Transformative Grace: Embracing God's Love and Power

Summary

In the presence of God, we find both awe and comfort. God, in His holiness, is a consuming fire, yet through Jesus Christ, we have a mediator who intercedes for us. Jesus, who was made human, crucified, and resurrected, now sits at the right hand of God, offering us access to divine grace. This grace allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He loves us deeply. The love of God is not just a concept; it is a reality demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This act assures us of God's concern and care for us, even down to the smallest details of our lives.

The Christian life is not merely about forgiveness and reconciliation; it is about transformation. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are offered a new birth, a regeneration that makes us new creatures. This transformation is not something we achieve by our own strength but is a work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects God's holiness, giving us new desires and a new outlook on life. This new life is marked by a desire for righteousness and a love for God's Word and His people.

Moreover, the power of God, which raised Jesus from the dead, is available to us. This power enables us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We are not left to fight these battles alone; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live victoriously. Christianity is not about adhering to a set of rules but about experiencing a profound inner change that affects every aspect of our being.

The grace of God in Jesus Christ is not only about deliverance from sin but also about being prepared for eternal life in His kingdom. This grace transforms us, making us partakers of the divine nature and citizens of His eternal kingdom. The question remains: Is this good news to you? If it is, embrace it, and let the riches of God's grace transform your life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Mediating Presence of Christ: Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God, intercedes for us, providing comfort and assurance in our weaknesses. His presence allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that we are loved and understood. This access to God is a profound blessing, offering us peace and strength in our spiritual journey. [24:37]

2. The Assurance of God's Love: The love of God is not just a theological concept but a reality demonstrated through the cross. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that we are assured of God's love and concern for us, even in our most vulnerable moments. This love is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. [26:35]

3. Transformation Through New Birth: Christianity offers more than forgiveness; it offers a new birth, a transformation into a new creation. This change is not achieved by human effort but through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life that reflects God's holiness. This new life is marked by a desire for righteousness and a love for God's Word. [36:37]

4. Empowered by God's Power: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, enabling us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We are not left to fight these battles alone; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live victoriously. This power is a testament to God's commitment to our spiritual growth and victory. [47:18]

5. The Eternal Kingdom of God: The grace of God in Jesus Christ prepares us for eternal life in His kingdom. This grace transforms us, making us partakers of the divine nature and citizens of His eternal kingdom. Embracing this grace means experiencing a profound inner change that affects every aspect of our being, aligning us with God's eternal purposes. [49:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:42] - Christ's Intercession
- [24:37] - Confidence in Prayer
- [25:17] - Knowledge of God's Love
- [26:35] - Assurance of God's Love
- [27:48] - God's Concern for Us
- [29:31] - God's Power in Us
- [31:14] - The Power of God Available
- [33:06] - Unsearchable Riches of Christ
- [34:33] - New Creation in Christ
- [36:37] - The New Birth
- [38:30] - New Life in Christ
- [41:05] - Desiring God
- [44:52] - Deliverance from the World
- [49:33] - Eternal Kingdom of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 7:25 - "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Ephesians 1:18-20 - "I pray 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 his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play in our relationship with God, and how does this affect our confidence in approaching God? ([24:37])
2. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs in a believer's life through the Holy Spirit? ([36:37])
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate God's concern for the details of our lives? ([27:31])
4. How is the power that raised Jesus from the dead described as being available to believers? ([31:14])

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be our mediator, and how does this impact our understanding of God's holiness and love? ([23:42])
2. How does the concept of new birth and becoming a new creation challenge or affirm your understanding of Christian transformation? ([36:37])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's power is at work in believers' lives today? How does this compare to the power that raised Jesus from the dead? ([31:14])
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's grace and our preparation for eternal life in His kingdom? ([49:33])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How might the understanding of Jesus as your mediator change your approach to prayer and relationship with God? ([24:37])
2. Consider an area of your life where you desire transformation. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area, and what steps can you take to align with this transformation? ([36:37])
3. Think about a specific situation where you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the assurance of God's concern for you, even in small details, provide comfort and guidance? ([27:31])
4. Identify a personal struggle where you feel powerless. How can you rely on the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to overcome this challenge? ([31:14])
5. How does the promise of being part of God's eternal kingdom influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this promise? ([49:33])
6. Reflect on your current understanding of God's love. How can you deepen this understanding and allow it to impact your interactions with others? ([26:35])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to embrace the new life offered through Christ and live out the transformation described in the sermon? ([36:37])

Devotional

Day 1: The Mediating Presence of Christ
In the presence of God, we find both awe and comfort. Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God, intercedes for us, providing comfort and assurance in our weaknesses. His presence allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that we are loved and understood. This access to God is a profound blessing, offering us peace and strength in our spiritual journey. Through Jesus, we have a mediator who bridges the gap between our humanity and God's holiness, allowing us to experience divine grace and love. [24:37]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you invite Jesus to intercede for you in this area today?

