Introduction

Welcome, beloved family, to this sacred gathering where we come together to nourish our souls on the abundant feast of God's Word. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. It is a time of communion, of fellowship, and of mutual edification. We are here to grow, to learn, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Our focus today is on the profound passage from the book of Ephesians, specifically Ephesians 3:20. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes these powerful words: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

What a profound truth we find in these words! God is not only able, but He is more than able. He is not just powerful, but He is immeasurably powerful. And this power is not distant or detached, but it is at work within us. This is not a mere abstract truth, but a personal, intimate reality.

As we ponder this profound truth, let us remember the words of the esteemed preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there." This quote reminds us that we are exactly where God wants us to be and He is working in us and through us for His glory and our good.

Our main points today are: Submission to the Spirit, Strength in Surrender, and Service through the Spirit's Power. These are not just points to be noted, but truths to be lived. They are not just principles to be understood, but realities to be experienced.

As we embark on this sacred time together, let us bow our heads and hearts in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. We thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We pray that as we meditate on Your Word today, You would open the eyes of our hearts to see You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly. We pray that Your Spirit would guide us into all truth and empower us to live out this truth in our daily lives. We pray all this in the precious and powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let us now, with open hearts and expectant spirits, turn our attention to the Word of God. May we not just be hearers of the Word, but doers also. May we not just be informed by the Word, but transformed by it.

Submission to the Spirit

In the heart of the believer, there is a constant, ongoing interaction with the Holy Spirit. This interaction active, intentional, continuous, dynamic, and a living relationship that shapes and defines our Christian walk.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks of the power of God that is at work within us. This power is not a mere force or energy, but a Person - the Holy Spirit. He is the One who enables us to live the Christian life, not by our own strength or wisdom, but by His power and guidance.

This relationship with the Holy Spirit is characterized by submission. It is about yielding to His leading, obeying His commands, and aligning our lives with His purposes. It is about letting go of our own plans and preferences, and embracing His will and ways. Submission to the Spirit is not a burden, but a blessing! It is about experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who follow Him.

The first aspect of this submission is the recognition of the Spirit's presence. The Holy Spirit is not a distant, detached entity, but a close, personal Companion. He is not an occasional Visitor, but a constant Resident. He lives in us, with us, and for us. He is closer to us than our own breath. Recognizing His presence is the first step towards submitting to Him.

The second aspect is the reliance on the Spirit's power. The Christian life is not about human effort, but divine empowerment. It is not about striving, but abiding. It is not about trying harder, but trusting more. The Holy Spirit is the One who enables us to live, love, and lead like Jesus. He is the One who produces the fruit of the Spirit in us. He is the One who equips us with spiritual gifts for service. Relying on His power is the key to victorious Christian living.

Next is the responsiveness to the Spirit's prompting. The Holy Spirit is not a silent Spectator, but an active Participant in our lives. He speaks to us through the Scriptures, through circumstances, and through the inner witness of our spirit. He guides us, teaches us, and reminds us of God's truth. He convicts us of sin, comforts us in sorrow, and encourages us in our walk with God. Being responsive to His prompting is crucial for our spiritual growth and maturity.

The fourth aspect is the reverence for the Spirit's person. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but a personal Being. He is not a mere influence, but a divine Person. He has emotions, will, and intellect. He can be grieved, quenched, and resisted. He is to be loved, worshipped, and honored. He is God - equal in essence, nature, and glory with the Father and the Son. Revering His person is essential for our relationship with Him.

Transition. Submission to the Spirit is necessity for every believer. It is not a suggestion, but a command. It is the pathway to a fruitful, fulfilling, and faithful Christian life. It is the secret to experiencing the power of God that is at work within us.

Strength in Surrender

As we continue to reflect on the words of Ephesians 3:20, we find ourselves drawn to the notion of strength in surrender ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO