WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.600 Well, isn't that a wonderful truth to end our singing and begin as we look at God's word, that our saviour is king. 00:00:07.960 --> 00:00:16.460 My name is Alistair, I have the privilege of being the assistant here at Brunsfield and of taking us through that marvellous passage in Ephesians chapter 3. 00:00:16.539 --> 00:00:21.219 It would be really helpful if you have that open in front of you as we look at it this morning. 00:00:21.800 --> 00:00:23.900 But before we do that, let me pray for us. 00:00:23.899 --> 00:00:37.519 Heavenly Father, we pray that the words of my mouth and that the meditations of our hearts would be pleasing to you, our rock, our king and our redeemer. 00:00:38.140 --> 00:00:40.219 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:00:42.299 --> 00:00:45.959 I want to start off this morning by being completely honest with you all. 00:00:47.719 --> 00:00:49.480 Prayer is difficult, isn't it? 00:00:49.479 --> 00:00:58.419 We go up to people on a Sunday morning and they tell us of a particular situation and we say these oh so familiar words. 00:00:59.019 --> 00:01:00.199 I'll be praying for you. 00:01:02.099 --> 00:01:04.519 But how often do we follow through on that promise? 00:01:06.539 --> 00:01:09.599 Think about when you sit in a prayer meeting or a small group. 00:01:09.819 --> 00:01:11.719 You go around and you share prayer points. 00:01:11.859 --> 00:01:13.879 You jot them down on a piece of paper. 00:01:14.679 --> 00:01:17.920 You pray for 10 or 15 minutes but then they're put in the drawer. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:21.519 Never to be thought of again until the next week. 00:01:22.980 --> 00:01:25.799 Or what about those times when you start praying? 00:01:26.960 --> 00:01:30.079 And then before you know it, you're thinking about what you want to have for dinner. 00:01:31.019 --> 00:01:32.939 Or that dish you left in the oven. 00:01:33.120 --> 00:01:37.540 Or you're thinking when you need to pick up the kids or that bill that you haven't paid. 00:01:39.780 --> 00:01:40.920 Prayer can be difficult. 00:01:41.740 --> 00:01:44.879 And often it can be difficult because we don't know what to pray for. 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:53.739 But thank the Lord that he has given us instructions in his words that help us see what a biblical prayer life looks like. 00:01:54.920 --> 00:01:56.560 That's what we see in Ephesians 3. 00:01:57.179 --> 00:02:00.239 The Apostle Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. 00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:03.879 And I think that this is a helpful model for us to pray. 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:08.019 So this morning we'll be thinking about what it means to pray biblically. 00:02:08.020 --> 00:02:11.080 And ask three short questions of the text. 00:02:11.820 --> 00:02:13.159 Who do we pray to? 00:02:14.200 --> 00:02:15.560 What do we pray for? 00:02:16.480 --> 00:02:17.920 And why do we keep praying? 00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:23.259 So as one year comes to an end and another begins. 00:02:23.959 --> 00:02:29.179 Wouldn't it be great to see a real difference in our prayer lives in 2020? 00:02:30.579 --> 00:02:32.599 That's why I chose this passage this morning. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:35.219 Because it will challenge our prayer lives. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:39.239 It will lift our eyes to see the character of God. 00:02:39.240 --> 00:02:46.260 And it will help us to think about praying with the glory of God as our priority. 00:02:47.340 --> 00:02:52.120 So the first question that we ask of Ephesians 3 is. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:54.040 Who do we pray to? 00:02:54.520 --> 00:02:56.379 Verses 14 to 15. 00:02:56.700 --> 00:02:58.160 Who do we pray to? 00:02:59.480 --> 00:03:03.000 Now the prayer is quite interesting because of how it starts. 00:03:03.080 --> 00:03:04.760 Look with me at verse 14. 00:03:05.020 --> 00:03:06.340 Paul begins with, 00:03:06.460 --> 00:03:08.960 For this reason I kneel before the Father. 00:03:10.240 --> 00:03:12.460 Now what reason is he speaking about? 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:21.860 Well as you look at the passage you've probably noticed that chapter 3 verse 1 and chapter 3 verse 14 start with the same words. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:23.439 For this reason I. 00:03:24.920 --> 00:03:30.540 And that's because verse 14 is a continuation of thought that started off in verse 1. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:40.759 It's as if Paul was going to go into the prayer in verse 1 but felt that he needed to say a little bit more about his ministry and about the gospel. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:47.199 And then in verse 14 Paul comes back to his original thought and says for this reason I. 00:03:48.979 --> 00:03:53.519 And looking at the context of these verses that come before the prayer. 00:03:53.520 --> 00:03:58.560 The reason that Paul is referring to is the mystery of the gospel. 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:02.480 The fact that the gospel is now for all people. 00:04:03.400 --> 00:04:05.260 Both Jew and Gentile. 00:04:05.660 --> 00:04:07.560 And now they have been made new. 00:04:08.500 --> 00:04:09.740 Become a new body. 00:04:09.900 --> 00:04:10.600 New citizens. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:11.640 A new family. 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:12.460 And a temple. 00:04:13.140 --> 00:04:13.660 Of God. 00:04:13.760 --> 00:04:17.519 As Ephesians 2 verses 19 to 22 tells us. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:22.240 So for this reason Paul says I bow the knee and I pray. 00:04:23.979 --> 00:04:27.560 But do you see who he's praying to at the end of verse 14? 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:34.819 He says he's praying before the father from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 00:04:36.819 --> 00:04:45.099 Paul is highlighting the fact that the dividing wall that existed between Jew and Gentile has been turned to rubble. 00:04:45.100 --> 00:04:49.360 God is not just the father of the Jews who believe in Jesus. 00:04:50.060 --> 00:04:54.340 But he's the father of all people who call on the name of Jesus. 00:04:55.800 --> 00:04:58.260 And this makes me think back to the Sermon of the Mount. 00:04:58.960 --> 00:05:01.800 Because in that teaching of Matthew 5 to 7. 00:05:02.460 --> 00:05:06.640 Jesus is lifting people's eyes to see God as a heavenly father. 00:05:07.439 --> 00:05:09.020 One who provides for. 00:05:09.800 --> 00:05:11.180 Cares for his children. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:15.379 And that's the idea that Paul is giving the Ephesian church. 00:05:15.439 --> 00:05:17.120 As he's teaching them to pray biblically. 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:18.920 You pray to God. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:20.720 Because he's your father. 00:05:21.160 --> 00:05:21.900 And he listens. 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:27.060 And the only reason that we can come before God as our father. 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:30.899 Is because of what Paul has been teaching in Ephesians so far. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:35.560 That as Christians we have been chosen by God. 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:38.920 Forgiven of our sins through the death of Jesus. 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:41.980 Called to be holy and blameless. 00:05:42.120 --> 00:05:44.399 And called to live holy lives. 00:05:46.660 --> 00:05:49.240 Therefore Paul says regardless of where you are from. 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:52.840 Regardless of what you have done in life. 00:05:53.040 --> 00:05:55.100 Regardless of whether you're a Jew or a Gentile. 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:55.939 As a Christian. 00:05:56.540 --> 00:05:58.720 You can come before the throne room of God. 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:00.100 And you can call him father. 