Transformative Power of 'But God' in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of the phrase "but God" in the Bible, particularly focusing on Ephesians 2:1-7. This passage highlights the transformative power of God's intervention in our lives. Before God's intervention, we were dead in our trespasses and sins, living according to the ways of the world and under the influence of the ruler of the power of the air, which is Satan. However, the "but God" moment changes everything. God's rich mercy and great love make us alive in Christ, saving us by grace and seating us with Him in heavenly places. This transformation is not just about being saved from sin but also about being empowered to live a life of good works that God has prepared for us.
We delved into the concept of walking in disobedience versus walking in obedience. The disobedient walk is characterized by living according to the world's ways, under Satan's influence, and being children of wrath. In contrast, the obedient walk, made possible by God's intervention, leads to a life filled with good works that glorify God. This transformation is a testament to God's immeasurable riches and grace, which are beyond human comprehension.
God's ultimate purpose for us is to live a life that brings glory to Him through good works. These good works are not the means of our salvation but the result of it. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This understanding should lead us to examine which side of the "but God" we are on and to respond accordingly, either by accepting God's gift of salvation or by renewing our commitment to live out the good works He has prepared for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Transformative Power of "But God": The phrase "but God" signifies a pivotal change from a state of spiritual death to life in Christ. Before God's intervention, we are dead in our sins, but His rich mercy and great love make us alive in Christ, saving us by grace and seating us with Him in heavenly places. This transformation is a testament to God's immeasurable riches and grace. [03:41]
2. Disobedient Walk vs. Obedient Walk: The disobedient walk is characterized by living according to the world's ways, under Satan's influence, and being children of wrath. In contrast, the obedient walk, made possible by God's intervention, leads to a life filled with good works that glorify God. This shift from disobedience to obedience is a profound change that impacts every aspect of our lives. [11:00]
3. God's Loving Work: God's intervention in our lives is driven by His rich mercy and great love. He saves us, seats us with Christ in heavenly places, and secures our salvation. This loving work is not just about saving us from sin but also about empowering us to live a life of good works that God has prepared for us. [22:44]
4. Immeasurable Riches in Christ: The riches we receive in Christ are beyond human comprehension. These immeasurable riches include being made alive in Christ, being seated with Him in heavenly places, and being secure in our salvation. This understanding should lead us to live a life that reflects the immeasurable grace and love we have received. [23:19]
5. God's Ultimate Purpose: God's ultimate purpose for us is to live a life that brings glory to Him through good works. These good works are not the means of our salvation but the result of it. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This understanding should lead us to examine which side of the "but God" we are on and to respond accordingly. [31:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:43] - The Goodness of Salvation
[03:41] - The Power of "But God"
[05:45] - Biblical Examples of "But God"
[06:34] - Faith in God's Goodness
[07:31] - Trusting God with Our Tomorrows
[08:26] - Ephesians 2:1-7 Reading
[09:07] - Understanding Trespasses and Sins
[11:00] - Disobedient Walk
[14:36] - The Christian Walk
[17:00] - The Path and Power of Disobedience
[20:11] - God's Judgment on Sin
[22:44] - God's Loving Work
[23:19] - Immeasurable Riches in Christ
[25:13] - Seated with Christ
[27:02] - Secured by Grace
[29:16] - Eternal Security in Christ
[31:54] - God's Ultimate Purpose
[38:16] - Responding to God's Call
[39:51] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:1-7 (CSB): "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-2, what was our condition before God's intervention? How does the passage describe our previous way of life?
2. What does the phrase "but God" signify in Ephesians 2:4, and what changes does it bring about in our spiritual condition? [09:57]
3. In Ephesians 2:6, what does it mean that God "raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus"? How does this affect our current spiritual status?
4. What are the "immeasurable riches" mentioned in Ephesians 2:7, and how are they displayed through God's kindness to us in Christ Jesus? [23:19]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) help us understand the severity of our spiritual condition before knowing Christ? [09:07]
2. What does it mean to walk in disobedience versus walking in obedience, as described in the sermon? How does this distinction impact our daily lives? [11:00]
3. How does God's rich mercy and great love, as described in Ephesians 2:4-5, redefine our understanding of grace and salvation? [22:44]
4. What is the significance of being seated with Christ in heavenly places, and how should this influence our perspective on our identity and purpose as believers? [25:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel spiritually dead or disconnected from God? How can you invite God's transformative "but God" intervention into these areas? [09:57]
2. The sermon mentioned the difference between walking in disobedience and walking in obedience. Can you identify specific ways in which you might be walking in disobedience? What steps can you take to align your walk with God's will? [11:00]
3. How can you practically demonstrate God's rich mercy and great love to others in your daily interactions? Think of one specific person or situation where you can show this love and mercy this week. [22:44]
4. Considering the "immeasurable riches" we have in Christ, how can you live a life that reflects gratitude and stewardship of these blessings? What changes can you make to better utilize these riches for God's glory? [23:19]
5. God's ultimate purpose for us is to live a life that brings glory to Him through good works. Identify one good work that you feel God has prepared for you to do. How can you take a concrete step towards fulfilling this purpose this week? [31:54]
6. The sermon emphasized the security of our salvation in Christ. How does this assurance affect your confidence in facing life's challenges? Share a recent challenge and how this assurance can help you navigate it. [29:16]
7. Reflect on the idea of being God's workmanship, created for good works. How does this understanding shape your view of your talents and abilities? What is one way you can use your unique gifts to serve others and glorify God this month? [32:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of "But God"
Before God's intervention, humanity is described as being dead in trespasses and sins, living according to the ways of the world and under the influence of Satan. This state of spiritual death is marked by disobedience and separation from God. However, the phrase "but God" signifies a pivotal change. God's rich mercy and great love intervene, making us alive in Christ. This transformation is not just about being saved from sin but also about being seated with Christ in heavenly places, showcasing God's immeasurable riches and grace. This profound change is a testament to God's power and love, which are beyond human comprehension. [03:41]
Ephesians 2:4-6 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think about a moment in your life where you felt completely lost or hopeless. How did God's intervention change your situation? How can you share this testimony of transformation with someone who might need to hear it today?
