Are you serious?
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Here’s a loaded question that will require some thoughtful reflection and serious consideration on your part. This is not simply another note for you to rapidly read with very little self-examination. It’s serious. So slow down and prayerfully ponder these words. Here’s the question. Have you truly discovered and received, by faith, the reality of what Jesus Christ has accomplished in you?
Think about this for moment. I know there are highs and lows in this life. I know that there are great days, good days, bad days, and sometimes horrible days. I know we have good memories along with bad ones. I know we can be on a mountaintop one day (moment) and in the valley of despair the next. I know our feelings change. I know our minds change. I know our attitudes change. I even know that some days we are more devoted to Christ than others. I know that our circumstances change.
In Ephesians 1:15-23 we read a prayer by the Apostle Paul that provides us with some rich insight into our new life in Christ. I’ll reflect on a small portion of that prayer. Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would know: “…what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.”
He did not request health, wealth, and prosperity. He did not pray for a smooth, trouble free existence. He did not pray for a positive mental attitude. He did not pray for lucrative careers so they could build a nice facility to “worship” in. He did not pray for nicer homes and nicer chariots. He prayed that they would know what was already theirs in Christ Jesus.
He prayed that the believers would know the exceeding greatness of God’s power that was wrought in us who believe. Now listen…here’s the good part…according to the working of His mighty power which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Wow! That, my friend, is power. Do you understand? As a believer who is now in Christ, God has given YOU the same power that was wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. You are in Christ and Christ is in you!
Are you worried, believer? Remember this promise. Are you discouraged
? Remember this promise. Are you under the circumstances? Remember this promise. Are you troubled , fearful, lonely, or defeated? Then stand. Stand firmly on this promise. Christ is in you believer and you are in Christ. Where is He? He is raised, seated, and victorious. Christ is in you! And you are in Christ.
Okay, so your life is like a whirlwind of change and instability. You are on the roller coaster of reality. I’m sorry…that’s normal life. But there is good news. There is a truth you can depend on. The Christ in you, believer, never changes. He is risen from the grave. He is seated. He reigns. Keep looking to Him. Keep standing on the solid immovable Rock of hope…Jesus Christ. The mighty power which God wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places is yours!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Forrest,
Yes, this would take a moment to think about. The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ,and to die is gain.” He was looking for that great day of final victory.
I believe the Apostle was striving for this day since his conversion. He had truly suffered for His, (Christ) name sake. Christ and only Christ was his goal in life. He was content in this assurance and lived his life that way. If we could only grasp the realty of this truth. Let us continue to strive for this completeness in our daily walk with Christ.
In His Name
Don DeSimone
Gal 6:10
P.S. We love you and your in our prayers daily.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Yes, that’s my prayer brother Don. That He would open our eyes of spiritual understanding that we might know the fullness of Christ and His sufficiency in all things.
It sure simplifies the Christian life when all I do is zero in on Christ and allow Him to produce the fruit of an abundant Christian life. I am nothing. I do nothing. I want nothing but Jesus Christ. “For me to live is Christ and to die is more Christ.”
May 7th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
The supremacy of Christ in all things. And to think that He is in us, and we in Him. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings through Him. You are entirely correct in that our focus must always be on Him and not on methods or our own efforts or anything but Him. Thanks for a great message.