WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.939 And the page number is 1174 and Mary is going to come and read for us today. Thanks Mary. 00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:24.879 1174, Ephesians chapter 2, verses 1 to 10. 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:42.140 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 00:00:42.840 --> 00:00:54.239 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. 00:00:54.880 --> 00:00:59.620 Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 00:01:00.179 --> 00:01:12.079 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. 00:01:12.079 --> 00:01:15.239 It is by grace you have been saved. 00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:35.939 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 00:01:35.939 --> 00:01:43.079 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:48.840 It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. 00:01:49.719 --> 00:01:58.420 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 00:01:58.759 --> 00:01:58.979 Amen. 00:01:58.979 --> 00:01:59.079 Amen. 00:01:59.079 --> 00:01:59.140 Amen. 00:02:05.939 --> 00:02:06.939 Amen. 00:02:11.560 --> 00:02:12.840 Thanks very much, Mary. 00:02:13.300 --> 00:02:15.020 Keep your Bibles there at Ephesians. 00:02:15.180 --> 00:02:18.840 Sam is handing out pens and paper if you'd like to keep notes. 00:02:19.879 --> 00:02:22.620 You can follow along if you've missed any of the talks. 00:02:22.740 --> 00:02:25.599 You'll find them available on the church website. 00:02:26.319 --> 00:02:29.099 There's talks there available, and you can catch up there. 00:02:29.099 --> 00:02:44.439 And as I say, I encourage you to come along on Wednesdays as we follow up on these studies that we do Sunday morning, an opportunity to ask questions, to discuss further, to share with each other, and to be enriched by each other's conversations and encouragement. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:44.780 Thank you. 00:02:44.780 --> 00:02:44.840 Thank you. 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:46.780 Thank you. 00:02:46.780 --> 00:02:48.680 Thank you. 00:02:48.680 --> 00:02:48.780 Thank you. 00:02:48.780 --> 00:02:49.780 Thank you. 00:02:49.780 --> 00:02:50.780 Thank you. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:02:51.780 Thank you. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:52.780 Thank you. 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:53.780 Thank you. 00:02:53.780 --> 00:02:54.780 Thank you. 00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:55.780 Thank you. 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:56.780 Thank you. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:02:57.780 Thank you. 00:02:57.780 --> 00:02:58.780 Thank you. 00:02:58.780 --> 00:02:59.780 Thank you. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:00.780 Thank you. 00:03:00.780 --> 00:03:01.780 Thank you. 00:03:01.780 --> 00:03:02.780 Thank you. 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:03.780 Thank you. 00:03:03.780 --> 00:03:04.780 Thank you. 00:03:04.780 --> 00:03:05.780 Thank you. 00:03:05.780 --> 00:03:06.780 Thank you. 00:03:06.780 --> 00:03:07.780 Thank you. 00:03:07.780 --> 00:03:09.780 Thank you. 00:03:09.780 --> 00:03:11.780 Thank you. 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:12.780 Thank you, Sam. 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:15.780 Well, let's pray. 00:03:15.780 --> 00:03:16.780 Let's pray. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:27.780 Father, you are a gracious God who loves to give you the gift of God. 00:03:27.780 --> 00:03:30.780 Who loves to give good gifts to his children. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:40.780 And so we come with our hands open and empty before you in humility, asking that you would 00:03:40.780 --> 00:03:48.780 give to us all that we need right now, so that we may understand better your word to us, 00:03:48.780 --> 00:03:51.780 enabling us, 00:03:51.780 --> 00:03:55.780 enabling us to live it out in practice. 00:03:55.780 --> 00:03:56.780 Thank you. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:03:57.780 Father, 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:05.780 God, we long to understand and be refreshed in your grace. 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:11.780 So we ask for your help to be upon us right now. 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:15.680 In Jesus' name we all pray. Amen. 00:04:20.019 --> 00:04:30.120 Well, God's salvation of people, is it conditional or unconditional? 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:44.500 By that I mean, does God save us on the basis of what we do, or does God save us on the basis of what Christ has done? 00:04:45.019 --> 00:04:49.019 Is it what we do, or is it what Christ has done? 00:04:50.300 --> 00:04:54.840 Is God's salvation conditional or unconditional? 00:04:54.839 --> 00:05:02.679 Well, in case we're unsure, have a look at verse 4 that Mary just read. 00:05:04.919 --> 00:05:06.679 Let's read verse 4 again. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:19.079 But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:23.500 It is by grace you have been saved. 00:05:23.500 --> 00:05:33.699 Grace is God's kindness, his unearned and undeserved favour which he showers, he pours upon us freely. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:40.000 So it's telling us that salvation is always unconditional. 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:46.779 And in case we think it's something we must do, we're reminded again. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:47.720 Look at verse 8. 00:05:47.720 --> 00:05:56.660 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves. 00:05:56.980 --> 00:06:09.040 It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one, no one, not even you or I, can boast. 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:15.780 Now, you might look at that and go, yeah, I've heard that before, tell me something new. 00:06:17.400 --> 00:06:20.379 Because we might say, that's what I believe. 00:06:21.520 --> 00:06:24.600 But it's not always how we behave. 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:32.520 You see, most of the time, we treat God's salvation as something that is conditional. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:35.480 So we think about it as something like this. 00:06:35.700 --> 00:06:43.000 If I read my Bible, if I witness to my friend, if I serve at the church, God's going to love me. 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:44.760 He'll love me more. 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:46.300 He'll accept me. 00:06:46.720 --> 00:06:51.180 God will be pleased with me and I will be sure of my salvation. 00:06:51.180 --> 00:07:01.280 On the other hand, if I don't read my Bible and I find myself repeating some sin and I'm caught up in some habitual behavior, 00:07:01.879 --> 00:07:04.300 then God's not going to love me. 00:07:05.340 --> 00:07:07.500 God will be disappointed with me. 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:14.220 He will be unhappy with how I live and I will be unsure of my salvation. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:16.860 So it's something conditional. 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:21.540 So what we need is some grace. 00:07:22.580 --> 00:07:24.379 So that is, we go to God. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:28.400 We go to God and pray and say, give me some grace. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:32.620 Grace that will enable me to be a better person. 00:07:33.620 --> 00:07:37.300 And then God will accept me and love me. 