Rescued Together: Kenneth Mbugua on Eph. 2:1–10 [TGC Podcast Ep. 393]

Well, good Well, good evening. Let me ask you to turn your evening. Let me ask you to turn your evening. Let me ask you to turn your Bibles to Bibles to Bibles to Ephesians in chapter 2 if you're not Ephesians in chapter 2 if you're not Ephesians in chapter 2 if you're not already there. Join me in reading God's holy there. Join me in reading God's holy word. And And you were you were you were dead in trespasses and sins in which you dead in trespasses and sins in which you dead in trespasses and sins in which you once once once walked, following the course of this walked, following the course of this walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power world, following the prince of the power world, following the prince of the power of the of the of the air, the spirit that is now at work in air, the spirit that is now at work in air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience. the sons of disobedience. the sons of disobedience. among whom we all once lived in the among whom we all once lived in the among whom we all once lived in the passions of our passions of our passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the body and the body and the mind and were by nature children of mind and were by nature children of mind and were by nature children of wrath like the rest of mankind.

wrath like the rest of mankind. wrath like the rest of mankind. But But But God being rich in mercy because of the God being rich in mercy because of the God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us even great love with which he loved us even great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our when we were dead in our when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with trespasses made us alive together with trespasses made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved and Christ. By grace you have been saved and Christ. By grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and seated us with raised us up with him and seated us with raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ him in the heavenly places in Christ him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So that in the coming ages he Jesus. So that in the coming ages he Jesus. So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of might show the immeasurable riches of might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in his grace in kindness toward us in his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Christ Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved Jesus. For by grace you have been saved Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own through faith. And this is not your own through faith. And this is not your own doing. It is the gift of doing. It is the gift of doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no God, not a result of works, so that no God, not a result of works, so that no one may one may one may boast. For we are his boast. For we are his boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared good works, which God prepared good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

beforehand that we should walk in them. beforehand that we should walk in them. This is the word of the Lord. I have a couple of questions for you I have a couple of questions for you this this this evening. And the first one of those evening. And the first one of those evening. And the first one of those is, can you speak in Starbucks? I mean, I'm from Starbucks? I mean, I'm from Kenya. I'm not asking whether you're Kenya. I'm not asking whether you're Kenya. I'm not asking whether you're allowed to speak within the premises. allowed to speak within the premises. allowed to speak within the premises. I'm asking whether you you know the I'm asking whether you you know the I'm asking whether you you know the language called Starbucks. I've come a few times. We we have coffee I've come a few times. We we have coffee where I come from, believe it or not. We where I come from, believe it or not. We where I come from, believe it or not. We actually grow actually grow actually grow it. But sometimes when I step into a it. But sometimes when I step into a it. But sometimes when I step into a Starbucks, it sounds as though I I need Starbucks, it sounds as though I I need Starbucks, it sounds as though I I need to learn a new to learn a new to learn a new language just to be able to make an language just to be able to make an language just to be able to make an order. order. order. Most recently on this particular trip, I Most recently on this particular trip, I Most recently on this particular trip, I I encountered a strange little temptation as you're in line, I I felt temptation as you're in line, I I felt some some some some some some intimidation, a little bit of intimidation, a little bit of intimidation, a little bit of trepidation as to whether when I get to trepidation as to whether when I get to trepidation as to whether when I get to the counter, I am able to speak fluently the counter, I am able to speak fluently the counter, I am able to speak fluently in Starbucks.

in Starbucks. in Starbucks. You see, when the person in front of you You see, when the person in front of you You see, when the person in front of you is ordering something that sounds like a is ordering something that sounds like a is ordering something that sounds like a uh he wants a uh he wants a uh he wants a trena of a caramel trena of a caramel trena of a caramel macchiato with ice and sprinkling of macchiato with ice and sprinkling of macchiato with ice and sprinkling of this and a dash of that and a drop of this and a dash of that and a drop of this and a dash of that and a drop of water shaken water shaken water shaken together and served in this and this. together and served in this and this. together and served in this and this. you start feeling you start feeling you start feeling intimidated about what you were planning intimidated about what you were planning intimidated about what you were planning to ask at the counter. And this little thing, it's counter. And this little thing, it's it's a it's a passing little it's a it's a passing little it's a it's a passing little temptation that can come and temptation that can come and temptation that can come and go. But I found it go. But I found it go. But I found it amusing that amusing that amusing that I, Pastor Ken Bugwa, or Ken who's been a I, Pastor Ken Bugwa, or Ken who's been a I, Pastor Ken Bugwa, or Ken who's been a Christian for many years, that I would Christian for many years, that I would Christian for many years, that I would be be be tempted to boast in being able to speak tempted to boast in being able to speak tempted to boast in being able to speak fluently in fluently in fluently in Starbucks. that when I step up to the Starbucks. that when I step up to the Starbucks. that when I step up to the counter, I'll do something counter, I'll do something counter, I'll do something honorable and put in a good honorable and put in a good honorable and put in a good one so that by the time I'm standing to one so that by the time I'm standing to one so that by the time I'm standing to wait for my name to be wait for my name to be wait for my name to be called and I can say, you know what, I I called and I can say, you know what, I I called and I can say, you know what, I I fit fit fit in. I was able to to perform in. I was able to to perform in. I was able to to perform well. This to some of you might sound well. This to some of you might sound well. This to some of you might sound silly. In some ways, it kind of is, silly. In some ways, it kind of is, silly. In some ways, it kind of is, isn't it? But you see that little thing

isn't it? But you see that little thing isn't it? But you see that little thing I experienced there uh temptation to I experienced there uh temptation to I experienced there uh temptation to boast in something so trivial is it's boast in something so trivial is it's boast in something so trivial is it's it's more of a pointer to something it's more of a pointer to something it's more of a pointer to something that's it's quite core in me and I that's it's quite core in me and I that's it's quite core in me and I believe in all of believe in all of believe in all of us. A temptation almost a need to boast us. A temptation almost a need to boast us. A temptation almost a need to boast in something. You see boasting is always something. You see boasting is always with us. with us. with us. Boasting is in many ways uh at the very Boasting is in many ways uh at the very Boasting is in many ways uh at the very core of how you live out the life that core of how you live out the life that core of how you live out the life that you are living out. It's fairly you are living out. It's fairly you are living out. It's fairly impossible to go through life without a impossible to go through life without a impossible to go through life without a kind of of kind of of kind of of boasting. Sometimes you're conscious of boasting. Sometimes you're conscious of boasting. Sometimes you're conscious of exactly what it is that we're boasting exactly what it is that we're boasting exactly what it is that we're boasting and sometimes we are unconscious about and sometimes we are unconscious about and sometimes we are unconscious about it. Sometimes our boasting shows up in it. Sometimes our boasting shows up in it. Sometimes our boasting shows up in in feelings of insecurity or even shame in feelings of insecurity or even shame in feelings of insecurity or even shame and embarrassment. Or sometimes it's and embarrassment. Or sometimes it's and embarrassment. Or sometimes it's just simply a a subtle sense of being just simply a a subtle sense of being just simply a a subtle sense of being pleased with pleased with pleased with ourselves. But boasting is ourselves. But boasting is ourselves. But boasting is inevitable. You and I could boast about inevitable. You and I could boast about inevitable. You and I could boast about things as petty and trivial as the kind things as petty and trivial as the kind things as petty and trivial as the kind of shoe we are of shoe we are of shoe we are wearing. Or we could boast about how our wearing. Or we could boast about how our wearing. Or we could boast about how our kids have turned out kids have turned out kids have turned out great and just accidentally information. You could boast about your information. You could boast about your net worth. You could be boasting about

