Embracing God's Fullness Through Christ's Indwelling Love
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Ephesians 3:14-19, focusing on the profound truth that God grants Himself to us. We began by reflecting on the Gentiles' transformation from strangers to fellow citizens in God's household, as highlighted in Ephesians 2. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 is divided into two parts: the prayer request (verses 14-16) and the prayer purpose (verses 17-19). Paul starts by humbly bowing before the Father, recognizing God's sovereignty and holiness. This humility is essential for us as well, as it aligns our hearts with God's will.
Paul's prayer request is for believers to be strengthened with power through God's Spirit in their inner being. This strength is not derived from our works or affiliations but from God's infinite supply of grace. The inner man, the essence of who we are, is where God initiates spiritual life. This transformation is deeply personal and spiritual, affecting how we interact with the world around us.
The purpose of Paul's prayer is that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, rooting and grounding us in love. This indwelling of Christ transforms our entire being, enabling us to comprehend the vast dimensions of God's love. This love surpasses mere knowledge and deeply impacts our spirituality and daily interactions. It calls us to live out our faith authentically, reflecting Christ in all we do.
Paul's prayer culminates in the desire for believers to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness is not just about individual spiritual growth but about the collective strength and unity of the church. As we grow in Christ, we are called to pour out His love and strength into others, creating a community that reflects God's glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility Before God: Paul begins his prayer by bowing his knees before the Father, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence. Recognizing God as Father and aligning our prayers with His will ensures that He receives the glory when our prayers are answered. This humility is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. [01:19]
2. God Initiates Spiritual Life: The strength and power we receive come from God's Spirit working in our inner being. This transformation is not based on our efforts but on God's infinite grace. Understanding this helps us rely on God for spiritual growth and transformation. [02:20]
3. Christ Dwelling in Us: The purpose of Paul's prayer is for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith. This indwelling transforms our entire being, affecting how we think, act, and interact with others. It is a continuous process of growing in Christ's love and reflecting it in our lives. [35:19]
4. Comprehending God's Love: As Christ dwells in us, we begin to comprehend the vast dimensions of God's love. This love surpasses mere knowledge and deeply impacts our spirituality. It calls us to live out our faith authentically, reflecting Christ in all we do. [38:52]
5. Filled with God's Fullness: The ultimate goal is to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness is not just about individual spiritual growth but about the collective strength and unity of the church. As we grow in Christ, we are called to pour out His love and strength into others, creating a community that reflects God's glory. [51:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Introduction to Ephesians 3
[02:20] - Paul's Prayer Request
[03:24] - The Importance of Humility
[05:01] - Recognizing God as Father
[07:03] - Attributes of God
[08:10] - Paul's Humility and Recognition of God
[10:55] - Responsibility and Sin
[12:45] - Universal Truths of Sin and Holiness
[14:48] - God's Holiness and Our Sinfulness
[17:19] - Condemnation and Salvation
[18:40] - The Blame Game in Genesis
[21:02] - Generations of Sin
[22:53] - Spiritual Death and Responsibility
[23:58] - Salvation Demands a Sacrifice
[24:56] - Strength Through God's Spirit
[26:18] - The Mystery of the Gospel
[28:47] - The Inner Man
[30:07] - Praying for God's Revelation
[31:03] - Giving God Glory
[32:15] - Strength in the Lord
[32:51] - God Sees You
[34:37] - The Prayer Purpose
[35:19] - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts
[37:00] - Christ's Righteousness
[38:52] - Comprehending God's Love
[40:04] - The Power of God's Word
[41:32] - The Earnest Prayer
[42:47] - The Love of Christ
[44:27] - Surpassing Knowledge
[46:22] - Spirituality and Daily Interactions
[48:21] - Fellowship with Christ
[49:33] - Calling Out Sin
[50:35] - Defending the Sanctuary
[51:41] - Filled with God's Fullness
[53:29] - Evidence of Christ in You
[55:03] - Interacting in a Christlike Manner
[55:58] - Encouragement in Christ
[57:30] - Resting in Christ
[58:04] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:14-19
- Romans 3:23
- Genesis 2:16-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul emphasize about God's sovereignty and holiness in his prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19? [01:19]
2. According to the sermon, what is the source of the strength and power that believers receive? [02:20]
3. How does Paul describe the transformation that occurs when Christ dwells in our hearts through faith? [35:19]
4. What is the ultimate goal of Paul's prayer for believers as mentioned in Ephesians 3:19? [51:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is humility before God essential for aligning our hearts with His will, as discussed in the sermon? [03:24]
2. How does understanding that God initiates spiritual life in the inner man change our perspective on spiritual growth? [24:56]
3. What does it mean to be "rooted and grounded in love" and how does this affect our daily interactions? [35:19]
4. How does the concept of being filled with all the fullness of God relate to the collective strength and unity of the church? [51:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you approached God with humility in prayer. How did that experience impact your relationship with Him? [03:24]
2. In what ways can you rely more on God's infinite grace rather than your own efforts for spiritual growth? [24:56]
3. How can you actively allow Christ to dwell in your heart through faith in your daily life? What changes might you need to make? [35:19]
4. Think of a specific situation where you struggled to comprehend God's love. How can you seek to understand and experience His love more deeply? [38:52]
5. How can you contribute to the collective strength and unity of your church community? Identify one practical step you can take this week. [51:41]
6. What evidence have you seen in your life that Christ dwells within you? How can you continue to grow in this area? [53:29]
7. Identify a person or group in your life that you can pour out God's love and strength into. What specific actions will you take to reflect Christ's love to them? [31:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Humility Before God
Description: Humility is the foundation of a genuine relationship with God. Paul begins his prayer by bowing his knees before the Father, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence. Recognizing God as Father and aligning our prayers with His will ensures that He receives the glory when our prayers are answered. This humility is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. It is not about diminishing our worth but about acknowledging God's greatness and our dependence on Him. When we approach God with a humble heart, we open ourselves to His guidance and transformation. [01:19]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled with pride. How can you approach God with humility in this area and seek His guidance?
