Experiencing the Indwelling Presence of Christ

 

Summary

In this exploration of Ephesians 3:14-21, the focus is on the profound prayer of the Apostle Paul for the believers in Ephesus. This prayer is not just for a select few but for all believers, emphasizing the potential for every Christian to experience the indwelling of Christ in their hearts by faith. This is not merely a theoretical concept but a living reality that has been experienced by countless believers throughout history, transcending theological differences and personal circumstances.

The essence of this prayer is the transformative power of Christ dwelling in our hearts, which brings about a deep, experiential knowledge of His love. This love surpasses all understanding and fills us with the fullness of God. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we truly experience Christ as our all in all, as exemplified by Charles Wesley's hymn, which speaks of Christ as the source of comfort, power, peace, and joy in every circumstance.

The key to this experience is faith, but not a passive or simplistic faith. It is an active, living faith that involves seeing, being persuaded, embracing, and acting upon the promises of God. This faith is not about self-persuasion or auto-suggestion but about a genuine encounter with the living Christ. It requires a deliberate effort to keep Christ at the center of our lives, to rid ourselves of anything incompatible with His presence, and to persevere in prayer and seeking Him.

This journey of faith is not easy or simple. It involves a struggle, a hunger, and a thirst for righteousness, as well as a willingness to act on our beliefs. It is about recognizing the incompatibility of sin and self with the presence of Christ and taking active steps to cleanse our hearts and lives. Ultimately, it is about a deep, personal relationship with Christ, where He becomes our everything, and we live in the fullness of His love and power.

Key Takeaways:

- The indwelling of Christ in our hearts is a profound reality available to all believers, not just a select few. It is a transformative experience that fills us with the fullness of God and His love, surpassing all understanding. This is the essence of true Christianity, and it is essential for attracting others to the faith. [02:49]

- Faith is not passive or simplistic; it is an active, living faith that involves seeing, being persuaded, embracing, and acting upon the promises of God. It requires a deliberate effort to keep Christ at the center of our lives and to rid ourselves of anything incompatible with His presence. [13:48]

- The journey of faith involves a struggle, a hunger, and a thirst for righteousness. It is about recognizing the incompatibility of sin and self with the presence of Christ and taking active steps to cleanse our hearts and lives. This is not a simple or easy process, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of Christ. [27:38]

- A deep, personal relationship with Christ is the goal of our faith journey. It is about knowing Him as our all in all, as the source of comfort, power, peace, and joy in every circumstance. This relationship is not about self-persuasion or auto-suggestion but about a genuine encounter with the living Christ. [35:18]

- Perseverance in prayer and seeking Christ is crucial for experiencing His indwelling presence. This involves a willingness to act on our beliefs, to cleanse our hearts and lives, and to keep Christ at the center of everything. It is a journey that requires persistence and a deep desire for Christ above all else. [44:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Ephesians 3:14-21
- [00:51] - The Love of Christ Beyond Knowledge
- [01:31] - Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts by Faith
- [02:30] - True Christianity and Its Possibilities
- [03:24] - Testimony of Charles Wesley
- [04:34] - The Intimacy of Christ's Indwelling
- [06:08] - The Reality of Christ in Our Lives
- [07:31] - The Importance of Experiencing Christ
- [09:23] - Understanding Faith and Opening the Door
- [11:53] - The Balance of God's Work and Our Effort
- [13:48] - The Active Nature of Faith
- [17:44] - The Process of Seeking and Embracing
- [22:12] - The Universality of This Experience
- [27:38] - Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
- [35:18] - Keeping Christ at the Center
- [44:04] - Perseverance in Prayer and Seeking

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 3:14-21
- Revelation 3:20
- Matthew 5:6

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the main request in Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:14-21, and who is it intended for? [01:31]

2. How does the sermon describe the nature of faith that allows Christ to dwell in our hearts? [13:48]

3. What example from the sermon illustrates the experience of Christ dwelling in one's heart, and how is it described? [04:34]

4. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between faith and the promises of God? [19:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest believers can recognize the indwelling of Christ in their hearts, and what role does faith play in this recognition? [09:23]

2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of a passive faith, and what actions are encouraged to cultivate an active faith? [13:48]

3. How does the sermon use the example of Charles Wesley to illustrate the transformative power of Christ's indwelling? [04:34]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the universality of the experience of Christ's indwelling, and how does it address potential objections to this idea? [24:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current faith journey. Are there areas where you feel you are passively waiting for Christ to work, rather than actively seeking Him? What steps can you take to cultivate a more active faith? [13:48]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of removing anything incompatible with Christ's presence. Is there a specific habit or mindset in your life that you feel is incompatible with Christ's indwelling? How can you begin to address this? [36:01]

3. Consider the idea of Christ being your "all in all," as described in the sermon. In what areas of your life do you struggle to see Christ as your source of comfort, power, peace, and joy? [06:26]

4. The sermon speaks of a hunger and thirst for righteousness. How can you cultivate a deeper desire for righteousness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to pursue this hunger and thirst? [27:38]

5. Reflect on the role of prayer in your life. How can you persevere in prayer to experience Christ's indwelling presence more fully? Are there specific times or methods of prayer that you find most effective? [44:04]

6. The sermon challenges us to act on our beliefs. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way? [32:25]

7. How can you ensure that Christ remains at the center of your life amidst the distractions and demands of daily living? What practical changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with Him? [35:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Indwelling of Christ as a Transformative Reality
The indwelling of Christ in the hearts of believers is a profound reality that transcends theological differences and personal circumstances. It is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who believe. This experience fills believers with the fullness of God and His love, which surpasses all understanding. The essence of true Christianity lies in this transformative experience, which is essential for attracting others to the faith. The Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesians highlights the potential for every Christian to experience this indwelling of Christ by faith, making it a living reality rather than a mere theoretical concept. [02:49]

Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV): "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 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: In what ways can you open your heart more fully to the indwelling presence of Christ today, allowing His transformative love to fill you completely?


