WEBVTT 00:00:00.140 --> 00:00:06.660 Well good morning Brunsfield, my name is Alistair, I have the privilege of being the assistant pastor here at the church. 00:00:07.240 --> 00:00:14.519 Sadly I'm not able to be with you in person in the building this morning, my wife Sabina and I are self-isolating at home 00:00:14.519 --> 00:00:22.480 but I hope that that will not stop our attention as we turn to God's word and think about what God would teach us 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:25.339 from this wonderful passage in Ephesians today. 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:28.560 But before we dive in, let's pray together. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.140 Heavenly Father we thank you so much for the privilege it is to have your word in our own language. 00:00:35.659 --> 00:00:42.820 Lord as we turn now to think about it, as we come to learn, Father we ask that you would give us open ears 00:00:42.820 --> 00:00:47.780 and give us soft hearts to be transformed by your spirit. 00:00:48.379 --> 00:00:52.799 We ask this for your glory, in Jesus' name, Amen. 00:00:54.519 --> 00:00:58.659 I want to start off this morning by being completely honest. 00:00:58.659 --> 00:01:01.699 Prayer can be difficult, can't it? 00:01:02.359 --> 00:01:07.959 We speak to people on a Sunday who tell us about a difficult situation going on in their life 00:01:07.959 --> 00:01:10.799 and we say those very familiar words. 00:01:11.659 --> 00:01:12.979 I'll be praying for you. 00:01:14.200 --> 00:01:19.920 But then we go home, we have lunch and we've already forgotten about our promise to pray. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:26.840 Or think about when you sit in a prayer meeting or a small group, you go around and you share your prayer points, 00:01:27.379 --> 00:01:33.740 you pray for 10-15 minutes together and then you don't think about them until the next week. 00:01:34.960 --> 00:01:41.719 Or what about those times where you start praying and before you know it your mind has wandered to what you're going to have for dinner, 00:01:41.719 --> 00:01:47.780 to what time the kids need picking up or that bill that you keep forgetting to pay. 00:01:48.739 --> 00:01:52.439 Prayer can be difficult because we get distracted. 00:01:53.480 --> 00:01:58.879 But also it can be difficult because we don't know all the time what we should pray for. 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:08.699 Thank the Lord that he has given us instructions in his word that help us see what a biblical prayer life should look like. 00:02:09.519 --> 00:02:14.759 In Ephesians 3 we see a prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians. 00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:19.120 And I think that it is a really helpful model for us to pray. 00:02:20.139 --> 00:02:28.219 So this morning we're going to be thinking about what it means to pray biblically by asking three questions of this text. 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:30.479 Who do we pray to? 00:02:31.599 --> 00:02:33.460 What do we pray for? 00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:36.280 And why do we keep on praying? 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:40.859 This passage will challenge our prayer lives. 00:02:40.960 --> 00:02:44.060 It will lift our eyes to see the character of God. 00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:51.719 And it will help us think about praying with the glory of God as our priority. 00:02:52.919 --> 00:02:57.599 So the first thing we ask, the first question we ask is who do we pray to? 00:02:57.599 --> 00:03:00.000 In verses 14 and 15. 00:03:00.400 --> 00:03:02.139 Who do we pray to? 00:03:03.159 --> 00:03:06.959 This prayer is quite interesting because of how it begins. 00:03:07.740 --> 00:03:09.539 Paul begins in verse 14. 00:03:09.699 --> 00:03:10.340 Read with me. 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:13.439 For this reason I kneel before the Father. 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:16.979 Now what reason is he speaking about? 00:03:16.979 --> 00:03:24.719 Well you've probably noticed that verse 1 of chapter 3 and verse 14 both start with the same words. 00:03:24.899 --> 00:03:26.439 For this reason I. 00:03:27.519 --> 00:03:33.419 That's because verse 14 is a continuation of the thought that started off in verse 1. 00:03:33.419 --> 00:03:42.959 It's as if Paul was going to go into his prayer in verse 1 but felt that he needed to say more about his ministry and the gospel. 00:03:42.960 --> 00:03:49.020 And then in verse 14 Paul comes back to his original thought and says for this reason. 00:03:50.740 --> 00:03:58.460 Now looking at the context of these verses the reason that Paul is referring to must be the mystery of the gospel. 00:03:58.460 --> 00:04:03.780 The fact that the gospel is for both Jew and Gentile. 00:04:04.379 --> 00:04:07.500 And now those two people groups have become one. 00:04:07.920 --> 00:04:08.840 A new body. 00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:09.980 New citizens. 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:11.180 A new family. 00:04:11.420 --> 00:04:12.439 And a temple. 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:17.439 As Ephesians 2 verses 19 to 22 tells us. 00:04:18.160 --> 00:04:20.500 For this reason Paul says. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:23.540 He bows the knee and prays. 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:27.500 But do you see who he's praying to? 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:30.680 The very end of verse 14. 00:04:31.120 --> 00:04:38.020 Before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:41.740 Paul is highlighting the fact. 00:04:42.400 --> 00:04:47.480 That the dividing wall that existed between Jew and Gentile has been turned to rubble. 00:04:48.280 --> 00:04:51.740 God is not just the Father of the Jews who believe in Jesus. 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:57.280 But he is the Father of all people who call on the name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:57.900 --> 00:04:59.819 Paul is teaching the church. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:02.939 That we pray to God as our Father. 00:05:04.439 --> 00:05:11.939 And the only reason we can come before God is because of what Paul has already been teaching in the book of Ephesians so far. 00:05:11.939 --> 00:05:16.600 That as Christians we have been chosen by God. 00:05:17.019 --> 00:05:20.139 Forgiven of our sins through the death of Christ. 00:05:20.259 --> 00:05:22.959 Called to be holy and blameless. 00:05:23.699 --> 00:05:26.779 And called to live according to the will of God. 00:05:28.019 --> 00:05:31.120 Therefore Paul is saying regardless of where you're from. 00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:35.800 Regardless of whether you're a Jew or a Gentile. 00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:40.840 As a Christian you can come before God and call him your Father. 00:05:42.420 --> 00:05:48.100 Now that truth should blow our minds every time we think about it. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:51.580 Not only are we saved as Christians. 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:54.939 Not only are we made into a new creation. 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:58.100 But we have been brought into the family. 00:05:58.800 --> 00:05:59.839 Of the living. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:03.560 The all powerful almighty God. 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:06.219 And we get to call him Father. 00:06:07.600 --> 00:06:14.740 That truth should never stop making us be in awe of the love. 00:06:15.399 --> 00:06:19.339 Of the abundant grace and mercy of our great God. 00:06:19.339 --> 00:06:23.759 And if we understand that God is a good Father. 