Day 2: The Assurance of God's Love
The love of God is not just a theological concept but a reality demonstrated through the cross. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that we are assured of God's love and concern for us, even in our most vulnerable moments. This love is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone. God's love is active and present, reaching into the depths of our lives to bring healing and hope. It is a love that knows no bounds and is always available to us, offering reassurance and peace. [26:35]

1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt God's love in a tangible way. How can you share that love with someone else today?

Day 3: Transformation Through New Birth
Christianity offers more than forgiveness; it offers a new birth, a transformation into a new creation. This change is not achieved by human effort but through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life that reflects God's holiness. This new life is marked by a desire for righteousness and a love for God's Word. The transformation is profound, affecting every aspect of our being and aligning us with God's purposes. It is a journey of becoming more like Christ, guided by the Spirit's power and presence. [36:37]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Identify one old habit or mindset that you need to let go of. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you embrace the new life in Christ today?

Day 4: Empowered by God's Power
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, enabling us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. We are not left to fight these battles alone; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live victoriously. This power is a testament to God's commitment to our spiritual growth and victory. It is a divine strength that equips us to face challenges and live out our faith with courage and conviction. [47:18]

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."

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

Day 5: The Eternal Kingdom of God
The grace of God in Jesus Christ prepares us for eternal life in His kingdom. This grace transforms us, making us partakers of the divine nature and citizens of His eternal kingdom. Embracing this grace means experiencing a profound inner change that affects every aspect of our being, aligning us with God's eternal purposes. It is an invitation to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters and investing in the things of God's kingdom. [49:33]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (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, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: What is one way you can align your daily life with the values of God's eternal kingdom? How can you focus on what truly matters today?

Quotes

God is light and in him is no Darkness at all God is a consuming fire but seated at the right hand of God is this person who was made of a woman made under the Lord Jesus of Nazareth the one who was nailed to that cross he rose again he ascended into heaven he's passed through the heavens and he's seated at the right hand of God so that as I go in my weakness and in my feebleness and in my sin I not only can plead his blood but I say I am comforted by the thought that he is there touched with a feeling of my infirmities tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin. [00:24:03]

I know through all this that God is concerned about me and that God cares for me I can't know that in any other way but as the result of all that I see in Jesus Jesus Christ I am certain of this that the very hairs of my head are all numbered that God knows all about me that God knows my every need by every necessity did you notice how our Lord taught it he takes his comparisons of the lies of the field and the birds of the air there it is he says if God so so clothe the Lily which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven how much more look at these birds not one of them he says can fall to the ground without my father of how much greater value were ye he says than many sparrows. [00:26:42]

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that worketh in us that's it he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or even think at the highest stretch of your imagination you can't get there he's endless illimitable in his power he's made everything out of nothing this God knows you he loves you he's concerned about you ah says Paul again to those same eans I praying for you I praying he says that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened why well for these reasons that you may know what is the hope of his calling what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints and thirdly the exceeding greatness of his power to usw that believe. [00:29:43]

The exceeding greatness of this power well he says it's the same power which he used and implied when he brought the Lord Jesus Christ up again from the dead and raised him up into the Heavenly places far above all principalities and powers and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come now then here it is all the power of that God is available for us the God who loves us the god who's interested the god who's concerned is a god of of such a power and that power is working to usw who believe in his son who gave himself for us and for our sins there upon the cross on calvary's hell. [00:30:50]

To be a Christian doesn't merely mean that my sins are forgiven and that I now am reconciled to God and I'm able to pray to him and to go into his presence with confidence and assurance and boldness what else well here is something that an age of preaching can never exhaust let me mention just one thing to you this evening what this book calls the new birth regeneration being made a new man a new person this Apostle puts it in the very last chapter of this very epistle that we're considering in these words listen he says in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision but a new creature a new creation the blessings of Salvation the good news of the Gospel what is it well here it is that I am made as the result of the death of Christ upon the cross a new creature it opens that possibility to me. [00:33:25]

