God’s Power Revealed in Jesus’ Exaltation
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
4/10/2016 PM
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Text:
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Ephesians 1:19,20
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Psalters: |
267, 387, 27, 303 |
- The revelation.
- God is. God is God. God does wondrous things. And God is our hope of salvation (and a glorious inheritance) (18).
- It is as impossible for us sinners to be saved, as it is for the dead to arise.
- Salvation requires the operation of an exceeding great power, a power which accomplishes things into (not toward) us.
- How ought we to describe God’s power? Paul heaps up terms: “strength,” “power,” “energy.”
- The power of God is also manifest in spiritual resurrection in our hearts, enlightening our minds, and softening our wills.
- It is a power by which the carnal mind is changed from enmity against God to being lovingly subject to Him.
- It is the great power whereby damned and exiled sinners are translated into divine image bearing saints.
- We learn that we have no power to change a mind or soften a will or convert a heart, but we know Who is able!
- Paul wants Christians to know the exceeding greatness of God’s power into us, and the energy of the power of His strength.
- How can we know the exceeding greatness of the energy and power which God is now working in us?
- To have some conception of the greatness of God’s power, we are to consider its operation in Jesus’ exaltation
- Our knowledge. Paul wants us to know that the power of the God of Jesus Christ is the same power that is working in us.
- God’s power is revealed in creation, in sending Jesus, and when He exalted Jesus.
- The same power that God works in Christ He works in us. What He did in Christ He will do in us.
- Realize that Jesus Christ is not an individual, but He is the Head of the church, which is His body.
- When God regenerated us, He began mightily working that resurrection life in us.
- And just as He raised Jesus, He will raise us with Him, and we will be glorified by that same power.
- And by that same power of faith, we may be victorious in this world.