empower

Spiritual Empowering

Ephesians 3:14-21

Today we are going to study how to become spiritually empowered. I appologize for taking so long to get this out to you, but I've been busy, and have been doing some traveling also.I have prepared two studies. One for the continuing study in Ephesians, and another on Praise and Worship. So enjoy and be blessed!

In verses 14-15 when Paul thinks about the Lord's wisdom andthe broad scope of his plan to unite Jews and Gentiles under one headship (see ch 3:10-11), he is awestruck. Paul, being a Jew, as well as a Roman citizen, understood the tension between the two groups of people. He fully understood the plan and the ultimate hesitation on the part of the Ephesians to be united with the Jews. Even though it's not stated, he also understood that the converted Jews still see Gentiles as unclean. This can be seen with Peter (Acts 10)

Today we translate all of that in our spiritual relationships with each other. As Christians we, some of us, pursue Jews to "convert" them. While we are at it, we have a tendency to be obnoxious in the pursuit. The truth is that most Jews know more about what God wants of his people than the Gentile Christians. Their problem is Jesus! The Jews that have overcome the 'Jesus Obstacle' and received the gift really do fully understand the relationship to have with him. The remaining problem is the traditions and legalistic rules they follow.

Additionally, we look at each other and the denominational factions we represent, then declare one better than the other. When we do this we cripple ourselves and make it difficult for the Spirit to use us the way he wants to.

In verses 16-19 Paul outlines his prayer for the Ephesians. We will deal with each aspect as we move through these verses. We not only need to make them our own, but need to pray that others receive it. Some of you are on the Lord's personal prayer team. He speaks to you to pray for specific people. In these verses Paul shows us how to pray. While it's important to remember specific needs people have, I haven't seen Paul pray for those. He prays for 'spiritual strength' in the people the Lord has given him. Over the years I have found that the stronger the relationship with the Lord, the less we have to ask about our physical needs. The truth is that if we are spiritually mature, we willhelp people who are in physical, emotional, and spiritual need. And, if we are in proper spiritual tune, we will know some things only the Spirit can do.

Now, let's look at verses 16-19 individually.

Verse 16: Paul reminds us of God's unlimited, and glorious resources. How often have you forgotten that the Lord's resources are limitless? Too often we confine him to our limitations! Dream Big!!! If it's what the Lord wants for you, or he chooses to grant your desires (Psalm 37:4), you will succeed!! Paul specifically asks the Lord to give great inner strength in the Soirit. This is the spiritual fortitude, or the will to "make it" when all human reason says "it can't be done!" Paul tells the Phillipians the same thing in Phil 4:13 (God gives the strength to do the job.) Remember this--in our own strength we will ultimately fail, but when the power of his strength flows through us, anything is possible!! The more we put on the mind of Christ (Ro 12:1-2) the easier it becomes. The problem is that most Christians don't allow themselves to be transformed. How sad that is!! Where do you fit in this mix?

Verse 17: Here, Paul's desire is that Christ is fully at home in the hearts of his people. In simple terms this means he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants. This takes surrender on our part. Most of us don't want to fully surrender! How about You? This is a process, so you wont see instantaneous results. Paul also desires that we be rooted and grounded in love. (That's a touoghie! Most of us dont want that either---we like holding things over people..) Love needs to be cultivated.

Verse 18: Paul also wants God's people to fully understand the depth of God's love. The words he uses demonstrate that it is greater than our minds can conceive (Romans 8:31-39.)

Verse 19: Paul's desire also includes experiencing God's love, even though we will never fully understand it. In real life all of us have experienced his love either through someone or through sovereign intervention. Ultimately we always ask "why me? What did I do to deserve this?" The answer is nothing! Those of you who have children know that sometimes we do things for them 'just because.'

In verses 20-21 Paul pronounces a benediction. He reminds us that by the power of God, through his spirit, which is always working within us, accomplishes more than we can ask, hope, or dream of. Therefore we are obligated to give him glory at all times.

Be Outrageously Blessed!

Pastor Earl

E-mail: Soaring Eagle Ministries

Be Outrageously Blessed!