00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:26.699 Who knows how to give good gifts to his children. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:31.459 Then we realise that there is no better place to run with our petitions. 00:06:31.779 --> 00:06:33.560 With our worries and with our cares. 00:06:34.779 --> 00:06:38.699 Jesus says in Matthew chapter 7 verses 9 to 11. 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:42.620 Which of you if your son asks for bread will give him a stone? 00:06:43.179 --> 00:06:46.359 Or if he asks for a fish will give him a snake? 00:06:46.360 --> 00:06:51.860 If you then though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:58.560 How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him? 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:06.439 No good father is going to pack his child's school lunch and think. 00:07:06.660 --> 00:07:09.259 Well instead of putting cheese in their sandwich. 00:07:09.400 --> 00:07:11.240 You know what I'll throw in a few pebbles instead. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:19.240 No good father would intentionally hand out things to their children that they know will bring them harm. 00:07:21.240 --> 00:07:25.680 And Jesus says well if even you as earthly fathers. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:28.060 Who are evil by nature. 00:07:28.759 --> 00:07:31.100 Know how to give good gifts to your children. 00:07:31.400 --> 00:07:32.699 Then how much more? 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:38.660 How much more will your good Father in heaven give good gifts to his children? 00:07:38.660 --> 00:07:45.700 This is an important place for us to begin when thinking about praying biblically. 00:07:45.700 --> 00:07:49.580 Because it is the very foundation of our prayers. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:53.540 We are not coming to a mean distant far off deity. 00:07:54.160 --> 00:07:56.320 Who doesn't care about us. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:07:59.080 Who reluctantly gives things to his children. 00:07:59.940 --> 00:08:06.280 We are not coming before a father who delights to see his children in pain and anguish. 00:08:06.279 --> 00:08:09.979 We are coming before a father who is good. 00:08:10.979 --> 00:08:13.819 A father who wants to give good gifts to his children. 00:08:13.979 --> 00:08:16.279 And a father who has gone out of his way. 00:08:16.939 --> 00:08:19.939 To show how much he loves his family. 00:08:22.679 --> 00:08:24.859 Do you see God as a good father? 00:08:25.979 --> 00:08:34.419 Are you like a child who knows that in their father they can find shelter, protection, provision and care? 00:08:34.419 --> 00:08:37.819 Because that is how God is revealed to us in scripture. 00:08:38.639 --> 00:08:42.019 Not as a distant stone faced far off deity. 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:44.240 But as a good father. 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:48.019 Who calls his people. 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:52.000 Who loves his people. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:57.120 And the one who takes sinners like you and like me. 00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:59.279 And calls us his family. 00:08:59.279 --> 00:09:06.240 Praying biblically means that we come before God as our heavenly father. 00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:10.759 The second question that we ask of this text is. 00:09:11.439 --> 00:09:12.980 What do we pray for? 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:15.480 In verses 16 to 19. 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:17.500 What do we pray for? 00:09:18.699 --> 00:09:21.059 Have you ever stopped and asked yourself that question? 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:28.239 I realise that I spend so much of my prayer time focusing on the things of this life. 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:31.639 This world and the problems that exist. 00:09:32.099 --> 00:09:35.819 To the neglect of the deeper spiritual things. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:38.179 We pray for the sick. 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:41.179 For those in financial need. 00:09:41.579 --> 00:09:43.000 For those looking for jobs. 00:09:43.159 --> 00:09:44.479 For those who need comforting. 00:09:45.119 --> 00:09:48.679 And those are all good and right things for us to pray for. 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:54.639 But do you notice how Paul immediately takes our eyes off of our own situation. 00:09:55.339 --> 00:09:58.439 And teaches us instead to focus our prayers. 00:09:58.859 --> 00:10:01.439 On the spiritual well-being of a person. 00:10:02.739 --> 00:10:05.399 In these verses we see two petitions. 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:07.559 In verses 16 and 18. 00:10:08.519 --> 00:10:09.339 And in both. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:15.519 Paul is praying that the believers in Ephesus would have power. 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:21.299 But he isn't praying that they would have some kind of electrical boost. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:25.519 Or that some mystical force would carry them through the difficulties of life. 00:10:26.480 --> 00:10:30.000 He isn't praying that God would make them into the Duracell bunnies. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:32.039 That we see advertised on television. 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:35.319 Who can run longer and faster than any other battery. 00:10:36.679 --> 00:10:38.319 But he starts his petition. 00:10:38.579 --> 00:10:40.699 His first petition in verse 16. 00:10:41.079 --> 00:10:41.740 Read with me. 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:42.740 I pray. 00:10:42.740 --> 00:10:43.639 I pray. 00:10:44.120 --> 00:10:46.060 That out of his glorious riches. 00:10:46.060 --> 00:10:48.100 He may strengthen you with power. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:50.659 Through his spirit in your inner being. 00:10:51.220 --> 00:10:54.200 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts. 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:55.399 Through faith. 00:10:56.840 --> 00:10:59.360 Now what are these glorious riches? 00:11:00.299 --> 00:11:03.680 Well they are the absolute breathtaking spiritual blessings. 00:11:03.680 --> 00:11:07.460 That all Christians have received through Jesus Christ. 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:09.899 Mentioned in Ephesians chapter 1. 00:11:09.899 --> 00:11:12.860 Please go away after this service. 00:11:13.179 --> 00:11:14.799 And read that passage. 00:11:14.980 --> 00:11:16.259 And be blown away. 00:11:16.659 --> 00:11:19.199 By God's goodness towards his people. 00:11:20.379 --> 00:11:21.340 Those truths. 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:24.639 Are the foundation of Paul's prayer. 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:29.519 And he prays that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. 00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:30.639 In their inner being. 00:11:30.899 --> 00:11:33.899 So that Christ may dwell in their hearts. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:34.799 Through faith. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:39.240 Now Paul isn't praying that they would become Christians. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:42.659 He's speaking to a church of Christians. 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:44.259 But instead. 