Experiencing God's Power: From Knowledge to Transformation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of experiencing the power of God in our lives. We began by acknowledging the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him personally. This distinction is crucial because many people may have an intellectual understanding of God but lack a personal, transformative relationship with Him. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes the importance of knowing God intimately and experiencing His incomparably great power in our lives.
Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is that they would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, allowing believers to encounter God's power in a life-changing way. The power Paul speaks of is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, a resurrection power that is available to all who believe. This power is not just for the extraordinary moments but is meant to be a daily reality in the life of every believer.
We also discussed the significance of Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God, a position of ultimate authority and honor. This authority is not just for Christ alone but is shared with us as believers. Because of our union with Christ, we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms, sharing in His authority and power. This truth should transform our lives, leaving no room for defeat or sin, as we are called to live victoriously in Christ.
Furthermore, God's power is revealed through the body of Christ, the Church. As His body, we are called to be His hands and feet, expanding His kingdom and making disciples. This mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who provides us with the strength and authority to fulfill our calling. As we align ourselves with God's mission, we experience His power in profound ways, enabling us to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Knowing God Personally: It's essential to move beyond intellectual knowledge of God to a personal, experiential relationship with Him. This involves seeking a deeper understanding of His character and allowing His power to transform our lives. [34:49]
2. Resurrection Power: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as believers. This resurrection power enables us to live victoriously, overcoming sin and experiencing new life in Christ. [46:49]
3. Authority in Christ: As believers, we share in Christ's authority because of our union with Him. This authority empowers us to live without defeat, embracing our identity as children of God and walking in His victory. [55:59]
4. The Church's Mission: The Church is called to be the body of Christ, actively participating in His mission to make disciples. As we align with this mission, we experience God's power and presence, impacting the world for His glory. [59:10]
5. Living in God's Power: Experiencing God's power requires aligning our lives with His will and mission. As we do so, we tap into the supernatural strength and authority He provides, enabling us to overcome challenges and fulfill our purpose. [59:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:20] - Introduction to God's Attributes
- [31:25] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1
- [33:06] - Experiencing the Power of God
- [34:49] - Knowing God Personally
- [35:50] - Understanding True Blessing
- [37:00] - Our Identity in Christ
- [38:08] - Moving from Knowledge to Experience
- [42:29] - The Purpose of God's Power
- [46:49] - Resurrection Power in Us
- [47:33] - Union with Christ
- [48:14] - Living a Transformed Life
- [51:44] - God's Supreme Authority
- [52:37] - Power and Authority in Christ
- [55:59] - Sharing in Christ's Authority
- [57:54] - The Church as Christ's Body
- [59:10] - Our Role in God's Mission
- [59:50] - Living in God's Power
- [01:04:11] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Experiencing the Power of God
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:17-23
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul pray for the Ephesians to receive in Ephesians 1:17, and why is it significant? [31:25]
2. How does Paul describe the power available to believers in Ephesians 1:19-20? [42:29]
3. What is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God according to Ephesians 1:20-21? [51:44]
4. How does Paul describe the relationship between Christ and the Church in Ephesians 1:22-23? [57:54]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better? How does this relate to moving beyond intellectual knowledge? [34:49]
2. In what ways does the resurrection power mentioned in Ephesians 1:19-20 impact a believer's daily life? [46:49]
3. How does understanding our shared authority with Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6, change a believer's perspective on challenges and sin? [55:59]
4. What role does the Church play in revealing God's power, and how does this align with the mission of making disciples? [59:10]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you move from knowing about God to knowing Him personally and experientially? [34:49]
2. The sermon mentioned the resurrection power available to believers. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to experience this power? How can you invite God into that situation? [46:49]
3. Consider the authority you share with Christ. How can this understanding help you overcome a specific challenge or sin in your life? [55:59]
4. The Church is called to be the body of Christ. How can you actively participate in expanding His kingdom and making disciples in your community? [59:10]
5. What steps can you take to align your life more closely with God's will and mission, thereby experiencing His power more fully? [59:50]
6. Think of a time when you felt defeated or overwhelmed. How can the truth of being seated with Christ in the heavenly realms change your approach to similar situations in the future? [55:59]
7. How can you be more intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus in your daily interactions, especially with those who may not know Him? [59:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing God Beyond Knowledge
To truly experience the power of God, one must move beyond merely knowing about Him intellectually to knowing Him personally and intimately. This involves seeking a deeper understanding of His character and allowing His transformative power to work in our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, prays for believers to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better. This knowledge is not just intellectual but experiential, allowing believers to encounter God's power in a life-changing way. The power Paul speaks of is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, a resurrection power that is available to all who believe. This power is not just for the extraordinary moments but is meant to be a daily reality in the life of every believer. [34:49]
Ephesians 1:17-19 (ESV): "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek a deeper, more personal relationship with God this week, moving beyond intellectual understanding to truly experiencing His presence and power in your life?
