WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.620 How do we pray? 00:00:03.879 --> 00:00:11.720 In chapter 1 of Ephesians, Paul has already told the church there in Ephesus that he prays for them. 00:00:13.099 --> 00:00:19.940 ! He says, I pray that you might realise really where you're going and what's happened to you. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:22.780 If you want to summarise Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1. 00:00:23.480 --> 00:00:29.420 But here in Ephesians chapter 3, he tells them more of what he's prayed for. 00:00:29.420 --> 00:00:31.720 Verses 14 to 21 of chapter 3. 00:00:31.860 --> 00:00:34.420 It is noble and it is elevated. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:39.179 It is sublime, the truths that are contained here. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:46.439 It's a passage which is, in many ways, indescribable in its grandeur. 00:00:47.219 --> 00:00:50.359 It divides really simply into three parts. 00:00:51.260 --> 00:00:57.900 There's verses 14 and 15, and then 16 to 19, and then 20 and 21. 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:02.260 So, and the first part is in verses 14 to 15. 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:06.019 And that tells us about Paul's approach in prayer. 00:01:06.120 --> 00:01:08.200 How do we approach God in prayer? 00:01:09.420 --> 00:01:10.280 Paul's approach in prayer. 00:01:10.519 --> 00:01:11.560 And he starts like this. 00:01:12.340 --> 00:01:18.280 He says, for this reason, I bow my knees before the Father. 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:21.920 It's a surprising verse in many ways. 00:01:21.920 --> 00:01:24.820 Paul intended to write this paragraph. 00:01:25.120 --> 00:01:27.200 I'm just after verse 1. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:29.180 You see there's a little light at the end of verse 1. 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:31.879 It's as if he got carried away. 00:01:32.579 --> 00:01:35.480 And his mind got triggered by another train of thought. 00:01:35.480 --> 00:01:37.980 So, he started off in verse 1. 00:01:38.040 --> 00:01:42.079 For this reason, I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles. 00:01:42.500 --> 00:01:43.800 And then he goes off. 00:01:44.600 --> 00:01:46.340 And he tells us what caused Paul to pray. 00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:48.719 Well, what caused Paul to pray like this is chapter 2. 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:51.760 Chapter 2 of Ephesians, the very famous chapter. 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:58.640 And he says that in God's sight, there is no longer Jews and Gentiles. 00:01:58.900 --> 00:02:03.760 There's no longer his people, the Jews, and then the rest of the world. 00:02:04.660 --> 00:02:09.520 There's no longer Jews who believe and non-Jews who believe. 00:02:09.800 --> 00:02:11.140 They are one people. 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:13.140 They're one nation. 00:02:13.860 --> 00:02:15.379 And they're one building. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:17.819 And it's a great mystery. 00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:22.859 That now the message of Jesus Christ is for all nations. 00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:23.979 That's what's been revealed. 00:02:24.099 --> 00:02:25.299 And for all peoples. 00:02:26.419 --> 00:02:31.159 And whether you're from Japan or Ireland or America. 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:38.599 You are just as much a member of God's people as if you're from Israel. 00:02:38.740 --> 00:02:40.639 And you can trace the English back to Abraham. 00:02:42.400 --> 00:02:43.859 That is the great mystery. 00:02:44.740 --> 00:02:47.579 There is only one body of Christians. 00:02:48.579 --> 00:02:50.900 There's no division amongst Christians anymore. 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:53.819 There's not first class Christians and second class Christians. 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:56.799 And when Paul thinks about that. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:03:00.620 And he sees that fleshed out in the church in Ephesus. 00:03:01.079 --> 00:03:03.400 He sees Jews believing in Ephesus. 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:06.180 And he sees Gentiles believing in Ephesus. 00:03:06.539 --> 00:03:09.319 He sees slaves believing in Ephesus. 00:03:09.659 --> 00:03:12.120 And cultured masters living in Ephesus. 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:14.620 He sees people from wealthy backgrounds. 00:03:14.980 --> 00:03:16.319 And from poor backgrounds. 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:17.960 All coming together. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:19.840 In one church. 00:03:20.280 --> 00:03:21.560 And it moves him to pray. 00:03:21.800 --> 00:03:22.740 Verse 14. 00:03:23.900 --> 00:03:28.560 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:32.099 So look at verse 14. 00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:33.340 It's surprising isn't it? 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:36.080 Why is it surprising? 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:38.659 Do you see verse 14? 00:03:39.759 --> 00:03:40.379 Isn't it shocking? 00:03:40.379 --> 00:03:44.900 I was with my father this week. 00:03:45.379 --> 00:03:46.919 My dad for four days. 00:03:48.299 --> 00:03:49.280 I greeted him. 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:50.299 I gave him a hug. 00:03:50.960 --> 00:03:52.039 Gave him a kiss on the cheek. 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:54.639 Grabbed my arm. 00:03:54.639 --> 00:03:57.679 I didn't bow before him. 00:03:58.319 --> 00:03:59.839 Most of you have been with your father this week. 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.879 Did you bow before your father when you met him? 00:04:02.500 --> 00:04:04.119 Children is that what you did on Christmas day? 00:04:04.699 --> 00:04:06.500 I'm so thankful for the presents. 00:04:06.979 --> 00:04:08.119 You didn't do that did you? 00:04:09.279 --> 00:04:10.259 But can you see it? 00:04:10.319 --> 00:04:12.539 There's two aspects there aren't there? 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:15.479 Do you see what Paul remembers in verse 14? 00:04:16.099 --> 00:04:18.120 He remembered that God is father. 00:04:19.699 --> 00:04:22.620 He approached God as father. 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:24.540 But also asked who do you bow before? 00:04:24.639 --> 00:04:25.660 You bow before the king. 00:04:27.780 --> 00:04:31.600 And when he approached God he remembered he was the great God. 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:34.879 Of whom he's already spoken of in this chapter. 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:37.459 So he bows his knee like a subject. 00:04:38.280 --> 00:04:41.860 Or a suppliant would bow there before the majestic king. 00:04:42.240 --> 00:04:43.939 And kneels before the throne. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:45.139 And pays homage. 00:04:47.280 --> 00:04:49.459 And he prostrates in utter abasement. 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:50.980 But when he comes to God. 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:51.459 He bows. 00:04:51.459 --> 00:04:52.099 He bows. 00:04:52.199 --> 00:04:54.180 But he bows to him as father. 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:55.239 Look at verse 14. 00:04:55.399 --> 00:04:56.079 For this reason. 00:04:56.459 --> 00:04:58.060 I bow my knees before the father. 00:04:58.180 --> 00:05:00.439 From whom every family in heaven and earth is named. 00:05:00.799 --> 00:05:02.359 He sees God as his father. 00:05:04.019 --> 00:05:08.560 God has one eternally begotten son. 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:13.279 He is the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:13.279 --> 00:05:17.819 But you also learn in chapter 1 of Ephesians. 00:05:17.819 --> 00:05:20.359 That God has an immense amount of adopted sons. 00:05:22.159 --> 00:05:25.079 And each one of his sons takes his name. 