00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:00.220 Father. 00:06:03.020 --> 00:06:04.740 Now if we understand the fact. 00:06:05.240 --> 00:06:06.980 That God is a good father. 00:06:06.980 --> 00:06:09.840 Who knows how to give good gifts to his children. 00:06:11.300 --> 00:06:14.379 Then that will serve as the very reason that we run to him. 00:06:14.879 --> 00:06:16.320 In our times of need. 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:17.540 And with our petitions. 00:06:19.100 --> 00:06:20.740 Jesus says in Matthew 7. 00:06:20.840 --> 00:06:21.840 Verse 9 to 11. 00:06:21.960 --> 00:06:22.860 You don't need to turn there. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:24.120 But he says. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:24.820 Which of you. 00:06:24.939 --> 00:06:26.520 If your son asks for bread. 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:27.460 Will give him a stone. 00:06:27.459 --> 00:06:29.620 Or if he asks for a fish. 00:06:29.719 --> 00:06:30.579 Will give him a snake. 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:31.899 If you then. 00:06:32.299 --> 00:06:33.299 Though you are evil. 00:06:33.859 --> 00:06:36.159 Know how to give good gifts to your children. 00:06:36.739 --> 00:06:38.039 How much more. 00:06:38.659 --> 00:06:39.799 Will your father in heaven. 00:06:39.979 --> 00:06:41.939 Give good gifts to those. 00:06:42.299 --> 00:06:43.079 Who ask him. 00:06:44.919 --> 00:06:46.199 Now no good father. 00:06:46.359 --> 00:06:49.079 Is going to pack his child's school lunch box. 00:06:49.219 --> 00:06:49.599 And think. 00:06:49.679 --> 00:06:50.339 Oh you know what. 00:06:50.740 --> 00:06:52.579 Instead of putting some cheese in that sandwich. 00:06:52.659 --> 00:06:53.939 I might throw a few pebbles in. 00:06:53.939 --> 00:06:57.980 No good father would hand things to their children. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:00.120 That they know are going to harm them. 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:00.500 Are they? 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:03.180 And Jesus says. 00:07:03.319 --> 00:07:05.259 Even as earthly fathers. 00:07:05.759 --> 00:07:08.040 Who are evil by their very nature. 00:07:08.500 --> 00:07:10.339 If they know how to give good gifts. 00:07:11.159 --> 00:07:12.620 Then how much more. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:15.540 Will our heavenly father give good gifts to his children. 00:07:18.159 --> 00:07:20.240 Now why is this an important place to start. 00:07:20.319 --> 00:07:21.759 When we think about praying biblically. 00:07:21.759 --> 00:07:25.480 Well because this is the very foundation of our prayers. 00:07:27.740 --> 00:07:28.219 Because. 00:07:28.459 --> 00:07:31.180 We're not coming to a mean man in the sky. 00:07:31.300 --> 00:07:33.500 Who reluctantly give things to his children. 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:36.339 We're not coming before a father. 00:07:36.339 --> 00:07:38.319 Who delights to see us in pain. 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:39.480 And anguish. 00:07:41.240 --> 00:07:42.099 We're coming. 00:07:42.579 --> 00:07:44.139 Before a father who is good. 00:07:44.819 --> 00:07:46.680 Who wants to give good gifts. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:47.539 To his children. 00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:50.599 And a father who has gone out of his way. 00:07:50.600 --> 00:07:53.020 To show how much he loves his children. 00:07:55.200 --> 00:07:58.340 Do you see God as a good father this morning? 00:08:00.980 --> 00:08:03.960 Are you like a child who knows that in their father. 00:08:04.100 --> 00:08:05.160 They can find shelter. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:06.760 Protection. 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:08.660 Provision and care. 00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:13.600 That is how God is revealed to us in scripture. 00:08:16.840 --> 00:08:20.800 Not as some distant stone faced far off deity. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:25.600 But as a father who calls his children. 00:08:26.140 --> 00:08:27.240 Who loves them. 00:08:28.080 --> 00:08:30.160 And who takes sinners like you and me. 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:32.820 And calls us his own. 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:37.100 Praying biblically means we come before God. 00:08:37.160 --> 00:08:38.920 As our heavenly father. 00:08:40.360 --> 00:08:41.960 So the second question then is. 00:08:42.040 --> 00:08:43.220 Well what do we pray for? 00:08:43.940 --> 00:08:45.600 In verses 16 to 19. 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:47.020 What do we pray for? 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:51.440 Have you ever stopped and asked yourself that question? 00:08:51.440 --> 00:08:57.080 I realized that I spend much of my prayer life focusing on this life. 00:08:57.880 --> 00:08:59.060 On this world. 00:08:59.900 --> 00:09:01.700 On the problems that exist. 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:03.520 Often to the neglect. 00:09:04.080 --> 00:09:06.140 Of deeper spiritual things. 00:09:07.320 --> 00:09:08.660 We pray for the sick. 00:09:09.520 --> 00:09:11.120 For those in financial troubles. 00:09:11.260 --> 00:09:12.680 For those looking for jobs. 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:15.280 For those who need comfort. 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:17.380 And for those. 00:09:17.860 --> 00:09:20.780 And those are all good and right things for us to pray for. 00:09:20.779 --> 00:09:21.779 For those in the world. 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:22.779 For those in the world. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:27.519 But notice how Paul immediately takes our eyes off of our own situations. 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:31.779 And teaches us to fix our gaze on Jesus Christ. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:33.839 And the deeper spiritual things. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:36.220 Because we are spiritual beings. 00:09:37.620 --> 00:09:39.899 In these verses we have two petitions. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:42.539 In verses 16 and 18. 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.480 And in both of these petitions. 00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:46.759 Paul is praying. 00:09:47.319 --> 00:09:49.779 That the Ephesians would have power. 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:53.539 But he is not praying. 00:09:53.699 --> 00:09:55.679 That they would have some electrical boost. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:09:59.459 Or that they would have some mystical force. 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:02.139 That would carry them through the struggles of life. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:06.779 He is not asking that God would make them into the Duracell bunnies. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:08.939 That we see advertised on telly. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:11.519 Who can run faster and longer than any other battery. 00:10:11.519 --> 00:10:16.399 He starts off with his petition in verse 16. 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:18.399 I pray. 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:21.139 That out of his glorious riches. 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:23.360 He may strengthen you with power. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:25.419 Through his spirit in your inner being. 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:29.379 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 00:10:31.079 --> 00:10:33.000 Now what are those glorious riches? 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:38.440 Well they are the absolute breathtaking spiritual blessings. 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:41.039 That every Christian has received in Jesus. 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:42.940 From Ephesians chapter 1. 00:10:44.080 --> 00:10:45.519 We don't have time to read that. 00:10:45.580 --> 00:10:47.840 But please do go home and read that this afternoon. 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:49.679 Because you will be blown away. 00:10:50.559 --> 00:10:53.759 Of God's kindness and goodness towards his people. 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:58.220 Those truths are the foundation of Paul's prayer. 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:02.340 And they are the very reason that Paul can come before God. 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:06.000 The creator and sustainer of this whole world. 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:08.399 Solely because of Jesus. 00:11:10.340 --> 00:11:14.919 He prays that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their inner being. 00:11:15.399 --> 00:11:18.559 So that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. 00:11:20.299 --> 00:11:23.100 Now there are countless discussions on exactly what this means. 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:26.500 Because here we see the Holy Spirit as the one who gives power. 00:11:27.080 --> 00:11:28.420 And strengthens Christians. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:31.840 And Jesus is the one dwelling in the hearts of believers. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:36.480 But Paul isn't praying that they would become Christians. 00:11:37.100 --> 00:11:39.480 He's speaking to a church of Christians. 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:41.300 But instead. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:45.019 Paul is praying that Christ may take up residence. 00:11:45.680 --> 00:11:48.620 And dwell permanently in their hearts through faith. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:52.920 The word in the original conveys permanency. 00:11:53.920 --> 00:11:56.519 That Christ would be the unchangeable. 00:11:57.080 --> 00:12:00.800 The immovable factor in the life of every single Christian. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:03.980 And that they would grow to know him more and more. 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:09.279 He's praying that they would be strengthened by the Spirit to walk the walk. 00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:16.279 To run the race and to persevere through the struggles of living in a fallen world. 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:21.759 He's praying that their love and devotion to Christ would be unshakable. 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:27.980 We see Paul explaining this very same thing in 2 Corinthians 4. 00:12:28.100 --> 00:12:29.840 Verses 16 to 18. 00:12:29.840 --> 00:12:30.580 Where he says. 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:32.600 Therefore we do not lose heart. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:35.320 Though outwardly we are wasting away. 00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:38.560 Inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:42.340 For our light and momentary troubles. 00:12:42.920 --> 00:12:47.300 Are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 00:12:47.299 --> 00:12:49.740 So fix your eyes. 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:50.959 Not on what is seen. 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:52.659 But on what is unseen. 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:55.419 Since what is seen is temporary. 00:12:56.039 --> 00:12:58.259 What is unseen is eternal. 00:12:58.259 --> 00:13:03.019 Friends is your prayer life anything like this? 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:07.179 If I'm being honest. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:10.399 So often my prayer life looks absolutely nothing like this. 00:13:11.939 --> 00:13:14.500 We get caught up with the day to day of life. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:17.500 And we forget the reality that we're spiritual beings. 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:21.700 As Christians we are in this world. 00:13:21.799 --> 00:13:22.840 But not of this world. 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:24.799 We are passers by in this life. 00:13:25.939 --> 00:13:28.019 And the destination that awaits us is far. 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:29.460 Far greater than this one. 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:32.740 But we're here for a reason. 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:37.379 And we should be constantly bringing each other before the Lord. 00:13:37.379 --> 00:13:38.100 And praying. 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:40.100 That the Holy Spirit. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:43.039 Would give us strength to persevere. 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:44.100 Until that day. 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:46.059 That Jesus Christ returns. 00:13:46.200 --> 00:13:47.840 Or we are called home. 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:51.720 So friends pray for each other. 00:13:52.980 --> 00:13:55.600 That Jesus would dwell in your hearts permanently. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.840 And that you would grasp. 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.439 What that means. 00:14:00.220 --> 00:14:02.480 That we have the fullness of God. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:04.200 Dwelling within us. 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:06.939 That is the truth. 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:08.659 That we want every believer to know. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:12.980 And Paul continues his prayer in verse 17. 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:14.000 With the second petition. 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:15.700 Where he says. 00:14:15.700 --> 00:14:17.540 And I pray that you. 00:14:17.660 --> 00:14:20.300 Being rooted and established in love. 00:14:20.520 --> 00:14:24.060 May have power together with all the Lord's holy people. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:26.020 To grasp how wide. 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:27.240 How long. 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:29.879 How high and deep is the love of Christ. 00:14:30.020 --> 00:14:31.379 And to know this love. 00:14:32.180 --> 00:14:33.780 That surpasses knowledge. 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:38.300 That you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:42.719 Is Paul's words in verse 17. 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:44.519 Of being rooted and established. 00:14:44.939 --> 00:14:46.319 Make me think of trees. 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:48.719 So the living room of our flat. 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:51.079 Overlooks a nice park. 00:14:51.219 --> 00:14:52.099 And so every morning. 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:55.199 As my wife Sabina and I sit down for a meal. 00:14:55.639 --> 00:14:57.879 We can't help but notice these big trees. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.240 Now Edinburgh is a lovely city. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.879 But as we noticed yesterday. 00:15:01.879 --> 00:15:03.159 It is windy. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.299 And so from our window. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.980 We can see these massive trees. 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:09.200 Being battered by gales. 00:15:09.299 --> 00:15:10.340 That blow through the park. 00:15:11.340 --> 00:15:12.779 You can see the leaves. 00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:14.840 And the tree top branches. 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:17.080 Being swept to and fro. 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:17.759 By the wind. 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:18.639 As it carries them. 00:15:18.679 --> 00:15:20.080 In whichever direction it pleases. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:22.919 But the trunk of those trees. 00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:25.059 The roots of those trees. 