00:11:44.639 --> 00:11:48.039 Paul is praying that Christ may take up residence. 00:11:48.560 --> 00:11:51.840 That he may dwell permanently in their hearts. 00:11:51.840 --> 00:11:52.960 Through faith. 00:11:53.860 --> 00:11:55.820 The word used there for dwell. 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:58.779 Conveys permanency. 00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:01.820 That Christ would be the immovable. 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:05.259 The unchangeable factor. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:07.399 In the Christian life. 00:12:07.399 --> 00:12:11.480 And that they would grow more and more in him. 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:13.779 He is praying. 00:12:14.279 --> 00:12:16.919 That they by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.700 Would be able to walk the walk. 00:12:19.059 --> 00:12:20.659 To run the race. 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.100 To persevere. 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:25.779 Amid all the struggles of living the Christian life. 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:27.000 In a sinful world. 00:12:28.500 --> 00:12:31.939 He's praying that they would be absolutely unshakable. 00:12:31.940 --> 00:12:36.020 In their love for and devotion to Christ. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:38.560 Friends. 00:12:38.680 --> 00:12:41.580 Is your prayer life anything like this? 00:12:42.540 --> 00:12:44.200 If I'm being honest. 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:47.480 So often my prayers look nothing like this. 00:12:48.120 --> 00:12:51.400 We get so caught up with the day to day of life. 00:12:51.540 --> 00:12:55.280 That we forget the reality that we are spiritual beings. 00:12:55.279 --> 00:12:58.559 As Christians we are in the world. 00:12:58.899 --> 00:13:00.319 But not of the world. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:02.899 We are passers by in this life. 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:05.339 And the destination that awaits us is far. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:06.539 Far greater. 00:13:07.100 --> 00:13:07.879 Than this one. 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:09.579 But. 00:13:09.839 --> 00:13:11.120 We are here for a reason. 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:15.819 And so we should constantly be bringing each other before the Lord. 00:13:15.959 --> 00:13:16.439 Praying. 00:13:16.899 --> 00:13:18.019 That through the Spirit. 00:13:18.199 --> 00:13:19.379 We would have strength. 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.799 To persevere. 00:13:21.159 --> 00:13:23.360 Until the day that Christ returns. 00:13:23.360 --> 00:13:26.279 Or we are called home to glory. 00:13:28.220 --> 00:13:29.320 So friends. 00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:31.279 Pray for each other. 00:13:31.899 --> 00:13:35.100 That Jesus would dwell in your hearts permanently. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.600 And that we would grasp. 00:13:38.060 --> 00:13:39.000 What that means. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:41.639 That we have Jesus. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:43.320 The fullness of God. 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:45.399 Dwelling within us. 00:13:46.820 --> 00:13:48.120 That is the truth. 00:13:48.680 --> 00:13:50.940 That we want all believers to know. 00:13:50.940 --> 00:13:54.380 And Paul continues his prayer. 00:13:54.380 --> 00:13:55.780 In verse 17. 00:13:55.900 --> 00:13:57.040 With his second petition. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:58.260 Read with me. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:14:00.600 And I pray that you. 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:03.639 Being rooted and established in love. 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:05.200 May have power. 00:14:05.319 --> 00:14:07.379 Together with all the Lord's holy people. 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:09.000 To grasp how wide. 00:14:09.340 --> 00:14:10.059 And long. 00:14:10.179 --> 00:14:10.840 And high. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:11.620 And deep. 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:13.480 Is the love of Christ. 00:14:14.439 --> 00:14:15.819 And to know this love. 00:14:15.899 --> 00:14:17.220 That surpasses knowledge. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.879 That you may be filled. 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:20.279 To the measure. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:22.480 Of all the fullness of God. 00:14:22.480 --> 00:14:26.500 Paul's words in verse 17. 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:28.279 Of being rooted and established. 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:30.300 Make me think of a tree. 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:32.940 So the living room in our flat. 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:34.960 Looks over a nice park. 00:14:35.060 --> 00:14:36.519 And every morning and Sabina. 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:38.279 And every morning and evening. 00:14:38.440 --> 00:14:41.240 As Sabina and I sit and have a meal together. 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:44.340 We can't help but notice some of the big trees. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.240 In the park. 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:47.200 Now Edinburgh is a lovely city. 00:14:48.200 --> 00:14:49.520 But one of the things. 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:50.680 That all of our friends. 00:14:50.900 --> 00:14:52.580 Visiting friends and family members. 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:53.280 Comment on. 00:14:53.640 --> 00:14:54.740 Is the wind. 00:14:55.940 --> 00:14:56.940 And from our window. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:58.220 On a breezy day. 00:14:58.700 --> 00:15:00.379 We can see those big trees. 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:01.360 Being battered. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:03.540 By the gales that blow through the park. 00:15:04.060 --> 00:15:05.320 You can see the leaves. 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.440 And the top branches. 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:08.280 Being swept to and fro. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.020 With the wind. 00:15:09.340 --> 00:15:10.200 That carries them. 00:15:10.240 --> 00:15:11.700 In whichever direction it pleases. 00:15:12.780 --> 00:15:14.980 But the trunk of those big trees. 00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:16.320 And the roots. 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:18.160 Do not move. 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:20.920 Because they are rooted. 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:22.379 Deep in the soil. 00:15:22.580 --> 00:15:23.360 And established. 00:15:24.340 --> 00:15:25.340 No wind. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:26.660 Can move them. 00:15:27.640 --> 00:15:29.200 That is what Paul is saying. 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:32.260 But notice that he isn't praying. 00:15:32.260 --> 00:15:33.920 That they would be rooted. 00:15:34.140 --> 00:15:35.220 And established in love. 00:15:35.560 --> 00:15:37.520 He is stating that they are. 00:15:38.400 --> 00:15:39.060 He is saying. 00:15:39.180 --> 00:15:41.220 Because you are deeply rooted. 00:15:41.640 --> 00:15:42.280 In love. 00:15:42.280 --> 00:15:43.740 Meaning the love of God. 00:15:43.740 --> 00:15:44.620 God has demonstrated. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:45.360 In the gospel. 