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:42.600 So we see grace as something that God dispenses. 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:50.980 Something which God gives to us, which enables us to earn our acceptance or keep our salvation. 00:07:52.280 --> 00:07:57.860 It's what one contemporary writer called Red Bull Grace. 00:07:58.540 --> 00:08:05.740 And in case you don't know what Red Bull is, Red Bull is a drink you can buy which gives you energy, gives you strength. 00:08:05.740 --> 00:08:08.740 So imagine that you're out shopping. 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:12.960 You're out for a walk and suddenly you're overcome with weakness. 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:13.740 You're just flummoet. 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:17.220 You're just so tired you've got no energy left. 00:08:17.759 --> 00:08:20.100 So you go to the nearest drink machine. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:22.259 You put in your couple of euro. 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:26.240 You get your can of Red Bull which gives you wings. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:29.600 And your energy is restored and off you go. 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:36.080 For a couple of euro you now have a burst of energy to keep you going in life. 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:41.340 Now think about that in terms of our relationship with God. 00:08:41.440 --> 00:08:43.620 Because I think we come to God in the same way. 00:08:44.920 --> 00:08:46.379 We put in our money. 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:49.120 That is we read our Bible. 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:50.519 We say our prayers. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:56.159 And in return God gives us a can of spiritual Red Bull. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:59.039 A top up of grace. 00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:04.159 Which gives you a renewed energy or a surge of power. 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:08.360 So that you can now begin to live a better life. 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:10.579 A life that will please God. 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:15.500 And when we run out of grace or we feel our performance is not up to scratch. 00:09:15.799 --> 00:09:17.220 Well we put in some more money. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:20.320 We say some more prayers or we serve at church. 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:22.320 And we do all these different things. 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:25.240 And God gives us more grace into our life. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:26.800 And we're empowered. 00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:28.279 And off we go again. 00:09:28.420 --> 00:09:30.240 And I'm doing good things. 00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:31.720 And look at me God. 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:33.360 I'm being a good boy again. 00:09:33.560 --> 00:09:35.259 And God loves me some more. 00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:39.000 But the problem is. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:44.840 We can never ever be sure we are quite accepted or saved. 00:09:44.840 --> 00:09:49.040 Because on that basis grace keeps running out. 00:09:49.780 --> 00:09:51.720 And we keep needing more grace. 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:57.399 Well that's the problem that Martin Luther found himself in. 00:09:57.500 --> 00:10:01.860 He's the character we've been thinking about 500 years ago. 00:10:01.920 --> 00:10:03.560 As he got back into the Bible. 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:06.759 He rediscovered some great truths. 00:10:06.759 --> 00:10:10.100 And before this great reformation. 00:10:10.580 --> 00:10:16.240 The church was teaching people that God saves by grace. 00:10:17.299 --> 00:10:18.720 You say well what's the difference? 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:23.159 Don't I believe the same that God saves by grace? 00:10:23.659 --> 00:10:25.799 Well here's what the church meant. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:34.220 God gives grace so that we are enabled to earn salvation. 00:10:34.220 --> 00:10:38.000 In other words God loves a trier. 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:41.379 God loves somebody who puts in the effort. 00:10:41.800 --> 00:10:45.120 And when he sees you putting in the effort and the hard yards. 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:47.259 He gives you some grace. 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:51.100 And grace enables you to keep on going. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:53.639 It's a bit like a spiritual booster. 00:10:53.800 --> 00:10:55.160 That can of Red Bull. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:59.440 But in practice it was a disaster. 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:03.920 Martin Luther wrote after many years of trying to live like this. 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:04.599 He said this. 00:11:04.599 --> 00:11:12.039 The more I try to remedy an uncertain, weak and troubled conscience with human tradition. 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:14.519 So trying to do all these good things. 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:18.659 The more daily I find it more uncertain. 00:11:19.439 --> 00:11:19.879 Weaker. 00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:22.199 And more troubled. 00:11:23.899 --> 00:11:26.519 You see what Martin Luther needed. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:28.019 And what we all need. 00:11:28.579 --> 00:11:30.379 Is not Red Bull grace. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:32.740 But saving grace. 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:41.000 Because as Luther and as other people began to read their Bibles and get back to the source of what God had to say. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:48.980 They discovered afresh that salvation is something that God gives to you. 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:51.519 It's a free gift from God. 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:55.240 Rather than enabling you to live a certain kind of life. 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:58.720 We've been summarizing it like this. 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:00.799 Salvation. 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:05.720 That right standing before God is according to scripture alone. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:07.980 So we find it in God's word. 00:12:08.580 --> 00:12:10.139 It's in Christ alone. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:12.740 By grace alone. 00:12:12.860 --> 00:12:14.680 That's the theme we're looking at this morning. 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:16.000 Through faith alone. 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:18.240 To the glory of God alone. 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:19.799 Grace. 00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:21.600 Grace according to the Bible. 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:23.419 Is not a thing. 00:12:24.060 --> 00:12:25.680 That we get from God. 00:12:25.759 --> 00:12:27.700 That enables us to be better people. 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:29.039 Grace. 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:31.700 Is God in his loving kindness. 