WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.399 Friends, in this season we're exploring Christianity itself, what exploring Christianity and what seeking to grow in faith in Christ might look like for us in 2024, both as a church but also individually. 00:00:16.399 --> 00:00:37.879 And last week, Steve shared from the life of Jonathan Edwards and of others from the book of Hebrews who lived imperfect but outstanding lives, pursuing knowing God with their whole minds and hearts, and how that was of an incredible benefit to their faith but also to the city around them. 00:00:37.880 --> 00:00:43.920 Our next step is in a book called Ephesians, in chapter 1. 00:00:44.719 --> 00:00:52.120 And in this, we find an encouragement from one Christian to others to pursue knowing God. 00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:54.480 And this comes in the form of a prayer. 00:00:56.660 --> 00:01:00.900 It's a prayer that asks God to provide knowledge of God. 00:01:01.380 --> 00:01:04.300 That's right, for God to provide knowledge of God. 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:12.659 Of Him in people, provide knowledge of Him as people seek Him. 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:20.120 This prayer shows us how Jesus meets the needs of every person. 00:01:20.120 --> 00:01:27.920 How knowing Him more and more meets the needs of every believer. 00:01:28.920 --> 00:01:37.439 And how praying in this manner, in Ephesians 1, actually fuels Christian faith and love for one another and love for their city. 00:01:38.219 --> 00:01:44.800 That's an eternal benefit to Christians and their community and everyone around them. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:47.819 So here's a question for you. 00:01:48.420 --> 00:01:51.539 Do you seek to grow in your faith? 00:01:53.019 --> 00:01:55.079 Do you struggle to find a reason to do so? 00:01:55.920 --> 00:01:58.640 Or have you never put your faith in Jesus? 00:01:59.979 --> 00:02:06.959 This passage is relevant to you today, as it was relevant to the Christians who lived in a city called Ephesus, 00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:09.819 over a millennia ago. 00:02:09.819 --> 00:02:19.379 A man called Paul wrote this letter to people in this city, and he knew them very well. 00:02:19.620 --> 00:02:24.060 He wrote from prison to this place where he'd been two and a half years before. 00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:28.120 He had helped grow their church. 00:02:28.240 --> 00:02:31.560 He preached publicly for more than two years in that city. 00:02:31.560 --> 00:02:36.280 And he knew it really well. 00:02:36.360 --> 00:02:38.840 It was a multicultural place. 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:41.699 It was a center of the popular religion of the day. 00:02:41.819 --> 00:02:46.840 There were temples and shrines, especially to the goddess Artemis of the time. 00:02:47.180 --> 00:02:51.099 It was a place of international trade and thought. 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:57.300 It was like the religious, commercial, and intellectual crossroads 00:02:57.300 --> 00:03:00.580 on your way in and around the Roman Empire. 00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:09.159 Imagine main roads all converging, cluttered shop fronts, standstill traffic, 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:12.520 people and signs in languages from all over the world. 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:15.439 Kind of sounds like Chatswood to me. 00:03:17.199 --> 00:03:21.300 With our shopping centers like shrines to consumerism and materialism, 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:23.860 which are the popular religions of our day. 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:28.380 And the terrible traffic, and the wonderful cultural diversity, 00:03:29.320 --> 00:03:32.280 and the crossroads of all the train lines of Sydney, it seems. 00:03:33.720 --> 00:03:37.100 But while our cities are similar in some ways, they're very dissimilar in others. 00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:43.340 For Christians and Ephesians felt the pain of persecution really fiercely, 00:03:43.340 --> 00:03:46.620 in a way that we cannot imagine as Christians here in Chatswood. 00:03:47.099 --> 00:03:52.240 I encourage you to go read the end of Acts 18 and Acts 19, 00:03:52.500 --> 00:03:57.939 to get a picture of what life was like in this city for Christians following Jesus. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.680 But even though our experience as Christians can't be the same city to city, 00:04:03.939 --> 00:04:05.680 we do face really similar problems. 00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:12.099 So Paul asks God for, in prayer, what he knows all Christians need, 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:15.460 especially in Ephesus, but also here in Chatswood. 00:04:16.319 --> 00:04:21.879 He prays for a knowledge of God that can help us process and cope, 00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:26.100 and even thrive in our life following Jesus in our city. 00:04:27.220 --> 00:04:29.340 So, open up to Ephesians 1 with me. 00:04:29.339 --> 00:04:36.439 We're going to be in verse 16 and 17 first, so open up with me. 00:04:40.299 --> 00:04:46.659 Firstly, we see there in verse 16 and 17 that Paul remembers the Ephesians in his prayers, 00:04:47.019 --> 00:04:51.679 and he keeps asking that they might know him better. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:05:00.379 Paul gets specific in praying for Christians to know God in three specific ways. 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:02.319 So have a look there in verse 18, I'm going to read. 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:10.660 He prays that Christians may know the hope to which God has called them, 00:05:11.319 --> 00:05:15.519 the riches of his glorious inheritance as his holy people, 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:21.199 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 00:05:21.879 --> 00:05:26.419 Three areas of knowledge, hope, inheritance and power. 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:30.620 First, to the hope that God has called us into. 00:05:32.799 --> 00:05:37.339 Christians embraced a hope in Jesus Christ when they first believe in him. 00:05:38.500 --> 00:05:42.579 They've actually just set a creed declaring what it is that we first believed, 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:44.659 and that we still believe. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:51.459 Christians embraced a hope in all the benefits of the good news. 00:05:53.039 --> 00:05:59.120 That God himself, by grace, has called them into forgiveness, 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:05.299 true freedom, purity, safety, certainty, holiness, 00:06:06.099 --> 00:06:09.120 joy beyond measure, and a changed heart. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:13.699 There are so many benefits that God gives every Christian 00:06:13.699 --> 00:06:16.639 at the very moment when they follow Jesus. 00:06:18.720 --> 00:06:23.300 Increasingly knowing a sure hope in our spiritual reality 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:30.980 helps us turn to our relationship with God to face our present reality. 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:35.319 What happened when we first followed Jesus in the past 00:06:35.319 --> 00:06:38.699 is still our sure hope in the present. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:41.620 And if you need a reminder at any time 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:45.980 of all that you have been called to, 00:06:46.240 --> 00:06:47.699 what is your hope in Jesus, 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:50.699 there is a board right there on the other side of that wall 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:55.280 that can show you everything available in Jesus, 00:06:55.540 --> 00:06:58.879 or if you follow him, that you have in Jesus. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:04.759 And from the moment when we came to faith, 00:07:05.540 --> 00:07:10.159 we can look forward to a glorious future with God beyond this life. 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:14.920 In verse 18, Paul describes us as a holy people 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:18.519 that share in a glorious inheritance together. 00:07:19.159 --> 00:07:20.379 We're all written in the will. 00:07:20.379 --> 00:07:26.819 Colossians 1.12, in another of Paul's letters to a different city, 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:28.819 uses similar language, 00:07:29.540 --> 00:07:32.800 saying that it's God who qualifies us 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:36.500 to share in the inheritance of his holy people. 00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:40.420 And while eternity with God is far beyond our imagining, 00:07:41.480 --> 00:07:45.540 Scripture is bejeweled like a crown 00:07:45.540 --> 00:07:49.759 with promises and pictures of a relationship with God 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:54.379 that will last forever through what Jesus has done for us. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.740 So we find hope in the past, 00:07:56.800 --> 00:08:00.899 and we look forward to the future riches in Jesus. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:05.439 And for right now, Paul prays 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:11.299 that we would know the incomparably great power 00:08:11.299 --> 00:08:15.199 that is literally toward us, for us, 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:19.399 toward all who believe. 