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:27.399 And his name is named upon them all. 00:05:27.879 --> 00:05:30.099 Some of those adopted sons have died. 00:05:30.219 --> 00:05:31.159 And they are now in heaven. 00:05:31.419 --> 00:05:33.779 Some of them are still alive and here on earth. 00:05:35.099 --> 00:05:36.939 And look at verses 14 to 15 again. 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:38.980 For this reason I bow my knees before the father. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.240 From whom every family in heaven and earth is named. 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:43.100 There is a note of adoption. 00:05:45.899 --> 00:05:47.199 Christians generally speaking. 00:05:47.319 --> 00:05:48.519 It is a really broad brush. 00:05:48.620 --> 00:05:50.699 But they fall into one of two extremes. 00:05:51.519 --> 00:05:53.720 There are those who see the greatness of God. 00:05:53.720 --> 00:05:54.720 And his majesty. 00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:59.659 And they can only think of God in terms of distance. 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:02.520 You have heard people pray like that. 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:02.939 I am sure. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:05.760 And God seems so great. 00:06:05.939 --> 00:06:06.840 And so majestic. 00:06:07.060 --> 00:06:08.300 And so distant. 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:08.980 That you wonder. 00:06:09.100 --> 00:06:10.700 How could he have anything to do with me? 00:06:12.760 --> 00:06:13.880 And then there are those. 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:15.160 Who fall into the other trap. 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:17.440 Of only remembering that God is father. 00:06:19.379 --> 00:06:20.820 And they speak to God. 00:06:20.900 --> 00:06:22.400 With a kind of. 00:06:23.400 --> 00:06:24.080 Sickening love. 00:06:24.200 --> 00:06:24.920 If I can put it like that. 00:06:25.520 --> 00:06:27.080 As if he was some sort of. 00:06:27.440 --> 00:06:28.560 Best pal. 00:06:30.660 --> 00:06:32.340 And yes there is intimacy there. 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:33.840 But there is no sense of the. 00:06:34.580 --> 00:06:36.000 Godness of God. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:40.020 He is just some form of invisible playmate. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.000 Well that is the way it comes across. 00:06:43.580 --> 00:06:46.480 But Paul doesn't fall into either of those extremes. 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:48.180 He remembers that God is God. 00:06:48.280 --> 00:06:50.160 To whom every knee should bow. 00:06:50.640 --> 00:06:52.160 And that God is father. 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:55.980 And is that exactly in line. 00:06:56.100 --> 00:06:57.220 With Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:57.340 --> 00:06:58.600 Who taught us to pray. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:01.100 Our father who is in heaven. 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:03.560 He is a king. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:05.340 And a father. 00:07:06.840 --> 00:07:08.020 He is a king. 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:09.600 But the one who is a king. 00:07:10.420 --> 00:07:11.600 Is also a father. 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:13.860 God is king. 00:07:13.980 --> 00:07:15.540 And you forget that at your peril. 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:18.360 And if we don't bow our knees. 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:19.660 In homage and reverence. 00:07:19.780 --> 00:07:21.500 Our prayer life is defective. 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:24.019 But the one who is king. 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:24.800 Is father. 00:07:25.959 --> 00:07:28.480 And that's what makes us prince and princesses. 00:07:28.519 --> 00:07:29.019 This morning. 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:30.500 We can approach the king. 00:07:30.620 --> 00:07:32.259 As princes approach the king. 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:35.379 And Paul marries those two things together. 00:07:35.379 --> 00:07:37.360 And his prayer is prayed in that spirit. 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:40.180 And our prayer should be prayed in that spirit too. 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:41.839 Look at verses 16 to 19. 00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:43.480 And we see what Paul prayed. 00:07:43.819 --> 00:07:45.060 We see how Paul prayed. 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:46.240 Verses 14 to 15. 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:47.480 16 to 19. 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:48.920 We see what Paul prayed. 00:07:52.439 --> 00:07:53.300 Before I name you. 00:07:53.360 --> 00:07:54.379 I want you to notice. 00:07:54.600 --> 00:07:54.939 That God. 00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.780 That Paul still regards God. 00:07:56.900 --> 00:07:57.939 As both father and king. 00:07:58.040 --> 00:07:59.480 So can you see that in verse 16. 00:07:59.840 --> 00:08:01.780 He speaks about the riches of his glory. 00:08:03.220 --> 00:08:05.439 He's going to make large requests. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:06.740 From God. 00:08:07.060 --> 00:08:08.420 That God is majestic. 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:09.640 And glorious. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:11.220 And infinitely rich. 00:08:12.259 --> 00:08:13.800 And that is why he can give the request. 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:15.319 He has a sense of the kingship. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:17.800 And at the end of verse 19. 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:18.259 He says. 00:08:18.379 --> 00:08:19.480 And to know the love of Christ. 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:20.519 That surpasses knowledge. 00:08:20.659 --> 00:08:23.159 That you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:25.879 So let's just imagine. 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:26.899 You are invited out to dinner. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:28.980 By a very very rich man. 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:33.299 And you know that he has immense wealth. 00:08:35.620 --> 00:08:36.419 Enormously wealthy. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:38.159 Lavishly wealthy. 00:08:39.539 --> 00:08:40.819 You wouldn't choose. 00:08:40.939 --> 00:08:41.220 Would you. 00:08:41.340 --> 00:08:42.059 As in chips. 00:08:43.379 --> 00:08:44.659 That's 3.75. 00:08:44.659 --> 00:08:45.059 5. 00:08:45.799 --> 00:08:46.659 You wouldn't would you. 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:48.719 Because you would know. 00:08:48.860 --> 00:08:49.480 That his wallet. 00:08:49.679 --> 00:08:51.699 Can stretch to much much more than that. 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:54.299 You wouldn't mind running up a bill. 00:08:54.339 --> 00:08:55.759 Of 70 or 80 pounds. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.319 As long as you're not fitting the bill. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:58.100 Because his wallet. 00:08:58.299 --> 00:08:59.240 Will stretch to that. 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:01.879 Let me give you an explanation of that. 00:09:02.100 --> 00:09:02.620 There's a minister. 00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:03.719 That was a minister in Richmond. 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:04.740 And he took me out for dinner. 00:09:04.819 --> 00:09:05.559 Before he left. 00:09:06.980 --> 00:09:09.259 And we went to the Ealing Park Tavern. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:11.179 And I went for. 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:11.939 I can't remember what I had. 00:09:11.939 --> 00:09:12.879 I had a burger or something. 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:14.340 Anyway he moved to Philadelphia. 00:09:14.539 --> 00:09:16.379 Where he's now the minister of a church of 4,000. 