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:33.820 Giving of himself. 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:38.139 So it's not a thing that he imparts to us. 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.600 Or a power. 00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:43.000 But it is God in his loving kindness. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:44.299 Giving himself. 00:12:44.299 --> 00:12:49.319 A contemporary author. 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.240 Tim Chester. 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:51.639 Explains it like this. 00:12:51.699 --> 00:12:53.000 I think this is very helpful. 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:58.219 God does not give something other than himself. 00:12:59.039 --> 00:13:00.240 In his grace. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:03.120 He unites us to his son. 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:04.419 By his spirit. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:08.839 That we might share the life and righteousness of the son. 00:13:09.539 --> 00:13:12.839 Instead of handing out some enabling blessing. 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:16.120 God makes himself ours. 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:17.980 And so totally. 00:13:18.680 --> 00:13:21.480 That we may plead what is his. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.080 As ours. 00:13:23.940 --> 00:13:27.519 So to receive grace from God. 00:13:27.960 --> 00:13:31.700 Is to receive the very life of Christ. 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:34.960 His life becomes our life. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:37.340 So that we are always loved. 00:13:37.500 --> 00:13:38.180 Accepted. 00:13:38.560 --> 00:13:39.180 Treasured. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:41.440 And assured of salvation. 00:13:41.440 --> 00:13:41.560 salvation. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:47.400 Now let's see how this is all true. 00:13:48.160 --> 00:13:50.160 And we go to Ephesians chapter 2. 00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:51.440 Which is a great passage. 00:13:51.880 --> 00:13:53.180 To help us understand. 00:13:53.760 --> 00:13:54.440 The grace. 00:13:54.920 --> 00:13:56.060 Of God to us. 00:13:56.140 --> 00:13:56.440 First. 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:58.600 We are dead. 00:13:59.320 --> 00:14:00.660 Without grace. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:02.300 Dead without grace. 00:14:02.380 --> 00:14:03.920 Look at verse 1 of chapter 2. 00:14:05.760 --> 00:14:06.740 As for you. 00:14:07.080 --> 00:14:09.500 So it's talking to people who were. 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:11.159 Before they were Christians. 00:14:11.779 --> 00:14:12.259 He says. 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:13.179 As for you. 00:14:13.340 --> 00:14:14.620 You were dead. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.679 In your transgressions. 00:14:16.960 --> 00:14:17.639 And sins. 00:14:19.059 --> 00:14:20.340 It's very clear. 00:14:20.419 --> 00:14:20.899 Isn't it? 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:22.799 We're spiritually. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:23.940 Dead. 00:14:24.539 --> 00:14:25.879 We have no desire. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:26.879 For God. 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:29.220 We do not want God. 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:31.360 We can't even choose God. 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:32.860 We are spiritually. 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:33.720 Dead. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:33.800 Dead. 00:14:35.320 --> 00:14:37.620 And look what this life is like. 00:14:37.960 --> 00:14:38.940 Without grace. 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:41.379 This is what it is to be dead. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.440 In sin. 00:14:42.800 --> 00:14:43.580 Three things. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:44.779 First. 00:14:45.220 --> 00:14:47.160 We follow the ways of the world. 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:49.300 So let me read from verse 1 again. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:49.860 As for you. 00:14:49.920 --> 00:14:50.720 You were dead. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:52.940 In your transgressions and sins. 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:54.620 In which you used to live. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:56.680 When you followed the ways. 00:14:56.759 --> 00:14:57.879 Of this world. 00:14:57.879 --> 00:15:00.679 Now when it's talking about the world there. 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:03.360 The context is not the physical world. 00:15:03.799 --> 00:15:05.840 But the people of the world. 00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:07.860 People like you and me. 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:11.279 People who didn't follow the ways of God. 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:12.899 Who didn't love God. 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:14.419 They turned away from him. 00:15:14.740 --> 00:15:18.159 And we followed the same path as everybody else. 00:15:19.240 --> 00:15:21.840 But we don't just follow the ways of the world. 00:15:22.720 --> 00:15:25.139 We follow the way of Satan. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:27.639 Let's read from verse 2. 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:31.100 In which you used to live. 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:33.899 When you followed the ways of this world. 00:15:34.419 --> 00:15:38.519 And followed the ways of the ruler of the kingdom of the air. 00:15:39.179 --> 00:15:42.960 The spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:45.939 Now the ruler of the kingdom of the air. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:47.639 Is Satan. 00:15:48.419 --> 00:15:49.580 He's a real person. 00:15:49.740 --> 00:15:53.000 It's not just a fake made up belief. 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:56.799 He is a person who has rebelled against God. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:00.500 And his work is to tell us lies. 00:16:00.679 --> 00:16:03.259 And to tell us this isn't what God said. 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:05.019 And to lead us away from the truth. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:06.980 And without grace. 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:09.379 We cannot help but listen to him. 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:11.100 And be influenced by him. 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:13.000 And live disobedient lives. 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:16.139 So we follow the ways of the world. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.620 We follow the ways of Satan. 00:16:18.379 --> 00:16:19.919 And without grace. 00:16:20.080 --> 00:16:21.899 We follow our own desires. 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:22.659 Verse 3. 00:16:23.699 --> 00:16:26.819 All of us also lived among them at one time. 00:16:27.299 --> 00:16:30.699 Gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature. 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:34.659 And following its desires and thoughts. 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:39.159 We want what we desire. 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:41.939 We know what it is to desire something. 