net worth. You could be boasting about net worth. You could be boasting about how fit you are physically, about the how fit you are physically, about the how fit you are physically, about the number of steps that you walk every day. number of steps that you walk every day. number of steps that you walk every day. You could in a subtle way boast about You could in a subtle way boast about You could in a subtle way boast about your zip code in such a way that when your zip code in such a way that when your zip code in such a way that when you're asked your zip code, you know you're asked your zip code, you know you're asked your zip code, you know where you where you where you live. And as you share it, you feel like live. And as you share it, you feel like live. And as you share it, you feel like a a a thing. That's a little boasting in I'm thing. That's a little boasting in I'm thing. That's a little boasting in I'm not from that neck of the woods. I'm not from that neck of the woods. I'm not from that neck of the woods. I'm from this part of from this part of from this part of town. You could boast about things as town. You could boast about things as town. You could boast about things as vain as how beautiful your hair vain as how beautiful your hair vain as how beautiful your hair is. for those of you with is. for those of you with is. for those of you with her, the shape of your her, the shape of your her, the shape of your nose. Or you could even boast about how nose. Or you could even boast about how nose. Or you could even boast about how greatly the Lord is using greatly the Lord is using greatly the Lord is using you in someone's life you in someone's life you in someone's life particularly who you see come from a particularly who you see come from a particularly who you see come from a place where they are not flourishing in place where they are not flourishing in place where they are not flourishing in their walk with God and and through your their walk with God and and through your their walk with God and and through your intervention, your ministry, your intervention, your ministry, your intervention, your ministry, your prayer, your discipling of them, you you prayer, your discipling of them, you you prayer, your discipling of them, you you watch their lives change.

watch their lives change. watch their lives change. You see their marriage You see their marriage You see their marriage strengthened. You see habits of sin that strengthened. You see habits of sin that strengthened. You see habits of sin that habituated their lives, loosened their habituated their lives, loosened their habituated their lives, loosened their grip on them. And and you could boast in grip on them. And and you could boast in grip on them. And and you could boast in that. You could point to that constantly that. You could point to that constantly that. You could point to that constantly and and it could be the thing that you and and it could be the thing that you and and it could be the thing that you live your life out of. Boosting is in live your life out of. Boosting is in live your life out of. Boosting is in the world around the world around the world around us. It's a sizable part of the logic us. It's a sizable part of the logic us. It's a sizable part of the logic behind advertising. behind advertising. behind advertising. It's the glue often times that defines It's the glue often times that defines It's the glue often times that defines our tribes, demarcates even our tribes. our tribes, demarcates even our tribes. our tribes, demarcates even our tribes. What what things or rather which person What what things or rather which person What what things or rather which person or which ideologies do we boast or which ideologies do we boast or which ideologies do we boast in? It's the stuff of our very in? It's the stuff of our very in? It's the stuff of our very identities. And so friends, I ask you a identities. And so friends, I ask you a identities. And so friends, I ask you a more serious question than maybe what I more serious question than maybe what I more serious question than maybe what I started off with, which is what what started off with, which is what what started off with, which is what what collage of collage of collage of boastings make up your boasting this evening, you who's sitting evening, you who's sitting here, if we were to pry open your heart here, if we were to pry open your heart here, if we were to pry open your heart and to see even the petty and to see even the petty and to see even the petty stuff that you've just become too smart stuff that you've just become too smart stuff that you've just become too smart to let us know. It's actually what's to let us know. It's actually what's to let us know. It's actually what's going on in your heart. I ask you what going on in your heart. I ask you what going on in your heart. I ask you what what collage what what collage what what collage what collection of boastings make up the collection of boastings make up the collection of boastings make up the person that I'm looking at today, the person that I'm looking at today, the person that I'm looking at today, the person who's hearing my voice this

person who's hearing my voice this person who's hearing my voice this evening. You see, the content of our evening. You see, the content of our evening. You see, the content of our boasting is a critical thing when it boasting is a critical thing when it boasting is a critical thing when it comes to living out the Christian life. comes to living out the Christian life. comes to living out the Christian life. One author, his name is Walter Marshall, One author, his name is Walter Marshall, One author, his name is Walter Marshall, in his book on union with Christ and in his book on union with Christ and in his book on union with Christ and sanctification, he says that Christ in sanctification, he says that Christ in sanctification, he says that Christ in you is the only means of producing real you is the only means of producing real you is the only means of producing real righteousness. Christ in you is the only righteousness. Christ in you is the only righteousness. Christ in you is the only means of producing real righteousness. means of producing real righteousness. means of producing real righteousness. And do not get this wrong. That's where And do not get this wrong. That's where And do not get this wrong. That's where this story of the new creation is this story of the new creation is this story of the new creation is headed. a complete headed. a complete headed. a complete redemption, remaking of this humanity redemption, remaking of this humanity redemption, remaking of this humanity that has been destroyed by sin and has that has been destroyed by sin and has that has been destroyed by sin and has now been recreated in Christ. And you now been recreated in Christ. And you now been recreated in Christ. And you saw how the passage ends. Did you see saw how the passage ends. Did you see saw how the passage ends. Did you see how it ends? Where where are we headed? how it ends? Where where are we headed? how it ends? Where where are we headed? Verse 10. For we are his workmanship, Verse 10. For we are his workmanship, Verse 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good created in Christ Jesus for good created in Christ Jesus for good works, which he prepared beforehand that works, which he prepared beforehand that works, which he prepared beforehand that we should walk in we should walk in we should walk in them. Pastor John Piper told us already them. Pastor John Piper told us already them. Pastor John Piper told us already that that that those good works are that that that those good works are that that that those good works are coming, isn't coming, isn't coming, isn't it? There's going to be 40 imperatives it? There's going to be 40 imperatives it? There's going to be 40 imperatives in chapters four, five, and six. The in chapters four, five, and six. The in chapters four, five, and six. The book of Ephesians cares about real book of Ephesians cares about real book of Ephesians cares about real righteousness. But you see, before we righteousness. But you see, before we righteousness. But you see, before we get get get there, we have to do some work on the

