Divine Intervention: The Transformative Power of 'But God'

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the profound significance of the phrase "But God" from Ephesians 2:4. These two words encapsulate the essence of the Gospel, highlighting God's intervention in the human condition. The passage contrasts the state of humanity, as described in the preceding verses, with the transformative power of God's grace. Humanity, in its natural state, is depicted as spiritually dead, governed by sin, and under the wrath of God. However, the phrase "But God" introduces a divine intervention that changes everything.

The message emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely a commentary on contemporary events or a call to moral improvement. Instead, it is a declaration of God's action in history, offering salvation and transformation to individuals. The Gospel addresses the root of human problems by transforming the heart and nature of individuals, rather than merely addressing external circumstances.

The sermon challenges the notion that Christianity is irrelevant to modern life. It argues that the Gospel provides the only true and adequate explanation for the state of the world, including the existence of wars and conflicts. The root cause of these issues is the sinful nature of humanity, which cannot be remedied by human efforts or institutions. Instead, the solution lies in the transformative power of God's grace, which offers a new nature and a new identity in Christ.

The message also addresses common misconceptions about the Christian faith. It clarifies that Christianity is not a call to patriotism, heroism, or mere moralism. Instead, it is a call to recognize the reality of sin and the need for divine intervention. The Gospel offers hope and assurance to individuals, promising deliverance from the present evil world and citizenship in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The phrase "But God" signifies a divine intervention that transforms the human condition, offering hope and salvation to those who are spiritually dead and under the wrath of God. This intervention is not based on human effort but on God's grace. [01:30]

- The Gospel provides the only true explanation for the state of the world, including the existence of wars and conflicts. These issues stem from the sinful nature of humanity, which cannot be remedied by human efforts or institutions. [10:02]

- Christianity is not a call to patriotism, heroism, or mere moralism. It is a call to recognize the reality of sin and the need for divine intervention. The Gospel offers a new nature and identity in Christ, transforming individuals from within. [19:06]

- The Christian message is not about reforming the world through human efforts but about offering individuals deliverance from the present evil world and citizenship in the eternal Kingdom of God. This transformation is possible through faith in Christ. [31:04]

- The Christian is not surprised by the state of the world, as they understand the reality of sin. However, they are assured of their safety in God's hands and look forward to the ultimate redemption and renewal of all things. [35:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Ephesians 2:4
- [00:31] - The Contrast of "But God"
- [01:30] - The Essence of the Gospel
- [02:50] - Addressing the Relevance of the Gospel
- [04:09] - The Importance of Method
- [06:07] - Understanding Humanity's Nature
- [09:26] - The Explanation for Wars
- [13:08] - The Futility of Human Optimism
- [16:33] - The Christian Message: "But God"
- [19:06] - Misconceptions About Christianity
- [23:10] - The Fallacy of Human Effort
- [27:10] - God's Control Over Sin
- [30:18] - Deliverance for Individuals
- [35:59] - The Christian's Assurance and Hope

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:1-4

---

Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the phrase "But God" in Ephesians 2:4, and how does it contrast with the preceding verses? [01:30]

2. According to the sermon, how does the Gospel provide an explanation for the existence of wars and conflicts in the world? [10:02]

3. What are some common misconceptions about Christianity that the sermon addresses, and how are they clarified? [19:06]

4. How does the sermon describe the Christian's assurance and hope in the face of the world's current state? [35:59]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the phrase "But God" encapsulate the essence of the Gospel, and what does it reveal about God's intervention in the human condition? [01:30]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that human efforts and institutions are inadequate in addressing the root causes of the world's problems? [10:02]

3. How does the sermon differentiate between Christianity and other calls to moralism, patriotism, or heroism? [19:06]

4. What does the sermon imply about the Christian's perspective on worldly events and their ultimate hope? [35:59]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "But God" moment in your life. How did it change your perspective or situation? [01:30]

2. Considering the sermon’s explanation of the root causes of wars and conflicts, how can you contribute to peace in your immediate environment? [10:02]

3. How can you address and correct any misconceptions you might have had about Christianity being merely a call to moralism or patriotism? [19:06]

4. In what ways can you cultivate a mindset that is not surprised by the state of the world, but instead is assured of your safety in God's hands? [35:59]

5. Identify one area in your life where you have relied on human efforts rather than God's grace. How can you shift your reliance to God in that area? [10:02]