00:16:42.079 --> 00:16:46.279 That burning passion inside for someone or something. 00:16:46.279 --> 00:16:48.679 The problem is. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.699 What we want. 00:16:49.699 --> 00:16:51.379 And what we desire. 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:53.659 Is not God. 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:56.600 Instead of desiring God. 00:16:56.720 --> 00:16:59.139 We desire other people and other things. 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:02.720 We just feed our own selfish desires. 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.680 We are dead in sin. 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:10.519 Now that puts us all in a dire situation. 00:17:11.799 --> 00:17:13.819 Look what it says at the end of verse 3. 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:18.139 So having followed these different paths. 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:19.240 These different ways. 00:17:19.799 --> 00:17:21.159 What's the consequences? 00:17:21.439 --> 00:17:22.539 Well look at the end of verse 3. 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:23.619 Like the rest. 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:24.879 Like everybody. 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:27.000 We were by nature. 00:17:27.799 --> 00:17:28.559 Objects. 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:29.799 Of wrath. 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:33.220 We are under God's judgment. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:35.399 God's wrath is God's anger. 00:17:35.879 --> 00:17:38.399 And we mustn't get confused between God's anger. 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.759 And my anger. 00:17:39.859 --> 00:17:40.379 Or your anger. 00:17:40.380 --> 00:17:41.400 Or it's not a temper. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:43.620 Or something that's uncontrolled. 00:17:44.860 --> 00:17:46.840 God's wrath is his fair. 00:17:47.040 --> 00:17:48.680 Just and reasoned response. 00:17:49.100 --> 00:17:51.760 To sinners who follow the ways of the world. 00:17:52.120 --> 00:17:53.800 Follow the lies of Satan. 00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:55.620 Follow their own desires. 00:17:56.300 --> 00:17:58.320 And God in his supreme justice. 00:17:58.320 --> 00:18:00.160 As he looks down upon the world. 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:03.040 And all people throughout the history of time. 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:04.640 He can't overlook that. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:05.900 And say it doesn't matter. 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:11.500 He can't just ignore the destruction and damage that people have done to each other. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:13.400 It must be dealt with. 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:17.900 And because we are spiritually dead. 00:18:18.360 --> 00:18:20.320 We can't change that. 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:23.880 That's the predicament we are in. 00:18:24.860 --> 00:18:26.900 Asking us to fix ourselves. 00:18:27.840 --> 00:18:30.340 Or to find a solution to our problem. 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:32.500 Is like asking a dead man. 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:33.679 To wake up. 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:36.199 And perform heart surgery on himself. 00:18:36.599 --> 00:18:37.720 It's ridiculous. 00:18:38.459 --> 00:18:39.439 It's a nonsense. 00:18:40.220 --> 00:18:41.119 We are dead. 00:18:41.379 --> 00:18:42.579 We don't want God. 00:18:42.659 --> 00:18:44.199 We don't even desire God. 00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:47.039 We can't do anything about our situation. 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:50.779 We simply need God's intervention. 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:54.559 We need grace in our lives. 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:58.659 We need saving grace. 00:18:59.659 --> 00:19:01.619 Let's remind ourselves of what that is. 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:03.019 Look at the end of verse 5. 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:09.559 It is by grace you have been saved. 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:11.919 And in case we forget it. 00:19:12.099 --> 00:19:13.659 He tells us again verse 8. 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:17.659 It is by grace you have been saved. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:21.779 So salvation is by grace. 00:19:21.779 --> 00:19:26.399 Therefore it's all initiated by God. 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:28.019 It comes from God's plan. 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:28.879 God's heart. 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:29.920 God's desire. 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:32.839 It's not something that I have within myself. 00:19:34.079 --> 00:19:36.440 So God didn't respond to my pleading. 00:19:36.559 --> 00:19:38.079 Or my crying out for help. 00:19:38.639 --> 00:19:41.940 God responded to our hopeless predicament. 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:44.539 Look what it says in verse 4. 00:19:46.619 --> 00:19:51.000 But because of his great love for us. 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:55.180 God who is rich in mercy. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:58.519 It's a wonderful verse. 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:00.599 God took the initiative. 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:02.599 He saw how hopeless. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:03.940 How powerless. 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:05.779 How pathetic we were. 00:20:06.240 --> 00:20:07.160 Dead in sin. 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:09.019 Objects of his wrath. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:14.480 And so motivated and driven by his love and his mercy. 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:16.440 Not because of who we are. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:18.059 But because of his love. 00:20:18.400 --> 00:20:21.920 God intervened into our lives. 00:20:23.860 --> 00:20:25.980 Martin Luther put it like this. 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:28.539 It sums it up very well. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:32.980 The love of God does not find. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:38.139 But creates that which is pleasing to him. 00:20:39.159 --> 00:20:41.420 Rather than seeking its own good. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:46.119 The love of God flows forth and bestows good. 00:20:46.119 --> 00:20:52.319 Therefore sinners are attractive because they are loved. 00:20:52.979 --> 00:20:56.979 They are not loved because they are attractive. 00:20:58.619 --> 00:21:00.879 It's quite insightful isn't it? 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:06.259 Does God love you because he thinks you're wonderful? 00:21:06.500 --> 00:21:08.139 Because you've done good things? 00:21:08.140 --> 00:21:09.740 No. 00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:15.020 God loves you simply because he loves you. 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:18.560 Because God loves you. 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:21.180 You are attractive to him. 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:25.040 So in love God takes the initiative. 