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Quickened and Made Alive: A Study of Spiritual Life

This study explores the profound spiritual transformation described in scripture, where believers are quickened and made alive through the power of God, moving from spiritual death to vibrant new life in Christ.

1. The State of Spiritual Death

1.1 Dead in Trespasses and Sins

Verses: Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13
  • Humanity's natural condition is separation from God due to sin.
  • This spiritual death renders us unable to respond to God on our own.
  • It's a state of being without divine life or connection.

1.2 Without Hope and Without God

Verses: Ephesians 2:12; Romans 3:23
  • Before God's intervention, there is no inherent hope for salvation.
  • Sin creates a chasm, leaving us alienated from the life of God.
  • Our own efforts cannot bridge this gap or impart life.

2. God's Initiative to Quicken

2.1 God's Great Love and Mercy

Verses: Ephesians 2:4-5; John 3:16
  • It is solely by God's rich mercy and great love that we are given life.
  • This act of quickening is not based on human merit but divine grace.
  • God's nature is to give life, even to the spiritually dead.

2.2 The Power of His Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:11; John 6:63
  • The Spirit of God is the life-giving force that quickens.
  • It is the Spirit that makes alive, bringing spiritual vitality.
  • This power raises us from spiritual death to spiritual life.

3. The Agent of Quickening: Jesus Christ

3.1 Christ as the Life-Giver

Verses: John 1:4; John 14:6; Colossians 3:4
  • All life, both physical and spiritual, originates in Christ.
  • He is the embodiment of life, and through Him, we receive it.
  • To have Christ is to have life, for He is our life.

3.2 Quickened Together with Christ

Verses: Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13
  • Our quickening is intimately connected with Christ's resurrection.
  • We are made alive in union with Him, sharing in His victory over death.
  • His life becomes our life, transforming our spiritual state.

3.3 The Name of Jesus and New Life

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • New life and salvation are found exclusively in the name of Jesus.
  • Baptism in the name of Jesus is a vital step in experiencing this new life.
  • All spiritual blessings and quickening flow through His singular authority and name.

4. Living the Quickened Life

4.1 Raised and Seated with Christ

Verses: Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1
  • Our spiritual position is now one of authority and heavenly connection.
  • We are no longer bound by earthly limitations but share in Christ's exaltation.
  • This new position calls for a new perspective and focus.

4.2 Walking in Newness of Life

Verses: Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20
  • Being quickened means a radical change in our daily conduct and purpose.
  • We are to live no longer for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again.
  • The old self is dead, and a new life, empowered by God, has begun.

4.3 Bearing Fruit for God

Verses: Romans 7:4; John 15:5
  • The quickened life is characterized by spiritual fruitfulness.
  • Our connection to Christ enables us to produce good works.
  • This fruit is evidence of the divine life within us.