WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:28.000 What are you taken up with? What consumes your time, your energy, your passions? What is the thing that you think about the first thing when you wake in the morning? The last thing when you lay your head on the pillow at night? What fills your mind as you sit here today? 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:47.200 Now we are challenged in this letter to the Ephesians by a man who is taken up with Christ. Or more specifically, by Christ who is the mystery of God's will revealed. 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:50.859 Chapter 1, verse 9. 00:00:52.980 --> 00:01:00.859 In chapter 1, Paul is taken up with the wealth of blessings of God revealed in Christ. 00:01:00.859 --> 00:01:06.539 And that leads naturally to prayer at the end of chapter 1. 00:01:07.640 --> 00:01:14.459 In chapter 2, he continues to unfold the purposes of God revealed in Christ. 00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:25.400 He speaks about his work of bringing Jew and Gentile together to form one person, one people of God. 00:01:25.400 --> 00:01:30.140 And this naturally leads him to prayer again. 00:01:30.960 --> 00:01:35.400 So he begins chapter 3 for this reason. 00:01:36.440 --> 00:01:39.540 And he's about to add verse 14. 00:01:40.420 --> 00:01:42.800 I bow my knees before the Father. 00:01:43.700 --> 00:01:45.040 He's about to pray. 00:01:45.040 --> 00:01:50.840 But common courtesy gets the better of him. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:54.740 Or he hears the clink of his chains. 00:01:55.160 --> 00:01:58.500 And he's reminded that he's already a good way into his letter. 00:01:58.640 --> 00:02:01.560 And he's not yet said anything about himself. 00:02:03.320 --> 00:02:06.200 We'll come back to the prayer in a moment. 00:02:07.660 --> 00:02:08.500 Verse 1. 00:02:08.500 --> 00:02:10.000 For this reason. 00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:20.180 I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ, Jesus, on behalf of you Gentiles. 00:02:20.620 --> 00:02:22.919 Hi, it's Paul who's writing. 00:02:23.379 --> 00:02:24.560 I'm in prison. 00:02:24.920 --> 00:02:27.960 And I'm there because I've been preaching to the Gentiles. 00:02:29.180 --> 00:02:31.219 And that's a matter of fact. 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:34.219 It's what led to his arrest in Jerusalem. 00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:36.479 Imprisonment in Caesarea. 00:02:36.479 --> 00:02:38.759 And subsequent appeal to Rome. 00:02:39.079 --> 00:02:39.619 To Caesar. 00:02:39.780 --> 00:02:41.239 So that he ended up in Rome. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:46.799 And it's not that he wants his readers to be discouraged. 00:02:47.239 --> 00:02:49.759 To lose heart because of his sufferings. 00:02:49.899 --> 00:02:50.979 Verse 13. 00:02:51.620 --> 00:02:55.419 Rather, he counts it a privilege to suffer for his master. 00:02:55.879 --> 00:02:58.139 He's taken up with Christ. 00:02:58.780 --> 00:03:01.239 He's not the prisoner of Emperor Nero. 00:03:02.299 --> 00:03:02.879 See there. 00:03:03.319 --> 00:03:05.659 But the prisoner of Christ. 00:03:05.659 --> 00:03:06.740 Verse 1. 00:03:07.859 --> 00:03:10.960 He is there at Christ's good pleasure. 00:03:13.300 --> 00:03:16.180 Now, speaking like this about himself. 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:18.919 Leads him to dwell for a moment in his role. 00:03:19.019 --> 00:03:21.919 In all of the things that he's been writing about so far. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.979 And this is what we're going to think about together this morning. 00:03:26.979 --> 00:03:30.079 And we see first. 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:34.079 The mystery revealed to Paul. 00:03:35.339 --> 00:03:36.280 Verse 2. 00:03:37.599 --> 00:03:43.579 Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you. 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:51.439 Something precious for Paul to steward has been given to him for the Gentiles. 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:54.319 And what exactly is this? 00:03:55.579 --> 00:03:56.400 Verse 3. 00:03:57.319 --> 00:04:00.400 The mystery was made known to me by revelation. 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:03.079 As I have written about briefly. 00:04:03.080 --> 00:04:07.860 It's what he's been writing about until now. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:09.600 In the first couple of chapters. 00:04:09.900 --> 00:04:12.820 It's the gospel revealed in Jesus Christ. 00:04:13.100 --> 00:04:17.100 It's the promised Old Testament Messiah revealed in Jesus Christ. 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:21.199 It's the reconciliation of mankind to God. 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:25.459 That Jews will be restored in their relationship to God. 00:04:26.219 --> 00:04:27.139 But specifically. 00:04:29.099 --> 00:04:32.839 It's about the fact that Gentiles would be too. 00:04:35.740 --> 00:04:41.699 We cannot underestimate how difficult it was for Paul to grasp this. 00:04:43.099 --> 00:04:46.959 The bits about the Jews being restored in their relationship with God would have been fine. 00:04:46.959 --> 00:04:56.719 But this radical idea that Gentiles would be included in God's plan of salvation required explanation by direct intervention. 00:04:58.459 --> 00:05:01.659 Now we know how Paul was a fundamentalist Jew. 00:05:01.740 --> 00:05:05.319 And he had absolutely no time whatsoever for Gentiles. 00:05:06.279 --> 00:05:10.799 It required a dramatic intervention on the road to Damascus. 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:20.199 For him to grasp how wide and long and deep and high is the love of God for all people. 00:05:22.600 --> 00:05:28.340 Paul is there for praying that his readers will come to understand what he now sees to be true. 00:05:29.400 --> 00:05:30.199 Verse 4. 00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:38.080 When you read this, I pray, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ. 