Embracing Our Identity and Authority in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Ephesians Chapter 3, continuing our series on the book of Ephesians. We began by reflecting on the importance of reading and internalizing Scripture, encouraging everyone to read the next chapter in preparation for our discussions. The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on our identity in Christ, emphasizing that only God has the authority to define who we are. We are blessed, chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, and sealed by God.
Paul's perspective as a prisoner of Christ rather than a prisoner of Rome teaches us to view our circumstances through a heavenly lens. This perspective allows us to see God's purpose even in difficult situations. Paul used his imprisonment to write letters that became a significant part of the New Testament, demonstrating that God can use our trials for His greater purpose.
We explored the mystery revealed in Ephesians 3: that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united in Christ. This unity transcends all earthly divisions, making our primary identity one in Christ. Paul emphasizes that the church is to declare the victory of Jesus to the principalities and powers, asserting our authority over the demonic realm through Christ's victory.
Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is profound. He prays for spiritual strength, that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they may be rooted and grounded in love. He desires that they comprehend the vastness of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge, and be filled with all the fullness of God. This prayer highlights the importance of revelation knowledge, which comes from the Holy Spirit and transforms us from within.
Finally, we reflected on Ephesians 3:20-21, which speaks of God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This power is limited only by our own faith and willingness to let God work through us. We are encouraged to remove any limitations we place on God and to walk boldly in the power and authority given to us through Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heavenly Perspective in Trials: Paul viewed his imprisonment not as a consequence of Roman authority but as a part of his service to Christ. This heavenly perspective allowed him to see God's purpose in his suffering, leading to the writing of significant portions of the New Testament. We are encouraged to adopt a similar perspective, recognizing that God can use our trials for His greater purpose. [03:18]
2. Unity in Christ: The mystery revealed in Ephesians 3 is that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united in Christ. This unity transcends all earthly divisions, making our primary identity one in Christ. Our identity in Christ should supersede all other identities, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ. [15:54]
3. Authority Over Principalities: The church is called to declare the victory of Jesus to the principalities and powers, asserting our authority over the demonic realm. This authority is not just for our benefit but to demonstrate Christ's victory and power. We must actively exercise this authority, not allowing the enemy to dictate our lives. [19:02]
4. Revelation Knowledge: Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened in their inner man and to comprehend the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. This understanding comes through revelation knowledge, imparted by the Holy Spirit. It is a deeper, transformative knowledge that changes us from within and cannot be shaken by external circumstances. [14:42]
5. Limitless Power of God: Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks of God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This power is limited only by our own faith and willingness to let God work through us. We are encouraged to remove any limitations we place on God and to walk boldly in the power and authority given to us through Christ. [37:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:18] - Heavenly Perspective in Trials
[09:49] - Paul's Imprisonment and Heavenly Perspective
[11:05] - The Mystery of Unity in Christ
[14:42] - Revelation Knowledge
[15:54] - Unity in Christ
[19:02] - Authority Over Principalities
[20:27] - Declaring Victory Over the Enemy
[23:26] - God's Eternal Purpose
[24:52] - Boldness and Confidence in Christ
[27:28] - Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength
[30:18] - Inner Man and Heart
[33:16] - Living by Faith, Not Feelings
[37:52] - Limitless Power of God
[42:38] - Removing Limitations on God
[44:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:1-21
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" in Ephesians 3:1? How does this perspective influence his view of his circumstances? [03:18]
2. According to Ephesians 3:6, what is the "mystery" that Paul reveals about the Gentiles? [15:54]
3. In Paul's prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-19), what are the specific things he prays for them to receive and understand? [27:28]
4. How does Ephesians 3:20-21 describe God's ability and power? What is the condition mentioned for this power to be effective in us? [37:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing oneself as a "prisoner of Christ" rather than a prisoner of earthly circumstances change one's perspective on trials and suffering? [03:18]
2. What implications does the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ have for the modern church? How should this unity affect our interactions within the church community? [15:54]
3. What does it mean to have "revelation knowledge" as described in the sermon? How is this different from knowledge gained through experience or education? [14:42]
4. How can believers practically "remove limitations" they place on God, as encouraged in Ephesians 3:20-21? What might these limitations look like in everyday life? [37:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or difficult situation in your life. How might adopting a "heavenly perspective" change the way you view and respond to this situation? [03:18]
2. In what ways can you actively promote unity within your church community, especially among people from different backgrounds or cultures? [15:54]
3. Think about a time when you felt spiritually weak. How can you seek the spiritual strength that Paul prays for in Ephesians 3:16-17? What practical steps can you take to be "rooted and grounded in love"? [27:28]
4. How can you exercise the authority over principalities and powers that Paul talks about? Are there specific areas in your life where you need to assert this authority more boldly? [19:02]
5. Identify one area in your life where you feel you have placed limitations on what God can do. What steps can you take this week to remove those limitations and allow God's power to work more fully in you? [37:52]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge, in your daily life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to help you grow in this area? [14:42]
7. Reflect on the concept of living not just for God, but allowing God to live through you. What changes might you need to make in your life to fully embrace this higher level of spiritual living? [31:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Heavenly Perspective in Trials
Description: Paul viewed his imprisonment not as a consequence of Roman authority but as a part of his service to Christ. This heavenly perspective allowed him to see God's purpose in his suffering, leading to the writing of significant portions of the New Testament. We are encouraged to adopt a similar perspective, recognizing that God can use our trials for His greater purpose. [03:18]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as part of God's greater purpose for your life?
