Living in the Power of God's Transformation

 

Summary

In Ephesians 1:19, Paul speaks of the "exceeding greatness of His power" towards believers, a power that was demonstrated when God raised Christ from the dead. This power is not just a theological concept but a living reality that should transform our understanding and experience of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesians to have their eyes opened to this power, emphasizing that without it, we are helpless and hopeless. This power is essential not only for our initial belief but also for our continued journey in faith. It is the same power that sustains us, enabling us to live a life that reflects the glory of God.

The Christian life is not merely about forgiveness and avoiding hell; it is about living in the fullness of God's power. This power is what allows us to stand firm against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world entices us with its values, the flesh with its weaknesses, and the devil with his deceptions. Yet, the power of God in us is greater than all these forces. It is a power that transforms us, enabling us to live out the commandments of God and to follow Christ in the narrow way.

We often fail to realize the greatness of our salvation and the power at work within us. This lack of realization leads to a lack of joy and a sense of wonder in our Christian walk. The early Christians were marked by a sense of amazement at what God was doing in their lives. We, too, should be amazed at the work of God in us, recognizing that it is His power that enables us to live the Christian life.

The power of God is not something we need to ask for; it is already in us. From the moment of our new birth, God sustains us with His power. This power works in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit, creating desires and longings for God. It is a power that will continue to work in us until we reach perfection in the presence of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of God is essential for both our initial belief and our continued journey in faith. Without it, we are helpless and hopeless, unable to stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil. This power is what sustains us and enables us to live a life that reflects the glory of God. [03:32]

- The Christian life is not just about forgiveness and avoiding hell; it is about living in the fullness of God's power. This power transforms us, enabling us to live out the commandments of God and to follow Christ in the narrow way. [09:30]

- We often fail to realize the greatness of our salvation and the power at work within us. This lack of realization leads to a lack of joy and a sense of wonder in our Christian walk. We should be amazed at the work of God in us, recognizing that it is His power that enables us to live the Christian life. [07:15]

- The power of God is not something we need to ask for; it is already in us. From the moment of our new birth, God sustains us with His power. This power works in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit, creating desires and longings for God. [35:50]

- God's power will continue to work in us until we reach perfection in the presence of God. This power is our comfort, consolation, strength, and assurance, knowing that God will never cease to work in us until we stand before Him in glory. [41:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:19
- [00:28] - Context of Paul's Prayer
- [01:03] - The Exceeding Greatness of God's Power
- [02:25] - Enlightenment and Knowledge
- [03:32] - The Necessity of God's Power
- [05:28] - The Joy of Salvation
- [06:45] - The Christian's Struggle
- [09:30] - The Fullness of Christian Life
- [11:35] - The Miracle of Belief
- [13:22] - Sustaining Power of God
- [16:43] - Working Out Salvation
- [20:06] - Kept by God's Power
- [22:36] - The Forces Against Us
- [33:32] - Living the Commandments
- [35:50] - Realizing God's Power in Us
- [41:00] - Assurance of God's Work in Us

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:19-23
- Philippians 2:12-13
- 1 Peter 1:3-5

---

#### Observation Questions

1. In Ephesians 1:19, Paul speaks of the "exceeding greatness of His power" towards believers. How does Paul describe this power in relation to Christ's resurrection? [01:03]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three main forces that believers must stand against with the power of God? [22:36]

3. How does the sermon describe the early Christians' attitude towards their salvation and the power of God at work in them? [05:28]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the result of failing to realize the greatness of our salvation and the power at work within us? [06:12]

---

#### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon emphasizes that God's power is essential for both initial belief and continued faith. How does this understanding affect the way believers view their spiritual journey? [03:32]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the power of God transforms believers, enabling them to live out the commandments of God? [09:30]

3. The sermon mentions that the power of God is already within believers from the moment of new birth. How does this perspective challenge the common notion of seeking additional spiritual power? [35:50]

4. How does the sermon explain the role of God's power in sustaining believers until they reach perfection in His presence? [41:00]

---

#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you felt helpless or hopeless in your faith journey. How can the understanding of God's power at work in you change your perspective in similar situations? [04:42]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of living in the fullness of God's power rather than just seeking forgiveness. What practical steps can you take to experience this fullness in your daily life? [09:30]

3. Consider the ways in which the world, the flesh, and the devil have challenged your faith. How can you rely on God's power to stand firm against these forces? [22:36]

4. The early Christians were marked by a sense of amazement at God's work in their lives. What specific actions can you take to cultivate a sense of wonder and joy in your own spiritual walk? [05:28]

5. The sermon suggests that God's power works in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit. How can you intentionally engage with Scripture and the Spirit to strengthen your faith? [38:05]

6. Identify an area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength rather than God's power. What changes can you make to depend more on His power? [13:22]

7. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God's power will continue to work in us until we reach perfection. How does this assurance impact your long-term view of your spiritual growth? [41:00]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of God in Our Faith Journey
The power of God is essential for both our initial belief and our continued journey in faith. Without it, we are helpless and hopeless, unable to stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil. This power is what sustains us and enables us to live a life that reflects the glory of God. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the necessity of this power in Ephesians 1:19, urging believers to have their eyes opened to its reality. This power is not a distant theological concept but a living force that transforms our lives, allowing us to overcome the challenges and temptations we face daily. [03:32]

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,"

Reflection: Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's power to help you overcome it today?