00:05:38.079 --> 00:05:53.680 This work of revealing is the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:05:54.740 --> 00:05:58.279 The Spirit did his work in Paul on the road to Damascus. 00:05:59.419 --> 00:06:03.000 And he did his work in the other apostles and prophets. 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:07.759 And through them, we are told in Colossians chapter 1 verse 26, 00:06:07.879 --> 00:06:11.680 The Holy Spirit speaks to all people. 00:06:13.220 --> 00:06:20.139 It's God's plan that we should all understand this mystery revealed. 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:27.699 The work of the third person of the Trinity should give us all confidence. 00:06:27.699 --> 00:06:35.699 As we go about our witness, work, school, among people of different nationalities, 00:06:36.899 --> 00:06:40.180 We should have confidence that we don't do this in our own strength. 00:06:41.639 --> 00:06:45.060 It means that our evangelism does not rely on us alone. 00:06:45.159 --> 00:06:47.539 Now we know from Romans chapter 10 verse 14 that, 00:06:47.759 --> 00:06:51.139 How will our friends hear about the gospel unless we preach it to them? 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:57.240 But these verses remind us that only the Holy Spirit can bring new life. 00:06:57.240 --> 00:07:01.699 That work of new life, of regeneration, is a spiritual work. 00:07:01.860 --> 00:07:05.579 We must do our part, but only God can save. 00:07:06.459 --> 00:07:11.500 It doesn't matter how persuasive our words are, how ingenious our arguments are. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:15.979 Ultimately, only God can bring new life. 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:21.140 And that is a burden lifted. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:29.759 But at the same time, it's not an excuse for us to neglect our responsibility to share the gospel. 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:37.460 Well, just in case his readers have forgotten about this mystery that he's been talking about, 00:07:38.140 --> 00:07:43.160 Paul speaks and gives us a summary of it in verse 6. 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:50.380 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:54.740 and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:08:01.460 I'm assuming this morning that the vast majority of us, if not all of us, are Gentiles. 00:08:02.520 --> 00:08:03.660 So, listen up. 00:08:04.640 --> 00:08:10.180 God didn't leave you and me out of his great plan of fixing this broken world. 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:19.959 In his grace, we are heirs or co-heirs of the wonderful inheritance planned for God's people. 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:21.780 Chapter 1, verse 14. 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:26.379 And the greatest gift of which is life after death. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:31.899 My grandma passed away just over a week ago. 00:08:31.899 --> 00:08:37.019 And it was a shock to receive the news that she wasn't well. 00:08:37.779 --> 00:08:43.059 And her family, from all different parts of the country, we made our way to Barnsley Hospital. 00:08:43.819 --> 00:08:45.100 And there we saw Graham. 00:08:45.659 --> 00:08:47.899 And it was deeply distressing, I'll be honest with you. 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:54.059 My first impressions, this lady, who had been a hero for me, she'd been the matriarch of our family, 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:57.879 was laid up in this bed, and she was evidently ill. 00:08:58.919 --> 00:09:01.459 Her family arrived within a few hours. 00:09:01.899 --> 00:09:03.799 And she seemed to come back to life. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:04.719 And there was a sort of hope. 00:09:05.319 --> 00:09:08.179 This 97-year-old was not going to give up yet. 00:09:08.899 --> 00:09:15.299 And yet it became apparent that really, palliative care was really the only option. 00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:21.959 So over the next five days, we were, watched grandma pass from this life into the next. 00:09:22.919 --> 00:09:25.139 It was a remarkable experience. 00:09:26.500 --> 00:09:32.899 She talked about the fact that she was looking forward to seeing Jack, her husband, after all these years. 00:09:33.819 --> 00:09:34.939 She's an amazing lady. 00:09:35.579 --> 00:09:38.139 Her four daughters are all believers. 00:09:38.899 --> 00:09:41.639 Her 11 grandchildren are all believers. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:45.059 Her 32 great-grandchildren will be in church this morning. 00:09:45.299 --> 00:09:49.819 She's a testimony to God's goodness and to God's grace. 00:09:51.279 --> 00:09:57.839 But as she failed her way, she died in a manner and a way which was incredibly peaceful. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:10:01.500 The night before, she whispered in my wife's ear, 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:02.579 Amen. 00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:06.000 I'm ready to go to sleep. 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:09.359 And my mother called me the following morning to say, 00:10:09.459 --> 00:10:11.259 Your gran died in her sleep. 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:16.919 What confidence we have in the gospel. 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:23.779 The sixth, not only are we heirs, but we are members of the same body. 00:10:24.659 --> 00:10:27.980 United with each other and united with Christ. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:39.720 In a world that is full of angst and disharmony, of ill-feeling, of gossip, of nastiness, of double-crossing, of sheer ungodliness. 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:47.860 As believers, we enjoy unity in the gospel because of our unity in Christ. 00:10:47.860 --> 00:10:51.860 We are part of a common purpose. 00:10:52.379 --> 00:10:55.120 Tied into this eternal plan of salvation. 