there, we have to do some work on the there, we have to do some work on the back back back end. And the work in the back end of the end. And the work in the back end of the end. And the work in the back end of the people I'm looking at who profess to be people I'm looking at who profess to be people I'm looking at who profess to be Christians has a lot to do with this Christians has a lot to do with this Christians has a lot to do with this question. What do you boast in? Before we start speaking about the in? Before we start speaking about the household household household texts and husbands and wives and texts and husbands and wives and texts and husbands and wives and children and parents and masters and children and parents and masters and children and parents and masters and servants before we start speaking about servants before we start speaking about servants before we start speaking about sanctification about the unity in the sanctification about the unity in the sanctification about the unity in the local church, chapter 1, 2 and three are local church, chapter 1, 2 and three are local church, chapter 1, 2 and three are are quite interested in in what are you are quite interested in in what are you are quite interested in in what are you glorying glorying glorying in? What are you boasting in? What are you boasting in? What are you boasting in? Whether we like it or not, our in? Whether we like it or not, our in? Whether we like it or not, our boasts reveal where we are living out boasts reveal where we are living out boasts reveal where we are living out our lives our lives our lives from. What's that source of life that from. What's that source of life that from. What's that source of life that you are living you are living you are living out? Is it Christ or is it something out? Is it Christ or is it something out? Is it Christ or is it something else? It's it's it's it's not for you to else? It's it's it's it's not for you to else? It's it's it's it's not for you to answer me with a correct answer. The way answer me with a correct answer. The way answer me with a correct answer. The way I know how I'm living my life, the I know how I'm living my life, the I know how I'm living my life, the source of that life is by examining source of that life is by examining source of that life is by examining carefully the things that I am boasting carefully the things that I am boasting carefully the things that I am boasting in. But you see, the passage we're in. But you see, the passage we're in. But you see, the passage we're looking at this morning is going to looking at this morning is going to looking at this morning is going to offer us a lot of help. Paul doesn't do offer us a lot of help. Paul doesn't do offer us a lot of help. Paul doesn't do what some friends might do to you, which what some friends might do to you, which what some friends might do to you, which is command you to be encouraged. Just be

is command you to be encouraged. Just be is command you to be encouraged. Just be encouraged as opposed to actually encouraged as opposed to actually encouraged as opposed to actually encouraging you. encouraging you. encouraging you. Paul Paul doesn't say stop boasting in Paul Paul doesn't say stop boasting in Paul Paul doesn't say stop boasting in yourself, boast in Jesus and then leaves yourself, boast in Jesus and then leaves yourself, boast in Jesus and then leaves you to yourself. Paul actually takes our you to yourself. Paul actually takes our you to yourself. Paul actually takes our hands and he hands and he hands and he means with his first three means with his first three means with his first three chapters to show how any other chapters to show how any other chapters to show how any other boasting you or I could ever dare have boasting you or I could ever dare have boasting you or I could ever dare have is absolute absolute vanity. and to paint such a glorious vanity. and to paint such a glorious vanity. and to paint such a glorious picture of what God has picture of what God has picture of what God has accomplished in his accomplished in his accomplished in his son for us that there will be only one son for us that there will be only one son for us that there will be only one song ringing in our song ringing in our song ringing in our hearts a boasting in Jesus. He does that hearts a boasting in Jesus. He does that hearts a boasting in Jesus. He does that for us in this for us in this for us in this passage by specifically pointing us to passage by specifically pointing us to passage by specifically pointing us to two realities which is what we'll spend two realities which is what we'll spend two realities which is what we'll spend our time looking at. our time looking at. our time looking at. The first reality is he he points us to The first reality is he he points us to The first reality is he he points us to our true nature before we were in our true nature before we were in our true nature before we were in Christ. And secondly, he'll point us to Christ. And secondly, he'll point us to Christ. And secondly, he'll point us to God's God's God's nature revealed through Christ. Well, to nature revealed through Christ. Well, to nature revealed through Christ. Well, to the first the first the first one, the fallen one, the fallen one, the fallen nature. What were you before you were in nature. What were you before you were in nature. What were you before you were in Christ?

Christ? Christ? Do you really Do you really Do you really remember how bad it really remember how bad it really remember how bad it really was? was? was? Forgetting the starting point of your Forgetting the starting point of your Forgetting the starting point of your salvation is setting yourself up to live salvation is setting yourself up to live salvation is setting yourself up to live a life even though you're a Christian a life even though you're a Christian a life even though you're a Christian boasting in the wrong thing. And so Paul boasting in the wrong thing. And so Paul boasting in the wrong thing. And so Paul begins in chapter two here or continues begins in chapter two here or continues begins in chapter two here or continues on I should say in chapter two here by on I should say in chapter two here by on I should say in chapter two here by saying that we were dead in our saying that we were dead in our saying that we were dead in our trespasses and sins. trespasses and sins. trespasses and sins. dead in our trespasses and sins. What a dead in our trespasses and sins. What a dead in our trespasses and sins. What a complete word that he uses to describe complete word that he uses to describe complete word that he uses to describe what we were before we were in what we were before we were in what we were before we were in Christ. The state of our living in sin Christ. The state of our living in sin Christ. The state of our living in sin was was was complete and total. It's a full word complete and total. It's a full word complete and total. It's a full word that can be turned around and looked at that can be turned around and looked at that can be turned around and looked at from different directions. To be thus from different directions. To be thus from different directions. To be thus bound so completely bound to a life of bound so completely bound to a life of bound so completely bound to a life of sin is in itself a a death isn't it? We sin is in itself a a death isn't it? We sin is in itself a a death isn't it? We who were made to live for who were made to live for who were made to live for God when we are living not for God but God when we are living not for God but God when we are living not for God but for sin. We are not living life anymore for sin. We are not living life anymore for sin. We are not living life anymore but something other than than life.

but something other than than life. but something other than than life. Death describes the state of sin as Death describes the state of sin as Death describes the state of sin as having had a complete effect on you. Not having had a complete effect on you. Not having had a complete effect on you. Not perhaps in quantity or even in degree, perhaps in quantity or even in degree, perhaps in quantity or even in degree, but but the state of your nature before but but the state of your nature before but but the state of your nature before you met you met you met Christ was you were entirely Christ was you were entirely Christ was you were entirely corrupt. There was nothing in you that corrupt. There was nothing in you that corrupt. There was nothing in you that was was was good. Even though you did not sin to the good. Even though you did not sin to the good. Even though you did not sin to the uttermost, the potential to sin to the uttermost, the potential to sin to the uttermost, the potential to sin to the uttermost was in uttermost was in uttermost was in you. This is the state in which Christ you. This is the state in which Christ you. This is the state in which Christ Christ found you. Paul in using the word dead in our Paul in using the word dead in our trespasses and trespasses and trespasses and sins wants to make it sins wants to make it sins wants to make it clear that though you and I might think clear that though you and I might think clear that though you and I might think of ourselves as having had some of ourselves as having had some of ourselves as having had some trouble, having fallen in some ways, trouble, having fallen in some ways, trouble, having fallen in some ways, that's a flawed view of where Christ that's a flawed view of where Christ that's a flawed view of where Christ found us.

