Empowered by Grace: A Journey of Transformation
Summary
Grace is more than a theological concept—it's the very power that lifts us from our lowest places, seats us in a position of authority with Christ, and fills us with hope and purpose. Reflecting on the journey from California to Denver, and the wild leap of faith it took to plant the Denver Dream Center, it becomes clear that God’s grace is not just about forgiveness, but about transformation and empowerment. Like Paul, who went from persecutor to apostle, each of us is invited into a story where grace raises us above our failures, fears, and limitations.
Ephesians 2:6 reminds us that God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. This isn’t just a future promise, but a present reality that changes our perspective. When we’re raised by grace, we see beyond our circumstances—above anxiety, depression, and defeat. The story of Caleb in the Old Testament illustrates this: while others saw giants and obstacles, Caleb’s pursuit of God’s presence at Hebron gave him a different spirit and a higher perspective. Worship and intimacy with God elevate our vision, allowing us to see possibilities where others see problems.
Being seated with Christ speaks of authority. Jesus finished the work on the cross and now sits at the right hand of the Father. We share in that victory, not as spiritual victims, but as those empowered by His Spirit. Our daily battles are fought from a place of victory, not defeat. The anchor analogy from Hebrews 6 is powerful here: hope in Christ is the anchor for our souls. What we anchor to determines our direction. In a world filled with negativity and fear, anchoring to Jesus—His promises, His presence—pulls us toward purpose and peace, even when the currents of life are strong.
Finally, grace doesn’t just raise and seat us; it fills us. God’s desire is to display the incomparable riches of His grace through our lives. We are called to live overflowing with grace, not just for ourselves, but as a testimony to the world. This is not something we earn, but a gift we receive and share. In every season, especially in times of uncertainty, grace is the force that transforms, empowers, and sends us out to be light in the darkness.
Key Takeaways
- Grace is not just forgiveness, but the power that raises us above our failures and limitations. Like Paul, our past does not disqualify us; instead, God’s grace transforms our story and gives us a new identity and purpose. We are all in need of this grace, and it is available to everyone, regardless of where we’ve been. [06:46]
- Perspective is everything. When grace raises us, it lifts our eyes above anxiety, fear, and defeat. Caleb’s story shows that pursuing God’s presence changes how we see our challenges—what looks impossible to others becomes possible when we are anchored in God’s promises. Worship and intimacy with God are keys to maintaining this elevated perspective. [15:15]
- Being seated with Christ means we operate from a place of authority and victory, not defeat. Jesus’ finished work on the cross gives us access to spiritual power and confidence. We are not spiritual victims, but empowered children of God, able to stand firm against the enemy and walk in the fullness of our calling. [18:17]
- What we anchor our lives to determines our direction and resilience. In a world filled with negativity and fear, anchoring to hope in Christ keeps us steady and moving forward. God’s promises—like Isaiah 55, Romans 8:28, and Ephesians 3:20—are anchors that pull us toward His purposes, even when life’s currents are strong. [28:14]
- Grace fills us so that we can overflow into the lives of others. God’s desire is to display the incomparable riches of His grace through us, not just for our benefit, but as a testimony to the world. Living full of grace means receiving it daily and sharing it freely, becoming a beacon of hope and transformation in our communities. [28:14]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Denver Dream Center Story
[04:30] - Stepping Out in Faith
[06:46] - Understanding Grace: Mercy vs. Grace
[09:30] - Paul’s Journey: From Saul to Apostle
[12:45] - Road Trips and Life’s Journey
[15:15] - Caleb’s Different Spirit and Perspective
[18:17] - Seated with Christ: Authority and Power
[21:30] - Anchors and the Kedge Anchor Analogy
[24:00] - Anchoring to Hope in a Negative World
[26:30] - The Power of Our Thought Life
[28:14] - Anchored to Jesus: The True Solution
[30:00] - Living Raised, Seated, and Filled by Grace
[32:00] - Responding to Grace and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Raised, Seated, and Filled by Grace
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:6-7 (ESV)
> "and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Numbers 14:24 (ESV)
> "But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it."
Hebrews 6:19 (ESV)
> "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,"
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:6, what two things has God done for us with Christ?