00:08:21.239 --> 00:08:24.959 And that power is that Jesus is ruling right now 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:28.639 over all the happenings, all the kings of this world, 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:31.979 all the powers that we face in our city, 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.840 in our nation, in our world. 00:08:34.419 --> 00:08:38.779 Nothing is beyond the reign and authority of Jesus Christ. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:42.639 So we hope in our past redeemed by Christ, 00:08:42.819 --> 00:08:44.939 in a future promised in Christ, 00:08:45.139 --> 00:08:48.240 and we can rest in his power now over our present 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:54.539 as he rules unseen over the chaos of this world. 00:08:54.539 --> 00:09:02.759 Why does Paul ask God to grow a Christian's knowledge, though, 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:06.579 of their hope and inheritance and in Jesus' power for now? 00:09:07.839 --> 00:09:11.860 Why does knowing God more in these three ways actually matter? 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:18.039 It's because this is the knowledge Christians need 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:21.179 to process, cope, and thrive in life, in our city. 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:25.239 And what are we trying to process and cope with? 00:09:26.819 --> 00:09:28.939 Well, studies and books and arts, 00:09:29.019 --> 00:09:30.379 they all come to similar conclusions. 00:09:32.239 --> 00:09:35.259 All people are lonely or hopeless, 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:37.979 afraid of illness and death, 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:41.159 anxious about finances and housing, 00:09:42.659 --> 00:09:45.099 frustrated that all of our relationships 00:09:45.099 --> 00:09:46.819 are just bent to break down. 00:09:46.820 --> 00:09:51.400 We might be isolated from the world, 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:55.280 a part of interracial conflict, 00:09:56.600 --> 00:09:57.740 or scarred by trauma. 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:03.160 Every story, every song, every film, 00:10:03.640 --> 00:10:06.520 they all play on how we all long 00:10:06.520 --> 00:10:09.060 for such problems to be solved, 00:10:09.560 --> 00:10:11.240 and they all look for answers. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:15.019 And for a poetic summary that I think is quite beautiful, 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:18.419 we're going to explore, just for a little bit, 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:21.240 the chorus of a song by the band Coldplay. 00:10:22.580 --> 00:10:25.159 I was obsessed with Coldplay when I was in high school. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:27.139 That was a very long time ago. 00:10:28.139 --> 00:10:29.919 But I find this song called 00:10:29.919 --> 00:10:32.600 Death and All of His Friends really helpful for us. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:33.840 So if you'll permit me, 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:38.100 listen to the words and the longing of this chorus. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:42.779 I don't want to battle from beginning to end. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:46.100 I don't want to cycle and recycle revenge. 00:10:47.360 --> 00:10:50.519 I don't want to follow Death and all of His friends. 00:10:53.620 --> 00:10:55.960 Do you hear the three problems they're bringing up there? 00:10:57.279 --> 00:10:58.600 Death and all of His friends. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:11:02.920 Well, it's Death and His friends' evil and disunity. 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:06.839 This seems a good summary of humanity's struggle 00:11:06.839 --> 00:11:08.959 to process, cope and thrive in life. 00:11:10.279 --> 00:11:12.259 But Coldplay's solution 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:15.639 is Viva La Vida, 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:18.360 another one of their famous songs. 00:11:19.719 --> 00:11:23.559 The title of the album that these songs come from is called, 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:24.759 and it's two options, 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:28.539 Viva La Vida or Death and All of His Friends. 00:11:28.539 --> 00:11:31.319 That's their choices. 00:11:32.099 --> 00:11:34.059 And Viva La Vida seems like their solution. 00:11:35.579 --> 00:11:38.699 Viva La Vida translates roughly as, 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.759 live life while it is long. 00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:45.699 It's based on a painting by Frida Kahlo. 00:11:47.959 --> 00:11:50.639 Viva La Vida means there's so much potential in life. 00:11:51.199 --> 00:11:51.759 Keep at it. 00:11:51.899 --> 00:11:52.319 Enjoy it. 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:54.079 Make the most of it while you have it. 00:11:54.500 --> 00:11:55.159 And even though, 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:58.299 Frida Kahlo herself said at the end of her life, 00:11:58.539 --> 00:12:01.539 I hope the exit is joyful, 00:12:02.099 --> 00:12:03.259 and I hope never to return. 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:06.419 The world, 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:08.019 and Coldplay, 00:12:08.219 --> 00:12:09.079 and Frida Kahlo, 00:12:09.199 --> 00:12:09.839 and our city, 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:12.939 have no reasonable solution 00:12:12.939 --> 00:12:15.299 to death and all of his friends. 00:12:16.339 --> 00:12:17.159 Death, evil, 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:18.759 and conflict between people. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:21.740 Humanity need a hope better than Frida's, 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:24.139 better than Chris Martin from Coldplay's. 00:12:24.959 --> 00:12:26.839 We need a future beyond ourselves 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:29.080 for this life and beyond, 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:31.100 and a power over death, 00:12:31.220 --> 00:12:31.460 evil, 00:12:31.540 --> 00:12:32.100 and disunity 00:12:32.100 --> 00:12:33.720 to trust in. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:38.080 And the good news is that all people have that alternative. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:40.519 Instead of death and all of his friends, 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:41.399 we don't have, 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:43.060 make the best of it while we live, 00:12:43.820 --> 00:12:44.340 viva la vida, 00:12:45.180 --> 00:12:46.360 we have Jesus. 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:50.340 For Jesus came from an eternal life past 00:12:50.340 --> 00:12:54.639 that was without even a moment of hopelessness, 00:12:54.840 --> 00:12:55.700 no disunity, 00:12:56.040 --> 00:12:57.879 no lack of love or fear of the future, 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:59.799 and he gave that life up. 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:03.100 He came as our lifeline 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:05.080 into our lifetime 00:13:05.080 --> 00:13:07.320 to his own creation 00:13:07.320 --> 00:13:09.240 and joined with us 00:13:09.240 --> 00:13:10.580 in living a life 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:12.379 headed toward hopelessness 00:13:12.379 --> 00:13:13.919 and disinheritance 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:14.980 and death 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.480 and a broken relationship with God. 00:13:19.559 --> 00:13:20.279 Also, 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:22.799 he could hand to us for free 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:25.120 a sure hope 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:27.580 after paying for our sin 00:13:27.580 --> 00:13:28.759 in our place on the cross. 00:13:31.159 --> 00:13:31.960 And also, 00:13:32.100 --> 00:13:33.100 we would not have to face 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:34.220 another day of our lives 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:35.120 without looking forward 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:36.279 to a future of safety 00:13:36.279 --> 00:13:37.480 and of eternal life 00:13:37.480 --> 00:13:38.759 and of justice 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:40.840 and a perfect relationship 00:13:40.840 --> 00:13:41.659 with our Creator. 00:13:42.659 --> 00:13:44.179 Jesus exchanged 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:46.399 his glorious future 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:48.899 for a horrifying judgment 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:49.399 and end 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:50.080 that was ours. 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:51.840 He embraced death 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:54.120 so you could look forward 00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:55.580 to your glorious inheritance 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:57.259 in God's Son. 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:01.920 Jesus proved 00:14:01.920 --> 00:14:02.940 that he has the power 00:14:02.940 --> 00:14:04.759 to rule life 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:05.780 right now. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:07.100 So let's look back 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:07.920 at Ephesians 1 00:14:07.920 --> 00:14:09.620 because Paul can't stop 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:10.780 talking about 00:14:10.780 --> 00:14:11.720 how Jesus 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.960 has actually killed 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:13.680 death 00:14:13.680 --> 00:14:15.019 and all of his friends. 