Day 2: Living in the Fullness of God's Power
The Christian life is not just about forgiveness and avoiding hell; it is about living in the fullness of God's power. This power transforms us, enabling us to live out the commandments of God and to follow Christ in the narrow way. The world, the flesh, and the devil constantly try to lead us astray, but the power of God within us is greater than these forces. It empowers us to stand firm and live a life that reflects God's glory. This transformative power is a testament to the miracle of belief and the sustaining grace of God. [09:30]

Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV): "being 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: Consider one area of your life where you struggle to live out God's commandments. What steps can you take today to allow God's power to transform this area?


Day 3: The Joy and Wonder of Salvation
We often fail to realize the greatness of our salvation and the power at work within us. This lack of realization leads to a lack of joy and a sense of wonder in our Christian walk. The early Christians were marked by a sense of amazement at what God was doing in their lives. We, too, should be amazed at the work of God in us, recognizing that it is His power that enables us to live the Christian life. Embracing this truth can reignite our joy and deepen our appreciation for the salvation we have received. [07:15]

1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt distant from God. How can you cultivate a sense of wonder and joy in your relationship with Him today?


Day 4: Realizing God's Power Within Us
The power of God is not something we need to ask for; it is already in us. From the moment of our new birth, God sustains us with His power. This power works in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit, creating desires and longings for God. It is a power that will continue to work in us until we reach perfection in the presence of God. Recognizing this truth can transform our daily walk, as we learn to rely on the power that is already at work within us. [35:50]

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,"

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt powerless in your spiritual journey. How can you remind yourself of God's power within you today?


Day 5: Assurance of God's Work in Us
God's power will continue to work in us until we reach perfection in the presence of God. This power is our comfort, consolation, strength, and assurance, knowing that God will never cease to work in us until we stand before Him in glory. This assurance gives us confidence in our spiritual journey, as we trust in God's unfailing power to complete the work He has begun in us. It is a promise that sustains us through trials and encourages us to persevere in faith. [41:00]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on a current struggle or trial you are facing. How can the assurance of God's continued work in you provide comfort and strength today?

Quotes


The Apostle is praying for the Ephesians, having had the eyes of their understanding enlightened because without that they can't possibly have this knowledge which he anxious they should have but having had the eyes of their understanding enlightened that they may know this exceeding greatness of the power of God in us who believe. [00:54:04]

We must continue. The Apostle, you notice, emphasizes this great petition. He's so anxious that these Ephesians should realize this and that they should realize their need of it, for that is the point that they become conscious that apart from this great power, they really are quite helpless and hopeless and undone. [04:06:28]

We live, we scor delights and live laborious days. How often is that the impression we give? And I say this is all due to the fact that we somehow have not realized the greatness of the Salvation in which we are. We don't realize the greatness of what has happened to us. [06:41:40]

We often fail to realize the greatness of our salvation and the power at work within us. This lack of realization leads to a lack of joy and a sense of wonder in our Christian walk. We should be amazed at the work of God in us, recognizing that it is His power that enables us to live the Christian life. [07:18:44]

The Christian life is not just about forgiveness and avoiding hell; it is about living in the fullness of God's power. This power transforms us, enabling us to live out the commandments of God and to follow Christ in the narrow way. [09:30:00]

It's a miracle. It's an astounding thing that there is a single Christian in the world this morning. By nature, not one of us would believe it or could believe it. It's nothing but the power of God that ever makes us Believers. [11:45:48]

The power of God is not something we need to ask for; it is already in us. From the moment of our new birth, God sustains us with His power. This power works in us through the Word and the Holy Spirit, creating desires and longings for God. [35:50:00]

God's power will continue to work in us until we reach perfection in the presence of God. This power is our comfort, consolation, strength, and assurance, knowing that God will never cease to work in us until we stand before Him in glory. [41:00:00]

The Apostle Paul knew something about it, so he prays that these people might know this power of God. If we but realize the power of the devil and of hell, it's nothing less than that as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. [32:58:39]

The power of God manifests itself and works in us through the word and through the Holy Spirit. He works in our personality, he affects my will, he creates desires within me and longings. Have you known it? Suddenly this desire, I say, to read the word, suddenly a desire to pray to God. [37:57:92]

We are in the hands of God, and He's working in us. He's given us this power to believe. He's working in us now, fashioning us, molding us, bringing us to perfection, and we can't avoid it. We can't escape it. We are in His hands, and He will go on with it. [41:07:92]

My comfort, my consolation, my strength, my assurance this morning is this: to know that God is working in me and that He will never cease to work in me until I stand before Him in glory. [41:47:92]

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?