Stuck In The Mud

Stuck in the Mud

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 1-10

Purpose: Share that Jesus meets us where we are in order to bring us to where we need to be.

Introduction:

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 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. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

It had rained for almost a week but I had a brilliant idea! I was going to be super dad for the day and take my boys out shooting. I had fond memories of my father taking my brother and myself out to shoot guns. I thought that is would be a great time in which me and my boys could do some bonding, make those life long memories that seems to bring a smile to our faces no matter how much older we get.

We headed down Steve Boenher’s dirt road drive headed toward the creek and trees. Boy I was so excited about going that I kinda ignored all the mud flying by as we plowed forward toward those happy memories.

I soon began to realize that the dirt road was more like a mud road and our car was not driving like a truck. We were spinning tires but we were at a dead stop.

I reluctantly grabbed the boys and told them that I mad a mistake and we had to walk a few miles to get help. “Boys, no shooting today." You know we had a fantastic time walking and talking. I spent some much needed time with my boys and I found out that they are in much better shape than I am. We ended up making those life long memories after all

Today are sermon title is Stuck in the Mud. At one time or another all of us have been stuck in the mud. It is a difficult place to be!

Paul knew what it was like to be “stuck in the mud!” From our text from Ephesians 2 he reminds us of how we were once dead in our trespasses and sins – stuck in the mud but the good news is we do not have to stay there.

I. Mud happens – it’s the ruts though that hold us back.

- The trials, difficulties and hardships of life – its sin and failures are a given. God never gave us a promise of escape from these – only a way through them.

A. The key is to keep moving!

1. Don’t stop, don’t give yourself time to sink in – keep moving. Our difficulty is we oftentimes want an explanation for what is going on in our life, thus we want to stop and ask for answers that many times can not be found.

2. Whether in the sunshine or in the rain, God’s love and care for us is always at work. He never stops, is never detoured or distracted. That is why Paul says in verse 5, that “even when we were dead in our transgressions, God made us alive together with Christ.”

3. Even when we were stuck in the mud of life and did not know it, God was at work in Jesus Christ to rescue us!

4. In fact, The Christian life begins with us in the mud. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

5. Every field – every life has mud holes. That is why Jesus came – to deliver us from the mud of life; for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

6. Keep moving in the right direction even if the ruts of the world try to keep you penned in.