00:15:25.059 --> 00:15:26.059 Are established. 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:28.960 They are deep in the soil. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:30.500 And no wind can move them. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.759 That is what Paul is saying. 00:15:35.559 --> 00:15:37.200 But notice that he isn't praying. 00:15:37.460 --> 00:15:39.240 That they would be rooted. 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.659 And established in love. 00:15:41.700 --> 00:15:43.120 Instead he is stating. 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:45.059 That they are rooted. 00:15:45.059 --> 00:15:46.439 And established in love. 00:15:48.059 --> 00:15:49.200 He is saying. 00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:51.379 That you are rooted in love. 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.600 Meaning the love of God. 00:15:52.679 --> 00:15:54.200 As demonstrated in the gospel. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:54.960 Through Jesus. 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:57.019 And he prays. 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.179 That they would have power. 00:15:58.179 --> 00:16:00.179 To grasp how long. 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:00.919 And wide. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.659 And deep. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:03.519 The love of Jesus is. 00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:07.179 Paul is encouraging. 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:07.840 These Christians. 00:16:07.840 --> 00:16:08.720 As he prays for them. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:09.620 With their identity. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:10.259 In Jesus. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.840 It's as if he's saying. 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:15.000 Despite all of your difficulties. 00:16:15.799 --> 00:16:16.779 All of the struggles. 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:17.580 In life. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.220 Of living. 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.220 Holy lives. 00:16:19.259 --> 00:16:20.539 In an unholy world. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:21.539 Know. 00:16:21.939 --> 00:16:23.580 That 100%. 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:24.879 You are rooted. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.740 In Christ. 00:16:25.740 --> 00:16:26.779 And nothing. 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.279 Absolutely nothing. 00:16:28.779 --> 00:16:30.080 Can take that away from you. 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:33.480 Paul prays. 00:16:33.480 --> 00:16:34.200 That they would have. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:35.600 Power to grasp. 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.800 That wonderful truth. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:39.020 But that cannot. 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:39.800 Simply be. 00:16:39.920 --> 00:16:41.360 An intellectual exercise. 00:16:42.660 --> 00:16:43.620 As I was thinking. 00:16:43.620 --> 00:16:44.379 About these verses. 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:45.440 I remember the song. 00:16:45.520 --> 00:16:46.080 That I was taught. 00:16:46.160 --> 00:16:46.740 As a child. 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:48.060 And one you've probably. 00:16:48.060 --> 00:16:48.500 Sang. 00:16:48.660 --> 00:16:49.340 Many times. 00:16:49.340 --> 00:16:50.220 Over the years. 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.720 Jesus loves me. 00:16:51.820 --> 00:16:52.520 This I know. 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.160 Because. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:54.900 The Bible tells me so. 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:56.559 And the refrain. 00:16:57.059 --> 00:16:57.419 Goes. 00:16:58.059 --> 00:16:58.459 Yes. 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.740 Jesus loves me. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:01.939 Now you sing that. 00:17:02.019 --> 00:17:03.159 With a four or five year old. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:03.919 And you smile. 00:17:04.039 --> 00:17:04.740 Because it's cute. 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:05.200 Isn't it? 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:08.139 But then sing that song. 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:09.740 Standing next. 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.500 Standing next. 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.759 To a convicted criminal. 00:17:11.759 --> 00:17:13.319 Who's done the unspeakable. 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.099 Things. 00:17:14.259 --> 00:17:14.980 Of this world. 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:17.220 But who's come to a saving faith. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.119 In Jesus Christ. 00:17:19.359 --> 00:17:20.579 Do you think there'll be a difference? 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:22.859 Well of course. 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.460 There will be. 00:17:23.460 --> 00:17:25.980 That person has lived life. 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:27.700 They are not naive. 00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:28.480 Or blind. 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:29.480 To their own sin. 00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:31.440 They understand. 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.840 Their identity. 00:17:32.840 --> 00:17:33.460 In Jesus. 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:34.440 And how through his. 00:17:34.900 --> 00:17:35.759 Death on the cross. 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:36.539 They've been taken. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.340 From death. 00:17:37.600 --> 00:17:38.340 To life. 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.840 From darkness. 00:17:39.840 --> 00:17:40.640 To light. 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:44.600 People with experience. 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:46.840 Will belt that song out. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:48.180 At the top of their lungs. 00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:50.460 Because they know it to be true. 00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:53.600 But friends. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:54.440 We are that criminal. 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:58.519 We all should be. 00:17:58.799 --> 00:17:59.200 Asking. 00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:00.779 How can God love me? 00:18:03.360 --> 00:18:04.759 Like the song says. 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:06.620 How deep the father's love for us. 00:18:07.279 --> 00:18:08.840 And it conveys so powerfully. 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:10.940 When we imagine Jesus on the cross. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.700 Our response should be. 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:13.500 None other than. 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:14.140 Ashamed. 00:18:14.140 --> 00:18:15.980 I hear my mocking voice. 00:18:16.660 --> 00:18:18.300 Call out among the scoffers. 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:20.240 Because it was my sin. 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.460 That held him there. 00:18:22.180 --> 00:18:23.560 Until it was accomplished. 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:25.300 And his dying breath. 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:26.380 Brought me life. 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:28.340 And so I know. 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:29.960 That it is finished. 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:33.240 If you're a Christian. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:34.120 Here this morning. 