Tag: goodness

But God

Rev. Cecil Thorn

“But God: The Power of Grace”

Ephesians 2:1–10, with emphasis on Ephesians 2:4

Introduction

Every story has a turning point, a moment where everything changes. In Ephesians 2:4, we find two of the most powerful words in Scripture: “But God.” These two words are a pivot, taking us from despair to hope, from death to life. Today, we will explore how God’s grace intervenes in our lives and transforms us through His love and mercy.

I. Our Condition Without God (Ephesians 2:1–3)

Paul begins this chapter by painting a grim picture of humanity’s natural state:

Dead in Sin: We were spiritually dead, unable to seek God or please Him (Ephesians 2: 1).

Following the World: Enslaved to the patterns of the world and the desires of the flesh (Ephesians 2:2).

Children of Wrath: By nature, we were destined for judgment (Ephesians 2:3).

This is the reality of life apart from Christ—a condition of hopelessness, separated from God.

Application: We often minimize our sin, but Paul reminds us that sin is not just wrongdoing; it is a state of spiritual death. Without God’s intervention, we remain lifeless and lost.

II. The Intervention of God (Ephesians 2:4)

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…”

This verse shifts the narrative dramatically:

God’s Rich Mercy: Despite our rebellion, God does not treat us as we deserve. His mercy flows out of His character.

God’s Great Love: His love is not based on our worthiness but on His nature. It is steadfast, unconditional, and sacrificial.

The Turning Point: The phrase “But God” shows that our salvation is not about what we can do but about what God has done.

Illustration: Imagine a lifeguard rescuing a drowning swimmer. The swimmer is powerless to save themselves, yet the lifeguard jumps in, motivated by a desire to save. This is what God does for us in Christ—He acts when we are utterly helpless.

Application: Reflect on the moments in your life where “But God” became real—times when His mercy and love turned your despair into hope.

III. The Result of Grace (Ephesians 2:5–10)

1. Made Alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)

God breathes new life into us through the power of the resurrection.

Salvation is a work of grace, not something we earn.

2. Raised and Seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)

We share in Christ’s victory and reign, moving from a place of condemnation to one of honor.

3. The Purpose of Grace (Ephesians 2:7)

God’s grace showcases His immeasurable riches and kindness for all eternity.

4. Salvation by Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Salvation is a gift, not a reward for good works, so no one can boast.

5. Created for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10)

We are God’s workmanship, crafted for a life of purpose and service. Grace not only saves us but transforms us to reflect Christ.

Conclusion: Living in the Power of “But God”

Ephesians 2:4 teaches us that God’s mercy and love are the ultimate game-changers. When we were dead in sin, God intervened. Now, through Christ, we are alive, victorious, and purposeful.

Challenge:

For those who feel stuck in sin or shame, remember: “But God” has already intervened through Christ.

For believers, let the truth of God’s grace compel you to live a life that reflects His love and purpose.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your rich mercy and great love that saved us when we were dead in our sins. Help us to live in the power of Your grace and reflect Your goodness in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Copyright Notice © 2024 Rev. Cecil Thorn Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Cecil Thorn, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.

The thematic connection between John 15:1-17 and Galatians 5:22-23

Rev. Cecil Thorn

The thematic (theme or subject) connection between John 15:1-17 (ESV) and Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) lies in the concept of bearing spiritual fruit as a result of a deep, abiding relationship with Christ and living by the Holy Spirit.

John 15:1-17 (ESV)

In John 15:1-17 (ESV), Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit. Here are the key themes:

  1. Abiding in Christ: Jesus emphasizes that believers must remain in Him (the vine) to produce fruit, as branches disconnected from the vine cannot bear fruit (John 15:4-5 (ESV)).
  2. Bearing Fruit: The fruit represents the visible evidence of a Christ-centered life, such as love, obedience, and joy (John 15:8-11 (ESV)).
  3. Love and Obedience: Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them, linking this love to the concept of bearing fruit (John 15:12-17 (ESV)).

Matthew Henry’s commentary on John 15:1-17 (ESV) highlights the vital connection between Christ and His followers, the necessity of abiding in Him, and the command to love one another. It emphasizes that true discipleship involves bearing fruit through a close relationship with Jesus, obedience to His commandments, and a sacrificial love that mirrors His own. The commentary provides a rich theological understanding and practical application for believers seeking to live out their faith authentically.

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

In Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV), Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which are the qualities that emerge in a believer’s life as a result of living by the Holy Spirit:

  1. Fruit of the Spirit: The list includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  2. Living by the Spirit: Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing that a Spirit-led life produces these positive attributes (Galatians 5:16-26 (ESV)).

Matthew Henry commentary on Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV), underscores that these virtues are not achieved by human effort alone but are the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. He contrasts these fruits with the works of the flesh, noting that the presence of these virtues is evidence of true spiritual transformation. The fruit of the Spirit collectively reflects the character of Christ and the moral and ethical standards that believers are called to embody. By cultivating these fruits, Christians demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and live in a way that honors God and blesses others.

Thematic Connections

  1. Source of Fruitfulness:
  • John 15 (ESV): Emphasizes that fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ.
  • Galatians 5 (ESV): Attributes the production of spiritual fruit to living by the Holy Spirit.
  1. Nature of the Fruit:
  • John 15 (ESV): Focuses on love as a primary fruit and evidence of discipleship.
  • Galatians 5 (ESV): Lists multiple aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, and peace.
  1. Purpose and Outcome:
  • John 15 (ESV): Bearing fruit glorifies God and demonstrates that one is a true disciple of Jesus.
  • Galatians 5 (ESV): The fruit of the Spirit reflects a transformed life and the character of God.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless . Galatians 5 :22-23 (TPT)

 

Summary

Both passages emphasize the transformation that occurs when believers are deeply connected to Christ and led by the Spirit. John 15 (ESV) uses the vine metaphor to teach the necessity of remaining in Jesus to bear fruit, while Galatians 5 (ESV)details the specific characteristics that the Holy Spirit cultivates in a believer’s life. Together, they highlight that true spiritual fruit is a result of a dynamic relationship with Christ and the active work of the Holy Spirit.

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