“But”

Written by cycleguy on January 11th, 2015

There are several words which change the direction of discussion. One of them is “but.” If you are talking with someone and either you or they use the word “but,” that means a change is coming in some form or another.

Paul is no different. I used Romans 5:12-21 as the starting point of my message Sunday. I wanted to show the contrast of Adam vs. Christ. Sin entered through the first Adam. However, when things began to look really bleak, Paul interjected the “but” word in verse 15. He does it elsewhere also.  Chances are if you are a follower of Christ you have been through these verses before. I’d like to show you where else Paul uses the “but” word and changes the tone of the whole passage.

Romans 3:21. I likened it to Paul painting a canvas and using black paint on it. With the “but” he begins to add color and in actuality paints over the black. The background is  black due to sin; the canvas is is bright with the paint of God’s righteousness.

Ephesians 2:4. After writing how we were dead in our trespasses and sin, under the sway of the enemy, and captivated by worldly lusts, he begins verse 4 with “but God.” There is your game-changer!

Titus 3:3-5. Our foolishness, disobedience, and enslavement to all kinds of sinful passions is met by God’s kindness, mercy, and love.

You see…God’s grace doesn’t supplement our good works. Instead, His grace overcomes our bad works (our sin).

One last one: Colossians 1:21-22. The Greek translation is “but now he reconciled” and we are “above reproach.” That means “free from accusation.” The enemy can point his finger at us all he wants and yell “Guilty!” but the one who has trusted Christ is free from his accusations.

Know any more “buts” I have missed? Do these say anything to you?

 

18 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    So are you saying that you “like big buts and you cannot lie”? (smiles) Sorry about my immaturity. Beyond that, I think that Paul really did understand the human condition. He did not have to look any further for “but”s than his own life. One big one in the middle of the Damascus road.

    • cycleguy says:

      Totally agree about Paul’s life being his “signpost” and there being no further need to look any further. Never hurts to joke. 🙂

  2. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! I have a blog friend who is thinking of the phrase “But God” as a title for her book. It’s part of the salvation language. Yes, everything stinks, we are flawed, we are lost, BUT GOD. And it all changes. God rides in like a man in the white hat…it changes everything!

    How did your church family like your theme?
    Blessings,
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      I used that phrase “but God” several times this morning Ceil. It is a game-changer. Just can’t get away from a life overwhelmed and changed by Jesus.

      You asked: today was one of those days where the Spirit’s presence was palpable. Does that make sense? No overt decisions were made but I do believe some were made. It was actually “easy” and a real joy to preach today. Thanks for asking.

  3. the Old Adam says:

    Good stuff, Bill!

    I like this one in the Gospel of John 1:13 “…who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man…BUT of God.”

    (so much for “free-will”)

  4. I love big buts……sorry, just had to do that.

  5. Eileen says:

    “But God” One of the most beautiful hope-filled phrases in scripture!

  6. Thanks, Bill, for taking us to Romans. I just finished reading it this weekend and am back in Acts since I’m reading through the Bible chronologically.

    Deep, heavy food for thought, for grace, for life change.

    As a counselor, I’m wary of BUTS because they often lead to a string of lame excuses. To read something that puts this word in a different light has been refreshing.

    Have a good one …

    • cycleguy says:

      Although I am not a counselor (licensed one anyway), I hear my share of “buts” as a pastor. I can only imagine what you hear, but certainly can understand the wariness it brings. Thanks Linda.

  7. Kari Scare says:

    A theme of one of our missions weeks a while back was “But God…” and it looked at the many Scripture where God intervened in the lives of His people. Oh, where would we be “but God…”

  8. Sharon says:

    I was thinking of these verses from Lamentations 3:21-23, ESV:

    “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

    The answer to all the woes of the world, and the heavy heart within myself, is this affirmation of Truth. BUT I will remember the love and mercy of God, and therefore I have hope forever!

    • cycleguy says:

      i agree with you Sharon. Sadly there are so many who don’t or won’t. I read your blog and know your heart is heavy today. You have my prayers and what a comfort to know His mercies never end.

  9. My pastor is fond of pointing out how the word “therefore” is used to turn our hearts and thoughts to something truly awesome and important which deserves our full attention. I think the word “but” can serve the same purpose, Bill.
    Blessings!

  10. I think I heard that someone, perhaps it was Spurgeon, did a sermon series on several times where scripture mentioned “but God.” It’s certainly an inspiring thought.