Transformed by Grace: Embracing Our New Life in Christ
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Ephesians 2:4-10, focusing on the transformative power of God's grace and the new life and perspective we gain through Christ. We began by reflecting on the joy and gratitude that even small blessings can bring, as illustrated by a personal anecdote about finding a long-lost favorite breakfast item. This set the stage for a deeper exploration of the spiritual blessings we receive through Christ's resurrection.
We revisited the themes of being made alive and saved by grace, emphasizing that our salvation is not by our works but by God's mercy. This week, we focused on Ephesians 2:6, which tells us that God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. This "raising up" is not just about being brought to life but also about a change in our spiritual position and perspective.
We discussed how the Bible is a living document, capable of speaking to us in different ways at different times. The concept of being "raised up" was examined from multiple angles: being brought to life, being elevated in position, and gaining a new perspective. This new perspective allows us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and understand our dual citizenship in both the earthly and heavenly realms.
We also touched on the importance of having a new mindset, setting our hearts and minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-3. This involves a shift from a worldly to a spiritual perspective, recognizing that we have access to divine power and responsibility. We are called to be blessings in our workplaces, communities, and beyond, leveraging the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Finally, we were reminded that our new position in Christ comes with great responsibility. We are to bless others, even those who may oppose us, and to operate from a place of spiritual authority and compassion. This mindset shift is crucial for living out our faith in a way that honors God and impacts the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Grace and Our New Life: We are saved by grace, not by our works. This grace brings us from spiritual death to life, reconnecting us with God. Our salvation is a gift, and it is essential to remember that it is God who initiates and completes this work in us. [03:58]
2. Raised Up and Seated with Christ: Being raised up with Christ means more than just being brought to life; it signifies a change in our spiritual position. We are now seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, giving us a new perspective and authority. This dual citizenship allows us to navigate earthly challenges with a heavenly mindset. [06:56]
3. New Perspective and Mindset: Our new position in Christ requires a shift in our mindset. We are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances. This new perspective helps us see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the bigger picture of God's plan. [15:20]
4. The Power of the Holy Spirit: As believers, we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, which equips us to be effective witnesses for Christ. This power is not for personal gain but for advancing God's kingdom. We must operate from this place of spiritual authority and responsibility. [18:55]
5. Blessing Others: We are called to be a blessing wherever we go. This involves actively praying for and blessing those around us, even those who may oppose us. By doing so, we reflect God's love and grace, transforming our environments and relationships. [33:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Introduction and Personal Story
[02:29] - God's Small Blessings
[03:58] - Made Alive and Saved by Grace
[05:31] - Raised Up with Christ
[06:56] - New Position and Perspective
[08:17] - Dual Citizenship
[09:39] - Eternal Perspective
[12:05] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[15:20] - New Mindset
[18:55] - Purpose of the Holy Spirit's Power
[20:22] - Exceedingly Abundant Power
[23:14] - Renewing Our Minds
[25:25] - Compassion for Others
[33:36] - Principle of Blessing
[38:42] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:4-10
2. Colossians 3:1-3
3. Ephesians 1:18-21
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:4-10, what is the basis of our salvation? How does this passage describe the role of grace in our new life? [03:58]
2. What does Ephesians 2:6 mean when it says that God "raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms"? How does this change our spiritual position? [06:56]
3. In Colossians 3:1-3, what are believers instructed to set their hearts and minds on? How does this relate to our new perspective in Christ? [15:20]
4. How does the pastor's personal story about the breakfast sandwich illustrate the joy and gratitude for small blessings? How does this set the stage for understanding spiritual blessings? [02:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have "dual citizenship" in both the earthly and heavenly realms as described in the sermon? How does this concept affect our daily lives? [08:17]
2. How does the power of the Holy Spirit equip believers to be effective witnesses for Christ? What responsibilities come with this power? [18:55]
3. The sermon emphasizes a shift in mindset to focus on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances. How can this new perspective help believers navigate their immediate struggles? [09:39]
4. What does it mean to bless others, even those who oppose us, and how does this reflect God's love and grace? [33:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by earthly challenges. How can you apply the concept of "dual citizenship" to gain a new perspective on that situation? [08:17]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of setting our hearts and minds on things above. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on eternal truths? [15:20]
3. Think of a person in your life who opposes you or has caused you difficulty. How can you actively pray for and bless this person, following the principle of blessing discussed in the sermon? [33:36]
4. How can you leverage the power of the Holy Spirit in your workplace or community to be an effective witness for Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [18:55]
5. The pastor shared a personal story about finding joy in a small blessing. Can you recall a recent small blessing in your life? How did it impact your perspective on God's goodness? [02:29]
6. The sermon calls for a mindset shift to recognize our spiritual authority and responsibility. What is one area of your life where you need to adopt this new mindset? How will you start making this change? [09:39]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of your new position in Christ and the responsibilities that come with it? Consider creating a tangible reminder, such as a note or a daily prayer, to keep this perspective fresh in your mind. [06:56]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Grace
God's Grace and Our New Life: We are saved by grace, not by our works. This grace brings us from spiritual death to life, reconnecting us with God. Our salvation is a gift, and it is essential to remember that it is God who initiates and completes this work in us. [03:58]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How can you embrace the truth that your salvation is a gift of grace, not something you have to earn?