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:46.560 Through Jesus Christ. 00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:48.100 He prays. 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:49.320 That they may have power. 00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.100 To grasp. 00:15:50.659 --> 00:15:51.500 How long. 00:15:51.820 --> 00:15:52.659 And wide. 00:15:52.899 --> 00:15:53.560 And high. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.159 And deep. 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.919 The love of Jesus is. 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:59.019 Paul is encouraging. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:15:59.879 These Christians. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:01.500 By stating their identity. 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:02.299 In Jesus. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:04.539 As he prays for them. 00:16:04.539 --> 00:16:07.039 It's as if he's saying. 00:16:07.579 --> 00:16:09.159 Despite all the difficulties. 00:16:09.959 --> 00:16:12.139 Despite all the struggles of life. 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:12.620 Know. 00:16:13.599 --> 00:16:15.079 100%. 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:18.179 That you are in the love of Christ. 00:16:18.459 --> 00:16:20.799 And that there is nothing on this earth. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:22.480 That can separate you from it. 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.559 There is nothing. 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:26.980 That can take that love away. 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:30.259 And Paul prays. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.240 That they would have power. 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:33.200 To grasp that wonderful truth. 00:16:34.300 --> 00:16:36.300 But this cannot simply be. 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:37.720 An intellectual exercise. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.759 As I was thinking. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:40.720 About these verses. 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:42.240 I was reminded of the song. 00:16:42.300 --> 00:16:43.440 I was taught as a child. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:44.980 And you've probably sung it. 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.379 Hundreds of times. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.320 Over the years. 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.220 Jesus loves me. 00:16:49.300 --> 00:16:50.240 This I know. 00:16:50.379 --> 00:16:51.519 Because the Bible. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:52.659 Tells me so. 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.800 And the chorus. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.320 Repeats the refrain. 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:56.800 Yes. 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:58.220 Jesus loves me. 00:16:59.420 --> 00:17:00.480 Now if you sing that. 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:01.460 With a child. 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.879 Who's four or five years old. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:03.960 We'll smile. 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:05.259 And we'll think it's cute. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:08.980 But stand with a convicted criminal. 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:11.799 Who has done atrocious things. 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:15.279 And yet has become a follower of Jesus Christ. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:17.200 Sing that song with them. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.860 Do you think that there would be a difference? 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.500 Well. 00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:23.120 Of course there will be. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:25.660 The person who has lived life. 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:27.640 Who knows their sin. 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.700 Who is not naive. 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:31.840 To their identity in Jesus. 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:34.200 How through his death on the cross. 00:17:34.300 --> 00:17:35.680 They've been taken from death. 00:17:35.820 --> 00:17:36.640 To life. 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.440 From darkness. 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:38.720 To light. 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:41.519 People with that experience. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:43.019 Will belt that song out. 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:44.440 At the top of their lungs. 00:17:44.600 --> 00:17:45.880 Because they know. 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:46.980 It is true. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:50.300 Friends. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.339 We are that criminal. 00:17:53.480 --> 00:17:55.839 We should be those who ask the question. 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:57.859 How could God love me? 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:01.480 Like the song. 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:03.680 That we often sing together. 00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:05.759 Says how deep the father's love for us. 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:08.299 As we imagine Christ on the cross. 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:10.819 And our response should be. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:11.920 Ashamed. 00:18:12.879 --> 00:18:15.099 Ashamed I hear my mocking voice. 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:16.700 Call out among the scoffers. 00:18:16.779 --> 00:18:18.279 Because it was my sin. 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:19.819 That held him there. 00:18:20.400 --> 00:18:22.140 Until it was accomplished. 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.140 His dying breath. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:25.859 Has brought me life. 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:28.059 I know. 00:18:28.299 --> 00:18:29.160 That it. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:30.359 Is finished. 00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:33.659 If you are a Christian. 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:34.759 Here this morning. 00:18:35.399 --> 00:18:37.159 That should be your response. 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:38.519 To the love of Jesus. 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:39.919 Not a checklist. 00:18:39.919 --> 00:18:40.979 In our heart. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:42.299 Of the doctrines. 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.079 That we like. 00:18:43.399 --> 00:18:45.559 Not an intellectual exercise. 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:49.459 Or a factual understanding. 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:50.479 That doesn't lead us. 00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:51.359 To praise God. 00:18:51.500 --> 00:18:51.819 But. 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:53.379 Our response. 00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:54.959 Should be an outburst. 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:55.759 Of joy. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:58.419 Because that is the testimony. 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.099 Of a Christian. 00:18:59.240 --> 00:18:59.879 We have gone. 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.960 From being criminals. 00:19:02.100 --> 00:19:02.860 To children. 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:04.460 Of the living God. 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:07.260 Ephesians chapter 2. 00:19:07.340 --> 00:19:07.900 Verse 1. 00:19:07.900 --> 00:19:08.980 You were dead. 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:09.900 In your transgressions. 00:19:10.760 --> 00:19:11.540 And sins. 00:19:11.660 --> 00:19:12.760 That is who we were. 00:19:14.020 --> 00:19:15.560 But then the glorious truth. 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:17.240 Of chapter 2. 00:19:17.300 --> 00:19:17.920 Verse 4. 00:19:18.120 --> 00:19:19.360 That should blow our minds. 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.720 And make us lift. 00:19:20.800 --> 00:19:21.340 Our voice. 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.480 In endless praise. 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.720 Because of his. 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:25.100 Great love. 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:25.860 For us. 00:19:26.540 --> 00:19:27.620 God who is rich. 00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:28.300 In mercy. 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:29.460 Made us alive. 00:19:29.460 --> 00:19:30.259 With Christ. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:32.620 Even when we were dead. 00:19:32.680 --> 00:19:33.759 In our transgressions. 00:19:33.759 --> 00:19:35.000 It is by grace. 00:19:35.680 --> 00:19:37.380 That you have been saved. 00:19:37.380 --> 00:19:38.180 God who is rich. 00:19:38.180 --> 00:19:38.680 God who is rich. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.380 God who is rich. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:39.720 God who is rich. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.680 God who is rich. 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.540 If you are not a Christian. 00:19:41.540 --> 00:19:42.500 Here this morning. 00:19:42.680 --> 00:19:43.680 Then the reality. 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.880 That the Bible teaches. 00:19:45.260 --> 00:19:47.080 Is that you are still in darkness. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:48.680 A slave. 00:19:49.040 --> 00:19:49.560 To sin. 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.220 And dead. 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:50.820 In it. 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:53.520 Would you listen. 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.960 To the voice. 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.740 Of a saviour. 00:19:55.820 --> 00:19:56.680 Who calls sinners. 00:19:56.860 --> 00:19:57.900 Out of death. 00:19:58.680 --> 00:19:59.900 And into life. 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:03.000 That is the wonderful news. 00:20:03.060 --> 00:20:03.860 That we want to share. 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:04.820 With you this morning. 00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:06.419 That there is a saviour. 00:20:06.419 --> 00:20:07.099 Who knows. 00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.119 Everything you have ever done wrong. 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:10.559 Who knows. 00:20:10.679 --> 00:20:12.220 All of your thoughts. 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:14.000 Everything you have ever said. 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:16.639 He knows. 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:17.899 That you are not walking. 00:20:18.079 --> 00:20:19.000 In a right relationship. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:19.480 With him. 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:19.819 And yet. 00:20:19.899 --> 00:20:20.960 Despite all of that. 00:20:21.799 --> 00:20:22.500 He loves you. 00:20:23.399 --> 00:20:24.339 And he calls you. 00:20:24.419 --> 00:20:25.019 To repent. 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.000 And believe in him. 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:27.899 And find life. 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:31.580 That is the only reason. 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:33.700 That I can stand before you. 00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:34.200 This morning. 00:20:34.980 --> 00:20:36.140 That is the only reason. 00:20:36.140 --> 00:20:36.980 That we gather. 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:37.940 As a Christian. 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:38.900 Church. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.060 Because once. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:40.700 We were dead. 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.400 In our sins. 00:20:41.500 --> 00:20:42.840 And rejecting of God. 00:20:43.840 --> 00:20:44.960 But now through Jesus. 00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.820 We are alive. 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:49.080 Please think about that. 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.620 This morning. 00:20:49.780 --> 00:20:51.400 Think about who Jesus is. 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:53.000 Ponder the truths. 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:54.420 That this king. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.400 And Lord. 00:20:55.560 --> 00:20:56.440 Loves the broken. 00:20:56.440 --> 00:20:59.059 Loves the corrupt sinner. 00:20:59.620 --> 00:21:00.900 And makes us rooted. 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.440 And established. 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.660 In love. 00:21:06.220 --> 00:21:07.380 Paul prays. 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:08.200 That these Christians. 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:09.019 Would grasp. 00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:09.620 The love. 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:10.700 Of Christ. 00:21:11.580 --> 00:21:12.240 This love. 00:21:12.340 --> 00:21:13.500 That is too broad. 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:14.860 Too long. 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:15.600 Too deep. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.799 Too high. 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:17.600 To grasp. 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.460 We cannot begin. 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:21.100 To imagine. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:21.799 The extent. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:22.400 Of the love. 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:22.880 Of Jesus. 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:24.320 Because as verse 19. 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:24.779 Says. 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:26.240 It surpasses. 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:26.779 His knowledge. 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:29.359 But that doesn't mean. 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.400 We stop thinking. 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:31.180 And wrestling. 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:32.000 With the extent. 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:32.779 Of that love. 00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.920 And it certainly. 