…But God
Ephesians 2:1-10 – Victory Fellowship
July 6, 2025 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction: The most ineffective objection – “But mom!”
a. The hope that interjecting our logic after the “but” we will achieve our desire. But no we won’t. “But mom” is usually not effective except to frustrate us more.
b. There are other ways “but” has negative results:
i. Salesperson – would have made the sale but…
ii. Parent – I love you but…
c. It seems impossible for people to satisfy what they want where there is a “but” in their way.
d. With humans it is impossible but with God all things are possible. How blessed are we when we encounter a “but God” in His Word.
e. In the scripture lesson for today there is a pivotal point where Paul uses the words, “but God…” Then he goes on to speak of the wonderful grace of a God Who loves us beyond measure.
II. Relating the text:
a. Paul is writing to Christians in Corinth. They have accepted Jesus as the Messiah and Savior and they live in one of the most pagan cities on earth. Paul expounds on the PREDICAMENT, the POSSIBILITY, and the INTERVENING GRACE OF GOD that not only applies to those in Corinth - but to Christians of all time.
b. The Predicament: The past situation
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
i. We followed the ways of the world – not God
ii. One more negative effect of covid-19 – pornography
c. The Possibility: Every believers current reality
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
i. Not only are we saved, but we are witnesses to the awesome grace of our loving Lord.
d. God’s Intervening Grace
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
i. God’s “but” interrupts our predicament and His grace and mercy have given us hope for the future and have saved us by our faith.
ii. He has prepared us for good works.
III. Application:
a. The Bible contains many positive examples of God changing the course of the faithful by putting a literary “but” in their way…
i. Genesis 8:1; 48:21: 50:20; Psalm 73:26; 49:15
ii. 1 Corinthians 3:7; 10:13; Colossians 2:13; Romans 5:8
IV. Conclusion
a. We must never underestimate the reaches of God’s grace and mercy. No matter how hopeless the situation seems, all is takes is a “but God” to turn it around.
b. We just need to love the Lord and share our story of His goodness and Grace.
PRAYER
SONG: Loving My Jesus