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:17.000 He has the power 00:14:17.000 --> 00:14:18.139 over it right now. 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:21.019 Jesus first 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:22.159 conquered death 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:22.840 itself 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:24.299 when he rose again. 00:14:24.899 --> 00:14:25.559 That power, 00:14:25.639 --> 00:14:26.139 have a look there 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:27.480 at verse 19, 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:29.799 that power 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:31.279 is a mighty strength 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:33.340 exerted 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:33.899 when God 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.600 raised Christ 00:14:34.600 --> 00:14:35.199 from the dead. 00:14:36.059 --> 00:14:36.779 The power 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.480 that proved 00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:39.100 stronger than death 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:41.059 at Jesus' resurrection 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:42.799 is the power 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:43.600 that will raise 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:44.139 his followers. 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:46.080 And at the same, 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:47.480 at that same power, 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:49.600 raised Jesus 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.340 to the throne 00:14:50.340 --> 00:14:50.759 of heaven 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:51.659 where Jesus rules 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.940 in verse 21. 00:14:53.720 --> 00:14:55.060 Above all rule 00:14:55.060 --> 00:14:55.860 and authority, 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:57.180 power and dominion, 00:14:57.560 --> 00:14:58.460 and every name, 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.600 now and to come. 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:02.639 There is no evil 00:15:02.639 --> 00:15:03.700 done in the world 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:04.899 that Jesus' power 00:15:04.899 --> 00:15:06.180 does not rule over. 00:15:06.840 --> 00:15:08.259 No matter if we see 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.680 him ruling over it 00:15:09.680 --> 00:15:10.399 or not, 00:15:10.759 --> 00:15:11.899 we can trust 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:12.519 our king 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.899 through anything. 00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:16.899 And Jesus is also 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:17.740 the only ruler 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.539 who can unify 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:19.459 all people together. 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:21.259 He unifies 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.319 the people, 00:15:24.059 --> 00:15:24.679 his people 00:15:24.679 --> 00:15:25.799 as the church. 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:26.600 Have a look there 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:27.579 in verse 22. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:29.620 The church 00:15:29.620 --> 00:15:31.100 which is his body, 00:15:32.199 --> 00:15:32.899 the fullness 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:33.720 of him. 00:15:35.319 --> 00:15:36.299 Jesus himself 00:15:36.299 --> 00:15:37.459 is active 00:15:37.459 --> 00:15:38.299 in the world 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:39.299 right now, 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:40.360 dealing with death 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:41.240 and all of his friends 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:42.079 through 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:44.340 people who follow him. 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:47.500 as his power 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.160 displayed 00:15:48.160 --> 00:15:50.100 and impacting 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:50.960 the world. 00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:52.139 As if he is here 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.220 for he is 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:54.360 in and through 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.800 his church. 00:15:58.300 --> 00:15:59.360 Coldplay song goes, 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.019 I don't want 00:16:01.019 --> 00:16:01.940 to follow death 00:16:01.940 --> 00:16:03.139 and all of his friends. 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:06.180 Jesus defeated death 00:16:06.180 --> 00:16:06.920 and all of his friends. 00:16:07.700 --> 00:16:08.660 So follow Jesus. 00:16:08.659 --> 00:16:14.100 If you follow Jesus 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:14.759 you have hope, 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.539 you have an inheritance, 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:18.279 you have God's power 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:19.480 in Jesus for you 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:20.279 right now, 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:21.899 but you will still 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:23.240 feel the effects, 00:16:23.719 --> 00:16:24.480 all the problems 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:24.860 of death 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:25.559 and all of his friends. 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.240 We're all a part 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:26.759 of this city 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.980 and if our eyes 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:28.279 are open 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:28.919 we're all a part 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:29.319 of the world 00:16:29.319 --> 00:16:30.399 whether it's on our screens 00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.439 or right in front of us 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:33.299 and it's hard. 00:16:33.299 --> 00:16:36.559 We are so prone 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:37.339 to forget 00:16:37.339 --> 00:16:38.979 the spiritual reality 00:16:38.979 --> 00:16:40.919 put on this page 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:41.799 in Ephesians 1. 00:16:43.179 --> 00:16:44.399 So prone to forget 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:44.979 how Jesus 00:16:44.979 --> 00:16:46.279 gives us life, 00:16:46.859 --> 00:16:47.459 even life 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:48.059 to thrive 00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:48.679 in our city 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.859 whether life 00:16:49.859 --> 00:16:50.679 is hard in Ephesus 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:51.620 or whether life 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.719 is hard in Chatswood. 00:16:54.279 --> 00:16:54.979 Paul's solution 00:16:54.979 --> 00:16:55.779 for all believers 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:56.620 is to pursue 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.439 knowing what we 00:16:57.439 --> 00:16:58.799 already have in him 00:16:58.799 --> 00:17:00.699 and not forgetting 00:17:00.699 --> 00:17:01.399 this knowledge 00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:02.179 day by day. 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:03.859 or else 00:17:03.859 --> 00:17:05.059 one of three things 00:17:05.059 --> 00:17:05.539 are going to happen. 00:17:06.859 --> 00:17:07.940 We either turn 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:08.480 to the world, 00:17:09.339 --> 00:17:10.200 turn to ourself 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:12.799 or our fears 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:14.839 to process 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.619 and cope 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:16.819 and try and thrive 00:17:16.819 --> 00:17:18.940 in our city. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.599 If we forget Jesus 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:23.799 we might turn 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:24.220 to the world 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:24.879 for answers 00:17:24.879 --> 00:17:26.899 drifting from 00:17:26.899 --> 00:17:28.099 all Jesus offers us 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:28.839 into a 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.399 viva la vida 00:17:29.399 --> 00:17:30.099 lifestyle 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:31.960 where 00:17:31.960 --> 00:17:32.700 our life 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.120 might not 00:17:33.120 --> 00:17:33.480 look too 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:33.840 different 00:17:33.840 --> 00:17:34.380 to people 00:17:34.380 --> 00:17:35.120 down at the mall 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:35.860 who don't 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:36.200 have any 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.620 knowledge of 00:17:36.620 --> 00:17:37.340 Jesus at all. 00:17:38.900 --> 00:17:39.779 A life that 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.340 ends up in a 00:17:40.340 --> 00:17:40.920 dead faith. 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:43.039 Or we turn 00:17:43.039 --> 00:17:43.640 to ourselves 00:17:43.640 --> 00:17:45.000 looking at 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.579 Jesus 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:46.759 and all he 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:47.340 has accomplished 00:17:47.340 --> 00:17:48.360 as not quite 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:48.920 enough yet 00:17:48.920 --> 00:17:49.660 to save us 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.360 from our sins 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:51.599 and so work 00:17:51.599 --> 00:17:53.039 vigorously 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:54.099 and religiously 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:56.240 to save 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:56.719 ourselves 00:17:56.719 --> 00:17:57.319 somehow 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.599 in our way 00:17:58.599 --> 00:17:59.399 in our works. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:01.659 Or we forget 00:18:01.659 --> 00:18:02.579 and follow the 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:03.119 fears 00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:04.579 of our city 00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.599 of our time 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:07.819 the fears 00:18:07.819 --> 00:18:08.699 that are on display 00:18:08.699 --> 00:18:09.579 on our screens. 00:18:11.179 --> 00:18:12.079 Those fears 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:13.199 can shape 00:18:13.199 --> 00:18:14.419 our worry 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:16.759 and our worry 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.380 can be so 00:18:17.380 --> 00:18:18.039 strong 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:20.180 that instead 00:18:20.180 --> 00:18:20.800 of looking at 00:18:20.800 --> 00:18:21.320 what Jesus 00:18:21.320 --> 00:18:21.900 has accomplished 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:22.420 is enough 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:22.980 we actually 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:24.120 fear 00:18:24.120 --> 00:18:25.600 into seeking 00:18:25.600 --> 00:18:26.480 more and more 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:28.000 spiritual experiences 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.700 in place of 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.360 that completed 00:18:30.360 --> 00:18:31.140 works of Jesus 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:31.640 Christ. 00:18:33.080 --> 00:18:34.000 Following Jesus 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.779 means looking 00:18:35.779 --> 00:18:36.279 to him 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.080 day by day 00:18:37.080 --> 00:18:38.500 as if he 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:38.980 has gone 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:39.680 before us 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:40.160 and we 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:40.779 are following 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.319 literally 00:18:41.319 --> 00:18:42.139 following him 00:18:42.139 --> 00:18:43.639 step by step 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:45.079 into a life 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:46.019 of thriving 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:47.139 in him. 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:48.940 But not 00:18:48.940 --> 00:18:49.500 seeking to 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:49.980 know him 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:50.220 more 00:18:50.220 --> 00:18:50.740 leads us 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.440 to doubt. 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:54.619 We must 00:18:54.619 --> 00:18:55.180 respond to 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:55.759 our proneness 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:56.399 to forget. 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:00.579 Proneness 00:19:00.579 --> 00:19:01.000 to forgetting 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:01.519 the hope 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.240 and the future 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:03.599 and the power 00:19:03.599 --> 00:19:04.200 of Jesus 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:04.799 Christ 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:06.480 by seeking 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:06.879 to know 00:19:06.879 --> 00:19:07.399 God more 00:19:07.399 --> 00:19:09.000 and regularly 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:09.700 remembering 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:10.339 all his 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:10.759 benefits 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:11.240 to us 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:11.779 past 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.799 and future 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:13.720 and in 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.240 our present. 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.319 So what is 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:17.000 your next 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.339 step 00:19:17.339 --> 00:19:19.000 in getting 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:19.480 to know 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:20.140 God 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:21.099 through the 00:19:21.099 --> 00:19:21.839 completed 00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:23.019 wonderful 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.920 glorious 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:24.519 works of 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.279 Jesus Christ? 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:27.579 If you 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.099 don't follow 00:19:28.099 --> 00:19:29.140 Jesus yet 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:29.839 and like 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:30.400 Coldplay 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.140 you are 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:31.559 looking 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.819 for an 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.279 alternative. 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:37.700 Your next 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:38.140 step is to 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:38.480 explore 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.059 Christianity. 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:41.200 God is 00:19:41.200 --> 00:19:41.839 known 00:19:41.839 --> 00:19:42.759 and knowable 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:43.599 and wants 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:44.159 you to 00:19:44.159 --> 00:19:44.700 know him 00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.379 through 00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:45.759 Jesus 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:46.259 Christ. 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:46.819 We would 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:47.159 love to 00:19:47.159 --> 00:19:47.859 help you 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:48.619 explore 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.000 knowing 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:49.359 Jesus 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:50.220 through 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:51.179 history, 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:51.779 through 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.000 his 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.539 teachings 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:54.379 and all 00:19:54.379 --> 00:19:54.720 he has 00:19:54.720 --> 00:19:55.159 done for 00:19:55.159 --> 00:19:55.839 you today. 00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:56.440 So come 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:56.919 speak to 00:19:56.919 --> 00:19:57.319 me or 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:57.759 speak to 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.200 someone you 00:19:58.200 --> 00:19:58.799 know here 00:19:58.799 --> 00:20:00.339 about what 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:00.899 your next 00:20:00.899 --> 00:20:01.299 step might 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:02.019 be exploring 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.700 Christianity. 