Day 2: Unity in Christ
Description: The mystery revealed in Ephesians 3 is that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united in Christ. This unity transcends all earthly divisions, making our primary identity one in Christ. Our identity in Christ should supersede all other identities, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ. [15:54]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on any divisions or prejudices you hold. How can you actively work to foster unity and love within your church community?
Day 3: Authority Over Principalities
Description: The church is called to declare the victory of Jesus to the principalities and powers, asserting our authority over the demonic realm. This authority is not just for our benefit but to demonstrate Christ's victory and power. We must actively exercise this authority, not allowing the enemy to dictate our lives. [19:02]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel oppressed or attacked by the enemy. How can you exercise your authority in Christ to declare victory in this area?
Day 4: Revelation Knowledge
Description: Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened in their inner man and to comprehend the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. This understanding comes through revelation knowledge, imparted by the Holy Spirit. It is a deeper, transformative knowledge that changes us from within and cannot be shaken by external circumstances. [14:42]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal a deeper understanding of Christ's love for you. How can this revelation transform your daily walk with God?
Day 5: Limitless Power of God
Description: Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks of God's ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This power is limited only by our own faith and willingness to let God work through us. We are encouraged to remove any limitations we place on God and to walk boldly in the power and authority given to us through Christ. [37:52]
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have placed limitations on what God can do. What steps can you take today to remove those limitations and trust in God's limitless power?
Quotes
1. "You can look at everything through life through two lenses. One through God's perspective, one through your perspective. I would strongly encourage you that you always look at your life with a heavenly perspective. Listen to this. A heavenly perspective was Paul's only perspective that he cared about. He could look at it like, hey, I'm in prison because of the Romans, or I'm in prison because of Jesus and for Jesus. And to be honest with you, a heavenly perspective is always better than an earthly perspective." [03:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Apostle Paul was in prison. He could have looked at that and went, you know what? Where's God in all this? But instead, he started writing the letters to the churches. Think about it. Because he spent time in prison. We have two-thirds of the New Testament. Without that time, he would have been ministering and wouldn't have taken the time to write it. But because he was in prison, God used that time for him to write two-thirds of the New Testament. So even in the bad things, God can use it. Can I get an amen? And that's a heavenly perspective. You and I have always got to keep a heavenly perspective." [03:18] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a difference between living for God and letting God live through you. Let's just be real. I think somebody's prayed at some point in time, the prayer of God, I want to live for you. How many of you know, that's not a bad prayer. You and I, we should pray that that's a good thing, but there's a difference and there's a different level, whatever it comes to God. I want to live for you versus watch this. God, I want you to live through me. That's the higher level. You and I have been called to yield to God. So he would live through us, not just us live for him." [31:43] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you walk like a victim, look like a victim, don't be surprised if Satan thinks you're a victim. If you walk, talk, and act like a victim, Satan knows where your mindset is, and he's going, take advantage of that and exploit it. But if you'll walk with some confidence, not in you, in your God. If you'll walk with some boldness, not in you, in your God. If you walk with, I don't care what the devil says, doesn't matter to me. My God is able. Can I tell you, it'll change everything. It will change everything." [24:52] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are here to declare to the works of the devil, Satan, demonic principalities and powers, you are defeated. You are no match for our God. Our God is bigger. Our God is able. Our God is, our God is strong and we are Christians and we're empowered with that same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us and you are no match for us, not because we're good, but because our God is big and he lives on the inside of us." [20:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When you know that you know that you know, it doesn't matter what you know. Did you get that? Some of you are like, uh-uh, say it again. When you know that you know that you know, it doesn't matter what you know, because you know it. Now, some of you are like, okay, I'm back. But you get what I'm saying, everybody. Listen to this last one. That you should be filled with all of God's fullness. He prays that people would understand that they are ready and full of God. Can I tell you, we need to grow in those five things." [36:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The Christian life is about recognizing and releasing God's power in your life. Come on, I haven't said that in any other service. That was brilliant. That was the Holy Spirit, not Charlie, by the way. I didn't say I was brilliant. I got issues. But anyway, recognizing and releasing God on the inside. Look at this. That his power is at work within us, is able to carry out his purpose. And to do, I love this word, super abundantly. That's a great name for a church. Not really. It doesn't flow as good. But anyway, far over and above all that we dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, and dreams." [37:52] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Does the verse say, God will do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think? False. Some of you are like, come again. That's not what it says. If you stop there, you sell it short. It doesn't say that God can do exceedingly abundantly above. It says God can do exceedingly abundantly above everything we think, do, ask, or imagine according to the power that works in us. If it isn't working, in you, then it doesn't work through you. It has to work in you first. Here's the way I look at it. No power working in us, no power working through us." [39:50] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Do you and I limit God? I pray for you that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that you might understand and comprehend to its fullness the hope of his calling, the riches of his inheritance in the saints, the exceeding greatness of his power, that you and I would all take the limits off God, and we would not limit God in any way, shape, or form, but we would recognize how powerful and awesome our God is. And we would not limit God in any way, shape, or form, but we would recognize how powerful and awesome our God is." [42:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You are blessed. Do you believe that? Come on, I believe you are, and you should claim it. You are chosen. Yes, you are. You are predestined. You are adopted. You are accepted. You are redeemed, and you are sealed. All right? And those are the things that the Apostle Paul said in chapter 1, you are. And again, we've covered more than that, but I just wanted to make sure we're declaring that over ourselves so that we don't say what we're not. We should claim what we're not. We should claim what we are." [03:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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