00:21:25.500 --> 00:21:27.200 And he saves us. 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:29.840 And he does that saving. 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:32.320 By uniting us. 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.720 To Christ. 00:21:33.840 --> 00:21:35.640 So it's initiated by God. 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:39.800 But the means and the ways in which we are saved. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:43.040 Is ultimately he unites us to Christ. 00:21:43.860 --> 00:21:47.560 So in grace God unites us to his son. 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:49.280 By his spirit. 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:52.160 So he joins us to his son by his spirit. 00:21:52.540 --> 00:21:56.740 So that we get to share in the life of his son. 00:21:57.600 --> 00:22:00.420 So look at the language that's used in verse 5. 00:22:01.300 --> 00:22:03.740 This unity language. 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:05.799 This joining up language. 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.420 So verse 5. 00:22:08.640 --> 00:22:12.620 Made us alive with Christ. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.420 Verse 6. 00:22:16.380 --> 00:22:20.640 And God raised us up with Christ. 00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:25.859 And seated us with Christ. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.759 In the heavenly realms. 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:33.779 Again let me explain what this with language means. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:36.839 Martin Luther explained it like this. 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:39.960 You are so cemented to Christ. 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:43.700 That he and you are as one person. 00:22:44.539 --> 00:22:46.500 Which cannot be separated. 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:49.700 But remains attached to him forever. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:52.200 And declares I am as Christ. 00:22:52.200 --> 00:22:52.400 Christ. 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:55.220 And Christ in turn says. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:57.460 I am as that sinner. 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:59.180 Who is attached to me. 00:22:59.440 --> 00:23:00.600 And I to him. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.580 For we are joined together. 00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:04.080 Into one flesh. 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.340 And bone. 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.380 Isn't that incredible? 00:23:08.080 --> 00:23:08.960 My life. 00:23:09.840 --> 00:23:11.460 Is Christ's life. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:15.120 And Christ's life is my life. 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:17.379 That's what it means. 00:23:17.479 --> 00:23:19.199 To be united to Christ. 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:21.259 To be with Christ. 00:23:21.979 --> 00:23:25.719 And let's see how this actually works out in practice. 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:27.819 Again three things. 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:32.839 First we are made alive with Christ. 00:23:32.959 --> 00:23:34.639 So let's read the end of verse 4. 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.439 Into verse 5. 00:23:36.440 --> 00:23:38.279 God who is rich in mercy. 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:39.940 His initiative. 00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:43.160 Made us alive with Christ. 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:47.799 Even when we were dead in transgressions. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:50.779 So through our union with Christ. 00:23:51.580 --> 00:23:53.460 When Christ died. 00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:56.720 We can also say we died. 00:23:57.539 --> 00:24:00.360 As Christ was condemned on the cross. 00:24:00.860 --> 00:24:03.519 Because of my unity with Christ. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:06.420 It was me who was condemned. 00:24:07.059 --> 00:24:07.960 On the cross. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:10.400 Christ takes my life. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:12.720 So that I can experience his life. 00:24:13.119 --> 00:24:14.920 We were dead in sin. 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:16.660 That's the language past tense. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:18.680 We were dead in sin. 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:21.279 But through grace we are now. 00:24:21.639 --> 00:24:22.279 Present. 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.740 Continuous tense. 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.680 Made alive. 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:29.960 Not only were we made alive with Christ. 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:32.519 We were raised with Christ. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:34.019 So look at verse 6. 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:37.819 And God raised us up with Christ. 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:40.660 Again it's this union language. 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:42.639 Through our union with Christ. 00:24:42.779 --> 00:24:44.940 When Christ was raised from the dead. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.019 After his death on the cross. 00:24:47.379 --> 00:24:48.359 Placed in the tomb. 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:51.200 Three days later he rose from the grave. 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:54.039 Because of our union with Christ. 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:56.599 We are also raised with Christ. 00:24:56.599 --> 00:25:01.939 And although that is a future reality to come. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:03.740 Our resurrection is yet to come. 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:06.480 We are so bound up with Christ. 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:09.359 It's as if it has already happened. 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:12.459 So as Christ rose victorious from death. 00:25:12.679 --> 00:25:15.379 I too have victory over death. 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:17.899 Christ takes my life. 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:21.299 So that I can experience his life. 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:23.819 We were once without hope. 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.399 Under judgment. 00:25:25.899 --> 00:25:29.659 But now raised to live with Christ. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:34.299 So made alive. 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:36.119 Raised. 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:37.720 And the third one. 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:39.680 We were seated with Christ. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.839 Let me read verse 6 again. 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:44.000 God raised us up with Christ. 00:25:44.659 --> 00:25:46.980 And seated us with him. 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:49.119 In the heavenly realms. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:51.500 In Christ Jesus. 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:54.959 So when Christ was raised. 