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:34.620 Doesn't mean. 00:21:34.620 --> 00:21:35.319 That we leave it. 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:35.960 In a nice. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:36.839 Closed. 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:37.779 Neat box. 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:39.079 Of doctrines. 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.880 That we bring out. 00:21:40.019 --> 00:21:40.539 On a Sunday. 00:21:41.759 --> 00:21:42.680 But it means. 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:44.039 That every single time. 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:44.599 We hear. 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:45.859 Of the love. 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:46.400 Of God. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.579 We are blown away. 00:21:48.839 --> 00:21:49.920 And we stand. 00:21:50.160 --> 00:21:50.519 Amazed. 00:21:50.660 --> 00:21:51.480 In the presence. 00:21:52.120 --> 00:21:52.720 Of Jesus. 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.440 Friends. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:55.799 Imagine. 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:55.819 Imagine. 00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:55.940 Imagine. 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:56.839 If we prayed. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:58.279 These two petitions. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:58.940 For each other. 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:00.480 Imagine. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.799 If in our prayers. 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.380 We asked. 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:02.779 That God. 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:03.860 Would help us. 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:05.380 Be amazed. 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.539 And taken aback. 00:22:06.640 --> 00:22:07.620 By God's great love. 00:22:07.620 --> 00:22:08.240 For us. 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:11.019 I think. 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.620 That we would see. 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.099 A very. 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.039 Different. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:13.579 Global. 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:14.240 Church. 00:22:15.140 --> 00:22:15.839 We'd see. 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.339 People. 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.680 Who. 00:22:17.140 --> 00:22:18.059 Whose love. 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:18.519 For God. 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.460 Is ever growing. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.000 And a people. 00:22:20.120 --> 00:22:20.960 Who take that love. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:22.000 Out to the lost. 00:22:22.099 --> 00:22:22.400 People. 00:22:22.400 --> 00:22:23.500 Of this world. 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:24.920 And point them. 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.420 To Jesus. 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.019 Praying. 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:29.700 Biblically. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:31.500 Means. 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.120 That we come. 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:32.839 Before God. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.539 With petitions. 00:22:34.759 --> 00:22:35.039 Of. 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:36.720 Spiritual maturity. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.500 And endurance. 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.019 To run the race. 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.860 And then the third. 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:43.920 And final question. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:45.100 We ask of this text. 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:45.380 Is. 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:47.480 Why do we keep praying? 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:49.240 In verses 20. 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:49.880 And 21. 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:51.259 Why do we keep. 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:52.160 Praying? 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.640 Well we keep praying. 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:56.000 Because the only response. 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:57.279 To these wonderful truths. 00:22:57.339 --> 00:22:58.360 That Paul has been. 00:22:59.039 --> 00:22:59.420 Praying. 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:00.740 Is absolute. 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:01.680 Praise. 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:04.180 In these two verses. 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:04.720 Paul. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:07.620 Praises God. 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:09.000 And puts his two. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:10.079 Earlier petitions. 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:10.900 In perspective. 00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:11.819 By bringing. 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:13.120 Two themes. 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:13.680 To mind. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:15.259 He states. 00:23:15.380 --> 00:23:16.259 In verse 20. 00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:17.400 That God. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:17.819 Can do. 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.559 Immeasurably. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:18.980 More. 00:23:19.339 --> 00:23:20.160 Than we can. 00:23:20.299 --> 00:23:20.700 Ask. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.779 Or imagine. 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:23.440 And in verse 21. 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.519 He speaks. 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.460 About the glory. 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.519 Of God. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.120 Now. 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:29.360 How do these two themes. 00:23:29.360 --> 00:23:29.920 Change. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:31.200 The way we pray. 00:23:31.500 --> 00:23:31.720 Well. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.279 They change. 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:33.680 The things we pray for. 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:34.799 And. 00:23:35.000 --> 00:23:36.200 The way we pray. 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:36.920 Because. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.339 We take our eyes. 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.759 Off of our own situation. 00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:42.140 Off of our own desires. 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:43.360 And our own interests. 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:44.000 And instead. 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.440 We pray. 