5 March 2017 Pastor Art Brammer, Tay Street Baptist Church http://www.taystreetbaptist.org.nz
I. Gods grace reaches to the worst of sinners (v. 1-3).
A. Paul paints a very dark picture of the unbeliever. 1. dead in trespasses and sins they had no spiritual life. 2. you once walked according to the course of this world they tried to fit in with everyone else, not listening to Gods voice. 3. you once walked...according to the prince of the power of the air... their ways were consistent with what Satan wanted. 4. we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh... they did what they wanted. 5. They were by nature children of wrath they were appointed to endure Gods wrath on sinners. B. Paul puts himself in this dark picture we all. (v. 3). He was no different than everyone else; just as the others.
II. Gods grace joins us to Christ (v. 4-6, 8-9).
A. Salvation is a gift of Gods grace (v. 8-9). We cannot gain salvation by what we do (Rom 6:23). B. Salvation flows from the character of God (v. 4). C. Salvation puts us together with Christ (v. 5-6). 1. made us alive together we have the same spiritual life. 2. raised us up together to great spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3-14). 3. made us sit together in heavenly places at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
III. Gods grace enables us to minister for Christ (v. 10).
A. This text speaks of Gods good work within us and His good works through us. B. Example John Newton (Amazing Grace).
IV. Gods grace will enrich us for all eternity (v. 7).