2. In Numbers 14:24, what made Caleb different from the other spies, and what was the result?
3. The sermon described hope as an anchor for our soul. What does Hebrews 6:19 say about this hope?
4. The pastor shared that grace is more than forgiveness—it’s the power that lifts us above our failures and limitations. What examples did he give from his own life or from the Bible to illustrate this? [[06:46]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that being “raised up” with Christ changes our perspective, helping us see above anxiety, fear, and defeat. How does this new perspective affect the way a believer faces challenges? [[15:15]]
2. Caleb had a “different spirit” because he pursued God’s presence at Hebron. What does it mean to have a “different spirit” today, and how might pursuing God’s presence change someone’s outlook? [[15:15]]
3. The pastor explained that being “seated with Christ” means we operate from a place of authority and victory. What does it look like in daily life to live from this position instead of living as a “spiritual victim”? [[18:17]]
4. The anchor analogy from Hebrews 6 was used to describe hope in Christ. How does what we anchor our lives to determine our direction and resilience, especially in a world filled with negativity and fear? [[28:14]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about stepping out in faith to move from California to Denver, trusting God’s grace to provide. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to take a leap of faith? What would it look like to trust His grace in that situation? [[04:30]]
2. Caleb’s story shows that pursuing God’s presence can give us a different perspective on our problems. What is one practical way you can seek God’s presence this week when you face a challenge? [[15:15]]
3. The sermon said that being “seated with Christ” gives us authority and power over fear and defeat. Is there a specific fear or struggle where you need to remind yourself of your position in Christ? How can you do that this week? [[18:17]]
4. The anchor analogy asked, “What are you anchored to?” Take a moment to reflect: Are there things (like negativity, fear, or social media) that you are anchoring your life to instead of Jesus? What is one step you can take to anchor yourself more firmly to Christ’s hope and promises? [[28:14]]
5. The pastor mentioned that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative. What is one negative thought pattern you want to break, and how can you replace it with God’s truth? [[28:14]]
6. Grace is meant to overflow from us to others. Who is one person in your life who needs to experience God’s grace through you this week? What is a specific way you can show them grace? [[28:14]]
7. The sermon ended with a call to receive and share God’s grace, especially in uncertain times. What is one way you can be a “beacon of hope and transformation” in your community or family this month? [[28:14]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Grace Raises Us Up
Grace lifts us from sin and despair, giving us a new perspective and hope beyond our failures. No matter how far we have fallen or how heavy our burdens, God’s grace is powerful enough to raise us above depression, anxiety, fear, and failure. Like Caleb, who sought the presence of God at Hebron, we are invited to let grace change our outlook, shifting our focus from obstacles to the promises of God. When we worship and seek God’s presence, our perspective is elevated, and we are reminded that His grace is greater than any challenge we face. [15:15]
Ephesians 2:6 (ESV)
“…and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel weighed down by fear or failure? How can you intentionally seek God’s presence today to let His grace lift your perspective?
Day 2: Grace Seats Us with Christ
God’s grace not only raises us up but also seats us with Christ, granting us spiritual authority and power. Being seated with Christ means we are no longer defined by our past or our weaknesses; instead, we share in the victory and authority of Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. This position empowers us to face life’s battles with confidence, knowing that the work of Christ is finished and the enemy is already defeated. We are called to walk in this authority daily, not as spiritual wimps, but as those filled with power, love, and a sound mind. [18:17]
Ephesians 2:6 (ESV)
“…and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”
Reflection: In what situation do you need to remember that you are seated with Christ and have His authority? How can you approach that situation differently today because of this truth?
Day 3: Hope Is Our Anchor
What we anchor our lives to determines our direction and resilience in the storms of life. True hope, anchored in Jesus, keeps us steady and secure even when circumstances are uncertain or overwhelming. While the world offers countless distractions and negative influences, anchoring ourselves to Christ means trusting in His promises and presence above all else. When we feel adrift or stuck, we can pull ourselves toward Jesus, our hope and anchor, who has entered the inner sanctuary on our behalf and made a way for us to be close to God. [28:14]
Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV)
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Reflection: What are you most often tempted to anchor your hope to besides Jesus? What is one practical step you can take today to anchor your soul more firmly in Him?
Day 4: Grace Fills Us to Overflow
God’s grace is not just for our own benefit; it fills us so that we can overflow with kindness and love to others. The incomparable riches of His grace are meant to be expressed through us, showing the world what it means to know Jesus. We are not called to earn God’s favor, but to receive His grace and let it transform us from the inside out, so that our lives become a testimony of His kindness and generosity. As we are filled with grace, we are empowered to extend it to those around us, living lives that reflect the fullness of Christ. [31:00]
Ephesians 2:7 (ESV)
“…so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the overflow of God’s grace through you today? What is one specific act of kindness you can do for them?
Day 5: Anchored in God’s Promises
When life is uncertain and our thoughts are overwhelmed by negativity, anchoring ourselves in God’s promises brings peace and direction. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and even when we don’t understand our circumstances, we can trust that He is working all things for our good. By meditating on His Word and holding fast to His promises, we can break free from fear and negativity, and live with hope and confidence in His faithfulness. [25:30]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to anchor yourself to this week? How can you remind yourself of this promise when negative thoughts arise?
Quotes
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