00:10:55.519 --> 00:10:57.220 So we know where we came from. 00:10:58.360 --> 00:11:00.460 We know where we're going. 00:11:01.620 --> 00:11:04.060 And so we know who we are. 00:11:05.360 --> 00:11:06.740 So let us be different. 00:11:08.320 --> 00:11:11.100 Let us not take our standards from this world. 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:13.720 But live by a different standard. 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:17.060 Let us not just talk unity. 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:20.580 But let us practice unity. 00:11:22.139 --> 00:11:29.480 Surely, this church should be, for every single one of us, the safest place in London. 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:33.440 Because of the unity that we share in Christ. 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:41.380 And then, the end of verse 6, we are partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. 00:11:42.620 --> 00:11:44.120 God is true to his word. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:46.240 He's a man of his word, if you like. 00:11:47.140 --> 00:11:49.160 He's made promises to humanity. 00:11:49.760 --> 00:11:54.000 And through our union with Christ, we will all enjoy all of them to the full. 00:11:56.180 --> 00:11:59.920 Now, some of you may be intrigued by conspiracy theories. 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:03.759 I lived in the States for five years. 00:12:04.219 --> 00:12:06.479 And I love my American friends. 00:12:06.939 --> 00:12:08.979 Most of them are PCA pastors. 00:12:09.539 --> 00:12:14.399 But what I did find in America is that the level of suspicion is higher than here in the UK. 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:22.500 So I came across many people, actually, who believe that secret societies are really running this world. 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:29.819 Societies that are rooted in places like Harvard and Yale. 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:32.219 Other Ivy League universities. 00:12:33.199 --> 00:12:35.319 And a brother-in-law of a very good friend of mine. 00:12:36.559 --> 00:12:40.699 That was actually part of the Skull and Bones at Yale. 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:48.099 It's a secret society with members, many of whom are former, past presidents. 00:12:48.899 --> 00:12:53.319 People who are in the highest echelons of power in the US government. 00:12:53.320 --> 00:13:06.320 And essentially around this time of year, the seniors have been eyeing up the potential freshmen who could be part of this secret society. 00:13:06.320 --> 00:13:15.140 And this time of year, they are tapped on the shoulder and invited to come and join. 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:22.620 Now, this guy, he wouldn't share with me the initiation ceremonies, which I'm certainly intrigued about. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:23.980 But he did say this. 00:13:24.080 --> 00:13:28.700 He said that when I was tapped on the shoulder, my life changed forever. 00:13:30.480 --> 00:13:32.620 He was welcomed into a secret society. 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:34.539 Mysteries revealed. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:35.720 Privileges. 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:38.659 Access to the highest places of power. 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:39.440 Connected. 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:40.600 Networked. 00:13:40.820 --> 00:13:41.860 Future guaranteed. 00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:49.080 Now, the gospel is not a mystery limited to a tap on the shoulder. 00:13:51.159 --> 00:13:53.639 It's a mystery revealed to all. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.620 Not a select few. 00:13:57.240 --> 00:14:00.300 You're not here by special invitation only. 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:03.279 We're not meeting in some sort of secret location. 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:07.000 Do you know Jesus? 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:12.539 You may have been part of this community now for a while. 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:16.960 And you've realised that there is something different about these people. 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:19.720 Have you fully understood yet what it is? 00:14:21.440 --> 00:14:22.919 It's not that they come to church. 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:26.779 It's not even that they believe in God. 00:14:27.539 --> 00:14:29.679 The devil believes in God. 00:14:29.679 --> 00:14:40.919 It's that they have understood that their relationship as human beings is broken with the creator God. 00:14:41.719 --> 00:14:51.379 It's that they have grasped God's big plan to restore humans' relationship with God. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:55.799 It's that they understand that they have done things wrong. 00:14:55.919 --> 00:14:57.939 That they are inherently sinful. 00:14:57.940 --> 00:15:02.780 That Jesus died on the cross because of their sin. 00:15:03.140 --> 00:15:07.820 And through his resurrection, which we will celebrate in a few moments. 00:15:09.760 --> 00:15:14.100 They will one day join Jesus in heaven. 00:15:15.660 --> 00:15:21.720 It means that my grandma, this morning, is catching up with her husband, Jack. 00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:27.120 And they've got a lot of talking to do after 25 years of being apart. 00:15:27.940 --> 00:15:32.020 Have you put your faith in Christ? 00:15:33.540 --> 00:15:36.500 Come this morning and make your peace with God. 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:40.480 Put your trust and your faith in him. 00:15:40.540 --> 00:15:44.900 There is no better place to do that than as we gather around the Lord's table. 00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:49.720 The mystery revealed to Paul is second. 