June 06, 2019: SOAP #3472:  Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45: Ephesians 2

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Observation:   Praise God for languages ability to distinguish between the past, present and future! Verse 6 is all past tense. Verse 7 is future!

Verse 7 is based on verse six. What will happen is based on what has already happened! In the coming ages God will set the church as a prize trophy of His amazing grace. We are to the praise of His glorious grace, not to the praise of our great knowledge or ability to save ourselves!

Now in looking back at verse 6, we do not see any credit being given to us or to our work. God is not going to put on display our works, but HIS! We are His workmanship! We are created to do good works, not in our own strength, but in the power of the Spirit, being motivated and directed by that same Spirit! It is God Who raised us up with Christ. It is God Who seated us in heavenly places in Christ Jesus!  God is showing His grace by working in me!

Application:  It is true, not because I believe it, although if I do not believe it, I will not enjoy its benefits, but it is true because He did it and told me about it! His power and veracity are at stake! He could not have done it if He was not able to do it. He should not have said it if He did not do it! Do I believe He is able? Definitely! Do I believe He would lie to me? Of course not!  So, will I let Him set me in a place where I can work for Him?  Yes!  Will I let Him demonstrate His grace through me?  Yes!

Prayer:  I am singing, “Jesus, use me. Oh Lord don’t refuse me.  Surely there’s a work that I can do. (…that You can do through me.)  And even though it’s humble, cause my will to crumble.  Though the cost be great, I’ll work for thee.” Let your grace be seen in me and expressed through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!