found us. found us. Just like you cannot be a little Just like you cannot be a little Just like you cannot be a little dead, you are not partially dead, you are not partially dead, you are not partially bad. You are not partially bad. You are not partially bad. You are not partially evil. You are dead in your trespasses evil. You are dead in your trespasses evil. You are dead in your trespasses and sins. You are and sins. You are and sins. You are singularly singularly singularly enslaved to enslaved to enslaved to sin. This nature is not only a state but sin. This nature is not only a state but sin. This nature is not only a state but it is a state that was lived out. It was it is a state that was lived out. It was it is a state that was lived out. It was worked out. Paul will do that in this worked out. Paul will do that in this worked out. Paul will do that in this section. nature, life that flows out of section. nature, life that flows out of section. nature, life that flows out of that nature. And so you will expect that that nature. And so you will expect that that nature. And so you will expect that when it speaks about a new nature that when it speaks about a new nature that when it speaks about a new nature that has become ours in Christ Jesus, that has become ours in Christ Jesus, that has become ours in Christ Jesus, that these are the works that flow out of these are the works that flow out of these are the works that flow out of that that that nature. So if our nature was that we nature. So if our nature was that we nature. So if our nature was that we were dead in trespasses and sins, we were dead in trespasses and sins, we were dead in trespasses and sins, we should not be surprised then that the should not be surprised then that the should not be surprised then that the deeds that came out of that were evil deeds that came out of that were evil deeds that came out of that were evil and vile. He uses three words and vile. He uses three words and vile. He uses three words specifically to help us understand this. specifically to help us understand this. specifically to help us understand this. The world, the flesh, and the devil. The world, the flesh, and the devil. The world, the flesh, and the devil. He'll use flesh and body and the devil.

He'll use flesh and body and the devil. He'll use flesh and body and the devil. The world. What were you before you met Jesus? This was your kind. What was my Jesus? This was your kind. What was my kind? What was our kind? The world. If kind? What was our kind? The world. If kind? What was our kind? The world. If you're doing a process of you're doing a process of you're doing a process of classification, the place where you are classification, the place where you are classification, the place where you are classified, the group that you belong classified, the group that you belong classified, the group that you belong to, it's those who are of the world, the to, it's those who are of the world, the to, it's those who are of the world, the sons of disobedience. In your sinful pride, you disobedience. In your sinful pride, you most probably distinguished yourself most probably distinguished yourself most probably distinguished yourself from certain kinds of evils going on in from certain kinds of evils going on in from certain kinds of evils going on in this world. It's a fallen world. It's a this world. It's a fallen world. It's a this world. It's a fallen world. It's a corrupt world. Look at the trends that corrupt world. Look at the trends that corrupt world. Look at the trends that it has. Look at the ways in which it's it has. Look at the ways in which it's it has. Look at the ways in which it's denying God. you you likely in your denying God. you you likely in your denying God. you you likely in your sinful pride saw yourself as a bit sinful pride saw yourself as a bit sinful pride saw yourself as a bit better than you know the worst of the better than you know the worst of the better than you know the worst of the worst in the worst in the worst in the world. But that's not how God classified world. But that's not how God classified world. But that's not how God classified us. We were a part of those sons of us. We were a part of those sons of us. We were a part of those sons of disobedience. We were a part of this disobedience. We were a part of this disobedience. We were a part of this world world world system. That's where we system. That's where we system. That's where we belonged. In 1 Corinthians 6 9-11, Paul belonged. In 1 Corinthians 6 9-11, Paul belonged. In 1 Corinthians 6 9-11, Paul will there say, "Or do you not know that will there say, "Or do you not know that will there say, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the the unrighteous will not inherit the the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.

kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually Neither the sexually Neither the sexually immoral, nor immoral, nor immoral, nor idolattors, nor adulterers, nor men who idolattors, nor adulterers, nor men who idolattors, nor adulterers, nor men who practice practice practice homosexuality, nor homosexuality, nor homosexuality, nor thieves, nor thieves, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor greedy, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor drunkards, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor revilers, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of swindlers will inherit the kingdom of swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And then he continues to say And then he continues to say what? And such were some of what? And such were some of what? And such were some of you. And such were some of you. And such were some of you. And such were some of you, friend. Do you think of yourself as you, friend. Do you think of yourself as you, friend. Do you think of yourself as being better than that list? Do you feel being better than that list? Do you feel being better than that list? Do you feel slightly insulted to be slightly insulted to be slightly insulted to be mentioned in a list like mentioned in a list like mentioned in a list like that? Do you see Paul's preaching of the that? Do you see Paul's preaching of the that? Do you see Paul's preaching of the gospel? gospel? gospel? It includes a continuous speaking to the It includes a continuous speaking to the It includes a continuous speaking to the people that he means to articulate to people that he means to articulate to people that he means to articulate to the riches that are theirs in Christ.

the riches that are theirs in Christ. the riches that are theirs in Christ. But this is the starting But this is the starting But this is the starting point before you can be able to point before you can be able to point before you can be able to revel in the glories of the gospel. You revel in the glories of the gospel. You revel in the glories of the gospel. You have to understand and not in a flippant have to understand and not in a flippant have to understand and not in a flippant light light light way where you were way where you were way where you were found by Christ. found by Christ. found by Christ. And that's this And that's this And that's this list. This was list. This was list. This was us. This is where we belonged. Paul continues on with his belonged. Paul continues on with his list. It's not just the world as far as list. It's not just the world as far as list. It's not just the world as far as a classification. He speaks of the a classification. He speaks of the a classification. He speaks of the flesh, the body. This was your entire flesh, the body. This was your entire flesh, the body. This was your entire makeup. Fleshly desires. It's passions. makeup. Fleshly desires. It's passions. makeup. Fleshly desires. It's passions. fleshly passions completely devoid of fleshly passions completely devoid of fleshly passions completely devoid of the influence of the spirit. You were one who was reduced to spirit. You were one who was reduced to beastly impulses of beastly impulses of beastly impulses of cannality. There's no fear of God. You cannality. There's no fear of God. You cannality. There's no fear of God. You who were made in the image of God to who were made in the image of God to who were made in the image of God to know God.

know God. know God. Instead, because of that separation from Instead, because of that separation from Instead, because of that separation from God, the impulses of the flesh, the mind God, the impulses of the flesh, the mind God, the impulses of the flesh, the mind are the ones that ruled are the ones that ruled are the ones that ruled you. Friends, that's not the description you. Friends, that's not the description you. Friends, that's not the description of a human as we were created to be. of a human as we were created to be. of a human as we were created to be. That's a description of the That's a description of the That's a description of the beasts that were to be ruled over by beasts that were to be ruled over by beasts that were to be ruled over by humans. But since the humans. But since the humans. But since the fall, when Adam chose to not rule and fall, when Adam chose to not rule and fall, when Adam chose to not rule and reign over the beasts, over the crawling reign over the beasts, over the crawling reign over the beasts, over the crawling beasts of the land, but but be ruled beasts of the land, but but be ruled beasts of the land, but but be ruled over by a beast, well, that's produced over by a beast, well, that's produced over by a beast, well, that's produced as beastly men and We were those who are not only We were those who are not only classified as belonging to the classified as belonging to the classified as belonging to the world or those who are ruled by the world or those who are ruled by the world or those who are ruled by the flesh. We are basically told that the flesh. We are basically told that the flesh. We are basically told that the devil was our devil was our devil was our lord. That's what we were lord. That's what we were lord. That's what we were following. Have ever described yourself following. Have ever described yourself following. Have ever described yourself like that? Pause. Just have you ever thought that? Pause. Just have you ever thought of your past life as a life that was of your past life as a life that was of your past life as a life that was satanic?

