Sermon Central
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Glory In The Church Series
Contributed by Patrick Nix on Aug 10, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul’s prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21) begins with “your glory” (v. 13b) and ends with “glory” (v. 21) This is a simple passage on how to pray for each other. These four things give God the glory He deserves/desires:
Paul’s prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21) begins with “your glory” (v. 13b) and ends with “glory” (v. 21) This is a simple passage on how to pray for each other. Reminder: The Church is not the building, nor the services, but the people (v. 15)
These four things give God the glory He deserves/desires:
1. Strengthened By the Power of God (Spirit) (v. 16)
Friend will wake up and flex thinking “I am awesome” – what about waking up and knowing “God is awesome” (Zechariah 4:6). Strong, but not according to our knowledge or resources, but an indefinable power. Not a physical strength, but one of heart, of mind, of spirit (inner man); not power to change your circumstances, but to have victory in them (to not be a victim).
2. Aware of His Presence (v. 17a)
“Dwell” means to abide, to stay, and to set up shop. How does a fresh awareness of Him being near make things different? (Proverbs 15:3) It is both Comforting & Convicting!
3. Understanding His Passion Equals Love (v. 17b-19a)
To comprehend and to know first, that it is experience (come in contact with, being touched) and second that it is intimacy (touching).
Breadth: toward all men; Length: throughout eternity; Depth: passed understanding; Height: greatness in value…Universal, Eternal, Profound, and Worthy ... First it comes to us and then it flows through us.
4. Entering into His Partnership-Being Filled (v. 19b)
We are "laborers together with God" (I Corinthians 3:9). Yoke up with Him (Matthew 11:28-30). By the way, God is able to do more than you pray or imagine (v. 20). Amen! The amazing thing about God’s power is that our imagination gets lost in thinking of it.