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:36.120 That should be your response. 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.560 To the love of Jesus Christ. 00:18:38.560 --> 00:18:39.620 Not a checklist. 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:40.560 In our heart. 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:41.400 Of the doctrines. 00:18:41.400 --> 00:18:42.160 That we like. 00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:45.020 Not an intellectual exercise. 00:18:45.760 --> 00:18:47.400 That does not move us. 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.380 To praise God. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.080 But our response. 00:18:51.260 --> 00:18:52.320 Should be an outburst. 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:53.840 Of absolute joy. 00:18:53.839 --> 00:18:56.419 Because as Christians. 00:18:56.419 --> 00:18:57.399 That is our testimony. 00:18:59.799 --> 00:19:00.839 From criminal. 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.539 To child of God. 00:19:03.659 --> 00:19:05.659 As Ephesians 2 verse 1 says. 00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:06.299 You were dead. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.539 In your transgressions. 00:19:07.699 --> 00:19:08.299 And sins. 00:19:08.939 --> 00:19:10.379 That is who we were. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:12.740 Before we became Christians. 00:19:13.419 --> 00:19:14.779 But the glorious truth. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:16.179 Of chapter 2 verse 4. 00:19:16.359 --> 00:19:16.699 Is that. 00:19:17.399 --> 00:19:18.720 And that should blow our minds. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:20.199 Every time we read it. 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.559 And lift our voices. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:22.759 In endless praise. 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:24.400 Is that because of his. 00:19:24.400 --> 00:19:25.700 Great love for us. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:28.220 God who is rich in mercy. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.619 Made us alive. 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:30.339 With Christ. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:31.740 Even when we were dead. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:32.900 In our transgressions. 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:34.759 It is by grace. 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:36.559 That you have been saved. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.559 So if you're not a Christian. 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.339 Here this morning. 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:43.460 The reality. 00:19:43.660 --> 00:19:44.559 That the Bible teaches. 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:46.059 Is that you are still in darkness. 00:19:48.379 --> 00:19:49.599 That you are a slave. 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:50.259 To your sin. 00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:51.359 And you are dead in it. 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:54.579 But would you listen. 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:55.799 To the voice of a savior. 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:58.299 Who calls those who are dead. 00:19:58.299 --> 00:19:59.000 In their sins. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.819 To life. 00:20:01.619 --> 00:20:03.079 That is the wonderful news. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:04.279 That we want to share with you. 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:04.759 This morning. 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.920 That there is a savior. 00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:07.940 Who knows your wrongdoings. 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:10.119 He knows everything. 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:11.160 You've done. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:11.799 And thought. 00:20:11.960 --> 00:20:12.500 And said. 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:14.160 And he knows you're not walking. 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:14.819 Right with him. 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:17.700 And despite it all. 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:21.000 He calls you to repent. 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:22.679 And believe the good news of Jesus. 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:25.659 That is the only reason. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:27.259 That I can stand before you this morning. 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.720 That is the only reason. 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:31.259 We gather as a church. 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:33.200 Because once we were dead in our sin. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:34.500 And rejecting of God. 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:36.379 But now through Jesus. 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:37.139 We're alive. 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:41.720 Please think about that this morning. 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:44.440 Think about who Jesus is. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.660 Ponder the truths. 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.640 Of this king and lord. 00:20:48.080 --> 00:20:49.480 Who loves a broken. 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:50.880 Corrupt sinner. 00:20:50.880 --> 00:20:53.380 And he makes them. 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:55.380 Rooted and established in love. 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:59.280 Paul prays that these Christians. 00:20:59.280 --> 00:21:00.120 Would grasp. 00:21:00.480 --> 00:21:01.320 The love of Christ. 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.860 The love that is too broad. 00:21:03.460 --> 00:21:04.300 Too long. 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.940 Too deep. 00:21:05.060 --> 00:21:06.260 And too high. 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:07.420 To fathom. 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:11.200 We cannot even begin. 00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:12.620 To imagine the extent. 00:21:12.620 --> 00:21:13.260 Of that love. 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:14.360 Because as Paul says. 00:21:14.440 --> 00:21:15.260 In verse 19. 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:17.280 It surpasses all knowledge. 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:20.899 That doesn't mean. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.680 We stop thinking. 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.440 And wrestling. 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.220 With it. 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:25.519 And it certainly doesn't mean. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.279 That we keep it. 00:21:26.379 --> 00:21:27.740 In our little box. 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:29.059 Of ordered doctrines. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.319 That we like to talk about. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.599 But it means. 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:33.480 That every time. 00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:34.559 We hear of this love. 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:35.819 We are blown away. 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:37.139 And we stand amazed. 00:21:37.139 --> 00:21:38.019 In the presence. 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.059 Of Jesus. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.039 Now imagine. 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:43.700 If we prayed. 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.759 These two petitions. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.460 For each other. 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:48.160 Imagine if. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:48.899 In our prayers. 00:21:49.039 --> 00:21:49.859 We asked that God. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:50.460 Would help. 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:52.139 Us be amazed. 00:21:52.279 --> 00:21:53.139 And taken aback. 00:21:53.259 --> 00:21:54.180 By that great love. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.339 That God has for them. 00:21:56.899 --> 00:21:58.420 I think the global church. 00:21:58.420 --> 00:21:59.420 Would look quite different. 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:03.119 I think we'd see a people. 00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:04.240 Who love. 00:22:04.660 --> 00:22:05.660 Whose love for the Lord. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:06.579 Is ever growing. 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:08.200 And a people. 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.819 Who take that love. 00:22:09.899 --> 00:22:11.259 Out to the lost world. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.899 And tell people. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:13.579 About it. 00:22:13.960 --> 00:22:15.299 And point them to Jesus. 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:15.460 Jesus. 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.519 So why not take this. 00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:20.279 Into the new year. 00:22:20.379 --> 00:22:21.240 And pray it for everyone. 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:21.639 You know. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:23.139 Pray it for the whole. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:23.859 Church family. 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:26.299 I think our prayer lives. 00:22:26.419 --> 00:22:27.059 Would be much better. 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:30.159 Praying biblically. 00:22:30.159 --> 00:22:31.159 Means that we come. 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.960 Before the Lord. 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.259 With petitions. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.579 For spiritual maturity. 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.259 And endurance. 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.359 To run the race. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.779 If our focus. 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:41.960 In 2020. 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.160 Of our prayer lives. 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:43.740 Was God. 00:22:44.340 --> 00:22:45.740 And the spiritual maturity. 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:46.980 Of our brothers and sisters. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:47.680 In Christ. 00:22:49.120 --> 00:22:50.240 We'd be changed. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:51.880 Our church. 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.759 Would be changed. 00:22:53.640 --> 00:22:54.319 And we'd love. 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.160 Each other more. 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.960 But then the third question. 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:00.279 Is well. 00:23:00.380 --> 00:23:01.460 Why do we keep praying. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.700 Verses 20 to 21. 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.519 Why do we keep praying. 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:08.420 Well we keep praying. 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:09.700 Because the only response. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:11.019 To those wonderful truths. 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.660 That Paul's been telling us about. 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:14.319 Is absolute praise. 00:23:16.360 --> 00:23:17.299 Praying biblically. 00:23:17.299 --> 00:23:19.019 Means that we cannot hold back. 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:19.980 From praising God. 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:20.759 As our father. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.720 To whom we come. 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:24.100 And bring petitions. 00:23:24.100 --> 00:23:25.279 That we would be mature. 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:27.440 And grow in our understanding. 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:27.980 Of love. 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.660 In these two verses. 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.220 Paul. 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:33.600 Praises God. 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.200 And puts. 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.900 The two earlier petitions. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.559 Into perspective. 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:38.819 By bringing two themes. 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.419 To mind. 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:41.099 In verse 20. 00:23:41.619 --> 00:23:42.519 That God can do. 00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:43.539 Immeasurably more. 00:23:43.619 --> 00:23:44.460 Than we can ask. 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:45.099 Or imagine. 00:23:46.099 --> 00:23:47.179 And in verse 21. 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:48.839 He speaks about. 00:23:48.960 --> 00:23:50.000 The wonderful glory. 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.519 Of God. 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.039 How do these. 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.000 Themes. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.679 Change. 00:23:54.899 --> 00:23:55.679 The way we pray. 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:58.559 Well they change. 00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:59.019 The way. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.359 And things we pray for. 00:24:01.200 --> 00:24:02.179 Because we take. 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:02.779 Our eyes. 00:24:02.859 --> 00:24:03.859 Off our own interests. 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:05.819 Off our own desires. 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.759 And we think about. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.439 The character. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:08.679 And glory. 00:24:08.679 --> 00:24:09.259 Of God. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.759 And praying this way. 00:24:12.419 --> 00:24:13.220 Will mean that God. 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:14.179 Gets all the glory. 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:15.559 In the church. 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:16.899 And it will mean. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.200 That we want Jesus's name. 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:18.700 To be lifted. 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:20.279 Above every other name. 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:24.700 We can pray confidently. 00:24:24.700 --> 00:24:26.240 And come confidently. 00:24:26.899 --> 00:24:28.259 Before this almighty. 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.099 And good father. 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:29.659 Because. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.639 We know. 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:32.179 That he answers prayer. 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:35.799 How often do we face. 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.940 A situation. 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:37.700 And neglect. 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:38.600 To bring it to God. 00:24:38.640 --> 00:24:39.140 In prayer though. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.779 We think it's too big. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.759 Of an ask for God. 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:44.820 Or we think it's too small. 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:45.660 And insignificant. 00:24:45.660 --> 00:24:46.720 To bother him with. 00:24:48.060 --> 00:24:48.980 And so we don't pray. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:49.799 About the problems. 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:50.539 With the house. 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:51.460 That will set us back. 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:51.880 Thousands. 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.080 We don't pray. 00:24:54.080 --> 00:24:54.980 About our situation. 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:55.519 At work. 00:24:55.560 --> 00:24:56.200 With that boss. 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.640 That keeps nagging us. 00:24:59.460 --> 00:25:00.299 We don't pray. 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:01.500 About our health issues. 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:03.039 And we just say. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:04.380 Well it's just part of life. 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.279 If you're like me. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:10.420 And every other human being. 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:11.079 That I know. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:12.819 Then your tendency. 00:25:13.180 --> 00:25:14.339 Is to first rely. 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.380 On your own strength. 00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:17.019 To do things. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:17.880 By yourself. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.559 Until again. 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:21.900 You realize. 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:23.319 Like you have a hundred. 00:25:23.579 --> 00:25:24.279 Times before. 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:25.420 That you can't do it. 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:26.920 And only then. 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:27.779 Do you turn to God. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.200 In prayer. 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:30.700 But friends. 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.539 We need to understand. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.299 That no petition. 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.019 Is too big. 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.360 That no petition. 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:37.059 From God's children. 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:37.940 Is insignificant. 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.880 To a father. 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.500 Who listens. 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:41.680 God can do. 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.799 Immeasurably more. 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:43.940 Than we can think. 00:25:44.400 --> 00:25:45.319 Or even imagine. 00:25:47.580 --> 00:25:48.980 If we fully grasp. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.940 Who God is. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.500 Then we will come. 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.480 To the realization. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.140 That our. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.160 Petitions. 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:54.980 Are in the hands. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.740 Of an all powerful God. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:56.779 God. 00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:58.140 Who sustains. 00:25:58.140 --> 00:25:59.059 All things. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.680 That's why Paul says. 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:02.500 In verse 20. 00:26:02.900 --> 00:26:04.700 According to his power. 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:05.880 That is at work. 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.559 Within us. 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:09.099 He isn't saying. 00:26:09.099 --> 00:26:09.960 That we are the ones. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:11.240 Who answer our prayers. 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:13.160 He isn't saying. 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:15.019 That we are our own saviors. 00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:16.120 But he's jumping back. 00:26:16.120 --> 00:26:17.220 To that same thought. 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:18.720 In verse 16 to 17. 00:26:19.299 --> 00:26:20.420 It is Christ. 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:22.019 Who dwells in you. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.940 It is his power. 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:25.840 That is at work. 00:26:25.900 --> 00:26:26.360 In you. 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:29.539 And that spurs us on. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.580 And pushes us. 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.720 To do the will of God. 00:26:33.400 --> 00:26:34.600 It pushes us on. 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:35.360 To pray things. 00:26:35.360 --> 00:26:36.519 According to his will. 00:26:36.620 --> 00:26:37.259 And to act. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:38.460 Out. 00:26:38.580 --> 00:26:39.700 A holy life. 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:40.820 For God's glory. 00:26:43.340 --> 00:26:44.660 And then Paul ends. 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:45.519 This prayer. 00:26:46.160 --> 00:26:47.500 Not by focusing on himself. 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:49.279 Not by focusing on the church. 00:26:49.279 --> 00:26:49.860 In Ephesus. 00:26:50.600 --> 00:26:52.200 But he focuses on God. 00:26:52.840 --> 00:26:53.740 On God's glory. 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.620 And his son. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.620 Jesus Christ. 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:58.500 Now I've wrestled with this. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.220 And asked myself. 00:26:59.380 --> 00:26:59.519 Well. 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:01.180 How often do I pray. 00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.160 Consciously. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:03.980 With the glory of God. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:04.559 At the forefront. 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.380 In my mind. 00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:06.059 As a filter. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:06.740 Through which. 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:08.480 I bring all of my petitions. 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.839 And the answer is. 00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:12.180 Far fewer than I should. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.799 But the only reason. 00:27:15.799 --> 00:27:16.839 That Paul can pen. 00:27:17.160 --> 00:27:18.579 These wonderful words. 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.000 Is because God. 00:27:20.059 --> 00:27:21.380 Has transformed his life. 00:27:21.380 --> 00:27:23.200 The only reason. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.440 I stand here this morning. 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.180 Is because God. 00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:25.960 Changed mine. 00:27:27.020 --> 00:27:28.060 And the only reason. 