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:57.500 He was given the seat. 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:59.980 Or the position of all power. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.740 And all authority. 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:04.299 That's what it means when he was seated. 00:26:04.639 --> 00:26:05.819 In the heavenly realms. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:08.939 It's the highest position of all authority. 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:11.880 So Christ ruling over all things. 00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:12.960 And all people. 00:26:13.600 --> 00:26:16.120 Ruling over all the powers of sin. 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:16.980 And Satan. 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.880 But look at what it says. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:22.620 Because we were raised with Christ. 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:25.920 We have been seated with Christ. 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:28.380 So that means. 00:26:28.580 --> 00:26:32.019 Just as Christ is in that position of authority and power. 00:26:32.340 --> 00:26:33.920 We are seated with him. 00:26:34.160 --> 00:26:37.019 We also have a position of authority and power. 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:41.579 And that power enables us today as Christians. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:43.839 To fight the rule of sin. 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:47.299 And resist the dominion of Satan. 00:26:47.940 --> 00:26:50.839 Where once we were unable to choose God. 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:53.900 Once we were unable to follow the ways of God. 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:56.500 We now have the will to love him. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.960 And follow him. 00:26:58.759 --> 00:27:01.339 Have a look back at chapter 1. 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:05.680 And verse 18 and 19. 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:11.180 Sorry. 00:27:11.380 --> 00:27:13.680 It's the middle of verse 19. 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:17.580 So here he's talking. 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:19.700 He's praying that we would experience. 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:22.440 And know the power of God at work in our lives. 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:25.180 The power that raised Christ from the dead. 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:27.299 Would be at work within us. 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:28.440 So let me pick it up there. 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:29.539 The middle of verse 19. 00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:33.359 That power is like the working of his mighty strength. 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:36.000 Which he exerted in Christ. 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.879 When he raised him from the dead. 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:42.379 And seated him at the right hand in the heavenly realms. 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:45.700 Far above all rule and authority. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:47.599 Power and dominion. 00:27:47.920 --> 00:27:49.700 And every title that can be given. 00:27:49.700 --> 00:27:51.180 Not only in the present age. 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:53.680 But also in the one to come. 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:56.940 So that very power that raised Christ. 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:59.779 And gave him that position of power. 00:28:00.340 --> 00:28:04.900 Is a power that is at work within God's people today. 00:28:05.600 --> 00:28:07.000 To love him. 00:28:07.400 --> 00:28:08.680 And follow him. 00:28:08.680 --> 00:28:14.840 So all this that we have received by grace. 00:28:14.940 --> 00:28:16.240 Alive with Christ. 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:17.519 Raised with Christ. 00:28:17.900 --> 00:28:19.100 Seated with Christ. 00:28:19.400 --> 00:28:23.080 Is all the work of grace. 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:24.680 We are... 00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:27.900 I can't get the word so I'll forget that. 00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:29.700 So let's look at verse 7. 00:28:29.840 --> 00:28:32.680 God did this work of grace in our lives. 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:33.320 Verse 7. 00:28:33.400 --> 00:28:34.000 Chapter 2. 00:28:34.060 --> 00:28:34.620 Verse 7. 00:28:35.320 --> 00:28:37.560 This grace in our lives. 00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:41.440 In order that in the coming ages. 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:45.879 He might show the incomparable riches of his grace. 00:28:46.379 --> 00:28:49.259 Expressed in his kindness to us. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.879 In Christ Jesus. 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:54.179 God worked his grace in our lives. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:59.379 So that we would become a display piece to the world. 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:02.220 It's like we are in God's gallery. 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:04.579 On show to the world. 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:07.259 So you think of a famous artist. 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.640 When they finish their work. 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:10.640 They hang it up in the gallery. 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:12.619 All their artwork is presented. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:16.220 And it's all on display for people to come in and see. 00:29:16.319 --> 00:29:18.019 And as people walk around the gallery. 00:29:18.259 --> 00:29:20.259 They stand back and they marvel. 00:29:20.599 --> 00:29:21.759 It's a great picture. 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:25.660 But really it's a marvel and a wonder at the artist. 00:29:26.140 --> 00:29:28.379 For the amazing work that they've done. 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:30.079 You celebrate the artist. 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:33.639 Well when God acts in grace towards us. 00:29:33.639 --> 00:29:36.599 Out of his love and out of his mercy. 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:39.460 It's like he puts us on display. 00:29:39.460 --> 00:29:42.639 In his gallery towards the watching world. 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:44.539 So as people walk around. 00:29:44.679 --> 00:29:45.720 As people see us. 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.639 They think. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:48.859 Not how great we are. 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:52.059 But how great the artist is. 00:29:52.059 --> 00:29:57.319 Look at what a great kind and loving and gracious God is. 00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:59.179 God our creator. 00:29:59.659 --> 00:30:01.179 Is a God of grace. 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:08.120 And we are a visible demonstration of that saving grace alone in our lives. 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:10.600 So if you've experienced God's grace. 00:30:10.820 --> 00:30:12.140 As you walk to work. 