We began a brand new mini-series on sharing your faith entitled - "Salvation Story"
Last Tuesday we looked at Ephesians 2:1-10, and our title was "Your Story".
Big Idea: Your salvation story is about God’s transformation of you!
- dead in sins (deaf and blind spiritually)
- dead but "walking" - spiritual zombies
- "But God" - extremely important words in this text (v. 4)
- we have been "raised up" from death to life!
Transformed from enemy to family!
- Before God saves us, Satan is our ruler and we follow him - that makes us God's enemy.
- Either Jesus is our ruler and Lord - or Satan is. Not a 3rd option.
- “children of wrath” (not God’s child)
- But God!!
- “seated us with Jesus” - not just part of a family, but a royal family - we have been given authority!!??
- We explained Reconciliation - Rom. 5:10
- trespasses = false steps
- every step we take before Christ saves us is a false step
- sin = miss the mark
- But God!
- v. 10 - We are God’s workmanship, created for good works - God has already prepared these good works!
Transformed by God’s power alone!
- “rich in mercy” - God saves us because of His mercy and love
- “made us alive” - all God’s work (“we are his workmanship”)
- “For grace you have been saved through faith” - this (whole phrase) is the gift of God
- "God helps those who help themselves" = absolutely incorrect. In actuality, God helps those who are helpless!
We then concluded by having each student sketch an illustration of how God has transformed them or is transforming them right now
Then, each student shared with one other student their picture and their story of salvation.
High School - Ecclesiastes 8:2-17
Big Idea: Obeying authority is always worth it!
Obeying authority on earth is worth it (v. 2-9, 16-17)
- Romans 13 - also clearly states we are to obey human govt. and authority
- There is enough trouble in this life (v. 6) without disobeying the law
- It is very difficult to submit to authority, b/c we want to do what we want to!!
- Ephesians 6:1-4 - It’s worth it to obey parents!
- Our power as humans is limited
- we cannot know the future (v. 7)
- we cannot control the wind (or the human spirit/soul) (v. 8)
- we cannot cheat death (v. 8)
- we cannot leave the military in the middle of war (v. 8)
- we are not able to understand why God allows what He does
- ultimately, we have no control over the authorities and whether they are good or evil (In America we vote and that is about it)
- In fact, sometimes authority harms us and opposes God (v. 9)
- today - allowing and supporting abortion
- all throughout Biblical history rulers have opposed God - Sennacherib, King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, Nero, etc...
- Ecclesiastes has a realistic view of government
- The point of v. 2-9 is that it will be better for us if we obey human authority, even when that authority is harsh
- Ultimately, rebellion against human authority is rebellion against God Himself (who institutes authority); Prov. 24:21
Obeying God’s authority is worth it (v. 10-14)
- The “Preacher” gets an eternal perspective - v. 10 (the wicked are buried - remember, the wise learn from funerals
- The statement in v. 12 takes faith - “yet I know”
- Psalm 73
- The way of safety is to “fear God”
- The author doesn’t try to figure out the puzzle of injustice; instead he urges us to get on with life and live rightly (leaving justice in God’s hands)
- Truth of the matter - we will either be under God’s authority…. or we will be under sin’s authority! (v. 8) - we go to sin for deliverance, instead it enslaves!
Obeying God’s authority brings joy (v. 15)
- “joy” - being glad or joyful with the whole being (heart, soul, eyes); fullness
- God is a central part of our lives, and He brings joy (not futility)
- We considered... Do we really believe that obeying God's authority brings happiness and joy?? Do we really?
- 1st sin… (and every one after…) was based on disbelieving that obeying God's authority brings true joy.
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