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:29.160 We gather as a church. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:30.760 Is because that is our testimony. 00:27:31.640 --> 00:27:32.520 That God has done. 00:27:32.580 --> 00:27:33.820 A tremendous work. 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:35.240 In our lives. 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.120 And so. 00:27:36.260 --> 00:27:37.200 Why on earth. 00:27:38.160 --> 00:27:39.240 Would we want to give. 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:40.460 Anyone else the glory. 00:27:40.460 --> 00:27:41.460 God. 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:42.460 God. 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:43.460 God. 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:44.059 God. 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.759 This doesn't mean. 00:27:44.860 --> 00:27:45.480 We stop praying. 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:47.079 For our immediate needs. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.779 But it means. 00:27:48.900 --> 00:27:50.019 That all of our prayers. 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.720 The glory of God. 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:54.440 Should be of utmost importance. 00:27:55.880 --> 00:27:57.059 We shouldn't pray. 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:58.360 So that others hear our. 00:27:58.779 --> 00:27:59.180 Words. 00:27:59.579 --> 00:28:01.079 And like our beautiful language. 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.960 But we should pray. 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:04.880 Because God hears. 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.120 Every single word. 00:28:06.119 --> 00:28:08.659 We should not pray. 00:28:08.659 --> 00:28:09.719 To tickle the ears. 00:28:09.719 --> 00:28:10.139 Of others. 00:28:10.139 --> 00:28:10.919 But we should pray. 00:28:11.019 --> 00:28:11.500 In accordance. 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.439 With the will of God. 00:28:12.479 --> 00:28:13.079 As revealed. 00:28:13.419 --> 00:28:14.119 In the Bible. 00:28:15.659 --> 00:28:16.599 We shouldn't pray. 00:28:16.599 --> 00:28:18.099 So that others look up to us. 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:20.039 We should pray. 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:20.899 In such a way. 00:28:20.979 --> 00:28:21.959 That people are pointed. 00:28:21.959 --> 00:28:22.679 To God. 00:28:22.839 --> 00:28:23.519 And his glory. 00:28:25.919 --> 00:28:26.359 Friends. 00:28:26.439 --> 00:28:27.719 As we draw to a close. 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.399 Let's remember. 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:31.439 That praying biblically. 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:33.099 Means that everything. 00:28:33.099 --> 00:28:33.759 We do. 00:28:34.679 --> 00:28:35.319 Should be done. 00:28:35.399 --> 00:28:36.379 For the glory of God. 00:28:37.619 --> 00:28:38.719 To see him. 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:40.179 Receive all of the honor. 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.719 And to see the name. 00:28:41.740 --> 00:28:42.579 Of Jesus Christ. 00:28:42.679 --> 00:28:43.139 Lifted above. 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:44.439 Every other name. 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.799 Because he alone. 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:47.919 Deserves the glory. 00:28:49.339 --> 00:28:50.659 We just have the privilege. 00:28:50.659 --> 00:28:51.419 Of praising him. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:53.079 And the privilege. 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:53.959 Of pointing people. 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:54.899 To that wonderful. 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.039 Glory of his. 00:28:57.079 --> 00:28:58.059 Let's pray together. 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.899 Father. 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.019 Father. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:03.839 As we stand. 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.000 At the end. 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:05.659 Of a year. 00:29:06.240 --> 00:29:06.779 And we look. 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.279 At the beginning. 00:29:07.279 --> 00:29:08.039 Of a new year. 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:08.960 We confess. 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:11.019 That your glory. 00:29:11.139 --> 00:29:12.200 Probably hasn't been. 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:13.539 The first priority. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.220 In our lives. 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:15.179 In 2019. 00:29:17.859 --> 00:29:18.419 But Lord. 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:18.919 We pray. 00:29:19.119 --> 00:29:19.779 As we start. 00:29:19.899 --> 00:29:20.359 This new year. 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.960 That you. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.179 And your glory. 00:29:22.399 --> 00:29:22.619 Would be. 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.619 Of first importance. 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:25.679 And Father. 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:26.419 I pray for all. 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:27.379 My brothers and sisters. 00:29:27.379 --> 00:29:27.980 In Christ. 00:29:28.059 --> 00:29:28.980 Here before me. 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.000 Lord. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:31.639 That they would. 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.200 Understand. 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:34.079 That they are rooted. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:35.059 And established. 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:35.720 In love. 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.359 That they would. 00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.259 Understand. 00:29:40.379 --> 00:29:41.500 How deep. 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.659 How high. 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:43.700 And how wide. 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.579 That love is. 00:29:46.079 --> 00:29:46.879 And Father. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:48.059 That it would lead us all. 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:50.399 To pray biblically. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:53.000 To pray in such a way. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:55.179 That you are glorified. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.579 That your saints. 00:29:56.720 --> 00:29:57.359 Are built up. 00:29:57.359 --> 00:29:59.159 And that the gospel. 00:29:59.159 --> 00:30:00.399 Goes forth from our lips. 00:30:00.399 --> 00:30:01.539 Every single day. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.439 We ask this. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:04.579 In the holy. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.759 And precious name. 00:30:05.839 --> 00:30:06.539 Of our king. 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:08.159 Of our lord. 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.539 And saviour. 00:30:09.699 --> 00:30:10.539 God with us. 00:30:11.139 --> 00:30:11.959 Jesus Christ. 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:12.839 Amen. 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:12.939 Amen. 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.259 Amen. 00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:14.820 You're the one. 00:30:14.820 --> 00:30:16.000 Amen. 00:30:16.059 --> 00:30:16.559 Up. 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:17.920 People. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.559 toppingine. 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:26.420 playingauto. 00:30:26.680 --> 00:30:27.019 Wow. 00:30:27.059 --> 00:30:27.680 If at night.