It’s Just the Way I Am . . . I Guess I am Stuck

Ephesians Series Eph 2:4, 6-7

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4 But God, . . . made us alive together with Christ, . . 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:4, 6-7

Can the dead come back to life?

In the beginning of Ephesians 2, we learn that without Christ, we are dead in our trespasses and sins. There is NO life, NO vitality, NO ability to do anything.

A dead person can only remain in that state and is helpless to come out of it. That means being forever trapped in sin and death, and yet, in some ways, being unaware of that condition.

It seems normal and the person does not perceive that there is any other possibility.

Until God shows up and awakens the human soul to a greater reality.

Throughout the Scriptures, God does the impossible and stunningly brings physically dead people back to life. He also delays death for some, causes infertile women to bring forth life, and demonstrates His power over physical life and death, often with only a word.

As the Creator of all life, these events reinforce His power, authority, and sovereignty. Most Christians don’t have a problem with this idea. Yet, the idea of new spiritual life from death astonishes us and raises skepticism for many.

I need to make myself better

“How can God change me? It is impossible with my background. I can’t quit sinning. It’s the way I am. I guess I need to tough it out in my despicable condition or I need to work really hard to make myself better.”

Really??!!

Just as when the body is dead it can’t do a thing to better itself, the same is true for the spirit. Besides, why should I try to create a new thing that has been already accomplished?

Look at the verb tenses in this passage.

Made us alive; raised us up; seated us with Him. It is a DONE DEAL!

God totally knows my condition–that I am incapable of walking in His ways and my unregenerate heart will always want my way and not His. That is why Jesus stepped into history and my story as promised from the Garden of Eden.

A way was made for me when there was no other way.

So, God lets me off the hook?

What is my role, then?

The only possible thing I can do is recognize my deadness and sin and open my hands to the Truth and Life that God offers. Jesus even gives me the faith to believe it! (Luke 17:5, Mark 9:24)

As I allow the power of God’s promise of a new heart and new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26) to seep into my soul, God inaugurates dramatic changes which He intended from before creation.

What does God do in me?

I am made alive with the very life of Christ (Romans 8:2,11, Colossians 3:3-4). I no longer need to strive to make this life work and I don’t need to fear anything in the world. If the immortal King of Kings lives in me, I have all of His attributes and can live as He lives! Amazing!

I am raised up with Christ (Romans 6:4, 9, 7:4). My dead spirit, full of sin and self, has been permanently entombed and my living spirit in the likeness of Jesus is permanently resurrected. (Can I dig up the old grave clothes and put them on again? Certainly. But they stink and are designed for a dead body. They don’t fit and aren’t appropriate for newness that flows with Christ’s vitality.)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1). I have been invited into the throne room and placed next to the Victorious One, at the right hand of power and the place of ruling over all authorities. Not only do I share all of Christ’s attributes, but He has also bestowed on me His authority and power!

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So, I get to kick back and enjoy the scenery?

This is not a spectator seat in the balcony or the front row. This is a place of action! It is the opportunity to bring about God’s purposes hand-in-hand with Jesus while being above the circumstances of daily life.

So, what exactly does it mean to be seated with Christ in the heavenly places and what is happening there?

A Scripture search for the right hand of God conveys absolutely stunning pictures of His character–far more than I will address here (and will write about in a future post).

This passage blows me away with its implications.

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 8:34

Praying with Christ

I am on a journey to pray more fervently and more regularly. I often feel flaky, inconsistent, and rather uncompelling in my prayers. Knowing that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for me brings me to my knees in gratitude and humility. As I write, I realize something even more profound about prayer.

Seated with Christ, I can pray as He does! With victory, power, truth, and wisdom. And all of this from a bird’s eye view of the circumstances. This is my role as the Trinity alone can supply the answers. I don’t even need to change my position to be heard, since Jesus and the Father are right beside me! Plus, I can hear their words for my concerns and learn to pray more effectively.

This takes my breath away! Lord, teach me how to fully step into this assignment and royal privilege! Show me what you see and let me hear your response. Let me be transformed in the inestimable glory of sitting with You in this holy calling! Open my heart to the grandness of my prayer closet that is actually your throne room.

What now?

So, this new life and highly exalted situation result in what?

For starters, I will be changed dramatically. (Yes, Lord, please!) I will put down the things of earth that I grasp and that hold me bound and open my hands and heart to the fullness of my Savior.
I will see the Lord in greater clarity as I allow Him to open my eyes and I choose to walk in truth.
I will understand that I am not condemned, but deeply loved and made fully worthy in Christ!
I will have a greater compassion for those still dead in their sins or those believers who are stuck in their growth.
I will pray far more effectively and more fully in the name of Jesus, reflecting all that He is.
Through all this, I participate in drawing others to Truth and defeating satan’s obstacles.
God is glorified!

Even more amazing, I become God’s trophy to testify to the incredible depth of His grace and kindness. The Greek word for show means “undeniably display” and underlines the high level of personal interest shown by the one making something very evident.

Hmm, the trophy shines most brightly when victory comes through overcoming immense hindrances. God’s power is always able to transform, even in the worst scenario! The greater the challenge, the more miraculous the glorified result.

Why would I want anything else? The root always stems from pride and unbelief. Father, forgive me and cleanse my heart to trust Your ways and desire the fullness you have for me.

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:25

Our enemy delights in our struggle that keeps us away from God! How have you experienced His lies and destruction? Please share below or send me a note. I would love to pray for you from the heavenly places!

Ephesians Series