Message: “SERVICE – Stand Firm Against the Devil” from Zach Schlegel

Ephesians 3:14-21

Introduction

As we have been working our way through the book of Ephesians, you will remember that in Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul laid out God’s amazing plan for the church. Not only has God accomplished a vertical reconciliation between Himself and sinful people (Ephesians 2:1-10), but He has accomplished a horizontal reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles who were once hostile to each other. Christ’s death broke down the dividing wall of hostility between differing groups or tribes to create in Himself one new man – one body – one family – one church.

The need for competition, envy, rivalry, or distrust would vanish under the love of God in making us one. Jew and Gentile, man and woman, rich and poor, people from every tribe and tongue can now come together in love under the authority of God’s word, built on the foundation of God’s word, working together for a common goal. God’s goal was to make the church a display of His manifold wisdom – a foretaste of how God in Christ would unite all things to Himself – all things in heaven and in earth. A plan, that when the angels look at it, they gasp in awe.

This plan sounds wonderful, yet when we realize how hard it can be to live together like this, when we don’t act like a united, harmonious body, we can very easily grow weary. We can lose heart. It sounds amazing, but it can feel impossible. Because Paul knew that God’s plan for the church is glorious and difficult, he prays. His prayer that God’s plan for the church is that this is not just a mere idea, theory, or possibility. He prays that it will become a living reality not just for the church in Ephesus, but for our church today.

Sermon Outline

1. Pray with confidence. Vs. 14-15
2. Pray for God to strengthen us. Vs. 16-17
3. Pray that we comprehend God’s love for us. Vs. 17-19
4. Pray with hope. Vs. 20-21

Scripture References: Ephesians 3:14-21

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From Series: "Good News of the Church"

Ephesians Series Good News of the Church

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