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:52.860 The mystery revealed to preach. 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:57.240 Verse 7. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:59.959 Of this gospel I was made a minister. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:05.899 According to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of his power. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:11.559 Now did you notice what the mystery is now equated with here? 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:14.279 The gospel. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:17.039 You could read verse 7 as 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:21.699 Of this mystery I was made a minister. 00:16:22.699 --> 00:16:24.120 The mystery is the gospel. 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:25.879 The good news of salvation. 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:31.519 Now this equating of mystery and gospel is significant. 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:37.120 Because the mystery was essentially truth revealed to Paul. 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:43.220 While the gospel was essentially truth proclaimed by Paul. 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:46.720 And Paul himself made the connection because he was convinced. 00:16:46.720 --> 00:16:48.139 The good news. 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:49.980 He was convinced. 00:16:50.560 --> 00:16:53.720 That the good news had been revealed to him only in order to be communicated. 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:55.200 To be preached. 00:16:56.040 --> 00:16:58.259 So the first gift of God's grace. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:16:59.320 Verse 2. 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.879 Was the gospel revealed to him. 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:03.500 The second gift of God's grace. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:04.799 Verse 7. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:07.839 Was the gospel entrusted to him to preach. 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:08.940 To communicate. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:11.839 To minister. 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:15.179 To Paul understands. 00:17:15.959 --> 00:17:19.799 His commission to be a minister of the gospel was an enormous privilege. 00:17:20.659 --> 00:17:21.899 For it has been given to him. 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:22.399 Although. 00:17:22.939 --> 00:17:23.659 Verse 8. 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:26.059 I am the very least of all the saints. 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.759 Now despite being guilty. 00:17:29.199 --> 00:17:31.459 Of persecuting the followers of Jesus. 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.919 Laughing and mocking at the gospel. 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:33.459 Verse 8. 00:17:33.699 --> 00:17:34.939 This grace was given to me. 00:17:34.959 --> 00:17:35.359 Writes Paul. 00:17:35.459 --> 00:17:36.859 To preach to the Gentiles. 00:17:37.619 --> 00:17:38.539 And it's a privilege. 00:17:38.659 --> 00:17:40.299 As Christians we share in. 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:43.079 It's a privilege to share good news. 00:17:43.240 --> 00:17:45.859 I was listening to a recent radio program. 00:17:46.240 --> 00:17:49.359 And it was looking at people who have jobs. 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:51.279 Where it is. 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:53.919 Their joys it were to share good news. 00:17:54.159 --> 00:17:59.200 So it was looking at the life of the person who makes the call to the lottery winner. 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:02.960 Or the person whose job is a courier. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:04.759 To deliver flowers. 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:07.799 It was looking at the lives of people who essentially. 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:10.099 Have the privilege of making others happy. 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:14.859 Now we are these people. 00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:17.500 And when you share the gospel. 00:18:17.919 --> 00:18:19.319 We share good news. 00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:23.000 But it's not good news that will last a few hours. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.119 Or a few years. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:26.220 It's good news that will last an eternity. 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:33.240 Paul's humble reaction here is not pretend. 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:34.299 He's not being modest. 00:18:35.419 --> 00:18:38.059 He's aware of his past record of persecuting believers. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:44.980 He's aware that he wasn't present with the Lord Jesus Christ at his side during his three years of ministry. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:50.079 But his reference to being the very least of all the saints. 00:18:50.639 --> 00:18:55.779 Is as much to do with the normal reaction of any believer who has encountered the grace of God in Christ. 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:58.899 If we've encountered God's grace. 00:18:58.980 --> 00:19:03.660 We know that there is nothing to make us deserving of God's mercy. 00:19:06.099 --> 00:19:08.859 Nothing that makes us deserving of forgiveness. 00:19:09.579 --> 00:19:12.200 We know that we have no personal worthiness. 00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:13.240 No claim. 00:19:13.559 --> 00:19:15.359 No natural position or gifts. 00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:17.359 No claim. 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:17.799 No claim. 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:23.439 And surely our instinctive reaction. 