as as as the way in which you are as as as the way in which you are leading leading leading yourself, as it being nothing short of yourself, as it being nothing short of yourself, as it being nothing short of demonic in its path. So you see the the demonic in its path. So you see the the demonic in its path. So you see the the the the enemy would love for you to the the enemy would love for you to the the enemy would love for you to think that the satanic is is only think that the satanic is is only think that the satanic is is only confined to the the spaces of the Ouija confined to the the spaces of the Ouija confined to the the spaces of the Ouija board, whatever that board, whatever that board, whatever that is, and goats and chantings and villages is, and goats and chantings and villages is, and goats and chantings and villages in Africa where there's in Africa where there's in Africa where there's witchcraft way out witchcraft way out witchcraft way out there. But surely not there. But surely not there. But surely not you. But that's how Paul is describing you. But that's how Paul is describing you. But that's how Paul is describing you. For you to understand where you you. For you to understand where you you. For you to understand where you are, you need to understand that this is are, you need to understand that this is are, you need to understand that this is this is the realm you lived in with this is the realm you lived in with this is the realm you lived in with people whose sins are that obvious and people whose sins are that obvious and people whose sins are that obvious and plain. The world led by the plain. The world led by the plain. The world led by the flesh and with the influence of Satan. flesh and with the influence of Satan. flesh and with the influence of Satan. We have just come from Easter. Have we We have just come from Easter. Have we We have just come from Easter. Have we not seen that Satan entering into not seen that Satan entering into not seen that Satan entering into Judas looked very much like greed?

and and Satan who demanded to sift Peter and and Satan who demanded to sift Peter like wheat looked very much like a fear like wheat looked very much like a fear like wheat looked very much like a fear of of of man. In what ways does Satan work man. In what ways does Satan work man. In what ways does Satan work amongst us? In what ways did did Satan amongst us? In what ways did did Satan amongst us? In what ways did did Satan work in our lives? Yeah. We who have in many ways lives? Yeah. We who have in many ways managed to sanitize our managed to sanitize our managed to sanitize our past. Paul is removing the past. Paul is removing the past. Paul is removing the cover and he's showing us that we were cover and he's showing us that we were cover and he's showing us that we were we were dead in our trespasses and sins. we were dead in our trespasses and sins. we were dead in our trespasses and sins. That means we were of the That means we were of the That means we were of the world together with all the rebels. world together with all the rebels. world together with all the rebels. We were those who are led by the We were those who are led by the We were those who are led by the flesh, carnal flesh, carnal flesh, carnal instincts and the devil was the one who instincts and the devil was the one who instincts and the devil was the one who was leading was leading was leading us. You see, our problem was not merely us. You see, our problem was not merely us. You see, our problem was not merely that we did evil things. Our problems is that we did evil things. Our problems is that we did evil things. Our problems is that we were we were evil in and of that we were we were evil in and of that we were we were evil in and of ourselves. If it were merely a few ourselves. If it were merely a few ourselves. If it were merely a few regrettable things that we had done regrettable things that we had done regrettable things that we had done before we met Jesus, that would be one before we met Jesus, that would be one before we met Jesus, that would be one kind of story.

kind of story. kind of story. But the issue was But the issue was But the issue was ourselves. We were the problem. You were ourselves. We were the problem. You were ourselves. We were the problem. You were the the the problem. Paul is describing that early problem. Paul is describing that early problem. Paul is describing that early state in a way that's akin to to trying state in a way that's akin to to trying state in a way that's akin to to trying to wipe water out of an an ice cube to wipe water out of an an ice cube to wipe water out of an an ice cube that's that's that's melting. The sin that's coming out of us melting. The sin that's coming out of us melting. The sin that's coming out of us is is very similar to that. is is very similar to that. is is very similar to that. The problem is not that there's water The problem is not that there's water The problem is not that there's water that's been splashed on the ice cube. that's been splashed on the ice cube. that's been splashed on the ice cube. The the ice cube is The the ice cube is The the ice cube is water. The sin that is coming out of us water. The sin that is coming out of us water. The sin that is coming out of us is the natural consequence of what we is the natural consequence of what we is the natural consequence of what we were. Not as though we were something were. Not as though we were something were. Not as though we were something different and there was sin that was different and there was sin that was different and there was sin that was outside of us. outside of us. outside of us. Well, the conclusion of Well, the conclusion of Well, the conclusion of this is the wrath of this is the wrath of this is the wrath of God because it is in none other than the God because it is in none other than the God because it is in none other than the holy and righteous one that we live and holy and righteous one that we live and holy and righteous one that we live and move and have our being. He is the one move and have our being. He is the one move and have our being. He is the one who defines who defines who defines reality. Our judgment, your judgment, my reality. Our judgment, your judgment, my reality. Our judgment, your judgment, my judgment was the very same fact as the judgment was the very same fact as the judgment was the very same fact as the holiness of God. Those were not two holiness of God. Those were not two holiness of God. Those were not two separate things. That which is by nature separate things. That which is by nature separate things. That which is by nature evil is by a natural

evil is by a natural evil is by a natural consequence destined for wrath. One could have very well declared wrath. One could have very well declared that we were as good as that we were as good as that we were as good as dead, which is the definition here. dead, which is the definition here. dead, which is the definition here. We were as good as already We were as good as already We were as good as already condemned. There was no other ways. We condemned. There was no other ways. We condemned. There was no other ways. We only had one thing coming. There was only had one thing coming. There was only had one thing coming. There was only one right only one right only one right thing that was deserved by thing that was deserved by thing that was deserved by us and that is wrath. We were in many ways like one who We were in many ways like one who possesses a possesses a possesses a check that he hasn't yet check that he hasn't yet check that he hasn't yet cashed. But he already has that money, cashed. But he already has that money, cashed. But he already has that money, doesn't doesn't doesn't he? In our nature, we already had that he? In our nature, we already had that he? In our nature, we already had that wrath. It belonged to us because of who wrath. It belonged to us because of who wrath. It belonged to us because of who we were.

