Encouragement To Engage In Ministry

Encouragement to Engage in Ministry

Ephesians 3: 14-19

Some of you are probably like me when it comes to technology. I am certainly not an expert in the field of computers and programming. I am unfamiliar with all that goes into writing code, software, and the development of apps on my phone. However, a lack of in-depth knowledge does not prevent me from using my phone to accomplish several important tasks each day. Wouldn’t it be ridiculous to have great knowledge in technology, have a phone, pay the monthly fees, and yet never use the phone for its intended use?

The same could be said for Christians today. We have been saved by grace, filled, and equipped by the Holy Spirit, discipled in the faith, and possess an understanding of the core doctrines within the Bible. It would be a tragedy to possess such knowledge and giftedness, and yet never use that knowledge and giftedness for the advancement of the Kingdom.

Our text today reveals a prayer that Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers. His prayer was focused on the church being enabled to use the knowledge and gifts they possessed to share the gospel and reach the unsaved. This prayer remains relevant for the modern church as well. As we examine the elements of this prayer, I want to consider: Encouragement to Engage in Ministry.

I. Paul Prayed for Strength (16) – Paul was committed to the spiritual development of the believers at Ephesus. He knew if the church was to continue prospering, she needed continual growth. Paul was well aware of:

A. The Source of their Strength (16a) – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. Paul prayed that the church would be strengthened by the power of God. He did not look to the political, social, or economic systems of the world to provide strength for the church. He called upon the Lord to provide through the riches of His glory.

Many churches are stagnant and dead spiritually because they are depending upon the wrong things. Their focus is not where is should be. Many place more emphasis on self-gratification instead of the gospel, on presentation rather than power, and on works rather than worship. Paul wanted the church at Ephesus to experience an outpouring of God’s glory!

B. The Supply of their Strength (16b) – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. Paul sensed a great need among the church. He was concerned about the struggles of the inner man. Life in Ephesus was not easy for the church. They were not surrounded by multitudes who sought to serve the Lord. If they were to survive spiritually, they had to become strong in the inner man. They needed the Holy Spirit controlling their lives instead of the desires of the flesh.

We too face a hostile environment spiritually. This world does not embrace or encourage our faith. They are not concerned with our spiritual well-being or our relationship with the Lord. If we are to survive and prosper spiritually, our only hope is to be strengthened in the inner man by the Spirit. Pray that God would develop us through the outpouring of His power and that we might be strengthened by the blessed Holy Spirit.

II. Paul Prayed for Stability (17) – In order for the church to prosper in a hostile environment, she would need spiritual stability. Paul prayed specifically for this as well. He mentioned:

A. Their Desire (17a) – That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Paul was concerned with what they allowed to abide within their hearts. The term dwell speaks of a permanent dwelling, not just a brief visit. He desired the church to allow the Lord to have preeminence in their lives at all times. He prayed they would rid their hearts of the cares of the flesh and make room for the Lord.

As believers, we are filled with the Spirit and Christ abides in our hearts. However, if we aren’t careful, we can allow sin and lustful desires in as well, hindering the Lord’s presence in our lives. We must ensure that our hearts are continually filled with spiritual truth and a desire to fellowship with the Lord. Such an endeavor will only be achieved through obedient submission to the Lord and faith in Him alone. Gal.2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.