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:05.259 And if you 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:05.779 do follow 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:06.599 Jesus your 00:20:06.599 --> 00:20:07.319 next step 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.359 is always 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:08.819 going to 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:10.220 be pursuing 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:11.680 deeper and 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:12.599 deeper knowledge 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:13.019 of God 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:13.720 through Jesus 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.680 in the 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:14.980 Bible 00:20:14.980 --> 00:20:16.440 day by 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:16.779 day. 00:20:17.879 --> 00:20:18.740 I invite 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:19.420 you to 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.019 take a 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:20.440 step that 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:20.759 you may 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.299 not have 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.039 taken this 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:22.940 year toward 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:23.819 opening your 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.500 Bible in a 00:20:24.500 --> 00:20:25.660 more purposeful 00:20:25.660 --> 00:20:25.940 way. 00:20:26.279 --> 00:20:26.539 Jess has 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:27.200 already mentioned 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.180 an explore 00:20:28.180 --> 00:20:28.740 book. 00:20:28.740 --> 00:20:30.019 It's a 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:30.799 resource that 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.599 guides you 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:32.500 through little 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:33.720 letters or 00:20:33.720 --> 00:20:34.319 books like 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:34.900 Ephesians. 00:20:35.620 --> 00:20:36.539 Day by day 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:36.920 helps you 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:37.579 understand it, 00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:37.980 helps you 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:38.620 pray about 00:20:38.620 --> 00:20:39.200 it, helps 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:39.819 you apply it 00:20:39.819 --> 00:20:40.059 to your 00:20:40.059 --> 00:20:40.940 life, helps 00:20:40.940 --> 00:20:41.319 you know 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:41.759 God more. 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:42.259 I encourage 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.720 you to get 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:43.240 one of those 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:43.799 when they 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.259 come in. 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:44.940 Or go have 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.240 a look at 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.720 our resource 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.460 table today. 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:49.579 And do 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.259 this together 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:50.859 with others. 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.140 We have 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:54.539 community 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:55.539 groups starting 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.400 up again soon 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.339 in our church 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.099 and that's 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:58.799 where we 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.740 every week 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.500 ask questions 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.059 of the Bible 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:02.000 and of 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.279 faith together 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:03.959 openly. 00:21:04.699 --> 00:21:05.039 Christians 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.480 flourish in 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.039 God's word 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:07.740 in community 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:08.980 and I 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.459 encourage you 00:21:09.459 --> 00:21:09.939 to consider 00:21:09.939 --> 00:21:10.519 joining a 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.379 group to 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:11.879 grow in your 00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:12.339 knowledge in 00:21:12.339 --> 00:21:12.759 God this 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.019 year. 00:21:15.099 --> 00:21:15.699 But you 00:21:15.699 --> 00:21:16.039 might be 00:21:16.039 --> 00:21:16.579 sitting here 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:16.939 and not 00:21:16.939 --> 00:21:17.240 want to 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:17.559 take a 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:18.059 next step. 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:21.919 Some of 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:22.459 us find the 00:21:22.459 --> 00:21:22.980 idea of 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.639 knowing God 00:21:23.639 --> 00:21:25.740 in the 00:21:25.740 --> 00:21:26.240 pages of 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:26.559 books, 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:27.980 knowing God 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:28.860 more with 00:21:28.860 --> 00:21:29.240 others 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:29.779 openly, 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.319 intimidating 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:33.200 or makes 00:21:33.200 --> 00:21:34.339 us feel 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:36.579 afraid or 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:36.940 it's just 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.680 too hard. 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.680 It's just a 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.299 pressure on 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:40.799 our shoulders 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:41.299 that leads 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:41.720 us to give 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:41.940 up. 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:44.240 That's been 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.680 me in the 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.019 past, 00:21:46.120 --> 00:21:47.360 especially 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:47.860 when I was 00:21:47.860 --> 00:21:48.140 younger, 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:49.160 but in 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:49.440 and out 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:49.880 of season. 00:21:51.880 --> 00:21:52.220 And if 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.880 that's you, 00:21:53.400 --> 00:21:54.059 Ephesians has 00:21:54.059 --> 00:21:54.480 one more 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.240 encouragement for 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.460 you. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:56.720 Have a 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.000 look at 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:57.660 Ephesians 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:58.420 1.17. 00:22:00.980 --> 00:22:01.799 And just 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:02.480 look at these 00:22:02.480 --> 00:22:03.240 verses and 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.259 look, where 00:22:04.259 --> 00:22:04.740 does our 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.600 knowledge of 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:06.519 God come 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:06.860 from? 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.720 Does it 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.059 come from 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:08.559 our hard 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:08.960 work? 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:10.660 Does it 00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:10.920 come from 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.400 our intellect? 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:12.940 Does it 00:22:12.940 --> 00:22:13.480 come from 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:14.360 how well we 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:14.880 know English? 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:16.759 No. 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:18.840 Our knowledge 00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:19.240 of God 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:20.039 comes from 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.900 God himself. 00:22:20.900 --> 00:22:23.240 Paul here 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:24.360 asks God 00:22:24.360 --> 00:22:24.720 that he 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.440 may give 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:27.259 you, as 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.640 it says, 00:22:27.800 --> 00:22:28.420 the spirit 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.340 of wisdom 00:22:29.340 --> 00:22:31.080 and revelation. 