Day 2: Embracing Resurrection Power
The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as believers, enabling us to live victoriously and overcome sin. This power is not just a distant theological concept but a present reality that can transform our lives. By embracing this power, we can experience new life in Christ, characterized by victory over sin and the ability to live in alignment with God's will. This resurrection power is a gift from God, meant to empower us to live out our faith boldly and confidently. [46:49]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience the resurrection power of Christ? How can you invite God to bring new life and victory in that area today?
Day 3: Walking in Christ's Authority
As believers, we share in Christ's authority because of our union with Him. This authority empowers us to live without defeat, embracing our identity as children of God and walking in His victory. Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God signifies a position of ultimate authority and honor, which is shared with us as His followers. This truth should transform our lives, leaving no room for defeat or sin, as we are called to live victoriously in Christ. By understanding and embracing this authority, we can confidently face the challenges of life, knowing that we are empowered by the One who has overcome the world. [55:59]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: How can you begin to walk in the authority of Christ in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to embrace your identity as a child of God and live victoriously?
Day 4: The Church's Role in God's Mission
The Church is called to be the body of Christ, actively participating in His mission to make disciples. As His body, we are called to be His hands and feet, expanding His kingdom and making disciples. This mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who provides us with the strength and authority to fulfill our calling. As we align ourselves with God's mission, we experience His power in profound ways, enabling us to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world. By participating in this mission, we not only fulfill our purpose but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of God's redemptive work in the world. [59:10]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in the mission of the Church this week? How can you use your unique gifts and talents to expand God's kingdom and make disciples?
Day 5: Living in God's Power
Experiencing God's power requires aligning our lives with His will and mission. As we do so, we tap into the supernatural strength and authority He provides, enabling us to overcome challenges and fulfill our purpose. This involves a daily commitment to seek God's guidance and to live in obedience to His Word. By living in God's power, we can face the trials and tribulations of life with confidence, knowing that we are not alone but are empowered by the Holy Spirit. This power is not just for our benefit but is meant to be shared with others, as we become conduits of God's love and grace in the world. [59:50]
Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV): "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
Reflection: How can you align your life more closely with God's will and mission today? What specific steps can you take to tap into the supernatural strength and authority He provides?
Quotes
And Father, my prayer tonight or this morning is for anyone who comes through the doors of Grace Church doubting that, that they might encounter your presence today, Lord, in a powerful way. Lord, that you would take them from their mess and bring them to a place of delight in Jesus. Lord, that you would transform them, their aches and pains, whatever they have come in here with. Lord, transform them from the inside out. Lord, as we meditate on your word and on the glory of Jesus Christ, will you meet every single need in this place? Because we invite your presence, oh God. We invite you to dwell with us, oh God. [00:29:29] (38 seconds)
I keep asking that the God of the Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better. And I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. [00:31:38] (33 seconds)
What this goes to show is that there's a difference between knowing about someone and knowing someone personally. Can I get an amen? In this section that we just read, Paul wants the Ephesian definition. He wants believers to make their knowledge about God more personal. He wants it to impact their lives. [00:34:29] (23 seconds)
He pretty much explains in chapter one that all who place faith and trust in Jesus Christ are blessed beyond measure. He says, first of all, we're blessed in the heavenly realms. Well, this heavenly realm is the invisible spiritual realm where the glory of God is made manifest and the authority of God rules. [00:35:58] (23 seconds)
And ladies and gentlemen, when you take all of this into consideration and you think about how marvelous a salvation it is that you and I have in the Lord Jesus Christ, it causes you to just simply praise his name. The most fitting response is to just simply lift holy hands. Lift holy hands and say, thank you, God. Thank you, God. [00:37:24] (21 seconds)
But God wants better for us. He wants more for us in Jesus' name. He wants us to experience him more intimately and in a life-altering, transformative way. And so the question for you and me this morning is how does that happen? How does it happen? How do we make that happen? [00:41:35] (19 seconds)
It's a power that the Holy Spirit provides for each and every one of our lives as believers in Jesus Christ. And so the question that I have this morning is, what's the purpose of the power? What does God want us to do with it? How should we better understand it? [00:46:00] (16 seconds)
Because what Paul just said is the same resurrection power. power that rose Jesus from the grave is now living in you and me. Oh, come on, somebody. Paul says we have resurrection power. This means that the power that raised Christ. This speaks, ladies and gentlemen, of the profound worth of our union with Jesus Christ. [00:46:40] (25 seconds)
As if it couldn't be more amazing, this passage, this passage reveals something even more profound. God the Father exalts. Jesus Christ to the right hand of God the Father in the heavenlies. He seats him right next to him on his throne. Now to be seated at the right hand of God the Father is the ultimate position of honor and authority. [00:51:57] (27 seconds)
Because he reigns, we reign. Oh, that's not enough to give you, oh my goodness, some of y 'all still sleep this morning. Praise God for that. Because what this means is that you and I share in Christ's authority. We're not just spectators on the sideline. We get to participate in the authority of Christ. [00:55:40] (24 seconds)
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