~ Intro: When I was a boy of about 6-7 my dad decided to build a type of tree
house on stilts. In preparation he dug 6 holes about 4 foot deep to put the support pole in. He started off only using 4 of them and covered the others with lids for 55 gallon barrels. Unfortunately for the frogs an toads this kept the hole cool and they would to there, falling in but not able to get out. When I first discovered them there were alive but then they started dying, yet a few days later when I checked, there were moving again. With fascination I kept watching thinking there were alive again, yet as I continued to check on them I discovered the truth. They were not alive but dead but still moving because they were filled with magots. I had zombie frogs/toads.
I learned that just because there is movement/action it doesn’t mean that there is life. The same is true for us today especially when it comes to our faith in Jesus. Turn with me to our text for today Ephesians 2:1…
1. Before, we all had false signs of life … signs of death.(vrs 1-3)
• Before Christ we were ‘the living dead’.
- Dead things immediately start to rot and putrefy
- It does seem like it could get much worse, but it does.
- We deserved nothing but God’s wrath
• We need to redefine what life it and to do it biblically.
- We tend to follow the thought patters, “if there is smoke then there is fire”.
- Wrong view is activity equals life/faith.
• When we focus on ourselves we are all alone.
- There is no one so small as one who is all wrapped in themselves.
- Recent studies looked at suicide rates in around the world
~ Compared it between social statuses: Ultra rich, rich, middle class, poverty level and below
~ The results showed that the wealthier people became the more they focused on themselves and their stuff resulting in a higher suicide rate.
• Yet this is our testimony – We WERE (past tense) under God’s anger and alone, but not anymore.
- This is when we can show and tell about the difference God can make.
Paul wants to make sure that the Ephesians understand that this new salvation to which they are called makes a radical difference in their lives! Its not just a change of status, but a change of life! That brings us to our 2nd point…
2. Only God’s presence and power can make us alive.(vrs 4-9)
• Verse starts with a great, a powerful, a wonderful word when used in relation to God…but.
- Yes this is the reality of life without God…but…with God that all changes.
• This change only comes by and through Christ.
- This is a picture contrasting and demonstrating the change that takes place through Christ.
- We can and do nothing to bring this change about.
• The focus of our lives and testimonies needs to be on and stay on God.
- 10 times in these 5 verses we are reminded where our focus needs to be.
• So what did God do? He raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heaven.
- Because of God we belong there – that is where our citizenship is – that is where our loyalty and life and worship belong … in heaven.
- Why would God do such a thing? To show the world what He is like.
• Another change is that we become part of a team or family.
- 3 times in 2 verses this focus is made (us or the NKJV says together)
- People can argue with your story, but combine it with the stories of the whole church and the evidence comes overwhelmingly convincing.
• So what do others see when they look at us?
- The way we live should bring everyone to focus on God.
So why would God highlight this ‘before & after’ change in our lives? The answer bring us to our final point today…
3. We are changed for the God given purpose of serving others.(vrs 10)
• Each and every follower has this purpose.
- God made us so that we can be useful tools to be used by Him.
- Our gifts or abilities and even the opportunities to serve God are given to us as part of His grace and part of His family.
• Lastly, remember, we all are intentional masterpieces of God.
- The Greek work used here is poiema- from which we get poem
- We’re His work of art! . . . Sculpted, painted, crafted TO DO GOOD WORKS!
- A life changed by and lived ‘in Christ’ is a life that is ’purposeful’
~ So what are you doing for God & His family?
~ Start today, don’t wait, don’t know how, ask!
- Every great “masterpiece” of art points to the master behind it, our lives are to do this as we serve others.
- On museum tours the master behind the art are always highlight, the masters touch makes all the difference (masters touch…)
~ Conclusion:
• Some have forgotten how bad it was before God, some don’t appreciate how good it is now…either case leads to the wrong focus and activity.
- Zombie faith doesn’t work with God.
• Today you may be the one wanting the changing touch of God
- Allowing God to highlight your Before & After isn’t hard...
~ It’s as simple as the A, B, C’s…