00:09:17.139 --> 00:09:18.679 And he came back the following year. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:20.740 And we went to the same mascot. 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:22.360 And I said. 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:23.000 Who's paying? 00:09:23.600 --> 00:09:24.320 And he said. 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:25.580 It's on the church card. 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:28.299 So we knocked ourselves out. 00:09:28.559 --> 00:09:29.899 On the church card. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:31.559 Because I knew that. 00:09:31.980 --> 00:09:32.919 His wealth was paid. 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:35.620 Imagine you go to university. 00:09:35.820 --> 00:09:36.460 You're a student. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:39.100 And you're struggling for bills. 00:09:40.139 --> 00:09:42.420 But you've got a billionaire father. 00:09:44.100 --> 00:09:46.500 And you ask your father for help. 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:49.480 And your father sends you five pounds a year. 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:50.980 Five pounds a month. 00:09:52.400 --> 00:09:53.340 He is paying. 00:09:53.460 --> 00:09:53.820 Isn't he? 00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:56.480 Given from his riches. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:58.300 But do you see what it says? 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.660 It says that he has given. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:03.439 According to his riches. 00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:05.059 Can you see that? 00:10:06.100 --> 00:10:07.259 And so if he gives. 00:10:08.259 --> 00:10:09.980 Five pounds a month. 00:10:10.519 --> 00:10:13.159 Your billionaire father is giving you. 00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:14.480 Out of his riches. 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:16.379 But if he's giving. 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:17.839 According to his riches. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:18.959 He will give. 00:10:19.299 --> 00:10:20.439 Far, far more. 00:10:20.539 --> 00:10:20.899 Won't he? 00:10:22.199 --> 00:10:24.100 There is no limit to his giving. 00:10:25.299 --> 00:10:25.980 And can you see that? 00:10:26.039 --> 00:10:26.879 It's the same with God. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:27.080 God. 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:29.360 Because God. 00:10:29.659 --> 00:10:30.700 By his definition. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:31.980 Is limitless. 00:10:34.059 --> 00:10:34.759 And therefore. 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:35.919 The request that I'm making. 00:10:36.059 --> 00:10:37.240 Is that you may experience. 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:38.279 Can you see what he says? 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:39.600 That you may experience. 00:10:39.600 --> 00:10:40.279 Certain things. 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:42.379 Unto the fullness of God. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:43.919 I'm asking that you might be. 00:10:43.960 --> 00:10:44.320 Filled. 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:45.159 And filled. 00:10:45.340 --> 00:10:46.139 And filled. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:47.600 Up to the limit. 00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:49.019 Of God's ability to give. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:50.539 But there is no limit. 00:10:50.820 --> 00:10:52.360 On God's ability to give. 00:10:53.580 --> 00:10:55.059 So I'm asking that you may be. 00:10:55.179 --> 00:10:55.340 Filled. 00:10:55.500 --> 00:10:55.879 And filled. 00:10:56.059 --> 00:10:56.480 And filled. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:57.600 Up to the fullness of God. 00:10:57.840 --> 00:10:58.759 There's kingly language. 00:10:59.039 --> 00:10:59.680 He is aware. 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:00.659 That God is a king. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:01.779 But he makes the request. 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:02.159 Nonetheless. 00:11:02.820 --> 00:11:03.800 And he expects. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:04.539 To be heard. 00:11:06.039 --> 00:11:07.200 And he expects. 00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:08.180 That the slaves. 00:11:08.300 --> 00:11:08.920 And the masters. 00:11:08.920 --> 00:11:10.759 And all the Ephesian church. 00:11:11.259 --> 00:11:12.399 Will receive what he prays for. 00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:13.440 Now why should God. 00:11:13.500 --> 00:11:14.460 Bother with slaves? 00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:16.460 Why should God. 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:17.700 Bother with the despised. 00:11:17.840 --> 00:11:18.159 In Ephesus. 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:19.120 Why should God. 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.320 Bother to listen to the Ephesians? 00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.039 Why should God. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:22.560 Bother to listen to your prayers? 00:11:23.639 --> 00:11:24.440 Simply because. 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.100 He is father. 00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:25.180 Father. 00:11:26.379 --> 00:11:28.480 So even in his petitions. 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:30.620 He can confidently address. 00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:32.279 God as king. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:34.500 And boldly address him as father. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:36.519 Now Paul asks for three things. 00:11:37.320 --> 00:11:39.139 And each one should begin with the word that. 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:40.200 Look at verse 16. 00:11:40.300 --> 00:11:41.740 The first thing he asks for is. 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:43.700 That according to the riches of his glory. 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:46.340 He may grant you to be strengthened with power. 00:11:46.540 --> 00:11:47.240 Through his spirit. 00:11:47.379 --> 00:11:48.259 In your inner being. 00:11:48.259 --> 00:11:50.759 Number two is verse 17. 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:54.000 That you being rooted. 00:11:54.340 --> 00:11:55.179 And grounded. 00:11:55.439 --> 00:11:57.519 So that Christ may dwell in your heart. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:58.179 Through faith. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:02.519 And then verse 17. 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:04.600 Again in the second half of the verse. 00:12:04.819 --> 00:12:05.139 That. 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.580 You may be rooted. 00:12:06.899 --> 00:12:08.139 And grounded in love. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:09.960 And you may have strength. 00:12:10.039 --> 00:12:11.259 To comprehend with all the saints. 00:12:11.319 --> 00:12:11.899 What is the breadth. 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:12.319 And length. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:12.700 And height. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.139 And depth. 00:12:13.439 --> 00:12:14.539 And to know the love of Christ. 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:15.519 That surpasses knowledge. 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:16.439 That you may be filled. 00:12:16.440 --> 00:12:18.040 With all the fullness of God. 00:12:19.800 --> 00:12:21.500 Now let's just look closely at those verses. 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:22.480 Can you see. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:25.120 Paul is praying something for their will. 00:12:26.680 --> 00:12:28.600 He is praying something for their will. 00:12:30.380 --> 00:12:33.500 And he is praying something for their heart. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:37.480 And he is praying something for their mind. 00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:40.080 Can you just see that. 00:12:41.300 --> 00:12:42.380 So verse 16. 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:43.220 At the end of verse 16. 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:44.460 It is their inner being. 00:12:45.420 --> 00:12:46.080 Their will. 00:12:46.080 --> 00:12:47.400 Verse 17. 00:12:47.920 --> 00:12:49.759 May dwell in your hearts. 00:12:50.680 --> 00:12:51.620 And verse 18. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:52.740 That you might have strength. 00:12:52.800 --> 00:12:54.580 To comprehend your mind. 00:12:57.520 --> 00:12:59.340 And you will see that in his prayer. 00:12:59.520 --> 00:13:01.420 He speaks about the Father. 00:13:02.540 --> 00:13:04.480 And he speaks about the Son. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:07.780 And he speaks about the Holy Spirit. 00:13:08.800 --> 00:13:09.879 See those three things. 00:13:10.140 --> 00:13:11.540 See those three persons. 00:13:12.400 --> 00:13:13.060 The Father. 00:13:13.240 --> 00:13:13.580 The Son. 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:14.160 And the Holy Spirit. 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:15.339 The heart. 00:13:15.339 --> 00:13:16.079 And the mind. 00:13:16.079 --> 00:13:16.740 And the will. 00:13:17.839 --> 00:13:19.019 So he is asking. 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.399 Isn't he. 00:13:19.519 --> 00:13:21.480 That the whole of the Godhead. 00:13:22.379 --> 00:13:24.019 Will do something for the whole of man. 00:13:25.459 --> 00:13:26.519 And that's what his prayer is. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:29.079 He is praying that something internal will happen. 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:30.860 He is not praying for externals. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:33.440 The gospel is not about that. 00:13:33.680 --> 00:13:35.159 He is praying that something will happen. 00:13:35.779 --> 00:13:36.800 Inside of the Ephesians. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:38.300 Now look at verse 16. 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.620 At the first request. 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:40.779 This one has got to do with the will. 00:13:41.100 --> 00:13:42.500 That according to the riches of his glory. 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:43.960 He may grant you to be strengthened. 00:13:44.139 --> 00:13:45.279 With power through his spirit. 00:13:45.460 --> 00:13:46.500 In your inner being. 00:13:47.940 --> 00:13:49.639 Now you can quickly see what Paul is getting at. 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:52.200 Let's put it like this. 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:53.379 There is a girl in the church. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:54.759 Who has become a Christian. 00:13:54.759 --> 00:13:58.100 And she is obviously a Christian. 00:13:58.200 --> 00:14:00.059 She has come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:00.159 --> 00:14:01.159 And it has changed her life. 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.379 And she is growing. 00:14:04.080 --> 00:14:05.240 As a Christian. 00:14:06.319 --> 00:14:08.419 But on Tuesday she will go back to work. 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:10.659 And in work. 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:12.179 She is the only Christian. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:15.080 And she is separated from her friends who are Christians. 00:14:15.439 --> 00:14:16.980 She can't really read the Bible. 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:18.480 It is really pressured. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:20.820 And in work. 00:14:20.940 --> 00:14:22.980 There is a guy in work. 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:24.539 Who is really good looking. 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:26.320 He is a charming guy. 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:28.740 And he presses her. 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:29.899 To go out with him. 00:14:31.039 --> 00:14:32.300 And he presses her. 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:34.159 And he presses her. 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.639 He pursues her. 00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:38.019 And she knows that for a Christian. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:40.420 For somebody who is in Christ. 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:42.820 To go out with somebody who is not a Christian. 00:14:42.940 --> 00:14:44.480 For somebody who is outside of Christ. 00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:45.680 It is wrong. 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:47.779 And it is an offence against God. 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:48.819 It is unthinkable. 00:14:49.799 --> 00:14:52.480 And she knows that she should never go out with this fellow. 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.100 But he is so charming. 00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:55.220 And so witty. 00:14:56.500 --> 00:14:57.600 And he is a really nice guy. 00:14:57.639 --> 00:14:59.299 Nice to the lot of the guys in church. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.740 That eventually she says yes. 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:02.019 Why does she say yes? 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:07.019 Because she is not spiritually strong. 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:10.480 And she needs to be strengthened. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:12.120 In her inner being. 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:17.139 She is not sufficiently spiritually strong. 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:18.279 And she wants to keep saying no. 00:15:21.559 --> 00:15:22.340 There is a guy. 00:15:22.580 --> 00:15:24.860 Who is a really good guy. 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:26.419 He loves his Christian friends. 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.960 But at work. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:29.439 He is alone again. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:30.740 He is only Christian in his office. 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:33.819 He is a luncheon. 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.299 He goes out with his mates at luncheon. 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:36.600 He gets on really really well. 00:15:36.759 --> 00:15:38.639 And he goes out to the work office party. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:42.939 And all the other guys are drinking like he is going out of fashion. 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:49.520 And they are putting huge pressure on him to keep drinking. 00:15:49.640 --> 00:15:51.080 He stops after two pints. 00:15:52.560 --> 00:15:54.660 But the pressure goes on. 00:15:55.040 --> 00:15:55.860 And on. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:56.580 And on. 00:15:56.960 --> 00:15:57.920 And he is a third. 00:15:58.040 --> 00:15:58.700 And a fourth. 00:16:00.040 --> 00:16:01.940 And suddenly he finds himself. 00:16:02.380 --> 00:16:03.380 Out of control. 00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:05.040 Breaks up for himself. 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:06.179 Why did that happen? 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.279 Because. 00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:11.379 He was spiritually weak. 00:16:12.579 --> 00:16:15.279 And he needed to be strengthened in his inner being. 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:16.899 Think of children. 00:16:17.219 --> 00:16:18.459 Are you going to school this week? 00:16:18.839 --> 00:16:19.879 You are back in school. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:22.019 And you are in the playground. 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:26.019 And your friends start to do things that you know is wrong. 