God's Transformative Power: Assurance in Our Salvation

 

Summary

In the passage from Ephesians 1:19-23, we are confronted with the profound truth of God's power at work within us. This power is not merely an external force but an internal reality that transforms and assures us of our salvation. The Apostle Paul, in his prayer for the Ephesians, emphasizes three petitions: the hope of God's calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power in us who believe. This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of God, far above all principalities and powers.

Understanding this power is crucial for our assurance and confidence in salvation. It is not about what we do with God's help, but about what God does in and through us. This power is not just toward us but is actively working within us, transforming us into new creations. The Apostle Paul uses the resurrection of Christ as the ultimate demonstration of this power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance of God's power working in us dispels doubts and fears, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us.

The greatness of God's power is beyond human comprehension, surpassing all understanding and expression. It is an energy that overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles. This power is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill God's purpose. As Christians, we are the result of this divine operation, a new creation brought about by God's might. This realization should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of God in us is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, assuring us of our salvation and transforming us into new creations. This power is not just given to us but is actively working within us, providing assurance and confidence in our faith journey. [08:31]

- Understanding the greatness of God's power is crucial for overcoming doubts and fears. This power surpasses all human comprehension and expression, demonstrating God's might in our lives and assuring us of His purpose for us. [19:57]

- The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance dispels fears and doubts, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us. [38:23]

- As Christians, we are the result of God's divine operation, a new creation brought about by His might. This realization should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [23:37]

- The power of God is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill His purpose. This energy overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles, assuring us of our place in God's eternal plan. [27:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:19-23
- [01:07] - The Greatness of Paul's Statement
- [01:57] - Three Petitions for the Ephesians
- [03:02] - Assurance of Salvation
- [05:41] - God's Power in Us
- [07:22] - Two Views of Salvation
- [08:31] - The Power of God Working in Us
- [10:09] - The Need for Understanding God's Power
- [12:51] - Overcoming Doubts and Fears
- [14:59] - The Challenges of Life and Faith
- [17:26] - The Greatness of God's Power
- [19:57] - The Exceeding Greatness of His Power
- [23:37] - The New Creation in Christ
- [27:19] - The Dynamic Power of God
- [38:23] - The Resurrection as Proof of God's Power

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:19-23

Observation Questions:
1. What are the three petitions that the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesians in this passage? [01:57]
2. How does Paul describe the power of God in relation to believers? [08:31]
3. What is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God, according to the passage? [00:30]
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's power as it works within us? [27:19]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for believers to understand the greatness of God's power in them? How does this understanding impact their faith journey? [19:57]
2. In what ways does the resurrection of Christ serve as the ultimate demonstration of God's power, and why is this significant for believers? [38:23]
3. How does the sermon explain the difference between God's power working in us versus power given to us? What implications does this have for our understanding of salvation? [07:38]
4. What does it mean to be a "new creation" as a result of God's divine operation, and how should this realization affect our daily lives? [23:37]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's power working within you. How did it transform your situation or perspective? [08:31]
2. The sermon mentions overcoming doubts and fears through understanding God's power. What specific doubts or fears are you currently facing, and how can this understanding help you address them? [19:57]
3. How can the assurance of God's power working in us change the way we approach challenges and obstacles in our lives? [27:19]
4. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and gratitude for being a new creation in Christ? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth daily? [23:37]
5. Consider the dynamic nature of God's power as described in the sermon. How can you actively participate in fulfilling God's purpose in your life this week? [27:19]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of assurance and confidence in our salvation. How can you strengthen your assurance in God's promises and power? [06:14]
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to rely more on God's power rather than your own efforts. What changes can you make to allow God's power to work more fully in that area? [07:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of God Within Us
The power of God that resides within believers is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This power is not merely an external force but an internal reality that assures us of our salvation and transforms us into new creations. It is actively working within us, providing assurance and confidence in our faith journey. This divine power is not about what we do with God's help, but about what God does in and through us. The resurrection of Christ serves as the ultimate demonstration of this power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance dispels doubts and fears, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us. [08:31]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to recognize and rely on God's transformative power today? How can acknowledging this power change your perspective on your current challenges?