Day 2: Elevated with Christ
Raised Up and Seated with Christ: Being raised up with Christ means more than just being brought to life; it signifies a change in our spiritual position. We are now seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, giving us a new perspective and authority. This dual citizenship allows us to navigate earthly challenges with a heavenly mindset. [06:56]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your heavenly position in Christ? How does this perspective change the way you handle your current challenges?
Day 3: Renewed Perspective
New Perspective and Mindset: Our new position in Christ requires a shift in our mindset. We are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances. This new perspective helps us see beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the bigger picture of God's plan. [15:20]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are focused on temporary circumstances. How can you shift your focus to eternal truths in this area?
Day 4: Empowered by the Spirit
The Power of the Holy Spirit: As believers, we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, which equips us to be effective witnesses for Christ. This power is not for personal gain but for advancing God's kingdom. We must operate from this place of spiritual authority and responsibility. [18:55]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily interactions? What specific steps can you take to be a more effective witness for Christ?
Day 5: Blessing Others
Blessing Others: We are called to be a blessing wherever we go. This involves actively praying for and blessing those around us, even those who may oppose us. By doing so, we reflect God's love and grace, transforming our environments and relationships. [33:36]
Romans 12:14 (ESV): "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."
Reflection: Think of someone who has been difficult for you to deal with. How can you actively bless and pray for this person today, reflecting God's love and grace?
Quotes
1. "We establish that every other religion, every other belief, you have to work to get to their God. You have to work to get into the perfect situation. But God worked for us. And I'm going to tell you what God did for me just this morning. I mean, God is a miracle working God." [01:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Remember, being spiritually dead means separation from God. We didn't physically die when, Adam didn't physically die when he took of that fruit, but he spiritually died so he was separated from God. So he brought us back to life. And so we were excited about that." [03:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He raised us to life. He made us alive. But see, he also raised us in position. He changed our position. Ephesians chapter one. Ephesians chapter one says, 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." [05:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have a new life, but we also have a new perspective. We have a new perspective. I don't know about you, but I used to love it when as a kid, we'd go to a, a, a, hello, you know, parade. That's what we're trying to say. Parade. We go to a parade and of course, all the tall people got in front of me." [08:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have a perspective, new perspective that we can, can employ when we are in difficulties. So we know it's not the end. We know this is not all there is. It gets to seem like it sometimes when we're thinking about what's going on, when we're thinking about what's happening in this life, we get caught up in it." [11:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have to understand, yes, we have difficulties, we have struggles, but we are, we are to be a blessing everywhere we are. People are to be blessed. Let me give you this idea to help you think about it. Now, see, there may be other Christians in your workplace. Okay. But see, if you are spirit filled, if you're born spirit filled, you know, when we're, when we're saved, we are baptized in, into the spirit, but then we also have a second baptism, which is the baptism of the spirit." [12:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We have to set our hearts as well as our minds. We have to change our mindsets. Romans chapter 8 says, the mind governed by the flesh is death. If we think the way we used to think, it's going to keep putting us where we used to get. When you get born again, you cannot think the way you used to. Because you have, you're different. You are different now. You have different, you have access to different things." [17:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit has come on you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. What did he say we'd receive the power for? To go shun die, and dance, and fall out in the Spirit? No, no, no, no. That's all well and good. But he said we would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses." [18:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We have to understand that our mindset is now we have the power. We were powerless before then. And the enemy wants you to think you're still powerless. He wants you to live life like you're powerless. Like you have no, nothing to do with what goes on. Life just happens to you. And you can't do anything about it." [19:41] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We have to understand, we have been raised up. Not only were we raised to life, but we were raised in position. We were raised in perspective. We need to have a mind shift. A mindset change, knowing we have power. We have access to power. We can operate in, and we have the responsibility to use that power wherever we go." [38:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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