember: you were saved from death, raised to new life.
• Lean into the work God is already doing in you this week.

Bottom Line:“You don’t need a spiritual tune-up—you need a resurrection. And in Jesus, that’s exactly what you have.”

Small Group Questions – Vital Signs: Terminal Diagnosis

1. Icebreaker

• Share about a time you felt nervous at a doctor’s appointment or during a check-up. Why do you think vital signs can make us so anxious?

2. Diagnosing the Soul

• Read Ephesians 2:1–3. How does Paul describe our spiritual “baseline” without Christ?
• Why do you think Paul chooses the word dead instead of sick?

3. The Good News

• Read Ephesians 2:4–7. What stands out to you about God’s mercy and love?
• How does this passage shift the diagnosis from death to life?

4. Fear and Trembling

• Read Philippians 2:12–13. What does “working out your salvation with fear and trembling” mean in this context?
• How is this different from trying to “earn” salvation?

5. Grace and Purpose

• Read Ephesians 2:8–10. What role do grace and works play in our spiritual health?
• How does knowing you are God’s workmanship change the way you see your daily life and responsibilities?

6. Application

• The sermon said: “Don’t settle for treatment when what you need is a resurrection.” Where are you tempted to settle for quick fixes instead of living fully in the resurrection life Christ gives?
• This week, where is God already at work in you, and how can you lean into it?

7. Bottom Line Reflection

• “You don’t need a spiritual tune-up—you need a resurrection. And in Jesus, that’s exactly what you have.” How does this truth give you confidence in your faith journey today?