Who’s In Charge Around Here?
Ephesians 1:15-23
April 30, 2006
Ephesians 1:15 (NLT)
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere
Your Reputation
The church at Ephesus
Known for strong faith
Commitment
Obedience
Known for their love of fellow Christians
Outward testimony of our faith in Jesus
John 13:35
John 13:35 (NLT)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
Your Reputation
The church at Ephesus
Known for strong faith
Commitment
Obedience
Known for their love of fellow Christians
Outward testimony of our faith in Jesus
John 13:35
What is your reputation?
Ephesians 1:16-17 (NLT)
I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.
Constant Prayer
Paul prayed constantly for the church
Giving thanks for their faithfulness
Interceding on their behalf
Remember to pray for your church and the people around you
Pray for wisdom and understanding
Growing in knowledge of God
Growing in intimacy with God
Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
Turn on the Lights
Understanding comes from the illumination of the heart
Truth is revealed
Sin is exposed
Cleansing takes place
The Holy Spirit brings complete assurance of the things to come
Our hope is grounded
Not just wishful thinking
Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power [20] that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
The Power has been Revealed
God’s power is the strength behind our promise of hope
The same power that raised Jesus to life is the power at work in your life
Power in prayer
Power in service
Power in witness
Ephesians 1:21 (NLT)
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come.
Above All Others
We have nothing to fear
Jesus is on the throne
Nothing can separate you from his love
Romans 8:37-39
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
[38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. [39] Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Above All Others
We have nothing to fear
Jesus is on the throne
Nothing can separate you from his love
Romans 8:37-39
Jesus reign is valid now and forever
Ephesians 1:22-23 (NLT)
And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. [23] And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
Under His Authority
All things have been placed under the authority of Jesus
The “church” is the beneficiary of this authority
The Church is not a Building
The church is the body of Christ
Jesus is the head
We operate under his control
The presence of Christ fills us
At all times
In all places
**Powerpoint available on request