00:19:24.139 --> 00:19:25.459 Is to think of ourselves. 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:27.759 As less than the least. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:31.359 It's such a helpful mindset. 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:35.740 The word translated in verse 7. 00:19:36.219 --> 00:19:36.599 Minister. 00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:39.539 Is just as often translated servants. 00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:41.099 You see that in the NIV. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:44.299 Of this gospel I was made a servant. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:47.980 Paul saw himself as a servant of the gospel. 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.779 Do we? 00:19:52.179 --> 00:19:55.240 It's such a helpful way for us to think. 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:58.000 It means that when we deal with one another. 00:19:58.219 --> 00:20:01.399 We're ready to love and to serve instinctively. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:06.039 It is the demeanour of someone who has encountered God. 00:20:06.159 --> 00:20:09.659 Who understands what Christ has done for them on the cross. 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:12.000 They are then ready to take up their cross. 00:20:12.120 --> 00:20:13.380 And to follow Jesus. 00:20:14.060 --> 00:20:15.680 It is the posture of a person. 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:17.180 Who gets the gospel. 00:20:18.480 --> 00:20:20.480 And then is well positioned. 00:20:21.300 --> 00:20:22.880 To spread the message. 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.019 Of the gospel. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.759 Paul elaborates. 00:20:28.560 --> 00:20:31.220 This message in three expanding stages. 00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:33.040 To the Gentiles. 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:35.360 To all peoples. 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:38.100 And to the spiritual realm. 00:20:38.100 --> 00:20:39.200 Or heavenly places. 00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:41.140 And since. 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:42.759 This mystery. 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:44.180 Revealed to Paul. 00:20:44.300 --> 00:20:46.200 Concerned God's plan to incorporate. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:47.860 The Gentiles into Christ. 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:49.860 It was only logical that Paul. 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.440 Preached to them first. 00:20:51.540 --> 00:20:52.000 Verse 8. 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:54.279 To preach to the Gentiles. 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:56.500 The unsearchable riches of Christ. 00:20:59.060 --> 00:21:00.019 Let us see. 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:01.400 The amazement here. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.680 In Paul's description. 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:09.000 The sense here is of someone who is walking the boundaries of a lake. 00:21:09.000 --> 00:21:11.320 And when the circuit is almost complete. 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:13.259 They discover it was no lake at all. 00:21:14.580 --> 00:21:16.000 But an arm of an ocean. 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:17.960 And that they are confronted. 00:21:18.539 --> 00:21:20.220 By the immeasurable sea. 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:23.799 It's the person who looks up. 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:25.420 And the London night sky. 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:28.799 And is just about able to count the number of stars. 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:30.859 And then they drive out into the countryside. 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.480 And they are overwhelmed. 00:21:32.599 --> 00:21:33.519 By the number of stars. 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:35.000 And there's no way they can count them. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:36.599 And then. 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.519 They go home. 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.400 And they pick up. 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:39.019 An edition. 00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:41.279 Of the National Geographer. 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.200 As I did. 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:44.039 And read this. 00:21:45.339 --> 00:21:47.619 There are less grains of sand. 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:49.500 On all the beaches in the world. 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:51.359 Than stars in the universe. 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:58.839 Paul wants the Gentiles to know. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:02.519 How wonderful the good news of the gospel is. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:05.379 It is beyond measure. 00:22:06.480 --> 00:22:08.700 It is unsearchable. 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:13.700 In verse 8. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:16.079 Paul's message is to the Gentiles. 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.720 In verse 9. 00:22:17.819 --> 00:22:20.240 He expands the same message to everyone. 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:22.720 To the Gentile and the Jew. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.339 Who are reading this letter. 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:27.200 And to bring to light for everyone. 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:28.900 What is the plan of the mystery. 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:30.900 Hidden for ages past in God. 