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:46.660 For. 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.600 And through. 00:23:47.860 --> 00:23:48.559 The character. 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.059 Of God. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:50.920 We pray. 00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:51.480 For. 00:23:51.660 --> 00:23:52.220 The glory. 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.360 Of God. 00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:55.180 Praying. 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:55.819 This way. 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:56.240 Means. 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.180 That we want God. 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:58.360 To get all the glory. 00:23:58.359 --> 00:24:00.319 That we want. 00:24:00.399 --> 00:24:00.740 Him. 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.740 To get all the glory. 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.719 In the church. 00:24:03.199 --> 00:24:04.139 And that we want. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.099 Jesus's name. 00:24:05.179 --> 00:24:05.779 To be lifted. 00:24:05.899 --> 00:24:06.679 Above every. 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.119 Other. 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:07.799 Name. 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.479 We can come. 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.199 Confidently. 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:12.679 Before. 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:13.779 The almighty. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.379 All powerful. 00:24:15.879 --> 00:24:16.319 Good. 00:24:16.759 --> 00:24:17.139 Father. 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:19.319 Because we know. 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:20.159 That he answers. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:20.599 Prayer. 00:24:21.879 --> 00:24:22.679 How often. 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.539 Do we face. 00:24:23.859 --> 00:24:24.679 A situation. 00:24:24.899 --> 00:24:25.459 And neglect. 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:26.379 To take it. 00:24:26.459 --> 00:24:26.959 To the Lord. 00:24:27.039 --> 00:24:27.519 In prayer. 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.440 We think that. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:29.879 Oh no. 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:30.599 That's too big. 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:31.180 Of an ask. 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:31.720 For God. 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:32.400 And then we think. 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:32.759 Another. 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:34.099 Is too small. 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:35.960 Or insignificant. 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:37.319 To bother him with. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:38.639 And so. 00:24:38.779 --> 00:24:39.299 We don't pray. 00:24:39.299 --> 00:24:40.079 For the problems. 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:40.720 That we have. 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.259 In the house. 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:42.039 That could set us. 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:42.819 Back thousands. 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.339 We don't pray. 00:24:44.339 --> 00:24:45.059 For our work. 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:45.639 Problems. 00:24:45.639 --> 00:24:46.599 With the bad boss. 00:24:46.599 --> 00:24:47.579 That is constantly. 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.599 Harassing us. 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:51.180 Maybe we don't bring. 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:51.740 Our health. 00:24:52.119 --> 00:24:52.639 Problems. 00:24:52.980 --> 00:24:53.660 Our physical. 00:24:53.859 --> 00:24:54.259 Issues. 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.059 Before the Lord. 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:55.579 Anymore. 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:56.579 Because we just say. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:24:57.160 Well it's. 00:24:57.160 --> 00:24:58.640 Part of life. 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:01.720 But if you're like me. 00:25:02.360 --> 00:25:03.940 And every other human being. 00:25:04.160 --> 00:25:04.500 I know. 00:25:04.620 --> 00:25:05.480 Then your tendency. 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.580 Is to first rely. 00:25:07.680 --> 00:25:08.519 On your own strength. 00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:10.980 You try to do things. 00:25:11.040 --> 00:25:11.680 On your own. 00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:12.080 And then. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:13.540 Only once you learn. 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.180 Again. 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.840 For the millionth time. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:17.880 That you can't do it yourself. 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.240 You turn to God in prayer. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:21.940 Friends. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:22.779 We need to understand. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:23.540 That no petition. 00:25:23.540 --> 00:25:24.300 Is too big. 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.919 No petition. 00:25:25.919 --> 00:25:27.579 Is too small. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:29.079 God can do. 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.460 Immeasurably more. 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:32.399 Than we can ask. 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.579 Or imagine. 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:36.839 And if we grasp. 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.220 Who God is. 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:40.460 Then we will come. 00:25:40.579 --> 00:25:41.460 To the realization. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.480 That our petitions. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.319 Are in the hands. 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:44.339 Of an all powerful. 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:45.399 God. 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.700 Who sustains. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:47.839 His people. 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:47.959 Paul. 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.279 And Paul. 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:52.099 Ends this prayer. 00:25:52.259 --> 00:25:52.839 Not by focusing. 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:53.459 On himself. 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.799 Or the church. 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.279 In Ephesus. 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.039 But instead. 00:25:56.179 --> 00:25:56.699 He focuses. 00:25:56.699 --> 00:25:57.399 On God. 00:25:57.859 --> 00:25:59.139 On his glory. 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.339 And on his son. 00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:01.220 Jesus Christ. 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.099 I've wrestled. 