Intro: Paul was just getting ready to pray for the Ephesian church when he was reminded of the importance of the church and as preachers are often known to do he chases a rabbit. What an important rabbit to chase today.
The church would probably not make it into a list of the 50 most important things in America today. Jesus’ church has been minimized and marginalized in our culture and we can see it seeping in to the church in the way people think of fellowshipping with the church as optional.
Hebrews 10:24-25 tell us to not forsake gathering together. I am discouraged when those that say they love Jesus choose not to fellowship. I am more discouraged when the reason for not fellowshipping is not because of heresy or blasphemy. In this passage we see that God’s entire plan of salvation is tied up in the church.
Paul’s rabbit is used to remind the Ephesians of God’s amazing grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I. Paul a prisoner of Jesus
A) A response to his accusers
His authority had been challenged and he was harassed wherever he went. Paul made it clear he was an apostle and a prisoner by the will of God.
B) A reminder of God’s amazing grace
Ephesians 3:8 Gods’ grace was given to Paul in order for Him to share Jesus with the gentiles. We have greatly missed the point if we thing grace is just God making it easy on us. We are given grace to share grace. Each one of us is called of God to share God’s administration of grace.
C) A reminder of the pressure we face in this life
1) Human perspective unfair
Paul was in prison because of the false accusations of Jews. The gentile churches had raised money to help their suffering brothers in Jerusalem. Paul was accused of bringing gentiles beyond the barrier (thanatos, death) walls which caused a riot and Paul’s arrest. He was trying to do something good and possibly unite the Jew and Gentile wings of the church.
God is in control of every tough thing we face. Exodus 4:11, Isaiah 45:7, Amos 3:6
2) Heavenly perspective unfinished (James 1:2-5) (must complete its work)
Our heavenly father brings circumstances and situations into our lives so that we learn to allow the Holy Spirit to control us and change us into the image of Jesus.
We are not all promised ease or comfort or wealth. Paul recognized that his circumstances were completely controlled by God. This leads to responding differently to our circumstances.
D) A revelation of the mystery (God’s eternal purpose in Christ)
Colossians 3 – to bring all things together (unity) in Christ
Ephesians 2.16 To make one new man (unity) in Christ
Ephesians 3:6 with – illustration of the biscuit ingredients on a tray vs made in biscuits. This is what Paul is portraying. (God is in the business of uniting His church in Christ. The devil is in the business of dividing the church over anything. (God has no favorites in His family just sons!)
3:10 (read) We reveal the wisdom of God to the principalities and powers and the people around us when we live as the church God created. A unified church sends the message God is true and right His plan to send His son Jesus.
Every bit of life, every relationship, every hope, every longing or desire, every decision finds the final solution in Jesus Christ. (This is why Paul prays for our eyes to be opened.)
Until it was revealed clearly to Paul none of the other prophets clearly understood that we the gentiles would be included into God’s body without racial or other distinctions. No one is better than the other because all are united in Christ.
Paul wants us to understand the weight and implications of his prayer that is following His rabbit chase. Paul is going to pray for God’s power in the life of the Ephesians because God’s power is needed to do what they could never have done before. Become united as one body the church. In other words Paul has explained the principle of salvation and unification now He is praying that it will practically happen in the Ephesian Church.
Peace and unity will not come if we do not pray for it
Peace and unity will not come if we do not work for it
II. Paul a prayer for the church at Ephesus (three that’s)
A) He prays for internal strength
The Holy Spirit brings us the strength of God according to the riches of Christ. Why do we need internal strength? Because we don’t fight against flesh and blood. We fight against schemes of the devil, sins of the flesh and spirits of the world. We need strength of character that comes from our union with the spirit of Christ and our bold access into God’s presence.
We are strengthened internally when Jesus is at home in our hearts and has the final say on our desires and decisions. What is the result of Jesus being at home in our hearts? Inner strength, peace, the fruit of the Spirit. What is the result of him not being at home? Frustration, discouragement, defeat generally a mess.
B) He prays for stable spiritual foundation
1) Love
First what is love? Is it a feeling? According to 1 Corinthians 13 Love is right attitude and action toward others. How can we have right attitudes and actions toward God and others? Because Jesus while we still acted against Him died for us. He acted on the appropriate attitude of looking out for our best.
2) Compassion – understanding of the height, width, depth and breadth of God’s love should lead to us living a life of compassion. What has Paul been trying to do? Get the gentiles and Jews to realize they are one on Christ. None are better and none worse. We all need the Spirit to daily unite us in the bond of peace.
A life that is not moved or changed by situations or stresses. This is a life that is established on hearing and following Jesus.
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.” Matthew 7:24,25
C) He prays for growing personal experience of Jesus
1) Knowing Jesus goes beyond information
In the last century, when Napoleon’s armies opened a prison that had been used by the Spanish Inquisition they found the remains of a prisoner who had been incarcerated for his faith. The dungeon was underground. The body had long since decayed. Only a chain fastened around an anklebone cried out his confinement. But this prisoner, long since dead, had left a witness. On the wall of his small, dismal cell this faithful soldier of Christ had scratched a rough cross with four words surrounding it in Spanish. Above the cross was the Spanish word for “height.” Below it was the word for “depth.” To the left the word “width.” To the right, the word “length.” Clearly this prisoner wanted to testify to the surpassing greatness of the love of Christ, perceived even in his suffering.
2) Knowing Jesus gives control to the Spirit
The Greek word in 3:19 means to fill up and take possession and control of. This is the same word that is used to speak of Stephen in Acts 6.5 who was full of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s rabbit and his revelation was to show us that the ultimate purpose of the new man is for God to have control freely given to Him by His creation. This is where God gets glory.
In other words, everything that fills God fills me and controls me and satisfies me. I am living in a realm now that I didn’t know was possible. I am loving people I didn’t think were lovable. I have put up with people who used to give me a fit. I am handling circumstances like never before. God, what is going on inside of me? God says, "You haven’t seen anything yet. Keep on trusting Me. I have other levels I want to take you to. Walk in the fullness of what I have to offer you." That is it. That is the Christian life.
Conclusion: Paul is praying that God will dominate all that you are!
What dominates your life? What fills your life?
Are you filled with anger, hatred, jealousy, bitterness, greed or indifference?
Or are you filled with faith, hope, love, gentleness, patience and self-control?
God’s plan from the beginning of creation and before was for Him to dominate your life!
