But God: The Transformative Power of the Gospel

 

Summary

In our gathering, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for the joy and privilege of being among you, sharing in fellowship and the work of God. As we delve into the Word, I draw your attention to two powerful words from Ephesians 2:4: "But God." These words mark a pivotal transition in the Apostle Paul's message, moving from a depiction of our former state to the transformative power of God's intervention. They encapsulate the essence of the Gospel, serving as a protest against despair and a proclamation of hope.

In our world, filled with trials and uncertainties, we often hear voices of fear and foreboding. Yet, as Christians, our response should be to acknowledge these realities and then declare, "But God." This phrase introduces the Gospel at the point where human efforts and understanding fall short. It is a reminder that God's intervention is the only true hope for humanity, transcending the limitations of human wisdom and power.

The Gospel alone provides an accurate diagnosis of our world's troubles, rooted in humanity's separation from God and subjugation to sin and the devil. It is only through the Gospel that we find the hope of redemption and transformation. The miraculous and supernatural nature of the Gospel is essential, for it is only through God's divine intervention that we can be saved.

The surprise and astonishment of the Gospel are evident in the lives of those transformed by it. Like the Apostle Paul, who was once a persecutor of Christians, we too become living testimonies of God's grace and power. Our salvation is entirely of God, a work of His grace from beginning to end. It is not of our own doing but a gift from God, who, in His rich mercy, has quickened us and raised us to new life in Christ.

As we face the challenges of our time, let us hold fast to the truth of "But God." It is our encouragement and assurance that God is with us, working in and through us for His glory. Let us pray for His Spirit to move mightily among us, bringing revival and renewal. May we always remember that with God, nothing is impossible.

Key Takeaways:

- The phrase "But God" serves as a powerful reminder of the Gospel's transformative power, marking the transition from human despair to divine hope. It is a protest against the world's hopelessness and a proclamation of God's intervention. [06:23]

- The Gospel provides the only accurate diagnosis of humanity's troubles, rooted in our separation from God and enslavement to sin. It is through the Gospel that we find true hope and redemption. [09:45]

- The miraculous and supernatural nature of the Gospel is essential, as it is only through God's divine intervention that we can be saved. Our salvation is a work of God's grace, not of our own efforts. [28:00]

- The surprise and astonishment of the Gospel are evident in the lives of those transformed by it. Like the Apostle Paul, we become living testimonies of God's grace, unable to fully comprehend the miracle of our salvation. [40:58]

- In facing the challenges of our time, "But God" is our encouragement and assurance that God is with us, working for His glory. Let us pray for His Spirit to bring revival and renewal, remembering that with God, nothing is impossible. [50:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Expression of Gratitude
- [02:01] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:4
- [03:39] - The Gospel's Transition
- [05:16] - Responding to the World's Despair
- [07:05] - The Only Hope: The Gospel
- [09:45] - Diagnosis of Humanity's Troubles
- [11:03] - Spiritual Death and Separation
- [14:57] - The Influence of the World
- [17:04] - The Power of the Devil
- [20:41] - The Wrath of God
- [23:37] - The Inadequacy of Human Solutions
- [25:25] - The Hope of "But God"
- [28:00] - The Supernatural Gospel
- [31:56] - The Surprise of Salvation
- [42:43] - The Astonishment of Grace
- [50:09] - Encouragement in "But God"
- [54:02] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV): "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the phrase "But God" in Ephesians 2:4, and how does it serve as a transition in the Apostle Paul's message? [02:16]
2. How does the sermon describe the world's condition before the intervention of "But God"? [02:48]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Gospel play in diagnosing the world's troubles? [09:45]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel in individuals' lives? [40:58]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the phrase "But God" encapsulate the essence of the Gospel, and why is it considered a protest against despair? [06:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that human efforts and understanding fall short without God's intervention? [05:46]
3. How does the sermon explain the miraculous and supernatural nature of the Gospel, and why is this aspect essential for salvation? [28:00]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between God's grace and human efforts in the process of salvation? [45:58]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly hopeless situation. How did the concept of "But God" provide you with hope or a new perspective? [06:23]
2. The sermon emphasizes the Gospel as the only accurate diagnosis of humanity's troubles. How can you apply this understanding in conversations with others who are struggling? [09:45]
3. Consider the miraculous nature of the Gospel. How can you embrace and share this aspect of your faith with those who may be skeptical? [28:00]
4. The sermon highlights the surprise and astonishment of the Gospel in transformed lives. How has your life been a testimony to God's grace, and how can you share this with others? [40:58]
5. In what ways can you hold fast to the truth of "But God" when facing personal or global challenges? How can this truth encourage you to pray for revival and renewal? [50:43]
6. Identify an area in your life where you have relied on your own efforts rather than God's grace. How can you shift your focus to trust more in His intervention? [45:58]
7. How can you actively remind yourself and others of the hope and assurance found in "But God" during times of fear and uncertainty? [05:46]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Transition from Despair to Hope
The phrase "But God" in Ephesians 2:4 marks a significant turning point in the message of the Gospel. It signifies the transition from human despair to divine hope, highlighting God's intervention in our lives. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, this phrase serves as a powerful reminder that God's intervention is the only true hope for humanity. It is a protest against the hopelessness of the world and a proclamation of God's transformative power. As Christians, we are called to acknowledge the realities of our world and then declare, "But God," introducing the Gospel where human efforts fall short. [06:23]

Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel despair or hopelessness? How can you invite God's transformative power into that situation today?


Day 2: The Gospel's Diagnosis of Humanity's Troubles
The Gospel provides the only accurate diagnosis of humanity's troubles, which are rooted in our separation from God and enslavement to sin. It is through the Gospel that we find true hope and redemption. The world often offers solutions that fall short, but the Gospel addresses the core issue of our spiritual condition. By recognizing our need for God's intervention, we can experience the hope and redemption that only the Gospel can provide. [09:45]

Isaiah 59:2 (ESV): "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear."

Reflection: What worldly solutions have you relied on that have fallen short? How can you turn to the Gospel for true hope and redemption today?


Day 3: The Supernatural Nature of the Gospel
The miraculous and supernatural nature of the Gospel is essential, as it is only through God's divine intervention that we can be saved. Our salvation is a work of God's grace, not of our own efforts. This truth is a reminder of the miraculous nature of the Gospel and the power of God's grace in our lives. It is through His divine intervention that we are saved and transformed, highlighting the importance of relying on God's power rather than our own. [28:00]

Titus 3:5 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts for salvation? How can you embrace the supernatural nature of the Gospel and rely on God's grace today?


Day 4: The Astonishment of Grace
The surprise and astonishment of the Gospel are evident in the lives of those transformed by it. Like the Apostle Paul, who was once a persecutor of Christians, we too become living testimonies of God's grace and power. Our salvation is entirely of God, a work of His grace from beginning to end. This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude, as we recognize the miracle of our salvation and the power of God's grace in our lives. [40:58]

1 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: How has God's grace transformed your life in unexpected ways? How can you share your testimony of His grace with others today?


Day 5: Encouragement in "But God"
In facing the challenges of our time, "But God" is our encouragement and assurance that God is with us, working for His glory. This phrase reminds us that with God, nothing is impossible. As we pray for His Spirit to bring revival and renewal, we can hold fast to the truth that God is with us, working in and through us for His glory. Let us be encouraged by the assurance of God's presence and power in our lives. [50:43]

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that seem impossible? How can you trust in God's power and presence to work through these challenges for His glory today?

Quotes


Now those of you who are familiar with this chapter will have noticed that these two words come as a kind of point of transition in which the Apostle passes from what he's been saying in the first three verses to what he's going on to say. [00:02:22]

Here we are living in the same world as everybody else, sharing the same trials and difficulties and problems and disappointments. We live with people on each side of us, we travel with them in trains and buses and airplanes, we cooperate with them in business or in professions. [00:04:27]

The gospel comes in when the world has said everything that it has got to say. That's the very point when you and I as Christians begin to speak. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. When the world has exhausted itself and has nothing further to do nor to say, the gospel of the glory of the Blessed God begins. [00:06:56]

The gospel is the only hope in the world tonight merely for the reason that it is the gospel alone that understands the cause of our troubles. Here we are in this 20th century which was heralded as going to be the greatest Century that the world had ever known. [00:08:36]

The Apostle says that they were dead in trespasses and sins, by which he means that they were completely outside the life of God. This is life eternal, that they might Know Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. Death is the exact opposite of that. [00:10:29]

The Apostle tells us you lived, he says, according to the course of this world, then according to, in other words, the course of this world is in itself determined and controlled by something else, and that is this: according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of Disobedience. [00:14:59]

The gospel of Jesus Christ is frankly miraculous, Supernatural, and divine from beginning to end, and thank God it is. If it were not, it would never save anybody. The condition of men, as we've just seen, is such that only the Supernatural and the miraculous and the Divine can possibly deal with it. [00:28:00]

The most surprising thing in the world is when a man becomes a Christian, and if you are not surprised at it, you know nothing about it. You're not a Christian. You can take a decision; that doesn't mean you're a Christian of necessity. A Christian is a man who's aware of this astonishing, amazing, and surprising thing in himself. [00:37:55]

Salvation is entirely and altogether of God. Salvation from beginning to end is of God. It is all of Grace; it is nothing of man, man's Works, men's belief, nothing comes in. It is all of God. But God, it is all of the grace of God. [00:45:32]

The gospel is the power of God into salvation. What's the strength of the power? Here it is in the word but. But when we were dead in trespasses and sins, he quickened us. You were lifeless; you could do nothing. A dead man can do nothing at all. [00:48:22]

The church is the Church of God. He's the God of revivals, the God of the Holy Ghost, the God who doesn't depend upon us but who has all power in himself and arises and scatters his enemies in his own chosen time and in his own chosen place. It's the only hope for the church. [00:50:09]

Pray to him to open the windows of heaven and to show the Holy Ghost upon us again in a mighty Revival and Reawakening. Pray without ceasing. The 20th century makes no difference to God. Ask him to arise and to make bear his arm and to scatter his enemies as he did in 1857. [00:53:11]

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Transcript
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