First Baptist Church of Cresson
Sunday Morning - April 25th, 2004
Ephesians 1:15-23
Walking a Life Worthy of the Calling
“Prayers from a Prisoner”
I. INTRODUCTION (v.15-16)
a. Recap Background: Ephesians – 10th book of NT. Paul writes to Church @ Ephesus from Roman prison.
b. Central Theme: Ephesians 4:1 - “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
c. ILLUS: William Randolph Hearst-> art. own warehouse!
d. Recap Last Week: Riches in Blessings from God
e. Faith & Love! Great, but Paul knew there’s more. READ
II. That We Might Know God’s Calling (v. 17-18a)
a. EXPLAIN -> “called” important word
i. church = GR. 2 words “called out”
ii. Paul – “God called him by His Grace” Gal. 1:15
iii. Reminded Timothy of “holy calling” 2 Tim. 1:19
iv. Hope is ours because of this calling Eph 4:4 (read)
b. ILLUS -> “Sometimes all you have is the calling.” - Phil
c. APPLY -> Ephesus is destroyed–The Called are in heaven
III. That We Might Know God’s Riches (v.18b)
a. EXPLAIN -> we are His inheritance
i. God gets glory in His church b/c investment
ii. Ex 1 – Cowardly Gideon - Judges 6:12
iii. Ex 2 – Andrew’s Brother – John 1:42 (read)
b. APPLY -> Gideon = Great valor. Peter = a rock! Live dedicated to the future God has planned for you!
IV. That We Might Know God’s Power (v.19-23)
a. BKG -> power = GR. “dunamis” – dynamite!
b. ILLUS -> computers – power cord – not in!
c. EXPLAN- need power to use the riches! (Matthew 26:41)
i. “The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”
ii. Human wisdom leads to folly need God!
iii. Enemy would steal – Resurrection power!
d. APPLY -> v22-23 – church – head – supplies power
e. Power shortage is not in California – Paul is praying…
V. CONCLUSION/PREVIEW/INVITATION
a. RECAP/RESTATE