6. How can you actively live out your new identity in Christ, as described in the sermon, in your daily interactions with others? [19:06]

7. What specific steps can you take to set your hopes and affections on the eternal Kingdom of God rather than the temporary things of this world? [35:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Intervention Transforms Our Condition
The phrase "But God" in Ephesians 2:4 signifies a pivotal moment of divine intervention that alters the human condition. In our natural state, we are spiritually dead, enslaved by sin, and subject to God's wrath. However, God's grace intervenes, offering hope and salvation not based on our efforts but on His mercy. This transformation is profound, as it changes our spiritual status and offers us a new life in Christ. The Gospel is not about self-improvement or moral reform but about God's decisive action in history to redeem humanity. [01:30]

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 areas of your life do you feel spiritually dead or stagnant? How can you invite God's transformative grace into these areas today?


Day 2: The Gospel's Explanation for the World's State
The Gospel provides a comprehensive explanation for the world's condition, including wars and conflicts. These issues arise from humanity's sinful nature, which cannot be resolved through human efforts or institutions. The Gospel addresses the root cause of these problems by transforming individuals from within, offering a new nature and identity in Christ. This transformation is the only true solution to the world's brokenness, as it changes hearts and minds rather than merely addressing external circumstances. [10:02]

James 4:1-2 (ESV): "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel."

Reflection: Consider a conflict or struggle you are currently facing. How might recognizing the sinful nature at its root change your approach to resolving it?


Day 3: Christianity's Call Beyond Moralism
Christianity is not a call to patriotism, heroism, or mere moralism. It is a call to acknowledge the reality of sin and the necessity of divine intervention. The Gospel offers a new identity in Christ, transforming individuals from within and providing a new nature. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of moral codes but about experiencing a profound change in one's heart and life through faith in Christ. [19:06]

Titus 3:5-6 (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, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: Reflect on an area where you might be relying on your own moral efforts. How can you shift your focus to rely on God's transformative power instead?


Day 4: Deliverance Through Faith, Not Human Effort
The Christian message is not about reforming the world through human efforts but about offering individuals deliverance from the present evil world and citizenship in the eternal Kingdom of God. This transformation is possible through faith in Christ, who provides a new nature and identity. The Gospel assures believers of their safety in God's hands and promises ultimate redemption and renewal of all things. [31:04]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are striving to make changes through your own efforts? How can you invite God to take control and lead you to true transformation?


Day 5: Assurance and Hope Amidst the World's Brokenness
Christians are not surprised by the world's brokenness, as they understand the reality of sin. However, they are assured of their safety in God's hands and look forward to the ultimate redemption and renewal of all things. This assurance provides hope and peace, knowing that God's transformative power is at work in their lives and the world. Believers can rest in the promise of eternal life and the coming Kingdom of God. [35:59]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a sense of hope and assurance in God's promises amidst the challenges you face today? How can this perspective change your outlook on current struggles?

Quotes

"Now there you see we come to the introduction of the Christian message, The Peculiar specific message which the Christian faith has to offer to us these two words in and of themselves in a sense contain the whole of the Gospel there it is it's what God has done God's intervention it's something that comes entirely from outside us and displays to us this wondrous and amazing and astonishing work of God which the Apostle goes on to describe and to Define in the following verses." [00:01:38]

"Now you cannot begin to solve the problems of mankind until you know what man is like how futile it must be to attempt it you must start with the character the nature the being of men what sort of of a creature is he you see instead of rushing off to the international conferences and to talk about contemporary events you go bit further back and you say well now what sort of a creature is man obviously all your conclusions and all your proposals are going to be governed by that." [00:07:12]

"Well now then let me try to show you how that is done and how it is done in this very passage which we're looking at together we've been spending a number of Sunday mornings on those first three verses in this second chapter of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians and we've done so in order that we might see what we ourselves were like by nature and what the whole world is like by Nature." [00:06:48]

"Well now then what is the relevance of all that to the to the present situation what do all this got to say to us in a general manner this morning rather than in the particular well it seems to me that a number of things can be very easily deduced from this teaching the first is that here we are given as I've said the only real and adequate explanation of why there are such things as Wars armis this day two world wars why have we had them why is men guilty of this final Madness why is it that men kill one another and have even glorified in war why what's the explanation of it all well there's only one answer it's because men is like this." [00:09:26]