Tell me my Tell me my friends, what kind of boasting do you friends, what kind of boasting do you friends, what kind of boasting do you think survives this think survives this think survives this indictment? Is there any kind of indictment? Is there any kind of indictment? Is there any kind of boasting a person like that can do? If boasting a person like that can do? If boasting a person like that can do? If if if if you in that state were to be if if if you in that state were to be if if if you in that state were to be seen the fullness of your seen the fullness of your seen the fullness of your sin, would there be anything you would sin, would there be anything you would sin, would there be anything you would point to in yourself? Could you show up point to in yourself? Could you show up point to in yourself? Could you show up in public with your head lifted up in public with your head lifted up in public with your head lifted up high and take the finger and point to high and take the finger and point to high and take the finger and point to self and say self and say self and say what? Yes, I what? Yes, I what? Yes, I know, know, know, but what? But you don't know my lineage. You what? But you don't know my lineage. You don't know my dad. You don't know the don't know my dad. You don't know the don't know my dad. You don't know the people I have on speed dial. What will people I have on speed dial. What will people I have on speed dial. What will you boast you boast you boast in? You've not seen how far my son can in? You've not seen how far my son can in? You've not seen how far my son can throw the throw the throw the ball. Are you hearing how silly started ball. Are you hearing how silly started ball. Are you hearing how silly started to sound? Have you checked out my new to sound? Have you checked out my new to sound? Have you checked out my new car? Like, what could you boast car? Like, what could you boast car? Like, what could you boast in? You see, when we boast, what we're in? You see, when we boast, what we're in? You see, when we boast, what we're making clear is we we have a blindness.

making clear is we we have a blindness. making clear is we we have a blindness. We are not seeing reality clearly. You've never heard of anyone You've never heard of anyone drowning, thinking at that point of drowning, thinking at that point of drowning, thinking at that point of disaster, of near death, of the quality disaster, of near death, of the quality disaster, of near death, of the quality of his watch. There's only one thing of his watch. There's only one thing of his watch. There's only one thing that matters then and nothing that matters then and nothing that matters then and nothing else. You might perhaps even think to else. You might perhaps even think to else. You might perhaps even think to yourself this evening, well, well, this yourself this evening, well, well, this yourself this evening, well, well, this is a mixture of is a mixture of is a mixture of categories. The boasting we're speaking categories. The boasting we're speaking categories. The boasting we're speaking about is in the category of salvation. about is in the category of salvation. about is in the category of salvation. We cannot boast in anything because you We cannot boast in anything because you We cannot boast in anything because you know we cannot do anything to save know we cannot do anything to save know we cannot do anything to save ourselves. But my sweet ourselves. But my sweet ourselves. But my sweet jumpshot doesn't belong to that jumpshot doesn't belong to that jumpshot doesn't belong to that category. My hard work in the category. My hard work in the category. My hard work in the workplace doesn't belong to that workplace doesn't belong to that workplace doesn't belong to that category. My accolades, my acumen, this category. My accolades, my acumen, this category. My accolades, my acumen, this business acumen that's made me advanced business acumen that's made me advanced business acumen that's made me advanced belongs to a separate belongs to a separate belongs to a separate category. to which I ask category. to which I ask category. to which I ask you what other you what other you what other category there's only one category you category there's only one category you category there's only one category you and what Paul has just described is you and what Paul has just described is you and what Paul has just described is you in totality in your entirety were in totality in your entirety were in totality in your entirety were dead. There is no other category. There dead. There is no other category. There dead. There is no other category. There is no other you.

is no other you. is no other you. Well, what other life could this be that Well, what other life could this be that Well, what other life could this be that you speak you speak you speak of as saying, you know what, there's my of as saying, you know what, there's my of as saying, you know what, there's my salvation and I boast in Jesus for my salvation and I boast in Jesus for my salvation and I boast in Jesus for my salvation. But when it comes to, you salvation. But when it comes to, you salvation. But when it comes to, you know, know, know, life as which life cuz what you had was life as which life cuz what you had was life as which life cuz what you had was death. death. death. What were you speaking of? Where have What were you speaking of? Where have What were you speaking of? Where have you sourced this other life that you are you sourced this other life that you are you sourced this other life that you are living in which you are able to living in which you are able to living in which you are able to boast in your sales last year in the progress you have made in year in the progress you have made in something that makes you different from something that makes you different from something that makes you different from the people around the people around the people around you from those you might even look down you from those you might even look down you from those you might even look down upon. upon. upon. What a life is that? Or you see, Paul What a life is that? Or you see, Paul What a life is that? Or you see, Paul wants to make it quite clear. You were wants to make it quite clear. You were wants to make it quite clear. You were dead. And if you're going to point to dead. And if you're going to point to dead. And if you're going to point to anything in yourself, the minute you anything in yourself, the minute you anything in yourself, the minute you point your finger at it, you hear this.

point your finger at it, you hear this. point your finger at it, you hear this. That thing is exhibit That thing is exhibit That thing is exhibit A of your sinfulness that demands that deserves sinfulness that demands that deserves nothing but wrath. nothing but wrath. nothing but wrath. take out God's holiness and examine it take out God's holiness and examine it take out God's holiness and examine it clearly. You do not find in it. If you clearly. You do not find in it. If you clearly. You do not find in it. If you have been there, unless it's someone have been there, unless it's someone have been there, unless it's someone else, but if it's you who has been else, but if it's you who has been else, but if it's you who has been there, if you have touched it, if you there, if you have touched it, if you there, if you have touched it, if you have been involved in have been involved in have been involved in it outside of it outside of it outside of Christ, you are capable of nothing other Christ, you are capable of nothing other Christ, you are capable of nothing other than sin that earns you and makes you than sin that earns you and makes you than sin that earns you and makes you worthy of God's divine wrath. But Paul is only done with half the But Paul is only done with half the work for him to cure our boasting. He's work for him to cure our boasting. He's work for him to cure our boasting. He's going to point us to the second nature going to point us to the second nature going to point us to the second nature which is the nature of Christ. You see, which is the nature of Christ. You see, which is the nature of Christ. You see, he continues on and he says, "But but in he continues on and he says, "But but in he continues on and he says, "But but in verse four, God being rich in mercy because of four, God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, the great love with which he loved us, the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our even when we were dead in our even when we were dead in our trespasses, he made us alive together trespasses, he made us alive together trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been with Christ. By grace you have been with Christ. By grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and saved and raised us up with him and saved and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly seated us with him in the heavenly seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. so that in the places in Christ Jesus. so that in the places in Christ Jesus. so that in the coming ages he might show the coming ages he might show the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in immeasurable riches of his grace in immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ

kindness toward us in Christ kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Do you see what comes after the Jesus. Do you see what comes after the Jesus. Do you see what comes after the really really bad really really bad really really bad news? What comes after that is a bad news? What comes after that is a bad news? What comes after that is a bad where the story was headed was it was where the story was headed was it was where the story was headed was it was headed to our condemnation. It was headed to our condemnation. It was headed to our condemnation. It was headed to our judgment. headed to our judgment. headed to our judgment. But then the story is stopped. The story But then the story is stopped. The story But then the story is stopped. The story is turned around. And I ask you, what is turned around. And I ask you, what is turned around. And I ask you, what turns around our story? What turned turns around our story? What turned turns around our story? What turned around? Oh Christian, your story. Well, around? Oh Christian, your story. Well, around? Oh Christian, your story. Well, you have the full answer with the very you have the full answer with the very you have the full answer with the very first word. We can end the sermon now. first word. We can end the sermon now. first word. We can end the sermon now. But But But what? But he saw your potential. But he realized you had what it But he realized you had what it takes for us to reach the takes for us to reach the takes for us to reach the nations. But he saw how he could make nations. But he saw how he could make nations. But he saw how he could make use of you in a local use of you in a local use of you in a local church. church. church. Anything? Anything? Anything? No. But No. But No. But God.