00:22:31.780 --> 00:22:32.620 There is a 00:22:32.620 --> 00:22:33.860 spirit of 00:22:33.860 --> 00:22:35.340 God that 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:36.200 gives knowledge 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:36.880 of him to 00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:37.480 us day by 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:37.780 day. 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:39.040 A Holy 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:40.140 Spirit that 00:22:40.140 --> 00:22:40.840 works through 00:22:40.840 --> 00:22:41.480 the words of 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:43.040 scripture, in 00:22:43.040 --> 00:22:44.160 books, and 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:44.860 through people 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:46.600 to help us 00:22:46.600 --> 00:22:47.200 grow in our 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.759 faith in 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.080 God. 00:22:48.560 --> 00:22:48.800 And as 00:22:48.800 --> 00:22:49.440 verse 18 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.580 says, if 00:22:50.580 --> 00:22:50.860 you look 00:22:50.860 --> 00:22:52.120 there, it's 00:22:52.120 --> 00:22:52.500 only as 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:53.539 God himself 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:55.640 enlightens the 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.580 eyes of 00:22:56.580 --> 00:22:57.279 your heart 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:59.019 that knowledge 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.799 comes into 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.519 you in a 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.559 life-giving 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.080 way. 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.220 Jesus 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:04.460 himself, who 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.019 called himself 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.720 the light of 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.200 the world, 00:23:07.320 --> 00:23:07.779 like a 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.380 light in a 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:08.920 pitch-black 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:09.400 room, 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.660 through the 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:12.320 Holy Spirit, 00:23:13.620 --> 00:23:14.259 does the 00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.900 knowledge-giving 00:23:14.900 --> 00:23:15.279 that we 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:15.600 seek. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.180 The pressure 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.640 that you 00:23:17.640 --> 00:23:18.420 might feel 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.299 to grow 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:19.599 in your 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:20.099 knowledge of 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:21.079 God is 00:23:21.079 --> 00:23:22.879 actually on 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:24.819 God as 00:23:24.819 --> 00:23:25.579 we take our 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:27.039 next step to 00:23:27.039 --> 00:23:27.440 know him 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:27.700 more. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:28.839 It's a 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:29.419 partnership, 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.000 the pressure 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.799 is on him. 00:23:33.940 --> 00:23:34.619 Paul has 00:23:34.619 --> 00:23:35.240 told us he's 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.259 praying for 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:37.419 us, for 00:23:37.419 --> 00:23:38.299 the Ephesians, 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.059 for knowledge 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:41.180 of God, 00:23:41.899 --> 00:23:42.619 that we find 00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:43.059 in what Jesus 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:43.519 has already 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.299 done, in 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:44.579 what he's 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:45.200 going to do, 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:45.819 and what he's 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:46.339 doing in and 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:46.759 through us 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.119 now. 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:48.879 And his 00:23:48.879 --> 00:23:49.779 prayer shows 00:23:49.779 --> 00:23:50.720 us how to 00:23:50.720 --> 00:23:51.099 take that 00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:51.779 next step, 00:23:52.379 --> 00:23:54.379 and that 00:23:54.379 --> 00:23:55.200 God will 00:23:55.200 --> 00:23:55.740 work to 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.000 give us 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:56.480 that knowledge 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:56.779 as we 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.259 take it. 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:01.539 And Paul 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:03.019 shares this 00:24:03.019 --> 00:24:03.599 prayer with 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:06.180 us, as an 00:24:06.180 --> 00:24:06.819 example of 00:24:06.819 --> 00:24:07.279 what to pray 00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:08.500 for, to 00:24:08.500 --> 00:24:09.119 shape the 00:24:09.119 --> 00:24:10.379 culture of 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:10.960 God's church, 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.920 of people who 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:13.039 follow Jesus 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:14.940 together, to 00:24:14.940 --> 00:24:15.319 be a people 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:15.579 who are 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:16.960 thankful, who 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:17.599 expect big 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.099 things of 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:19.119 God, and 00:24:19.119 --> 00:24:19.480 who are 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.119 prayerful 00:24:20.119 --> 00:24:21.299 observers of 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.339 fellow Christians 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.279 around us as 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:23.960 he grows us 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.899 in Christ. 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:27.099 How often do 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.920 you pray, like 00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:28.819 Paul prays here, 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:29.460 for other 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:29.799 Christians? 00:24:32.379 --> 00:24:33.339 If Ephesians 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:33.899 1 is an 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:34.579 example for us 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.019 to follow, 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:36.519 then we 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.180 should pray for 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:37.799 other Christians, 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:38.460 as it says in 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.339 verse 15, 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:42.879 when we 00:24:42.879 --> 00:24:43.599 hear of their 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.179 faith in the 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:45.059 Lord Jesus and 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:46.159 their love for 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:46.779 God's people. 00:24:49.019 --> 00:24:49.939 Beyond just our 00:24:49.939 --> 00:24:50.779 relationship with 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.679 God, our 00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:53.179 relationship, we 00:24:53.179 --> 00:24:53.759 should consider 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:54.339 the work he is 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:54.740 doing in the 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.179 lives of the 00:24:55.179 --> 00:24:56.019 Christians around 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.959 us, and look 00:24:57.959 --> 00:24:58.740 for signs of 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.839 faith and love 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:01.879 in them, and 00:25:01.879 --> 00:25:03.079 respond, like 00:25:03.079 --> 00:25:04.240 Paul, with 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:05.639 this unstopping, 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.179 ongoing 00:25:06.179 --> 00:25:08.319 thankfulness, not 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:08.879 waiting for 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:09.420 something to go 00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:09.900 wrong in a 00:25:09.900 --> 00:25:10.620 believer's life, 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:13.280 to pray, but 00:25:13.280 --> 00:25:14.200 never stopping in 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:14.840 thankful prayer, 00:25:15.620 --> 00:25:16.560 asking God to 00:25:16.560 --> 00:25:17.900 grow faith and 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:18.880 acts of love in 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:20.100 people who we 00:25:20.100 --> 00:25:21.120 are thankful for 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.340 as we see God 00:25:22.340 --> 00:25:23.100 working in them. