Life

Introduction

While circumstance may dictate priorities, there are some great questions about life and for life that have to be answered. Most people as we age want to know some answers to questions:

What is truth and how do I find it?

What is my greatest need?

What am I?

What is my purpose in life?

What are my values and how do I prioritize them?

It seems to me that the questions of who am I and what is my purpose in life are two of the more significant questions to be answered. Answering those questions helps to know values, needs, and reveals the process for truth? Our culture has decided that God does not exist but if he does he cannot be trusted. Thus, answers are left to a person’s ingenuity, insight, or desire. The view that truth is fluid (relativism) and that truth is personal (existentialism) pervades the thinking of the world. And if we are not careful, it will overtake our own thinking as well.

We are here today because we believe that God exists and that he can be trusted. We believe that what he says about us is true whether we accept it or not. We believe that the only way our lives make sense is to listen to God and follow him. We believe that this world is not all that there is. We believe that the troubles and trials of this world pale when compared to the richness of being with God. And because we believe those things, we are here to remind ourselves and to be reminded that there is more than what we see in this world.

Like most people we want our lives to matter. We want to live life fully. If we listen to God and accept his teaching, we will discover that our identity and purpose are found in Christ. Let’s celebrate him.

Power at Work

Last week Frank reminded us that God’s power is now available for his children. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available now. The natural question is “how?” We understand that God exerted that power in Christ so that he has dominion over all things. We understand that the resurrection power will be experienced but how is it experienced now. Paul answers that question in 2:1–10. God’s power is at work in changing lives now. From those who are spiritually dead to those who are spiritually alive. Look at how Paul describes our situation in verses 1–3.

We were dead (v. 1) — breathing but not living. No victory. Muddling through life. Aware of our profound lack of identity and purpose.

We followed the ways of this world and the Ruler thereof (v. 2) — we lived by the rules of this world — be first, win at all costs, impress others, sexual motives, slaves to what others think about us.

We deserved wrath (v. 3) — judgment hung over our heads. We tried to ignore the consequences. We ridiculed them. We called them false and untrue. We did what we could to put the idea of punishment out of our minds.

We bought things, pursued relationships, took vacations, worked harder, sought more self-help guides, ingested drugs and alcohol to deaden the pain, allowed ourselves to used by others — trying to find happiness and fulfillment in stuff that doesn’t last. Trying to distract ourselves from the haunting voice in our minds “there’s got to be more.”

Dead, following the crowd, serving Satan, deserving wrath — not a pretty picture. Something had to change us and our situation. Verse 4 — “But God;” the NIV misses the emphasis. Something had to change us and our situation — God offered. His offer wasn’t because of the good that he saw in us. He didn’t look at us and see redeeming qualities. He acted because God is who he is. He was not obligated to act. He did so because he is full of mercy and love. And look at what changed when we accepted his offer:

Life with Christ (v. 5) — no more death; no more sucking air without purpose and direction; real living; a new identity.

Resurrection with Christ (v. 6) — death isn’t the final word or the final reality

Seated us with Christ (v. 6) — already given the position of victory; already in the position of royalty.

In a final summation, Paul says this is about God’s grace. We are saved by his grace; his unceasing mercy and love reached out to us. We trusted him; we accepted his gracious offer. So that (v. 10) we could finally live life the way God intended. God created us for good works and now in Christ our good works find meaning and purpose. Even the good works were God’s plan before we accepted. This is all about God and what he has done for us. This is grace.

Real Grace

Paul wrote at a real time and place to a real group of people. 2000 years may have passed since the writing, but human beings deal with the same issues as they always have although the specifics about those issues have changed.

People still have to deal with sin. People have longed tried to deal with their sin by looking for ways to ease their guilt. Deny God and one doesn’t have to deal with sin. But unless the person is devoid of any sense of right and wrong, there are things that make a person recognize sin. Some look for ways to deal with their sin through diversion — do what makes you happy and so with great vigor a person pursues that which gives them a “jolt” in life. Sex, drugs, risky behavior, gambling, anything to give the “rush” only to find that the “rush” doesn’t last and more has to be pursued.

People have to deal with purpose. So they invest in education and pursue a career. Or they move from job to job trying to find something that “fits.” Or they look at goals and pursue different goals thinking achieving the goal brings purpose.

People have to deal with the reality that they are powerless in so many areas. All people sooner or later recognize that they cannot control outcomes. Sooner or later people recognize that they need someone else to help them; that they are not capable of total independence.

Paul wrote to group of people who dealt with the same issues. Sin, purpose, power — but the lie that they were told was that Rome was the answer. Caesar Augustus was god, savior, the great uniter, the one who makes sense of time. Everything was about Rome. The daily reminders were prominent — statues and inscriptions extolling the virtues of Rome and magic abounded in the city — the means to manipulate situations that seemed powerless. Widespread belief that Rome would last forever. It didn’t. An inscription has been found in ancient Ephesus extolling Rome.

By the favor (grace) of Caesar Augustus God from the holy revenues which he himself gave to the goddess (a reference to Diana) the road was made level in the proconsulship of Sextus Appuleius.

Here is Rome’s “grace” — money to level a road; making life easier for travel. Where were the people going? To the temple of Diana. To say thank you for good road. Not to deal with sin; to find that purpose doesn’t go beyond a man who is called god after he is dead; to beg for relief from the situations that cannot be controlled.

And what about our world? Not much different. Traveling down pothole filled roads to the temple of business or recreation or the temple of the restaurant gods seeking direction. We get up, we work, we eat, we entertain, we sleep and we do it all again. This is life without God. And the grace of this world is paved roads, choice, and money to pay for the next diversion. There is more. Life both now and forever are found in God. We have purpose and identity. Our sin has been forgiven. Our good deeds are in response to God’s grace. We have life.

Follow Jesus

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