God. God. But God. Not your potential. Not your But God. Not your potential. Not your But God. Not your potential. Not your inclinations. Not how you are better inclinations. Not how you are better inclinations. Not how you are better than others. than others. than others. Not how you deserved anything different Not how you deserved anything different Not how you deserved anything different from any other but from any other but from any other but God. Or dare I remind you again of Peter God. Or dare I remind you again of Peter God. Or dare I remind you again of Peter and and and Judas. Judas. Satan enters into him. Judas. Judas. Satan enters into him. Judas. Judas. Satan enters into him. Judas just before they sat at a Judas just before they sat at a Judas just before they sat at a table. Judas betrays Jesus. Guys, is table. Judas betrays Jesus. Guys, is table. Judas betrays Jesus. Guys, is there any difference between him and there any difference between him and there any difference between him and Peter? The passage literally tells you Peter? The passage literally tells you Peter? The passage literally tells you about Christ speaking about the table about Christ speaking about the table about Christ speaking about the table that he will set up in his kingdom. The that he will set up in his kingdom. The that he will set up in his kingdom. The very next thing is Peter. What? very next thing is Peter. What? very next thing is Peter. What? Satan. What? Deny Satan. What? Deny Satan. What? Deny him. They're exactly the same people. him. They're exactly the same people. him. They're exactly the same people. What's the What's the What's the difference? Satan has demanded to safety difference? Satan has demanded to safety difference? Satan has demanded to safety like wheat. But I have prayed for like wheat. But I have prayed for like wheat. But I have prayed for you. Take away that. But Peter, Judas, you. Take away that. But Peter, Judas, you. Take away that. But Peter, Judas, the exact same person.

the exact same person. the exact same person. There's nothing apart from the There's nothing apart from the There's nothing apart from the intervention of God that has defined who intervention of God that has defined who intervention of God that has defined who we are. But then it speaks about this we are. But then it speaks about this we are. But then it speaks about this God. What exactly about God? It says God. What exactly about God? It says God. What exactly about God? It says this God being rich in this God being rich in this God being rich in mercy. You need to understand your mercy. You need to understand your mercy. You need to understand your nature. If you're going to seize your nature. If you're going to seize your nature. If you're going to seize your boasting, you need to understand the boasting, you need to understand the boasting, you need to understand the nature of nature of nature of God. That's the nature of this God. He's God. That's the nature of this God. He's God. That's the nature of this God. He's a God who is rich in mercy. He's a God a God who is rich in mercy. He's a God a God who is rich in mercy. He's a God who is great in his love. He's a God who is love. He's a God who is immeasurable in the kind of kindness immeasurable in the kind of kindness immeasurable in the kind of kindness that he has poured out towards us. So that he has poured out towards us. So that he has poured out towards us. So you see our nature, the works that you see our nature, the works that you see our nature, the works that flowed out of us were were dead works. flowed out of us were were dead works. flowed out of us were were dead works. God's nature, he is mercy and love and God's nature, he is mercy and love and God's nature, he is mercy and love and kindness and he doesn't stay in him. He kindness and he doesn't stay in him. He kindness and he doesn't stay in him. He acts upon us in accordance to who he is. How exactly did he work upon is. How exactly did he work upon us? Notice the greatness of his mercy us? Notice the greatness of his mercy us? Notice the greatness of his mercy being put on display. The passage says, being put on display. The passage says, being put on display. The passage says, "Even when we were "Even when we were "Even when we were dead." Do you want to know how loving dead." Do you want to know how loving dead." Do you want to know how loving God God God is? You need to understand how dead you

is? You need to understand how dead you is? You need to understand how dead you are. You you you will not see how great are. You you you will not see how great are. You you you will not see how great God's love is, how rich he is in God's love is, how rich he is in God's love is, how rich he is in mercy. Until you really understand just mercy. Until you really understand just mercy. Until you really understand just where you are. And once you see where you are. And once you see where you are. And once you see it, you will see that indeed what he it, you will see that indeed what he it, you will see that indeed what he does for us is nothing other than glorious that that you would save glorious that that you would save that. I mean, do you not want to ask at that. I mean, do you not want to ask at that. I mean, do you not want to ask at what point do you just give up on what point do you just give up on what point do you just give up on something? Is it not too defiled? Has it something? Is it not too defiled? Has it something? Is it not too defiled? Has it not gone too far? Is it not too late? Is not gone too far? Is it not too late? Is not gone too far? Is it not too late? Is it really worth it really worth it really worth it to go it to go it to go after after after Ken to go after Ken to go after Ken to go after you? Oh, but it says even when we were you? Oh, but it says even when we were you? Oh, but it says even when we were there, so great is his mercy, love, and there, so great is his mercy, love, and there, so great is his mercy, love, and kindness that it reached all the way kindness that it reached all the way kindness that it reached all the way down to exactly where we were. And the down to exactly where we were. And the down to exactly where we were. And the story is not yet done. What did he do story is not yet done. What did he do story is not yet done. What did he do from there?

from there? from there? He made us He made us He made us alive together with Christ alive together with Christ alive together with Christ Jesus. And the story is not yet Jesus. And the story is not yet Jesus. And the story is not yet done. What did he do after he made us done. What did he do after he made us done. What did he do after he made us alive? Raised us up to be seated with alive? Raised us up to be seated with alive? Raised us up to be seated with Christ in the heavenly Christ in the heavenly Christ in the heavenly places. Who? The very ones who were dead in their The very ones who were dead in their trespasses and sins trespasses and sins trespasses and sins categorized as belonging to this realm categorized as belonging to this realm categorized as belonging to this realm of the world together the sons of of the world together the sons of of the world together the sons of disobedience. The ones whom the devil disobedience. The ones whom the devil disobedience. The ones whom the devil had his fingers in puppeting them doing had his fingers in puppeting them doing had his fingers in puppeting them doing his will. The ones who were beastly in his will. The ones who were beastly in his will. The ones who were beastly in nature. The ones who were deservers by nature. The ones who were deservers by nature. The ones who were deservers by nature they were deserving of wrath. He nature they were deserving of wrath. He nature they were deserving of wrath. He takes those same takes those same takes those same ones and now they are seated with Christ ones and now they are seated with Christ ones and now they are seated with Christ in the heavenlies.

in the heavenlies. in the heavenlies. It's quite important to note here that It's quite important to note here that It's quite important to note here that the greatness of the the greatness of the the greatness of the glory of this grace is demonstrated in glory of this grace is demonstrated in glory of this grace is demonstrated in the fact that this salvation for you and the fact that this salvation for you and the fact that this salvation for you and I has been accomplished in I has been accomplished in I has been accomplished in Jesus. that when you and I would not go Jesus. that when you and I would not go Jesus. that when you and I would not go after us, seeing where we had descended after us, seeing where we had descended after us, seeing where we had descended to, to, to, God came for us. God came for us. God came for us. He took upon himself the form of a He took upon himself the form of a He took upon himself the form of a man. He entered man. He entered man. He entered this polluted realm called the world. Being found like a man, he took upon Being found like a man, he took upon himself your sin, made it his sin, made it his own. He suffered on the own. He suffered on the own. He suffered on the cross like one who deserved that wrath cross like one who deserved that wrath cross like one who deserved that wrath that you that you that you deserved. He entered the grave, that deserved. He entered the grave, that deserved. He entered the grave, that death that we deserved.