Day 2: Disobedient Walk vs. Obedient Walk
The disobedient walk is characterized by living according to the world's ways, under Satan's influence, and being children of wrath. This path leads to spiritual death and separation from God. In contrast, the obedient walk, made possible by God's intervention, leads to a life filled with good works that glorify God. This shift from disobedience to obedience is a profound change that impacts every aspect of our lives. It is a call to live in a manner that reflects God's grace and love, moving away from the ways of the world and towards a life that honors God. [11:00]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are still walking in disobedience. What steps can you take today to start walking in obedience in that area, reflecting God's transformative power in your life?
Day 3: God's Loving Work
God's intervention in our lives is driven by His rich mercy and great love. He saves us, seats us with Christ in heavenly places, and secures our salvation. This loving work is not just about saving us from sin but also about empowering us to live a life of good works that God has prepared for us. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's love and a commitment to live out the good works He has planned for us. It is a call to recognize the depth of God's love and to respond by living a life that reflects His grace and mercy. [22:44]
Titus 3:4-5 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on how God's love has been evident in your life. How can you show this same love to others through specific acts of kindness and service today?
Day 4: Immeasurable Riches in Christ
The riches we receive in Christ are beyond human comprehension. These immeasurable riches include being made alive in Christ, being seated with Him in heavenly places, and being secure in our salvation. This understanding should lead us to live a life that reflects the immeasurable grace and love we have received. It is a call to live with a sense of gratitude and purpose, recognizing the incredible blessings we have in Christ and allowing these blessings to shape our daily lives and interactions with others. [23:19]
Ephesians 3:8 (ESV): "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
Reflection: Consider the immeasurable riches you have received in Christ. How can you use these blessings to impact someone else's life today? What specific action can you take to share God's grace with others?
Day 5: God's Ultimate Purpose
God's ultimate purpose for us is to live a life that brings glory to Him through good works. These good works are not the means of our salvation but the result of it. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This understanding should lead us to examine which side of the "but God" we are on and to respond accordingly. It is a call to live intentionally, recognizing that our lives are meant to reflect God's glory and to fulfill the purpose He has set for us. [31:54]
2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV): "Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."
Reflection: Reflect on the good works that God has prepared for you. What is one specific good work you can commit to doing this week to bring glory to God? How can you ensure that your actions align with God's ultimate purpose for your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You may be going through something right now, but God can help you. You may be struggling to understand what's happening in your life, but God knows how to make everything work for the good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I know it takes faith to believe that God is working. I know it takes faith to believe that God is working for my good when I don't see it." [06:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I've walked with Jesus for enough yesterdays to trust him with all of my tomorrows. Doesn't that make sense to you? When I look back at my life, I look back at all the yesterdays. God has never failed me. He's never deserted me, so I can trust him with all of the tomorrows that I have. And my question today is, do you have that kind of faith?" [07:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We were dead, but God's love made us alive in Christ, and we can't be saved by our own doing. You can't do anything that would make you good enough to meet God's righteousness. In fact, the Bible says you're dead. A dead person can't do anything. But God can do something for you. If anything was gonna be done for us, we couldn't do it for ourselves. God had to do it for us, and he did." [24:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Even the name of the gift, eternal life, it doesn't say temporary life. It doesn't say life as long as you're good. Eternal life. He gives you the gift of eternal life. In John chapter 10 and verse 28, Jesus said, I give them eternal life and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand." [28:47] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You were dead God made you alive in Christ. You were lost and disobedient but God saved you and empowers you to live the life you were created to live. A life that brings glory by doing good works. And remember good works can't save you but once you've been saved you are free and empowered to do the good works God has created you to do." [38:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ, even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace. He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." [22:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's love and grace are inseparable, and because he is rich in mercy and he loved us greatly, the Bible says he saved us. And the next thing we read about is what God did for us. He not only saved us, but he seated us with him. Verse six says this, he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus." [24:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. I want you to look at that verse. I want you to circle, if you've got a pen and you're taking notes, I want you to circle the second four. F-O-R. Circle the second four. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works. We're not created in Christ Jesus by good works." [32:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You were created in Christ Jesus by God's grace through your faith. But you were created in Christ Jesus for good works. God's ultimate purpose is that you live a life, that you walk a walk, that you walk in obedience to what God wants you to do in such a way that you are a blessing to other people. God created you and God empowers you for good works that bring a blessing to other people and thereby when you are blessing other people you are bringing honor and glory to God." [32:57] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You were dead in your trespasses and sin, but God raised us up. He saved us. It says that we are saved by grace. We were dead, but God's love made us alive in Christ, and we can't be saved by our own doing. You can't do anything that would make you good enough to meet God's righteousness. In fact, the Bible says you're dead. A dead person can't do anything. But God can do something for you." [23:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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