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.940 Who created all things. 00:22:34.860 --> 00:22:36.519 God as creator. 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:37.960 Is introduced here. 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.880 As God created all things. 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:42.060 He's now begun. 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:43.600 A new creation. 00:22:44.259 --> 00:22:45.420 Bringing people together. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.400 From all nations. 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.300 Into unity. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.460 In Christ. 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:50.259 Forming the church. 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:54.019 And it is through the church. 00:22:54.019 --> 00:22:54.840 Verse 10. 00:22:55.280 --> 00:22:56.180 That this mystery. 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:57.700 The gospel. 00:22:58.380 --> 00:23:00.500 The manifold wisdom of God. 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:01.440 Should be made known. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.119 To the rulers. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:02.880 And authorities. 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:04.059 In the heavenly places. 00:23:04.640 --> 00:23:06.880 This was according to the eternal purpose. 00:23:07.339 --> 00:23:08.200 That he has realized. 00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:09.079 In Christ Jesus. 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:09.900 Our Lord. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:11.720 Paul's message. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.759 Broadens further. 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:14.200 He tells us that. 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.640 Although the gospel is addressed. 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:17.200 Primarily to Gentiles. 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.799 And to people in general. 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.420 It also speaks. 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.940 To the spiritual realm. 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.500 To the rulers. 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.480 And authorities. 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:26.099 In the heavenly places. 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:28.279 And it does so. 00:23:28.639 --> 00:23:29.919 Through the church. 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.139 To the unity. 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:32.959 Of the church. 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.679 Is not only. 00:23:33.959 --> 00:23:35.459 A powerful. 00:23:35.859 --> 00:23:36.879 Message to the world. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.419 But also to Satan. 00:23:38.919 --> 00:23:39.839 And his minions. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:43.579 Martin Luther. 00:23:43.879 --> 00:23:45.240 Said that we needed to undergo. 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.379 Three conversions. 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.919 Conversion to Christ. 00:23:50.139 --> 00:23:50.699 Conversion. 00:23:50.699 --> 00:23:50.779 Conversion. 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:52.000 Of our wallets. 00:23:52.379 --> 00:23:53.399 So we realize that our money. 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.000 Is on our own. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:56.039 And thirdly. 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:57.880 Conversion to the church. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.319 The church. 00:24:00.880 --> 00:24:02.079 It shouldn't work. 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:05.099 It is made up of. 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.700 Such a. 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:07.460 A diverse group. 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.220 Of people. 00:24:09.559 --> 00:24:10.200 But the. 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:11.980 Multicultural. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:13.220 Christian community. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.359 Doing life together. 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:15.400 In humility. 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:16.859 Is the greatest testimony. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.579 To the world. 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.339 And. 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:20.019 To the supernatural. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:20.880 World. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.900 It's counterintuitive. 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:24.900 It's testimony. 00:24:25.140 --> 00:24:26.080 To the power. 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:26.920 Of the gospel. 00:24:27.040 --> 00:24:27.900 That breaks down. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.500 Division. 00:24:29.180 --> 00:24:30.019 And disunity. 00:24:30.380 --> 00:24:31.080 And brings. 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.040 Harmony. 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:33.540 People. 00:24:34.060 --> 00:24:35.300 Who should be enemies. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.380 Are found to be friends. 00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:39.360 People. 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:39.820 Who. 00:24:40.140 --> 00:24:40.900 Humanly speaking. 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:41.840 Have little. 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.500 In common. 00:24:43.340 --> 00:24:44.040 Are united. 