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.420 When you have 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:27.140 conversations with 00:25:27.140 --> 00:25:27.920 other Christians, 00:25:28.780 --> 00:25:30.240 you should ask 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.980 how they're going, 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:32.480 how are you 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.700 going, and 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.360 really want to 00:25:34.360 --> 00:25:34.540 know. 00:25:35.220 --> 00:25:35.800 That's good 00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:37.480 friendship, it's 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.360 good Christian 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:38.759 friendship. 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.439 And you 00:25:41.439 --> 00:25:42.559 should ask 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.159 what's really 00:25:43.159 --> 00:25:43.839 going on in 00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.519 this spiritual 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:45.059 life. 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.199 How are you 00:25:47.199 --> 00:25:48.759 going, and 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:50.219 how are you 00:25:50.219 --> 00:25:50.799 growing? 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:53.000 And Ephesians 1 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:53.679 demands that that 00:25:53.679 --> 00:25:54.539 second question, 00:25:54.899 --> 00:25:55.339 how are you 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:57.019 growing, is 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.679 motivated by an 00:25:58.679 --> 00:25:59.199 ongoing, 00:25:59.579 --> 00:26:00.139 unstoppable 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:01.119 thankfulness for 00:26:01.119 --> 00:26:02.919 that person in 00:26:02.919 --> 00:26:04.240 your life, and 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:06.079 in your city, and 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:07.199 a desire that God 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:08.539 would be spiritually 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:09.460 imparting knowledge 00:26:09.460 --> 00:26:10.319 to them through 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.140 his spiritual 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.740 wisdom and 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.799 revelation, that 00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:13.259 they would be 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:13.960 growing day by 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.660 day in Jesus. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:16.259 So is your 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.680 heart moved 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:18.779 toward other 00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.519 believers in this 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:19.759 way? 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.360 Are your 00:26:22.360 --> 00:26:23.400 conversations in 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:23.880 our Christian 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:25.100 community filled 00:26:25.100 --> 00:26:26.840 with questions 00:26:26.840 --> 00:26:27.640 about growing in 00:26:27.640 --> 00:26:29.360 faith, answers of 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:30.640 how God has given 00:26:30.640 --> 00:26:31.840 us a hope and a 00:26:31.840 --> 00:26:34.720 future and a rest 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.640 in the power of 00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:35.920 Jesus? 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:39.100 We want one 00:26:39.100 --> 00:26:40.299 another to thrive 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:41.240 in life. 00:26:42.940 --> 00:26:44.180 But, if you 00:26:44.180 --> 00:26:45.380 ask, how are you 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:46.920 growing, and a 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.519 fellow believer 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.380 doesn't know how to 00:26:48.380 --> 00:26:48.819 answer that 00:26:48.819 --> 00:26:51.140 question, maybe 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:51.880 they are not 00:26:51.880 --> 00:26:52.539 growing in their 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:52.799 faith. 00:26:55.339 --> 00:26:56.660 And this is not 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.960 to ask to seek to 00:26:57.960 --> 00:26:59.360 shame them, this is 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.960 to ask to seek to 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.799 help them grow, if 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:04.819 we can, and also 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:05.460 to pray for them. 00:27:07.119 --> 00:27:07.879 If you're not 00:27:07.879 --> 00:27:09.559 pursuing God, or 00:27:09.559 --> 00:27:10.339 you discover someone 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.240 else is not 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.639 pursuing God, then 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:13.899 it demands action. 00:27:14.399 --> 00:27:16.579 So, are you 00:27:16.579 --> 00:27:17.359 willing to come 00:27:17.359 --> 00:27:18.299 alongside someone 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:19.379 and help them grow 00:27:19.379 --> 00:27:20.000 in their faith? 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.639 To ask them 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:23.480 questions of how 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:24.399 they're relying on 00:27:24.399 --> 00:27:27.039 God to process 00:27:27.039 --> 00:27:28.519 and cope and even 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.919 thrive in life? 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.779 Do you see signs 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:32.519 that they're running 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.099 to the world? 00:27:33.559 --> 00:27:34.480 That they're relying 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.019 on themselves? 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:36.420 Or that they're 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:37.359 motivated by their 00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:37.839 fears? 00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:42.519 Are you willing to 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.799 commit, even long 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:44.500 term, to helping 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:45.519 them grow in their 00:27:45.519 --> 00:27:46.879 knowledge of God? 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:50.399 This is the kind of 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:51.879 community culture of 00:27:51.879 --> 00:27:53.339 faith and love that I 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:55.119 think was on display 00:27:55.119 --> 00:27:56.559 in believers in 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:56.940 Ephesus. 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:58.740 And that's why Paul's 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.700 thankful in verse 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.139 15. 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:01.500 I think he'd 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:01.920 seen it. 00:28:02.020 --> 00:28:02.460 I think he'd 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.100 tasted it. 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:03.980 And I think he'd 00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:05.080 heard of it, even 00:28:05.080 --> 00:28:06.340 years after leaving. 00:28:07.580 --> 00:28:08.780 And he prays like 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.840 this all the more, 00:28:10.160 --> 00:28:11.080 so that the things 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:11.940 he's thankful for, 00:28:12.180 --> 00:28:13.100 their faith in Jesus 00:28:13.100 --> 00:28:14.160 and their love for 00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:14.860 each other in their 00:28:14.860 --> 00:28:16.320 city, would just 00:28:16.320 --> 00:28:17.660 grow and grow and 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:18.060 grow. 00:28:18.600 --> 00:28:19.440 Because he hears 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.120 that they're thriving 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:20.620 in life. 00:28:21.320 --> 00:28:22.140 And he wants us to 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:22.860 thrive in it too. 00:28:23.300 --> 00:28:23.900 He doesn't want them 00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:24.920 to get distracted away 00:28:24.920 --> 00:28:26.580 from what we really 00:28:26.580 --> 00:28:26.960 need. 