GVCC Sermon handout Ephesians 3:14-21

Garden Valley Community Church Pastor Shane Moffitt            July 29^th 2012

“Who am I before God?” series
Study of the Book of Ephesians
“How To Be Confident In Your Faith”
Ephesians 3:14-21

The heart of Paul’s prayer is that we would experience verse 20
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think"

NOTE the Spirit’s POWER (3:14)

·        Think of all WHAT? (2:10)                “we are God’s masterpiece…” & (2:20) “a holy temple for the Lord” our new identity as a dwelling place of the all powerful God provides us unlimited power 1 Corinthians 6:19
·        “fall to my knees” is NOT a posture for prayer ~ but shows an attitude of submission reverence  (Psalm 95:1-6)
·        “pray to the Father” Matthew 6:9 tender compassionate loving Father READ: Hebrews 4:16

STEP #1: Strengthened by the Spirit (3:16) 

                              
·        ONLY God can heal the inner man
·        When your inner man is fed God’s Word & seeks God’s will in all decisions ~ THEN the Spirit  strengthens your inner man
  READ: 2 Corinthians 4:16, Romans 8:9-11

STEP #2: Christ dwelling       (3:17a)

·        NOT talking salvation ~ he is talking about Christ being comfortably at HOME in your heart ~ submission

·        READ: John 14:23
 

STEP #3: God’s Love at work (3:17b-19)  

                            
·        Result of the Spirit’s work is ~ LOVE
·        LOVE is an attitude of selfless giving
·        READ: 1 John 4:9-12 & John 15:13
 

STEP #4: Complete in God (3:19b)

·        What does that mean?   It simply means we will be like Him
·        READ: 2 Corinthians 3:18
 

STEP #5: The Power of God (3:20)

·        When we are obedient to STEPS 1-4 the Power of God enables us to serve
·        READ: John 14:12-14, Acts 1:8
“Why would He want me to be powerful?" The answer is in verse 21…. God’s Glory