SERIES: GOD HAS A PLAN-AND WE'RE PART OF IT (3 OF 6)
Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-21
This content is part of a series.
NOTE: This sermon is part 5 and 6 of a 12 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.
PREVIEWS:
Part 5: God's Plan for the Church
Series: God Has A Plan-And We're Part Of It
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 3:1-13
Paul was a prisoner of the Emperor Nero, but he said he was "a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of (the) Gentiles," because he had introduced them to God's eternal plan for the church. It was worthwhile as far as he was con¬cerned. In this passage he explains why.
I. God Had Graciously Revealed to Paul a Mystery. vv. 2 6
A. The recognition of the place of "mystery." See Deuteronomy 29:29
1. There are things that only God can know.
2. There are things we can know only if God reveals them.
B. The revelation of an eternal mystery.
1. Hidden from generations.
2. Centered in Christ, revealed by the Spirit, declared in Gospel.
3. Revealed to:
a. Prophets (partially). e.g. Isaiah 2:2 4; 49:6
b. Apostles (fully). e.g. Peter, Acts 10-11
c. Paul (personally). Galatians 1:11 24
4. Concerning the establishment of a multi cultural community in Christ.
a. Jews and Gentiles: "heirs together."
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Part 6: God's Plan for Spiritual Growth
Series: God Has A Plan-And We're Part Of It
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 3:14-21
Having explained what God was doing in his life and wanted to do in the Ephesians' lives, Paul turned to prayer. His concern was that they would dis¬cover and experience all that God had in mind for their spiritual growth and development. We need similar concerns today.
I. The Basis of Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth. vv. 14 16a
A. His prayer is based on what God has revealed-"for this reason."
B. His prayer is intense and sincere-"I bow my knees."
C. His prayer is carefully focused-"to the Father."
1. The Father of "the whole family in heaven and earth."
2. The Father from whom all fatherhood is derived.
D. His prayer is bold and expansive-"out of His glorious riches."
II. The Burden of Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth. vv. 16b 19
A. Spiritual growth involves "power." vv. 16b 17a
1. The reality of the Holy Spirit's presence in the believer.
2. The recognition of Christ's indwelling through the Spirit.
3. The acknowledgement of Christ's right to "be at home, in charge."
4. The principle of appropriating His power by faith.
PREVIEWS:
Part 5: God's Plan for the Church
Series: God Has A Plan-And We're Part Of It
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 3:1-13
Paul was a prisoner of the Emperor Nero, but he said he was "a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of (the) Gentiles," because he had introduced them to God's eternal plan for the church. It was worthwhile as far as he was con¬cerned. In this passage he explains why.
I. God Had Graciously Revealed to Paul a Mystery. vv. 2 6
A. The recognition of the place of "mystery." See Deuteronomy 29:29
1. There are things that only God can know.
2. There are things we can know only if God reveals them.
B. The revelation of an eternal mystery.
1. Hidden from generations.
2. Centered in Christ, revealed by the Spirit, declared in Gospel.
3. Revealed to:
a. Prophets (partially). e.g. Isaiah 2:2 4; 49:6
b. Apostles (fully). e.g. Peter, Acts 10-11
c. Paul (personally). Galatians 1:11 24
4. Concerning the establishment of a multi cultural community in Christ.
a. Jews and Gentiles: "heirs together."
--------------------
Part 6: God's Plan for Spiritual Growth
Series: God Has A Plan-And We're Part Of It
Stuart Briscoe
Ephesians 3:14-21
Having explained what God was doing in his life and wanted to do in the Ephesians' lives, Paul turned to prayer. His concern was that they would dis¬cover and experience all that God had in mind for their spiritual growth and development. We need similar concerns today.
I. The Basis of Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth. vv. 14 16a
A. His prayer is based on what God has revealed-"for this reason."
B. His prayer is intense and sincere-"I bow my knees."
C. His prayer is carefully focused-"to the Father."
1. The Father of "the whole family in heaven and earth."
2. The Father from whom all fatherhood is derived.
D. His prayer is bold and expansive-"out of His glorious riches."
II. The Burden of Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth. vv. 16b 19
A. Spiritual growth involves "power." vv. 16b 17a
1. The reality of the Holy Spirit's presence in the believer.
2. The recognition of Christ's indwelling through the Spirit.
3. The acknowledgement of Christ's right to "be at home, in charge."
4. The principle of appropriating His power by faith.
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