Dead Men Can’t Talk, But Alive Men Shout

Because of Gods Grace, we who were dead in our sin are now alive in Christ.

Do you know why a ship floats and a stone cannot? Because the stone sees only downward. The darkness of the water is vast and irresistible. The ship feels the darkness, as well, striving moment by moment to master her and pull her under. But the ship has a secret. For, unlike the stone, her gaze is not downward but up. Fixed upon the light that guides her, whispering of grander things than darkness ever knew. - Finrod, Ring Of Power

We Were Dead In Sin: Spiritually Dead (V1-3)

Unable To Know God [Cut off from communication with him]

Unable To Please God [pleasing everyone else (world, satan, self)]

(V2) We Value the World (Disrespect The Kingdom)

2 Timothy 3:1–5 “But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.”

(V2) We Obey Satan (Disobeying God)

2 Corinthians 4:4 “In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

(V3) We Enjoy Sinning (Despise Righteousness)

Galatians 5:19–21 “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Unable To Escape the Wrath of God [children of wrath] (V3)

We Are Made Alive In Christ: Spiritually Alive (V4-10)

(V4) To Experience God’s Character (we are dead/valueless like a broken mirror, But God still values us)

Mercy- Undeserved Compassion shown to the Helpless Offender

Love- Unmerited Pursuit of our Highest Good

Grace- Unfathomable Working In Us To Display His Glory Through Us

(V5-10) To Experience God’s Work (In & Through Us)

We Are His Workmanship (Craftsmanship, His Masterpiece that brings Him Glory)

We Are A New Creation (Different B/C we display God’s Character Perfectly With Christ)

He Worked In Us (Salvation)

His Work Is A Gift

Resurrected with Christ - to be “Synced” with Christ (As He Was, We Are)

We Can Know God

We Can Please God

We Can Rest In the Love of God

We Can Represent God (Glorify Him Forever)

Seated with Christ- to be Above All Powers, Sin, & Darkness (As He Overcame, We Overcome)

Overcome This World

Overcome Satan

Overcome Sin & Temptation

He Works Through Us

His Works Are Good

Works That Represent His Character:

Works of Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Love, Peace & Unity, Secure & Ground In The Storms of Life.

Works That Give Life, Hope, Build Others Up, Encourage The Broken & Weary.

Works That are Rooted in Truth & Integrity, are Pure, Righteous, Honest & Heartfelt, Kind, Compassionate, Forgiving, Sacrificial, Thankful,

Works of Wisdom, Justice, Mercy, Fervent Prayer, Missional & Kingdom Building.

Spiritual Fruits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.)

His Works Are Planned

His Works Are Evidence Of Our Salvation

His Works Are Evidence of Our Maturity In Christ

Do People See God In Our Lives (Words & Actions)

We Must Respond To God’s Calling

Respond In Faith (Believe) (V8-9)

True Faith Requires Humility & Dependance (No one Can Boast)

Do You Trust In Christ?

Has he saved you or are you trying to save yourself?

Respond In Obedience (Follow Christ) (V10)

Do You Live Like You Have Been Saved?

Would People Say You You Value Christ or The World?

Would People Say You You Obey Christ or Satan?

Would People Say You You Enjoy Sin or Righteousness?

The Real Question: What Is God saying to you this morning? Who Do You Really Follow?