00:26:03.199 --> 00:26:03.579 With this. 00:26:03.619 --> 00:26:04.299 And I've thought. 00:26:04.659 --> 00:26:05.679 And I've asked myself. 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:06.359 How often. 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:06.980 Do I pray. 00:26:07.319 --> 00:26:07.740 Consciously. 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.459 With the glory. 00:26:08.459 --> 00:26:09.019 Of God. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.899 In mind. 00:26:11.039 --> 00:26:11.859 As a filter. 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.439 Through which. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.559 I bring my petitions. 00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:16.039 And the answer. 00:26:16.199 --> 00:26:16.759 If I'm honest. 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:17.839 Is far fewer. 00:26:18.059 --> 00:26:18.759 Than I should. 00:26:20.200 --> 00:26:21.319 The only reason. 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:21.920 That Paul. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.680 Can pray. 00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.640 Can pen. 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.400 These words. 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:25.319 Is because God. 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:26.079 Transformed. 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:27.019 His life. 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.740 The only reason. 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.859 I stand before you. 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:31.339 This morning. 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.079 Is because God. 00:26:32.160 --> 00:26:32.900 Changed mine. 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:35.000 The only reason. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.579 We gather. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.400 As a church. 00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:37.259 Is because God. 00:26:37.379 --> 00:26:38.259 Has done a tremendous. 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:38.839 Work. 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:40.119 In our lives. 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.839 So why. 00:26:40.920 --> 00:26:41.779 On earth. 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:43.180 Why. 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:43.799 Would we. 00:26:44.019 --> 00:26:44.519 Focus. 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:45.960 Would our prayers. 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.720 Focus. 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.480 On anything. 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:48.000 Other. 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.880 Than God's glory. 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.480 And giving him. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.279 All the honor. 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:53.220 That he deserves. 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:56.319 This doesn't mean. 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:57.180 That we stop praying. 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:58.400 For our immediate needs. 00:27:00.500 --> 00:27:01.460 But it means. 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:02.779 That all of our prayers. 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.779 Should be for the glory. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.319 Of God. 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:06.900 And that should be. 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.059 Our priority. 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.539 Friends. 00:27:09.600 --> 00:27:10.180 As we draw. 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:10.860 To a close. 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.660 Let's remember. 00:27:11.660 --> 00:27:12.340 That praying. 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:13.000 Biblically. 00:27:13.699 --> 00:27:14.679 Means that everything. 00:27:14.679 --> 00:27:15.359 We do. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:16.059 Is done. 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.359 With the desire. 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:18.299 To see God. 00:27:18.559 --> 00:27:19.119 Glorified. 00:27:19.799 --> 00:27:20.740 To see him. 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:22.059 Receive all the honor. 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.799 And to see the name. 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:24.779 Of Jesus Christ. 00:27:24.779 --> 00:27:25.740 Lifted above. 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:26.359 Every. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.059 Other. 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:27.919 Name. 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.159 He alone. 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:30.759 Deserves. 00:27:30.939 --> 00:27:31.699 All the glory. 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.139 We just have the privilege. 00:27:34.139 --> 00:27:35.240 Of praising him. 00:27:35.879 --> 00:27:36.980 And pointing people. 00:27:37.579 --> 00:27:39.159 To that wonderful glory. 00:27:39.160 --> 00:27:41.500 Let's pray together. 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:45.100 Heavenly Father. 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.340 We thank you. 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:47.060 For the privilege. 00:27:47.060 --> 00:27:47.779 It is. 00:27:47.840 --> 00:27:48.660 That we can come. 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.360 Before you. 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.779 With our prayers. 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:51.740 Our petitions. 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:52.460 Our worries. 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:53.200 And our fears. 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.540 Father. 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:56.120 I pray. 00:27:56.800 --> 00:27:57.720 That you would change. 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.640 Our prayer lives. 00:27:59.540 --> 00:28:00.480 Would we focus. 00:28:00.480 --> 00:28:01.660 On your glory. 00:28:02.400 --> 00:28:02.960 Would you. 00:28:03.300 --> 00:28:03.980 Strengthen us. 00:28:04.060 --> 00:28:05.279 In our inner beings. 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:06.220 With the knowledge. 00:28:06.220 --> 00:28:07.519 Of the love of Christ. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:10.119 And would you help us. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.839 Make Christ. 00:28:12.180 --> 00:28:13.740 Be the unchangeable. 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:15.559 Immovable person. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.379 In our lives. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:17.740 Lord. 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.859 We ask all of this. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.799 For your glory. 00:28:20.579 --> 00:28:22.039 In the name of our wonderful. 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.259 Holy. 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:24.319 And precious. 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:24.779 Savior. 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:25.740 Jesus Christ. 00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:27.000 Amen. 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.139 Amen.