00:16:26.199 --> 00:16:27.740 And you know it is wrong. 00:16:27.839 --> 00:16:30.179 But they are desperate to get you involved. 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:31.299 And they are desperate to. 00:16:32.839 --> 00:16:34.099 For you to do it as well. 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:36.239 And you stand against it. 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:38.319 But in the end you give in. 00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:38.679 Why? 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:41.439 Well the answer is. 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:43.279 Because we are spiritually weak. 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:45.819 And we need to be strengthened in our inner being. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.439 And yet. 00:16:49.599 --> 00:16:50.039 We know. 00:16:50.099 --> 00:16:50.359 Don't we. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.839 That there are people that are like that. 00:16:53.479 --> 00:16:54.759 And so you think of a Christian woman. 00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:56.059 Who has got a strength about her. 00:16:57.339 --> 00:16:58.039 A Christian guy. 00:16:58.099 --> 00:16:59.240 Who has got a certain resolve. 00:16:59.359 --> 00:17:00.059 A determination. 00:17:00.179 --> 00:17:00.859 They are gracious. 00:17:01.919 --> 00:17:03.099 But they are principled. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.879 You meet Christians. 00:17:06.159 --> 00:17:07.399 That you just can't budge. 00:17:11.339 --> 00:17:12.559 They weren't like that. 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:14.519 When they were non-Christians. 00:17:15.659 --> 00:17:16.679 And it is a work. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.539 A real work. 00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.500 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:19.700 Which has made them firm. 00:17:19.879 --> 00:17:20.399 And resolved. 00:17:20.619 --> 00:17:21.099 And gracious. 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:22.319 And unmovable. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.720 And Paul is praying for that. 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:28.639 And don't you need that? 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:32.100 That you might be strengthened with power. 00:17:32.300 --> 00:17:32.980 Through his spirit. 00:17:33.140 --> 00:17:34.480 In your inner being. 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:38.800 Do you pray for each other like that? 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:43.740 How are Christians made strong? 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:46.500 It's by the church's prayers. 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.919 Now look at verse 17. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.980 The first half of the prayers. 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:52.000 Not only to do with the will. 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:52.879 But to do with the heart. 00:17:53.879 --> 00:17:54.940 And here's the second petition. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:56.919 That Christ may dwell in your hearts. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:57.539 Through faith. 00:17:57.539 --> 00:18:01.980 That means that Christ may be at home in your hearts. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:04.460 What is Paul getting at? 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.700 He's speaking to Christians. 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:09.299 That Christ may be at home in your heart. 00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:11.559 And to find that. 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:12.000 To find. 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.680 To find that out. 00:18:13.839 --> 00:18:15.619 Turn with me to John chapter 14. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:17.879 John chapter 14. 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:19.639 Let me read to you from verse 15. 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:22.119 Where Jesus says in John 14 verse 15. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:23.219 If you love me. 00:18:23.539 --> 00:18:25.500 You will keep my commands. 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:27.519 And I will ask the Father. 00:18:27.599 --> 00:18:28.599 And he will give you another helper. 00:18:28.679 --> 00:18:30.359 To be with you forever. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:32.819 Or abide in you. 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:33.739 Forever. 00:18:34.379 --> 00:18:35.319 Even the spirit of truth. 00:18:35.359 --> 00:18:36.259 And the world cannot receive. 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:37.899 Because it neither sees him nor knows him. 00:18:38.159 --> 00:18:38.839 You know him. 00:18:38.879 --> 00:18:40.799 For he dwells with you. 00:18:41.019 --> 00:18:42.699 And will be in you. 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:46.500 I will not leave you as orphans. 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:48.220 I will come to you yet. 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.059 Little while. 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:50.360 And the world will see me no more. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.140 But you will see me. 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:51.920 Because I live. 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.720 You also will live. 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:53.480 And in that day. 00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:55.019 You will know that I am in my Father. 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:55.680 And you in me. 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:56.380 And I in you. 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.420 Whoever has my commands. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:58.940 And keeps them. 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.480 He it is who loves me. 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.500 And you who loves me. 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.620 Will be loved by my Father. 00:19:02.660 --> 00:19:03.460 And I will love him. 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:05.220 And manifest myself to him. 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:07.720 Verse 23. 00:19:08.080 --> 00:19:08.900 Jesus answered him. 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.680 If anyone loves me. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.460 He will keep my word. 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.500 And my Father will love him. 00:19:11.580 --> 00:19:12.380 And we will come to him. 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:14.460 And make our home with him. 00:19:16.880 --> 00:19:18.260 What's Jesus saying then? 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:20.780 He said. 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:22.260 If you do what I say. 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:24.520 I will be a living reality to you. 00:19:25.840 --> 00:19:27.720 If you do what I say. 00:19:27.780 --> 00:19:29.060 By means of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:31.400 I will make myself at home in your heart. 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:33.140 You will have a consciousness. 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.880 Not only that I am with you. 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:36.180 But that I am in you. 00:19:38.260 --> 00:19:39.180 If you love me. 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:39.960 And keep my words. 00:19:40.040 --> 00:19:41.140 My Father and I will come. 00:19:41.260 --> 00:19:42.220 And make our home in you. 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:43.640 And that is what Paul is talking about. 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:47.960 When a person obeys the word of God. 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:50.539 He has a sense of the presence of God in his life. 