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:14.140 As you look after your children. 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:15.480 As you meet people. 00:30:16.100 --> 00:30:18.340 You are that visible demonstration. 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:22.380 That you are saved by grace. 00:30:23.100 --> 00:30:26.519 On display for the world to see. 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:30.639 Now when we receive this grace. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:35.039 We do not turn back to our own efforts. 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:36.420 Rather. 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:40.740 We continue to live under grace. 00:30:41.400 --> 00:30:44.480 And this is probably one of the most hardest things to do. 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:48.319 To continue day by day to live under. 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:50.220 This grace of God. 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:52.859 Living under his grace. 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:55.660 Will mean two things for us. 00:30:55.660 --> 00:30:56.900 First. 00:30:57.640 --> 00:31:00.040 It means we have a new status. 00:31:01.120 --> 00:31:02.400 So look at verse 10. 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:07.720 For we are God's workmanship. 00:31:08.580 --> 00:31:10.300 Created in Christ Jesus. 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:13.060 To do good works. 00:31:14.320 --> 00:31:15.519 Do you see what it says there? 00:31:15.620 --> 00:31:17.600 We are God's workmanship. 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.019 Literally. 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:21.320 We are his work of art. 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:23.400 We are his masterpiece. 00:31:23.400 --> 00:31:26.540 As God shapes us. 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.800 And changes us. 00:31:27.860 --> 00:31:28.880 And saves us. 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:30.340 By his grace. 00:31:31.320 --> 00:31:32.540 He is shaping us. 00:31:32.600 --> 00:31:33.540 And creating us. 00:31:33.620 --> 00:31:36.220 To be like his very own son. 00:31:36.780 --> 00:31:37.660 So look what it says. 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:38.960 At the beginning of verse 10. 00:31:39.320 --> 00:31:40.560 We are created. 00:31:41.100 --> 00:31:42.740 In Christ Jesus. 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:44.940 We are a new creation. 00:31:45.380 --> 00:31:46.900 A brand new person. 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:48.519 By his grace. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:50.019 In other words. 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:52.200 We have been given the very status. 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:54.119 Of his own son. 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.259 Jesus Christ. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:57.160 That means. 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:58.900 When God looks at us. 00:31:59.119 --> 00:32:00.339 His view of us. 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.920 Will not change. 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:04.379 According to our performance. 00:32:04.859 --> 00:32:05.500 Or behavior. 00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:07.299 So remember. 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.160 What we were thinking. 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:08.759 At the beginning. 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:10.460 If I have had a good day. 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:11.779 I have read my Bible. 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:13.859 I have witnessed to somebody at work. 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:15.819 I have been good to my children. 00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:17.299 I haven't lost my temper. 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:19.399 Everything's gone really well. 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:21.559 But God's going to love me. 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:24.179 And if I don't do those things. 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:26.419 God's going to be unhappy with me. 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.859 That's wrong. 00:32:29.379 --> 00:32:30.579 God's view of us. 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:31.819 Will not change. 00:32:31.859 --> 00:32:33.599 According to our performance. 00:32:33.839 --> 00:32:34.460 Or behavior. 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:36.919 We are his work of art. 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:39.019 There are no flaws. 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.319 We are loved. 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:42.379 And treasured. 00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:43.179 Accepted. 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.759 And welcomed. 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:45.059 And saved. 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:45.980 Forever. 00:32:46.619 --> 00:32:48.299 God's masterpiece. 00:32:49.559 --> 00:32:50.700 The status. 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:52.579 Of his own son. 00:32:53.399 --> 00:32:54.679 That's what it means. 00:32:54.819 --> 00:32:56.339 To live under his grace. 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:58.759 Reminding ourselves daily. 00:32:58.919 --> 00:33:00.599 That this is my position. 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:02.079 Before God. 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:05.799 And that will dramatically change. 00:33:06.179 --> 00:33:07.519 How you live your life. 00:33:07.639 --> 00:33:08.279 Day to day. 00:33:09.179 --> 00:33:11.419 Because not only is it a new status. 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:14.519 But it now gives us a freedom. 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:15.259 A liberty. 00:33:15.920 --> 00:33:17.140 To serve. 00:33:17.140 --> 00:33:19.620 In ways that we never knew before. 00:33:20.340 --> 00:33:21.800 So look at the rest of verse 10. 00:33:23.340 --> 00:33:25.220 For we are God's workmanship. 00:33:25.759 --> 00:33:27.100 His masterpiece. 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.759 That created work. 00:33:29.120 --> 00:33:31.120 Created in Christ Jesus. 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:33.759 To do good works. 00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:36.420 Which God prepared in advance. 00:33:36.420 --> 00:33:37.839 For us to do. 00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:41.400 Well we are getting back into works. 00:33:41.400 --> 00:33:42.119 And service. 00:33:42.259 --> 00:33:42.640 And we are saying. 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:44.859 What is the purpose of our works? 00:33:45.119 --> 00:33:46.640 What is the purpose of our service? 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:49.759 Well it is not to earn God's grace. 00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:51.619 It is not to earn his favour. 00:33:51.980 --> 00:33:53.700 It is not to get his attention. 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:56.120 But we simply serve. 00:33:56.360 --> 00:33:59.700 Because God has given us this wonderful work to do. 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:02.080 Because we have received his grace. 