Isn't it right that John asks the Isn't it right that John asks the question, what manner of love is question, what manner of love is question, what manner of love is this? What manner of love is this? But you see, after 3 days, he this? But you see, after 3 days, he rises together with us. So that the life that is us. So that the life that is ours is nothing other than the ours is nothing other than the ours is nothing other than the resurrected life of Jesus. resurrected life of Jesus. resurrected life of Jesus. So if you're asking what life is this So if you're asking what life is this So if you're asking what life is this now that I now that I now that I possess, which life is possess, which life is possess, which life is it? It is the life of who? It is the it? It is the life of who? It is the it? It is the life of who? It is the life of life of life of Christ. So that when you point at Christ. So that when you point at Christ. So that when you point at Christ, you point at Christ, you point at Christ, you point at me. When you point at Christ, you point me. When you point at Christ, you point me. When you point at Christ, you point at his bride. You point at his church. at his bride. You point at his church. at his bride. You point at his church. These ones who deserved These ones who deserved These ones who deserved nothing but nothing but nothing but wrath because of the great grace of wrath because of the great grace of wrath because of the great grace of God, they have been exalted to sit with God, they have been exalted to sit with God, they have been exalted to sit with Christ in the heavenly Christ in the heavenly Christ in the heavenly places. This is why he wraps up by places. This is why he wraps up by places. This is why he wraps up by saying it is by grace that we have been saying it is by grace that we have been saying it is by grace that we have been saved through faith. It is not your saved through faith. It is not your saved through faith. It is not your doing. It is the gift of God, not a doing. It is the gift of God, not a doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may result of works, so that no one may result of works, so that no one may boast. You see, one thing that doesn't boast. You see, one thing that doesn't boast. You see, one thing that doesn't exist in this realm of the new life we exist in this realm of the new life we exist in this realm of the new life we have in Christ, what doesn't exist in have in Christ, what doesn't exist in have in Christ, what doesn't exist in this new this new this new realm? What does it God can't exist in

realm? What does it God can't exist in realm? What does it God can't exist in this new this new this new realm? Boasting cannot exist in this new realm. What do we have? Paul will ask realm. What do we have? Paul will ask that we have not received. that we have not received. that we have not received. All of it has been given to us. And what All of it has been given to us. And what All of it has been given to us. And what is it that has been given to is it that has been given to is it that has been given to us? Nothing short of glory. In Christ, we have become hes of glory. In Christ, we have become hes of God. We should ask what does one who was on We should ask what does one who was on divine death row? What is he doing divine death row? What is he doing divine death row? What is he doing sitting on the throne of God? Let me tell you what you'll never say. Let me tell you what you'll never say. Well, something inside Well, something inside Well, something inside him. You will never say that. him. You will never say that. him. You will never say that. You will point to God and say, "What You will point to God and say, "What You will point to God and say, "What marvelous, what glorious grace is marvelous, what glorious grace is marvelous, what glorious grace is this." Any crowns that you have, you this." Any crowns that you have, you this." Any crowns that you have, you will cast them at his feet. You will will cast them at his feet. You will will cast them at his feet. You will say, "All praise, all glory, all honor say, "All praise, all glory, all honor say, "All praise, all glory, all honor be unto him be unto him be unto him alone." Brothers and sisters, that's alone." Brothers and sisters, that's alone." Brothers and sisters, that's step one to living out the Christian step one to living out the Christian step one to living out the Christian life that we have.

life that we have. life that we have. To the degree that we are boasters in To the degree that we are boasters in To the degree that we are boasters in ourselves is to the same degree we will ourselves is to the same degree we will ourselves is to the same degree we will not know the practical outworking of not know the practical outworking of not know the practical outworking of this this this life. I life. I life. I wonder this very wonder this very wonder this very evening what potential there is in evening what potential there is in evening what potential there is in conversations we have with one conversations we have with one conversations we have with one another if we abandon boasting in another if we abandon boasting in another if we abandon boasting in ourselves. Abandon boasting for example ourselves. Abandon boasting for example ourselves. Abandon boasting for example in being right. You wonder if you knew what you right. You wonder if you knew what you have become in Christ and just went like have become in Christ and just went like have become in Christ and just went like yeah no yeah no yeah no boasting. We boast only in Jesus. I know boasting. We boast only in Jesus. I know boasting. We boast only in Jesus. I know who I really am. I know where God really who I really am. I know where God really who I really am. I know where God really found me. I know everything I have has found me. I know everything I have has found me. I know everything I have has been given to me by grace. You wonder been given to me by grace. You wonder been given to me by grace. You wonder what types of conversations you will what types of conversations you will what types of conversations you will have in church. have in church. have in church. You wonder the type of conversations You wonder the type of conversations You wonder the type of conversations we'll have in the families that make up we'll have in the families that make up we'll have in the families that make up that church. In the marriages that make that church. In the marriages that make that church. In the marriages that make up that church, in the parenting that up that church, in the parenting that up that church, in the parenting that makes up that makes up that makes up that church. The kind of life that will be church. The kind of life that will be church. The kind of life that will be lived out in those conversations and lived out in those conversations and lived out in those conversations and those interactions and those those interactions and those those interactions and those disagreements will be not your self disagreements will be not your self disagreements will be not your self life but it will be the power of the life but it will be the power of the life but it will be the power of the newness of newness of newness of life but to the degree that you and I life but to the degree that you and I life but to the degree that you and I hold on to a boasting in hold on to a boasting in hold on to a boasting in ourselves is to the same degree that we ourselves is to the same degree that we ourselves is to the same degree that we deny the power of the resurrected life

deny the power of the resurrected life deny the power of the resurrected life that is in that is in that is in Father, we plead with you that in your Father, we plead with you that in your Father, we plead with you that in your mercy and grace, you would grant that we mercy and grace, you would grant that we mercy and grace, you would grant that we all would continue to all would continue to all would continue to diminish that the life of Christ in us diminish that the life of Christ in us diminish that the life of Christ in us would be seen through us. We ask this in would be seen through us. We ask this in would be seen through us. We ask this in your son's name. Amen.