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:54.980 And when a person obeys the word of God. 00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:57.240 He has a sense of the presence of Christ in his life. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:59.860 And why should anyone obey Christ's word? 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.660 Because they believe. 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:05.079 They believe it. 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:06.579 That is what Christ is praying for. 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:09.759 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:12.939 You ever met people like that? 00:20:14.399 --> 00:20:16.859 They have such a sense of the presence of Christ. 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:19.099 That they talk naturally to him and about him. 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:22.459 And Paul is praying that to the Ephesians. 00:20:22.619 --> 00:20:25.459 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. 00:20:26.919 --> 00:20:29.919 The third petition is in verses 17, 18 and 19. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:31.399 And it's to do with the will. 00:20:31.959 --> 00:20:32.619 It's to do with the mind. 00:20:32.619 --> 00:20:32.879 I'm sorry. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.899 Look halfway through verse 17. 00:20:34.899 --> 00:20:36.879 That you being rooted and grounded in love. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.699 May have strength to comprehend with all the saints. 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:40.699 What is the breadth and depth and height and depth. 00:20:41.199 --> 00:20:43.299 And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:46.659 And that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:50.820 When your life is filled with love. 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:55.180 When you're rooted and you're grounded in love for Christ. 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:56.279 I pray something else for you. 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:58.040 I pray that you'll understand something. 00:20:59.360 --> 00:21:01.040 I pray that you'll grasp something. 00:21:01.340 --> 00:21:03.320 That your mind will get hold of something. 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:06.000 Something which is unknowable. 00:21:08.380 --> 00:21:09.940 And what Paul is saying is. 00:21:10.080 --> 00:21:12.400 I want you to grasp that which is ungraspable. 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:16.060 I want you to know that which is beyond knowledge. 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.880 And what is Paul saying here. 00:21:19.040 --> 00:21:20.680 Especially in verses 18 and 19. 00:21:21.200 --> 00:21:22.840 Think of a group of explorers. 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:23.660 They go to the ocean. 00:21:24.120 --> 00:21:26.720 And they set out to find how wide the ocean is. 00:21:27.779 --> 00:21:30.240 And then they set out to find how long the ocean is. 00:21:30.300 --> 00:21:30.980 And how deep. 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:33.160 And then the picture breaks down. 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:35.700 Because the love of Christ is greater than any ocean. 00:21:39.920 --> 00:21:41.519 Some explorers go that way. 00:21:42.040 --> 00:21:42.940 Others go that way. 00:21:43.080 --> 00:21:43.840 Others go that way. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:44.840 And others go that way. 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:47.759 And eventually when they come together. 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:49.859 Each of them knows something about the ocean. 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:51.799 Each one knows something that the others don't. 00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:53.379 They're in a different position aren't they? 00:21:53.419 --> 00:21:55.859 They're able to tell the rest something else about the ocean. 00:21:56.859 --> 00:21:59.159 But not one of them knows all of the ocean. 00:21:59.160 --> 00:22:01.700 And when you put them together. 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:04.700 Even then they don't understand everything there is to know about the ocean. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:08.320 And yet each one of them knows something about the greatness of the ocean. 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:11.180 And Paul is praying that the church. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:13.700 That we would know something of the greatness of Christ's love. 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:14.779 Knowing full well. 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:17.880 That you can never fully discover how great Christ's love is. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:22.400 He says I want you to explore the breadth of Christ's love. 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:25.620 And the breadth of Christ's love is marvellous. 00:22:25.880 --> 00:22:27.759 That it embraces not only Jew. 00:22:28.960 --> 00:22:30.840 But Gentile as well. 00:22:30.920 --> 00:22:32.560 Not only religious but irreligious. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:35.500 It's a wide invitation isn't it? 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:36.360 To come to Christ. 00:22:38.360 --> 00:22:40.040 We never realise. 00:22:40.540 --> 00:22:42.120 How broad. 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.320 Christ's love is. 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:47.040 Even if we could gather all the Church of London together today. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:49.740 And there's a length to Christ's love isn't it? 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:51.599 He loves us from eternity. 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:54.640 And he will love us to eternity. 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:57.460 And millions of years pass by. 00:22:57.559 --> 00:22:59.160 And there's no end of his love. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:01.680 And how long Christ's love is we don't know. 00:23:01.900 --> 00:23:03.000 And how deep it is. 00:23:03.099 --> 00:23:04.359 Well we know don't we. 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.960 That he left the glory of heaven. 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:08.839 And he came and he sat with tax collectors. 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.500 And scum. 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:11.240 And sinners. 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:13.339 He sank right down to the depths. 00:23:13.599 --> 00:23:15.039 And he ransomed and he rescued. 00:23:15.180 --> 00:23:17.339 And yet it is deeper, deeper still. 00:23:17.339 --> 00:23:19.779 Who knows how deep a person might go. 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:21.639 And yet Christ can still save them. 00:23:23.959 --> 00:23:25.740 There's some people who know more about the breadth. 00:23:26.059 --> 00:23:27.480 Some who know more about the depth. 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:30.099 Who knows how high Christ's love is. 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:31.899 Look at the height to which he's lifted us. 00:23:32.179 --> 00:23:33.859 He's adopted us into his family. 00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:37.179 The Apostle John says. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:39.240 Now we are the children of God. 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:41.179 And yet it doesn't appear what we shall be. 00:23:41.439 --> 00:23:43.519 Who knows what we will be lifted to yet. 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.879 No mind is seen. 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:46.379 No eye is conceived. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:51.680 What heights and glories we will yet experience. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:55.059 Who knows the length and the height and the breadth of Christ's love. 