Day 2: Overcoming Doubts Through Understanding God's Power
Understanding the greatness of God's power is crucial for overcoming doubts and fears. This power surpasses all human comprehension and expression, demonstrating God's might in our lives and assuring us of His purpose for us. It is an energy that overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles. As Christians, we are the result of this divine operation, a new creation brought about by God's might. This realization should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [19:57]

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What specific doubts or fears are you facing today? How can a deeper understanding of God's power help you confront and overcome these challenges?


Day 3: The Resurrection as the Ultimate Demonstration of God's Power
The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance dispels fears and doubts, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us. The power of God in us is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, assuring us of our salvation and transforming us into new creations. This power is not just given to us but is actively working within us, providing assurance and confidence in our faith journey. [38:23]

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How does the resurrection of Christ impact your understanding of God's power in your life? In what ways can this assurance help you face your own "enemies" or challenges today?


Day 4: Becoming a New Creation Through Divine Operation
As Christians, we are the result of God's divine operation, a new creation brought about by His might. This realization should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. The power of God is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill His purpose. This energy overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles, assuring us of our place in God's eternal plan. [23:37]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: In what ways do you see yourself as a new creation in Christ? How can you live out this new identity in your daily interactions and decisions?


Day 5: The Dynamic Power of God Fulfilling His Purpose
The power of God is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill His purpose. This energy overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles, assuring us of our place in God's eternal plan. Understanding this power is crucial for our assurance and confidence in salvation. It is not about what we do with God's help, but about what God does in and through us. This power is not just toward us but is actively working within us, transforming us into new creations. [27:19]

Philippians 2:13 (ESV): "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: What specific purpose do you believe God is working to fulfill in your life right now? How can you align your actions and decisions with this divine purpose today?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul, in his prayer for the Ephesians, emphasizes three petitions: the hope of God's calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power in us who believe. This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of God, far above all principalities and powers. [00:12:56]

The whole object of this entire section, as we have seen so repeatedly, is assurance that these Christian people might know, that they might have certainty, that they might have confidence. And I say it is because of that that it's quite clear to me at this point that the Apostle is emphasizing the power of God in the Saints rather than the power which God gives to the Saints. [00:36:04]

The power of God that is already working in them, and you see that's an entirely different thing. And in this context, there can be no question whatsoever as to the fact that that is what the Apostle really is dealing with. The whole object of this entire section, as we have seen so repeatedly, is assurance that these Christian people might know, that they might have certainty, that they might have confidence. [00:34:41]

The Apostle is dealing with is the power of God not toward us but in us. The whole theme here is the working of God in us. Now it is, of course, right and true to say that God does give us strength and power, and we need that, and that in its place and in its setting is right and good. [00:48:57]

The greatness of God's power is beyond human comprehension, surpassing all understanding and expression. It is an energy that overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles. This power is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill God's purpose. [00:52:21]

The Apostle Paul uses the resurrection of Christ as the ultimate demonstration of this power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance of God's power working in us dispels doubts and fears, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us. [00:37:36]

The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, showing that even death, the last enemy, has been conquered. This assurance dispels fears and doubts, giving us confidence in our journey toward the glory that awaits us. [00:38:23]

The power of God in us is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, assuring us of our salvation and transforming us into new creations. This power is not just given to us but is actively working within us, providing assurance and confidence in our faith journey. [00:08:31]

The power of God is not static but dynamic, actively working in us to fulfill His purpose. This energy overcomes all resistance, a mighty force that prevails against all obstacles, assuring us of our place in God's eternal plan. [00:27:19]

As Christians, we are the result of God's divine operation, a new creation brought about by His might. This realization should fill us with awe and gratitude, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [00:23:37]

Understanding the greatness of God's power is crucial for overcoming doubts and fears. This power surpasses all human comprehension and expression, demonstrating God's might in our lives and assuring us of His purpose for us. [00:19:57]

The Apostle Paul, in his prayer for the Ephesians, emphasizes three petitions: the hope of God's calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power in us who believe. This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of God, far above all principalities and powers. [00:12:56]

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?