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:28.779 And this is the 00:28:28.779 --> 00:28:29.539 kind of community 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.480 that St. Paul's in 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:31.299 Chatswood should seek 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:31.720 to be. 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:35.100 One where we pursue 00:28:35.100 --> 00:28:39.460 openly knowing Jesus 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:42.140 more, knowing God 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:43.880 more in him as we 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:44.400 live together. 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:46.660 So the best answer 00:28:46.660 --> 00:28:48.280 of how to process 00:28:48.280 --> 00:28:50.380 life, how to cope 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:51.720 with life, how to 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.660 thrive in life, is 00:28:52.660 --> 00:28:54.540 only found in the 00:28:54.540 --> 00:28:56.640 hope and the 00:28:56.640 --> 00:28:58.720 glorious future and 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.600 the power that we 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:01.259 find only in 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:01.880 following Jesus 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:02.380 Christ. 00:29:02.960 --> 00:29:03.820 For only in Jesus 00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.640 Christ can we know 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.460 the hope that is an 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.759 unshakable foundation. 00:29:07.800 --> 00:29:08.519 Only in Jesus 00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:09.560 Christ can we know a 00:29:09.560 --> 00:29:11.240 future that is an 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:12.480 unshakable force 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:14.500 working unseen, an 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:15.700 unshakable promise 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.160 worthy of carrying 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:17.900 through life. 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:21.000 And only in Jesus 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:22.500 Christ can we know a 00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:23.200 power that is an 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:24.339 unshakable force, 00:29:24.779 --> 00:29:26.160 working unseen in our 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:27.420 world right now that 00:29:27.420 --> 00:29:28.980 drives away despair and 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:30.740 the power of death and 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:31.559 all of his friends. 00:29:32.360 --> 00:29:33.240 For Jesus conquered 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:33.599 death. 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.740 He reigns over all 00:29:35.740 --> 00:29:37.460 things and he himself 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.140 is our head. 00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:40.059 He is the one who we 00:29:40.059 --> 00:29:40.339 follow. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:42.279 We are his body and 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:42.939 his church. 00:29:43.980 --> 00:29:45.480 He alone can unite 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:47.980 people who would 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:51.279 otherwise hate each 00:29:51.279 --> 00:29:51.519 other. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:54.259 He alone can unite 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.319 people from any 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.339 background, any 00:29:56.339 --> 00:29:57.299 culture, any gender, 00:29:57.480 --> 00:29:58.319 any age group, any 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:58.779 language. 00:30:00.159 --> 00:30:00.839 And those who have 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.759 turned to follow Jesus 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:03.319 need to know deeper 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:04.599 and deeper, no matter 00:30:04.599 --> 00:30:06.199 their age, day by day, 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:07.220 no matter where they 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:07.680 started. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:12.420 All Jesus has been, 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:14.360 all he will ever be, 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:15.799 and all he is right 00:30:15.799 --> 00:30:17.539 now for Christians 00:30:17.539 --> 00:30:18.960 across our whole world, 00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.799 in our city, in this 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:22.900 room, as we continue 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:23.920 to grow as his people. 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:26.819 So that in our 00:30:26.819 --> 00:30:27.860 growing there would be 00:30:27.860 --> 00:30:30.900 such an impact in one 00:30:30.900 --> 00:30:32.720 another and on our 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.980 city that people who 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:36.380 look from other cities 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:38.640 around can see Jesus 00:30:38.640 --> 00:30:41.640 on display like he 00:30:41.640 --> 00:30:42.420 saw it in Ephesus. 00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:45.140 May such a prayer 00:30:45.140 --> 00:30:47.140 shape us, change us, 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:50.220 inspire us, and be 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:51.120 prayed daily in our 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:52.160 community as we live 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.940 lives following Jesus 00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:54.579 in Chatswood. 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:56.539 I'm going to pray this 00:30:56.539 --> 00:30:57.480 prayer over us. 00:30:58.380 --> 00:30:59.059 And whether this is 00:30:59.059 --> 00:31:00.000 your last Sunday with 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:02.759 us or your first, 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:04.799 whether you know 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:06.099 Jesus yet or not, 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:08.900 let us pray in line 00:31:08.900 --> 00:31:09.980 with Ephesians 1 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.420 and ask that God 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:13.519 would know, help us 00:31:13.519 --> 00:31:14.299 to know him more. 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:14.879 Let's pray. 00:31:17.440 --> 00:31:19.059 Glorious Father, we 00:31:19.059 --> 00:31:20.000 praise you that in 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:21.259 Jesus Christ there is 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:22.579 an alternative to 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.500 following death and 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.160 all of his friends. 00:31:25.119 --> 00:31:26.039 Please help us to 00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:27.259 follow him and truly 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:27.680 live. 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:30.079 Please grant us 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:31.339 wisdom and revelation 00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:32.899 to know you, our 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:36.619 Lord, your son Jesus, 00:31:37.779 --> 00:31:38.679 deeper and deeper, 00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:39.740 day by day. 00:31:40.259 --> 00:31:41.319 Would you enlighten 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:45.139 our hearts so that we 00:31:45.139 --> 00:31:45.899 do not turn to the 00:31:45.899 --> 00:31:48.179 dark and that by his 00:31:48.179 --> 00:31:49.220 light we might know 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.659 you more. 00:31:50.099 --> 00:31:50.899 Please give us a 00:31:50.899 --> 00:31:51.740 knowledge of the hope 00:31:51.740 --> 00:31:53.759 we have in all we are 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:55.379 called to in him, a 00:31:55.379 --> 00:31:56.339 knowledge of the riches 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:58.720 of our glorious 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:01.380 inheritance in him, a 00:32:01.380 --> 00:32:02.140 knowledge of Jesus' 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:03.700 power that is right 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:05.019 now ruling over death, 00:32:05.339 --> 00:32:06.559 evil and injustice, 00:32:07.140 --> 00:32:08.640 powerfully binding us 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:09.740 together as his church. 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:12.039 Please help us to know 00:32:12.039 --> 00:32:14.299 you more and more, 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:15.960 oh God, in Jesus, 00:32:16.860 --> 00:32:18.579 who is our Lord and our 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:19.220 all in all. 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:20.160 Amen.