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:56.460 We all know a little something of it. 00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:59.379 But if we all get together. 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.680 We all speak about it. 00:24:00.720 --> 00:24:02.180 We've still not discovered the whole. 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:03.220 And Paul says. 00:24:03.339 --> 00:24:05.960 I am praying that you will explore the love of Christ. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:09.240 And you will have that limitless experience. 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:11.460 Of strengthening of your will. 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:13.779 And that limitless experience. 00:24:13.779 --> 00:24:15.620 Of Christ dwelling in your heart. 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:17.840 Limitless experience of Christ's love. 00:24:18.100 --> 00:24:19.940 That you will receive and receive. 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:21.440 And receive and receive. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.620 Until the fullness of God. 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.620 And what you learn. 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:28.140 On the first day of this year. 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:30.140 Is that no Christian has yet arrived. 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:34.460 And every single one of us. 00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:35.380 Has got further to go. 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:38.559 You might have been a Christian all your life. 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:42.140 You might have read all the great theological books. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.380 And you've got a long way to go. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:46.100 And so this week. 00:24:46.200 --> 00:24:47.579 Let's pray for each other like this. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.259 Do we see our own need. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.900 Of spiritual growth. 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:54.700 Paul's approach. 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:55.240 Paul's petition. 00:24:55.380 --> 00:24:56.200 And thirdly and lastly. 00:24:56.360 --> 00:24:57.160 Paul's doxology. 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.420 Paul's doxology. 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:59.759 In verses 20 to 21. 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:04.100 He has such high thoughts of God. 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:07.199 Look at how he praises God. 00:25:07.480 --> 00:25:08.240 And in the doxology. 00:25:08.439 --> 00:25:08.959 There's four things. 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.480 Verse 20. 00:25:09.579 --> 00:25:10.980 There's an attribute of God. 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.419 Isn't it? 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:13.359 Now to him who is able. 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:14.799 To do far more abundantly. 00:25:14.919 --> 00:25:16.459 Than all we ask or think. 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:19.319 According to the power at work within us. 00:25:19.619 --> 00:25:20.419 There is no limit. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:21.519 To what God can do. 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:23.759 No limit. 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:29.480 You think about how Paul could have phrased this sentence. 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:30.339 How he wrote it. 00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:32.440 And he could have said. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:34.759 Now unto him who is able to do all that we ask. 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.779 And that would have been quite good. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.140 Wouldn't it? 00:25:37.819 --> 00:25:39.460 If you can grasp that much. 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:41.059 That he's able to do all that we ask. 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:41.640 But now he says. 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:42.619 I must put down. 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:44.900 Able to do more than we ask or think. 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:46.980 No, no. 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:48.059 That's not good enough either. 00:25:48.640 --> 00:25:51.200 That above all that we ask or think. 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:56.299 No, abundantly, exceedingly, abundantly above what we can ask or think. 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:57.960 No limits to his power. 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:02.500 I wonder have you limited God this morning. 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:05.600 Have you sat down. 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:08.420 And thought there's nothing God can do for me. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:10.920 Away with such thoughts. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:11.960 Banish them. 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:15.319 Look what God is able to do. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:22.939 Let me just break from it on that. 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:25.639 Those of you who are not visitors. 00:26:25.779 --> 00:26:26.980 You will know that we have a building project. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:30.200 We have a building project to raise 2.2. 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.039 3 million pounds. 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:34.639 And it's been quite hard work. 00:26:35.299 --> 00:26:36.220 To raise the money. 00:26:37.419 --> 00:26:38.579 And there's a man in this congregation. 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.720 Called Chris Bannock. 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.639 Chris Bannock. 00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.859 He's an elderly gentleman. 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:44.819 Um. 00:26:45.819 --> 00:26:46.179 Uh. 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:46.819 Who died. 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:48.619 I think in February last year. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.299 And uh. 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:52.119 We received a note from Chris Bannock. 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:53.000 Estate. 00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:54.319 In November. 00:26:54.479 --> 00:26:56.199 That said that he'd left something at his will. 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.599 And Chris Bannock. 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:59.000 By all accounts and purposes. 00:26:59.219 --> 00:27:00.399 Was not a very wealthy man. 00:27:00.979 --> 00:27:02.539 I received a text from Daffy. 00:27:02.619 --> 00:27:03.539 To say this week. 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.319 That we received. 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.719 80,000 pound. 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:09.079 From Chris Bannock's estate. 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.539 For the building project. 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:12.980 It's an amazing thing. 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.119 We have prayed. 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:14.779 And prayed. 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.599 And prayed. 00:27:17.420 --> 00:27:17.839 And. 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:18.819 If you'd said to me. 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:20.079 Chris Bannock's estate. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.839 Would give you 80,000 pounds. 