05.11.2025 | BUT GOD!

BUT GOD!

Ephesians 2:1-2 (NKJV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience –

Ephesians 2:3 (NKJV) among whom we all once lived in the passion of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Ephesians 2:4-6 (NKJV) But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ- by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:7-9 (NKJV) So that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1. UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Sin – miss the mark, cross the line

Romans 6:23a (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death.

Without Christ, we are dead in sin, cut off from the life of God.

Our condition without Christ is serious, terminal, urgent!

Ephesians 2:4a (NKJV) BUT GOD!

Henrietta Mears – “BUT GOD” is the bridge that leads us out of our darkness and hopeless condition.

Ephesians 2:4-5a (NKJV) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when were dead in trespasses.

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV)) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.

Ephesians 2:5b-6 (NKJV) Made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

2. BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Grace – unmerited favor, undeserved kindness

Ephesians 2:7 (NKJV) That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 113:7-8 (NLT) – He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of His own people.

Ephesians 2:8a (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith.

Faith is believing God and His Word.

Henrietta Mears – Faith is the hand that receives the Gift.

To receive the Gift of Jesus, we have to let go of sin, the world, and ourselves.

3. WALK BY GRACE IN THE PURPOSES OF GOD

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Father God has plans and purposes for us and for our children and our children’s children.

Grace is not just unmerited favor, grace is God’s ability, God’s power working in our lives.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV) But by the grace of God I am what I am.

All of us desperately need the grace of God in our lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the ways your mother impacted your life?

2. Why did the apostle Paul begin with the reality of sin when he wanted to share about the Good News of Jesus Christ?

3. How has sin impacted your life?

4. Why did the Father send His Son to come and rescue us?

5. Do you believe in your heart that the Father loves you? Why or why not?

6.Do you believe that He has a purpose for your life? Are you walking in that purpose?

JC EditorMay 11, 2025