00:34:02.440 --> 00:34:04.080 Because I am his child. 00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:05.259 I am his son. 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.779 Or I am his daughter. 00:34:07.220 --> 00:34:09.519 God has now given me a new way to live. 00:34:09.619 --> 00:34:10.500 To serve him. 00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:11.440 And live for him. 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:14.960 So because I am God's workmanship. 00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:18.860 Because I have the status of his son. 00:34:20.300 --> 00:34:22.380 Because I am loved. 00:34:22.380 --> 00:34:25.119 I now love him. 00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:28.220 Because I am accepted. 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:30.980 I will obey him. 00:34:31.599 --> 00:34:33.900 Because I am his child. 00:34:34.700 --> 00:34:36.760 I will follow him. 00:34:37.160 --> 00:34:39.220 Because I am saved. 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:42.780 I want to live for him. 00:34:43.420 --> 00:34:45.960 God has given us work to do. 00:34:46.640 --> 00:34:49.960 As a way of saying thank you to him. 00:34:49.960 --> 00:34:52.679 For his amazing grace. 00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.460 In our lives. 00:34:55.740 --> 00:34:58.420 So God gives me a new status. 00:34:59.079 --> 00:35:01.740 So that I can serve God freely. 00:35:01.739 --> 00:35:07.139 Now it is not easy to accept God's grace. 00:35:07.779 --> 00:35:09.559 And to live under his grace. 00:35:09.679 --> 00:35:10.039 Because. 00:35:10.339 --> 00:35:11.299 Well let's face it. 00:35:11.379 --> 00:35:12.919 Our natural desire. 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:15.079 Is continually to think. 00:35:15.399 --> 00:35:17.919 There must be something I must do. 00:35:18.299 --> 00:35:19.419 I must earn it. 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.539 I must deserve it. 00:35:20.579 --> 00:35:22.039 Because that is how life works. 00:35:22.099 --> 00:35:23.359 If you want to get something. 00:35:23.779 --> 00:35:24.919 You have got to earn it. 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:27.579 If you want somebody to do something for you. 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:29.099 You have got to deserve it. 00:35:30.220 --> 00:35:31.740 But not with God. 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:34.039 We have got to resist such thinking. 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:35.659 What we have to do. 00:35:36.059 --> 00:35:37.559 Is to teach ourselves. 00:35:37.800 --> 00:35:39.099 We have got to speak. 00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:41.000 Literally speak the truth. 00:35:41.480 --> 00:35:43.460 Of God's grace into our life. 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.019 Every day. 00:35:44.579 --> 00:35:46.599 Reminding ourselves of our status. 00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:50.320 Reminding ourselves of what God has called us to do. 00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:53.200 I want to finish with a quote. 00:35:54.320 --> 00:35:55.059 Martin Luther. 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:56.940 Was a pastor. 00:35:58.180 --> 00:36:00.460 And he wrote a letter to a friend of his. 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.539 Who was struggling. 00:36:02.059 --> 00:36:03.680 To live under God's grace. 00:36:04.780 --> 00:36:07.039 His friend kept slipping back into thinking. 00:36:07.160 --> 00:36:09.260 I must earn favour before God. 00:36:09.340 --> 00:36:11.820 I must prove myself before God. 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:13.380 So he writes this letter. 00:36:13.780 --> 00:36:14.680 And here is a quote. 00:36:15.140 --> 00:36:16.559 From the letter. 00:36:16.820 --> 00:36:17.940 Let me read it to you. 00:36:18.080 --> 00:36:18.720 Follow along. 00:36:20.320 --> 00:36:24.460 They try to do good of themselves. 00:36:25.360 --> 00:36:28.660 In order that they might stand before God. 00:36:29.240 --> 00:36:32.360 Clothed in their own virtues and merits. 00:36:33.000 --> 00:36:34.320 But this is impossible. 00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:36.140 Among us. 00:36:36.320 --> 00:36:38.240 You were one who held this opinion. 00:36:38.620 --> 00:36:39.340 Or rather. 00:36:39.760 --> 00:36:40.080 Error. 00:36:41.080 --> 00:36:41.920 So was I. 00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:45.480 And I am still fighting against the error. 00:36:45.760 --> 00:36:48.000 Without having conquered it as yet. 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:48.760 So you see. 00:36:48.880 --> 00:36:51.639 It's an ongoing struggle for all of us. 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:54.800 To think that we have to prove ourselves before God. 00:36:55.719 --> 00:36:56.960 How do we deal with it? 00:36:57.960 --> 00:36:58.420 Well. 00:36:58.579 --> 00:36:59.059 Read on. 00:36:59.719 --> 00:37:00.179 Therefore. 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:01.260 My dear brother. 00:37:02.039 --> 00:37:02.940 Learn Christ. 00:37:03.360 --> 00:37:04.500 And him crucified. 00:37:05.239 --> 00:37:06.760 Learn to pray to him. 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:09.059 And despairing of yourself. 00:37:09.420 --> 00:37:09.699 Say. 00:37:10.260 --> 00:37:11.500 Thou Lord Jesus. 00:37:11.760 --> 00:37:12.920 Are my righteousness. 00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:15.019 But I am thy sin. 00:37:16.099 --> 00:37:18.800 Thou hast taken upon thyself what is mine. 00:37:19.340 --> 00:37:22.059 And hast given to me what is thine. 00:37:22.800 --> 00:37:27.039 Thou hast taken upon thyself what thou wast not. 00:37:27.880 --> 00:37:32.079 And hast given to me what I was not. 00:37:32.079 --> 00:37:35.259 We are to teach. 00:37:35.440 --> 00:37:36.400 Remind ourselves. 00:37:37.039 --> 00:37:37.599 Actually. 00:37:38.319 --> 00:37:39.039 Physically. 00:37:39.539 --> 00:37:40.059 Verbally. 00:37:41.099 --> 00:37:41.679 Read. 00:37:41.960 --> 00:37:42.739 Chapter 2. 00:37:42.860 --> 00:37:43.420 Verse 8. 00:37:43.759 --> 00:37:45.279 And speak it to yourself. 00:37:45.579 --> 00:37:46.480 Every day. 00:37:46.819 --> 00:37:47.659 Remind yourself. 00:37:47.860 --> 00:37:50.619 It is by grace I have been saved. 00:37:50.900 --> 00:37:51.759 Through faith. 00:37:52.059 --> 00:37:53.759 This is not from myself. 00:37:54.679 --> 00:37:56.599 It is the gift of God. 00:37:56.920 --> 00:37:58.360 Not by works. 00:37:58.360 --> 00:38:00.740 So that no one. 00:38:01.640 --> 00:38:02.240 Can boast. 00:38:03.440 --> 00:38:06.099 Our status will never change. 00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:10.120 Depending on our performance or behaviour. 00:38:11.200 --> 00:38:12.460 God loves us. 00:38:12.920 --> 00:38:14.599 Because he loves us. 00:38:15.360 --> 00:38:16.860 It is a work of grace. 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:19.220 And we are free to live for him. 00:38:19.680 --> 00:38:20.940 And to serve him. 00:38:21.680 --> 00:38:22.860 Let's pray together. 00:38:28.360 --> 00:38:29.500 Stop. 00:38:29.599 --> 00:38:30.200 Here. 00:38:30.300 --> 00:38:31.360 Just leave. 00:38:31.460 --> 00:38:32.380 Sometimes. 00:38:32.920 --> 00:38:34.780 That doesn't matter. 00:38:36.079 --> 00:38:37.160 Okay. 00:38:37.579 --> 00:38:38.000 Exactly. 00:38:38.000 --> 00:38:38.519 Jesus. 00:38:38.620 --> 00:38:38.980 etc. 00:38:39.140 --> 00:38:39.620 So that's right. 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:41.660 So that's right. 00:38:43.160 --> 00:38:45.019 This, Father XO I have been there. 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:55.500 During Yay.