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:23.460 For a man. 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:24.220 That you thought. 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.700 Didn't have very much. 00:27:26.700 --> 00:27:27.619 Well you'd be amazed. 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.740 Because let me tell you. 00:27:29.879 --> 00:27:31.740 God is able to do far abundantly. 00:27:32.399 --> 00:27:33.720 All that we ask or think. 00:27:33.720 --> 00:27:37.299 And so have you limited God this morning? 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:43.079 Away with such thoughts. 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.700 And then he has a desire. 00:27:46.600 --> 00:27:47.380 You see the desire. 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.539 The desire is there in verse 21. 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:49.860 It says. 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.740 Unto him be glory. 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:54.680 Paul wants all sorts of things to the Ephesians. 00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:57.000 But there's something he wants more than anything else. 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:58.700 He wants God to be glorified. 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:01.299 And he wants God to be worshipped. 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:03.839 And he wants God to be praised. 00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:05.639 And he wants all the credit to go to God. 00:28:05.680 --> 00:28:07.180 And he wants all creatures everywhere. 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:08.759 To think high thoughts of God. 00:28:10.899 --> 00:28:11.480 So again. 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.259 With the building project. 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.339 Why are we doing it? 00:28:15.019 --> 00:28:16.319 Well it must be isn't it? 00:28:16.399 --> 00:28:17.480 Unto him be glory. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.700 A desire. 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:22.000 Then thirdly a place. 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:22.819 Look at verse 21. 00:28:23.859 --> 00:28:24.680 Where's the place? 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.759 To him be glory in the church. 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:29.259 Where should praise to God first be given? 00:28:29.259 --> 00:28:30.139 In the church. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.940 What is God about? 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:34.579 He is building his church. 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.379 What is the church? 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:36.859 Is it a building? 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.480 Of course it's not. 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:38.899 It's the company of men and women. 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.659 And boys and girls. 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.899 Who are in Christ Jesus. 00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:42.279 In the church. 00:28:42.440 --> 00:28:43.659 In Christ Jesus. 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.180 And so it tells us. 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.839 What's the first task of the IPC. 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:48.839 The church this year. 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.879 It's obvious isn't it? 00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:52.099 It's not to be a fellowship. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.539 To be a friendly group. 00:28:53.579 --> 00:28:54.299 Although it should be. 00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:56.279 It's not primarily intended. 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:57.599 To be a kind of evangelism. 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.839 Telling others agency. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:29:00.259 Although it should be that too. 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:02.359 The church is primarily intended. 00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:03.039 To be a people. 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:04.779 Who prostrate themselves. 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:07.200 And who bow before the great God. 00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:09.920 And seek his glory on the earth. 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:14.579 And after we're to desire a time. 00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:15.660 A place and a time. 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.480 Look at verse 21. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.759 He desires. 00:29:18.879 --> 00:29:20.339 That the all powerful. 00:29:20.700 --> 00:29:21.660 Limitless God. 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.779 Should be glorified. 00:29:22.960 --> 00:29:24.000 In the church. 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:25.299 Forever. 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.319 And ever. 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.400 And ever. 00:29:27.400 --> 00:29:27.800 And ever. 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.759 And he could not want anything else. 00:29:33.820 --> 00:29:35.240 Because how long is the love of Christ? 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.140 Do you remember? 00:29:37.840 --> 00:29:39.360 And if Christ's love is so long. 00:29:39.540 --> 00:29:39.960 And deep. 00:29:40.140 --> 00:29:40.620 And wide. 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.180 And high. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:43.420 How could Paul wish for anything less. 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:45.920 Than the great God. 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.860 Who sent this saviour. 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.840 Should be glorified. 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:48.400 And praised. 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.420 Throughout all ages. 00:29:49.540 --> 00:29:50.560 In world without end. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:53.000 And so this week. 00:29:53.079 --> 00:29:54.259 As we try feebly. 00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:54.679 Don't we. 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.539 To devote ourselves to prayer. 00:29:56.940 --> 00:29:58.539 We must make doxology. 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.419 And praise. 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.359 A part of our prayer. 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.839 To have high thoughts of God. 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:06.940 And when we read this. 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:08.700 Sublime prayer. 00:30:09.659 --> 00:30:10.879 And I look at my heart. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.359 We are spiritual babes. 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:14.839 And we see. 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:15.979 The urgent needs. 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:16.559 To pray this. 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.219 For one another. 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.639 To I to him. 00:30:19.679 --> 00:30:21.599 Who is able to do far more abundantly. 00:30:21.699 --> 00:30:22.379 Than all we ask. 00:30:22.459 --> 00:30:22.959 Or think. 00:30:24.099 --> 00:30:25.000 According to the power. 00:30:25.179 --> 00:30:26.019 At work within us. 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:26.359 To him. 00:30:26.439 --> 00:30:27.500 Be glory in the church. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.559 And in Christ Jesus. 00:30:29.699 --> 00:30:30.899 Throughout all ages. 00:30:31.939 --> 00:30:32.939 Forever and ever. 00:30:33.939 --> 00:30:34.339 Amen. 00:30:34.339 --> 00:30:34.519 Amen.