Who's In Charge Around Here? Series

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