Day 2: God Initiates Spiritual Life
Description: The strength and power we receive come from God's Spirit working in our inner being. This transformation is not based on our efforts but on God's infinite grace. Understanding this helps us rely on God for spiritual growth and transformation. The inner man, the essence of who we are, is where God initiates spiritual life. This transformation is deeply personal and spiritual, affecting how we interact with the world around us. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey is not about striving but about surrendering to God's work within us. [02:20]
2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of God's Spirit? How can you surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 3: Christ Dwelling in Us
Description: The purpose of Paul's prayer is for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith. This indwelling transforms our entire being, affecting how we think, act, and interact with others. It is a continuous process of growing in Christ's love and reflecting it in our lives. When Christ dwells in us, we are rooted and grounded in love, which enables us to live out our faith authentically. This transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. [35:19]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How can you make room for Christ to dwell more fully in your heart today? What changes in your daily routine might help you grow in His love?
Day 4: Comprehending God's Love
Description: As Christ dwells in us, we begin to comprehend the vast dimensions of God's love. This love surpasses mere knowledge and deeply impacts our spirituality. It calls us to live out our faith authentically, reflecting Christ in all we do. Understanding God's love is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative experience that shapes our entire being. It challenges us to love others as Christ loves us, with a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. [38:52]
Ephesians 3:18-19 (ESV): "May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: Think of a person or group you find difficult to love. How can you ask God to help you comprehend His love for them and reflect that love in your actions?
Day 5: Filled with God's Fullness
Description: The ultimate goal is to be filled with all the fullness of God. This fullness is not just about individual spiritual growth but about the collective strength and unity of the church. As we grow in Christ, we are called to pour out His love and strength into others, creating a community that reflects God's glory. Being filled with God's fullness means living a life that is abundant in His grace, love, and power, and sharing that abundance with those around us. It is about building a community that embodies the love and unity of Christ. [51:41]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and strength of your church community? What specific actions can you take to pour out God's love and strength into others today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you ask anything in my name, it will be granted to you. Meaning, if you are aligned with God, when you are praying, you are in his will, and he will grant you. And so in this way, what does this look like? In asking in his name, it is man is brought low, and God is lifted high. And in that case, there is no doubt who gets the glory when the prayer is answered." [08:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "All men sin. Romans 3.24, This is like, when you think about sin, you think about missing the mark. You think about a bullseye and a target. And it's, if an archery got shot, it didn't even miss the target. It just falls short. It just, it just doesn't, it just comes really, it just, it just peters out. And so all men have, have, have done that. All men have, have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." [11:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Salvation demanded a sacrifice. And now this is where the good news comes in. In verse 16. Read with me in Ephesians 3, 16. Where Paul asked for the gospel. That he, meaning God, that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory. To be strengthened with power. Through his spirit in the inner man." [23:58] (-1269 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Pray for God to reveal himself to you. Pray to God to reveal his sovereignty. Pray to God for his enduring word to penetrate your soul. Pray to God for his strength with power through his spirit in your inner man. Pray that he will enrich you with the truths of his grace. The Proverbs are absolutely true when it says, The fear of the Lord is the, is the beginning of wisdom." [30:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you don't believe what I'm saying here today, believe in those words. Believe in that you, those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength. You will, they will mount up like wings, like mounts up with wings like eagles. What an amazing truth that is to be able to, to be able to, to hold on to." [32:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul knew God. Two things here that are evident as we understand verse 14. Number one, Paul is humble. Paul is humble when he starts out his prayer. And Paul recognizes God as Father. Why is this important? Jesus said so, right, in chapter 14, verse 14. He says, If you ask anything in my name, it will be granted to you." [08:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so we see that how we are derived. Every family is derived. From God, the father, we're all families are derived from the father. But this sin nature has been passed down for every generation and every generation sins. And so we are responsible for that sin, even though God has decreed it, even though God has said in his word, this is going to happen." [21:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so the power to win the favor of God is not rested on a decision or an action by man. All men sin. And so we are currently under judgment. All are condemned. Flip over to Genesis chapter two. When we talk about deriving, when we talk about originating the context is in Genesis." [12:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so this inner man refers to the essence of a person, the heart. Or the deep place where no one else can see except for maybe you, if you're able to self-examine your own heart. And to be able to think about the essence of who you are in your inner person. You may be able to, to, to be able to know that. But God knows. God knows your inner person, your inner heart." [27:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so if you are, if you are without Christ, you are not able to comprehend this love. But now because of God's work, your eyes are opened to his wonder. And the wonder is the capacity. We are able to comprehend in some way, shape or form. The tech, the God tells us we're able to comprehend the, the, the breadth, the height, the length, the depth of God's love." [38:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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