"While man continues to be like that the world will continue to be as it is I think it's obvious if it is the state of men in sin that has been responsible for the history of the past obviously while men remains like that the history of the future is going to be the same so that here you see we come face to face with the optimism of the natural men who is always so sure and confident that somehow or another we in our generation can put things right whereas all other Generations have failed who have gone before us we are in a different position we are in a superior position we are educated we are cultured we know they didn't we've Advanced so much we must do it we're going to do it now I say if you believe this biblical doctrine of men in sin you must see at once that that's a fatal fallacy it's impossible." [00:13:08]

"The Christian message is not either just an appeal to courage or heroism or to the manifestation of a great spirit of self-sacrifice Etc now let's be clear about this again Christianity does not condemn courage it doesn't condemn self-sacrifice or heroism but it's very important that we should start by realizing this that those qualities those virtues are not specifically Christian they are pagan virtues which were taught and inculcated and admired and praised before the Lord Jesus Christ ever came into this world." [00:21:06]

"The Christian message is not an appeal to patriotism and if Christianity is ever portrayed in that form it is a denial it's a travesty of the message and it is misleading in the eyes and in the ears of those who listen to it but secondly the Christian message is not either just an appeal to courage or heroism or to the manifestation of a great spirit of self-sacrifice Etc now let's be clear about this again Christianity does not condemn courage it doesn't condemn self-sacrifice or heroism but it's very important that we should start by realizing this that those qualities those virtues are not specifically Christian they are pagan virtues which were taught and inculcated and admired and praised before the Lord Jesus Christ ever came into this world." [00:19:06]

"The message to individuals is this that we can be delivered out of this present evil world that we can escape the condemnation that is coming for certainty up for certain upon this world that's the message that the Apostle preached it is a message to individuals it isn't to say that the world can be put right if we only implement Christian teaching it isn't an appeal to people to reform themselves or to do this or that no no it's a message which comes and says this that as the result of what God has done in Christ Jesus his son our Lord and savior we who were in The Very warp and woof of that sinful condemned world can be delivered out of it." [00:30:18]

"The Christian is a man who realizing that he's living in a world like that and having no illusions at all about it is linked to a power that enables him not only to Bear whatever may come to him in such a world but indeed to be more than conqueror over it all he doesn't just passively bear it he doesn't just put up with it he doesn't just stick it and exercise courage no no that's stoicism that's paganism the Christian being in Christ the Christian knowing something of what the Apostle calls here the exceeding greatness of God's power to us word that believe he strengthened he's unable to go through with it his heart doesn't Quil he's not defeated let the world do its worst to him let hell be let loose he is sustained this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith." [00:38:59]

"Finally the Christian is absolutely certain and assured that whatever the world and men may do he is safe in the hands of God we can confidently say set the scriptures the Lord is my helper and I will not fear what men shall do un to me indeed he knows this that man in his malignity May destroy his body he may insult him he may persecute him he may ravage him but he shall never be able to separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our lord he knows that whatever may happen in this world of time he is a Son of God an air of Glory indeed he knows this he knows that a day is coming when even this present sinful World shall be entirely Redeemed by which I mean this there shall be a new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." [00:40:59]

"The Christian can look forward to this that he in some Glorious Day in the future when his very body shall be renewed and glorified when it shall no longer be weak when it shall no longer be subject to sickness and old age and disease it will be a glorified body like that of the Risen Christ he knows that he in this glorified body shall even walk the face of this very Earth out of which evil and sin and vness shall have been br burned out by the fire of God he will dwell in a perfect world of which the lamb the Son of God is the light and the Sun and the brightness and the glory and he shall enjoy it forever and ever that is what the Christian message the Christian faith has to say to this wretched distracted unhappy confused frustrated modern world." [00:41:59]

"Now this is to me the most thrilling news a men can ever hear we are all citizens of this country and we are all involved in what happens to this country if this country goes to war we shall be involved the bums didn't Escape Us in the last war any more than anybody else we're all involved in it we are citizens of this world and we partake the fate of this world but thank God here is something different while remaining citizens of this world we become citizens of another this other Kingdom that has been open to us by Christ a spiritual Kingdom a kingdom that is not of this world Eternal in the heavens with God that's the teaching of this message but God he's done something yes and he's done it for individuals and that's what he's done." [00:33:00]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?