Day 2: Active Faith as a Deliberate Effort
Faith is not a passive or simplistic belief but an active, living faith that involves seeing, being persuaded, embracing, and acting upon the promises of God. It requires a deliberate effort to keep Christ at the center of our lives and to rid ourselves of anything incompatible with His presence. This active faith is not about self-persuasion or auto-suggestion but about a genuine encounter with the living Christ. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize Christ above all else and to align our lives with His will. [13:48]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to demonstrate your active faith and keep Christ at the center of your life?


Day 3: The Struggle and Hunger for Righteousness
The journey of faith involves a struggle, a hunger, and a thirst for righteousness. It is about recognizing the incompatibility of sin and self with the presence of Christ and taking active steps to cleanse our hearts and lives. This process is neither simple nor easy, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of Christ. Believers are called to actively pursue righteousness, acknowledging their weaknesses and relying on God's strength to overcome them. This pursuit requires perseverance and a deep desire to live in alignment with God's will. [27:38]

Matthew 5:6 (ESV): "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel a hunger for righteousness. How can you actively pursue righteousness in this area today?


Day 4: A Deep, Personal Relationship with Christ
A deep, personal relationship with Christ is the ultimate goal of our faith journey. It is about knowing Him as our all in all, as the source of comfort, power, peace, and joy in every circumstance. This relationship is not about self-persuasion or auto-suggestion but about a genuine encounter with the living Christ. Believers are encouraged to cultivate this relationship by spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and seeking Christ's presence in their daily lives. This relationship transforms every aspect of life, providing strength and guidance in all situations. [35:18]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with Christ today, making Him your source of comfort, power, peace, and joy?


Day 5: Perseverance in Prayer and Seeking Christ
Perseverance in prayer and seeking Christ is crucial for experiencing His indwelling presence. This involves a willingness to act on our beliefs, to cleanse our hearts and lives, and to keep Christ at the center of everything. It is a journey that requires persistence and a deep desire for Christ above all else. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their pursuit of Christ, trusting that He will reveal Himself to those who diligently seek Him. This perseverance is essential for maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with Christ. [44:04]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: What steps can you take to persevere in prayer and seeking Christ, ensuring that He remains at the center of your life?

Quotes


The Apostle offers this prayer for all the members of the church at Ephesus, not for certain people only but for all, and he goes on to say that they may be able to comprehend with All Saints what is this great Love Of Christ which passes knowledge. [00:01:55]

There can be no question about this proposition that we are looking here at the greatest thing that can ever confront a human being. Here we are shown the possibilities for a Christian in this life and in this world. This is, in a sense, true Christianity. [00:02:30]

The thing that differentiates the Christian from everybody else is that he sees something, and the vital question for us at this moment is this: do we see this possibility, or do we say, "Oh, but this is some sort of mysticism, this is some sort of enthusiasm or fanaticism"? [00:21:15]

The Apostle Paul regarded it as a possibility for every one of these members of the Christian church in Ephesus, and we are given to understand that these early Christians, the majority of them were slaves, not their own masters at all, forced to work and to labor and to sweat. [00:24:24]

Faith is not something simple in that way; that is auto-suggestion, that's a kind of believism. Faith, as I want to try to show you, is something much more active than that. [00:17:26]

The first thing we have to do is to keep this matter constantly in our minds. Shall I put a simple test to you? Has this been in your mind every single day since we considered it last Sunday? [00:33:41]

If Christ is in our hearts, well then, certain other things cannot and must not be in our hearts. What are they? Well, I simply take you back again to 2 Corinthians 6 where the thing has been put for us perfectly once and forever. [00:35:52]

The first step generally in this mighty experience of Christ in the heart is that we are given a vision of the blackness of our hearts, the horror of self and of the self-seeking life which daunts us and makes us feel utterly desperate. [00:44:50]

The journey of faith involves a struggle, a hunger, and a thirst for righteousness. It is about recognizing the incompatibility of sin and self with the presence of Christ and taking active steps to cleanse our hearts and lives. [00:27:38]

The Apostle goes on to say that this therefore is something now which happens by faith. The Holy Spirit, we have prayed that he will strengthen us with his glorious power in the Inner Man. [00:13:48]

The indwelling of Christ in our hearts is a profound reality available to all believers, not just a select few. It is a transformative experience that fills us with the fullness of God and His love, surpassing all understanding. [00:02:49]

Perseverance in prayer and seeking Christ is crucial for experiencing His indwelling presence. This involves a willingness to act on our beliefs, to cleanse our hearts and lives, and to keep Christ at the center of everything. [00:44:04]

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Transcript
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