Sermon Central
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God's Magnificent Masterpiece Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 5, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that the splendor and beauty of the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of the "Mona Lisa" fails in comparison to the beauty of what God has created in all of us. As God’s masterpiece, we are a portrait of sublime and radiant beauty!
1. Paul uses a verb to describe this action: “quickened” us together. What doth “quickened” mean in this context? 1) To make one alive together; 2) to reanimate (conjointly) with; or 3) to revive one unto spiritual life: imparted to believers at the time of their conversion to Christ.
NOTE: Reference, W. E. Vine, page 241; BLB, Cross-References, KJV Phrase, “Grace ye.” In Gr., “(by whose grace you were saved)," Ephesians 2:5; Romans 5:1-2. Listen to Paul,
2. First, “When we were dead in trespasses and sins.” This was our spiritual condition when God quickened us. The meaning: of "dead in trespasses and sins" informs them that their sins were as all others who had not obeyed the gospel. They were yet in their sins. Condemned, and under the wrath of God, worthy of death for their trespasses and sins. But God, who was and is rich in mercy: "quickened them,” or awakened their souls again through: “their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ,” Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. We will discuss how we believe and obey the gospel in the last point of this lesson. But for now, he continued,
3. Further, “God quickened us." Paul includes himself in this spiritual awakening. The word quickened bears some further discussion.
a. The word “quickened” in Gr., is syzoopoieo, which means "to reanimate conjointly with (Christ): —quicken together with.”
b. The quickening means to be “made alive.” This was the work of God!
c. When we were “dead in trespasses and sins," this “awakening” occurred.
d. We were made alive or given life to the soul: "dead in trespasses and sins.” Where were we when this awakening occurred? Paul tells us. We were,
4. Lastly, “Together with the Christ,” Ephesians 2:5. What does Paul mean now, "together with the Christ?" The definite article proceeds the word "Christ" here in his discourse. The sinner is with (the) Christ, dead in trespasses and sins. They are together!
5. Conclusion: The question before us now is this: “Where is this location both the Christ and the sinner are joined together? Thereby, making us alive in Christ. God, then granting unto the sinner His mercy and grace? When the sinner was, “dead in trespasses and sins.” Some theorize that sinners cannot ever be with Christ.
a. Jesus said: "Again unto them, I go my way, and you shall seek me, and (if you) shall die in your sins: whither I go, you cannot come…Therefore, I say that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am He, you shall die in your sins," John 8:21-24.
b. How is this possible? He speaks in these verses about heaven. What Paul is now discussing is a place of atonement for the sinner. We can liken it to "God's mercy seat," Hebrews 9:5; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:24-26.
c. At this seat, we are forgiven of our sins and trespasses through God’s grace. Let's allow Paul to explain further where this place of mercy, forgiveness, and grace now abides! Observe,
C. (By grace, you are saved). Paul uses the "parentheses" here in his discussion of grace. As you all know, the “parentheses” is used to clarify further, explain, or discuss a "word, phrase, or sentence" previously mentioned to enable a complete understanding of it. In this case,