Pastor Earl

Last updated February 20, 2004



	*Spiritual Empowering* Ephesians 3:14-21 Today we are going to study how to become spiritually empowered. I appologize for taking so long to get this out to you, but I've been busy, and have been doing some traveling also.I have prepared two studies. One for the continuing study in Ephesians, and another on Praise and Worship. So enjoy and be blessed! In verses 14-15 when Paul thinks about the Lord's wisdom andthe broad scope of his plan to unite Jews and Gentiles under one headship (see ch 3:10-11), he is awestruck. Paul, being a Jew, as well as a Roman citizen, understood the tension between the two groups of people. He fully understood the plan and the ultimate hesitation on the part of the Ephesians to be united with the Jews. Even though it's not stated, he also understood that the converted Jews still see Gentiles as unclean. This can be seen with Peter (Acts 10) Today we translate all of that in our spiritual relationships with each other. As Christians we, some of us, pursue Jews to "convert" them. While we are at it, we have a tendency to be obnoxious in the pursuit. The truth is that most Jews know more about what God wants of his people than the Gentile Christians. Their problem is Jesus! The Jews that have overcome the 'Jesus Obstacle' and received the gift really do fully understand the relationship to have with him. The remaining problem is the traditions and legalistic rules they follow. Additionally, we look at each other and the denominational factions we represent, then declare one better than the other. When we do this we cripple ourselves and make it difficult for the Spirit to use us the way he wants to. In verses 16-19 Paul outlines his prayer for the Ephesians. We will deal with each aspect as we move through these verses. We not only need to make them our own, but need to pray that others receive it. Some of you are on the Lord's personal prayer team. He speaks to you to pray for specific people. In these verses Paul shows us how to pray. While it's important to remember specific needs people have, I haven't seen Paul pray for those. He prays for 'spiritual strength' in the people the Lord has given him. Over the years I have found that the stronger the relationship with the Lord, the less we have to ask about our physical needs. The truth is that if we are spiritually mature, we willhelp people who are in physical, emotional, and spiritual need. And, if we are in proper spiritual tune, we will know some things only the Spirit can do. Now, let's look at verses 16-19 individually. Verse 16: Paul reminds us of God's unlimited, and glorious resources. How often have you forgotten that the Lord's resources are limitless? Too often we confine him to our limitations! Dream Big!!! If it's what the Lord wants for you, or he chooses to grant your desires (Psalm 37:4), you will succeed!! Paul specifically asks the Lord to give great inner strength in the Soirit. This is the spiritual fortitude, or the will to "make it" when all human reason says "it can't be done!" Paul tells the Phillipians the same thing in Phil 4:13 (God gives the strength to do the job.) Remember this--in our own strength we will ultimately fail, but when the power of his strength flows through us, anything is possible!! The more we put on the mind of Christ (Ro 12:1-2) the easier it becomes. The problem is that most Christians don't allow themselves to be transformed. How sad that is!! Where do you fit in this mix? Verse 17: Here, Paul's desire is that Christ is fully at home in the hearts of his people. In simple terms this means he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants. This takes surrender on our part. Most of us don't want to fully surrender! How about You? This is a process, so you wont see instantaneous results. Paul also desires that we be rooted and grounded in love. (That's a touoghie! Most of us dont want that either---we like holding things over people..) Love needs to be cultivated. Verse 18: Paul also wants God's people to fully understand the depth of God's love. The words he uses demonstrate that it is greater than our minds can conceive (Romans 8:31-39.) Verse 19: Paul's desire also includes experiencing God's love, even though we will never fully understand it. In real life all of us have experienced his love either through someone or through sovereign intervention. Ultimately we always ask "why me? What did I do to deserve this?" The answer is nothing! Those of you who have children know that sometimes we do things for them 'just because.' In verses 20-21 Paul pronounces a benediction. He reminds us that by the power of God, through his spirit, which is always working within us, accomplishes more than we can ask, hope, or dream of. Therefore we are obligated to give him glory at all times. Be Outrageously Blessed! Pastor Earl *E-mail:* Soaring Eagle Ministries Be Outrageously Blessed! Pastor Earl Last updated February 20, 2004