What does it mean what is Christianity ah yes it means I'm forgiven it means I'm reconciled it means I can pray but it means something I say that is infinitely more wonderful in a sense it means that I'm a new man a new being a new creature a new creation what is it to live the Christian Life is it just this that whereas I lived a heedless thoughtless sinful life I now come and read The Sermon on the Mount and I try to practice it and I try to put it into operation no no that's not Christianity that's impossible you can't live The Sermon on the Mount by your own strength and power no man can it's impossible no man could keep the Ten Commandments and the moral law no no Christianity doesn't just mean trying to imitate Christ and to follow him because we can't what does it mean then it means this that I am made a new being a new person I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me nothing matters in Christ but a new creature a new creation. [00:35:06]

Here Comes this wonderful message about the Regeneration the rebirth this renewal in the spirit this receiving of a new principle of Life a new disposition a new outlook a new governing principle in the very depths of my being that is why the Bible speaks about it as a rebirth or a new creation in other words something is put into me that was not there before I am aware of a new life within I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me that's it I am made a new man so with Paul I look at myself and I say I am myself and yet I'm not myself I live yet not I now that's Christianity that's the good news not just that you're forgiven and left to Fai face the World the Flesh and the Devil by yourself and no you're going to fail as before no no new man new principle new disposition new outlook new everything if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things have passed away behold all things have become new this is the thing that is offered us as the result of his death I am given a new mind a new mentality a new outlook. [00:38:00]

Do you know once you've got this new mind you'll want to live a holy life you'll hate sin you'll see through this present evil world and you won't want it you'll see that it drags you down and it ruins you and comes between you and God you'll have a new mind a new outlook you'll have new desires you'll hunger and thirst after righteousness yes you know you'll even begin to enjoy reading the Bible the most boring book in the world as you think it is now you'll even begin to enjoy prayer you'll begin to enjoy the Society of God's people and prefer it to the Great in the land who are not God's people that's Christianity and it comes you see because you've received a new life you're no longer what you were there is this new disposition this new governing principle of the whole of your outlook your mind your heart your will your everything and once this happens you begin to find yourself Desiring God Desiring to know God above everything else Desiring to please him Desiring to be like him you long for Holiness you'll say his Commandments are not Grievous. [00:41:05]

You will become conscious that the holy spirit of God is dwelling within you that you're not left to yourself any longer the Apostle puts it perfectly in the fifth chapter of this great epistle in verse 17 listen to him he says the flesh lusteth against the spirit yes but thank God the spirit lusteth also against the Flesh and these are contrary the one to the other thank God for that what's it mean it means this here I am in this world longing and seeking to live this good life but finding the world and the Flesh and the devil against me the flesh lasting against all that and getting me down and leading me ever to failure and remorse and misery and unhappiness and shame can I never get out of it am I doomed to Perpetual failure here's the answer in this new birth the spirit comes into me and the spirit you see lusteth against the flesh I'm no longer alone in this fight the holy spirit of God is within me fighting against everything that gets me down that's the good news of Salvation. [00:44:52]

He gave himself for our sins that he might Deliver Us from this present evil world not only from its doom and the destruction which is certainly coming upon it but he delivers us from its mentality its Outlook its whole way of living even at this present time that's what Christianity means that I'm taken out of that and put into this other God forbid says this apostle that I should Glory save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ by which the world has been crucified unto me and I unto the world wouldn't you like to be delivered from the world wouldn't you like to be free from its enticements and attractions and all that belongs to it that gets you down and fills you with this shame and sense of unworthiness it's the Cross of Christ that does its as B it crucifies the world unto us and it crucifies us unto the world and not only the world and the flesh but the devil here is the power that is set against us the power that brought down Adam in his Perfection and Eve the power that tackled all the Patriarchs and subdued every one of them here is a power that is so great that he didn't even hesitate to tempt the Son of God himself he didn't succeed but he tried he tried his utmost no man has ever been able to withstand him and he's against us he's ever round and about us insinuating his thoughts his suggestion is any Wenders dragging us down the World the Flesh the devil how can I stand against the devil and the answer is still in the same place by this power that is given me by the indwelling Holy Spirit by the Christ that is in me I can even resist the devil. [00:47:18]

This is the grace of God in Jesus Christ he died why that we might be forgiven yes he died to make us good he died to deliver me from hell yes but also to prepare me for heaven he died to deliver me from this present evil world but in addition to translate me into his own kingdom and to make me a partaker of his own divine nature to make me a citizen of his eternal Kingdom now invisible but which will come inv visible Glory when he comes back again into this sinful World finally to judge it to purge it of evil and to set up his own Reign forever and forever for ever such is the grace of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for us that he might Deliver Us from this present evil world and introduces into that realm of Grace and of Glory. [00:49:33]

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Transcript

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