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.720 Because they have. 00:24:44.880 --> 00:24:45.420 Everything. 00:24:45.840 --> 00:24:46.340 In common. 00:24:47.280 --> 00:24:48.560 Jesus Christ. 00:24:48.559 --> 00:24:48.679 Jesus Christ. 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.460 Now when the church. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:52.220 Works. 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:54.179 It is beautiful. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.339 It is the. 00:24:57.679 --> 00:24:58.639 Public face. 00:24:58.639 --> 00:24:59.379 Of God. 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:00.940 Which displays. 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.859 To the world. 00:25:01.960 --> 00:25:03.179 His great plan. 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.379 Of salvation. 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:06.019 To bring redemption. 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:07.859 To all nations. 00:25:09.859 --> 00:25:11.399 But when it doesn't work. 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:14.019 There is nothing more ugly. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:18.700 Nothing more destructive. 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:20.099 In our witness. 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:22.619 Nothing more damaging. 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.440 In our evangelism. 00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:26.980 It is why. 00:25:27.400 --> 00:25:29.480 We must work so hard. 00:25:29.799 --> 00:25:30.579 At our unity. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:34.019 The message. 00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:35.039 Of the gospel. 00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:35.539 We see. 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.399 Verse 11. 00:25:36.879 --> 00:25:37.759 Was worked out. 00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:38.919 Before time itself. 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:40.839 According to the eternal purpose. 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:41.879 That he realized. 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:42.759 In Christ Jesus. 00:25:42.859 --> 00:25:43.460 Our Lord. 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.039 And because. 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:46.199 Of what Jesus accomplished. 00:25:46.359 --> 00:25:46.839 It means. 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.799 Verse 12. 00:25:48.419 --> 00:25:49.299 That in him. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.519 We have boldness. 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.220 And access. 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.939 To God. 00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.919 With confidence. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:53.659 Through our faith. 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:54.399 In him. 00:25:55.439 --> 00:25:56.619 It is with this. 00:25:56.939 --> 00:25:57.299 Background. 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.039 And this. 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.799 Confidence. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.679 In the gospel. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.460 That now. 00:26:00.560 --> 00:26:01.120 Prompts Paul. 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:02.240 To go down. 00:26:02.420 --> 00:26:03.220 On his knees. 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:04.420 In prayer for the Ephesians. 00:26:05.560 --> 00:26:06.320 To pray. 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:07.980 That they might know. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.560 For themselves. 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.580 This mystery. 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.340 The mystery. 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.140 Revealed to Paul. 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.160 Was the mystery. 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.920 Revealed to preach. 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.140 But also. 00:26:21.820 --> 00:26:22.360 And finally. 00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.900 It was the mystery. 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:25.880 Revealed to experience. 00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:26.800 Paul. 00:26:26.800 --> 00:26:27.160 In verse. 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.160 Paul now. 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.260 Takes up the words. 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:30.880 That he began. 00:26:31.020 --> 00:26:31.460 In verse. 00:26:31.640 --> 00:26:32.000 One. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:34.320 For this reason. 00:26:35.460 --> 00:26:36.240 And this time. 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.280 He utters. 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:38.280 His prayer. 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.340 Verse 14. 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:42.780 I bow my knees. 00:26:42.840 --> 00:26:43.640 Before the father. 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.260 From whom. 00:26:44.360 --> 00:26:45.040 Every family. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:45.960 In heaven. 00:26:46.120 --> 00:26:46.900 And on earth. 00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.520 Is named. 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.080 It's a reminder. 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.380 That God is. 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.280 First and foremost. 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:53.220 Our father. 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:53.299 Father. 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:55.440 And that's how we go to him. 00:26:55.759 --> 00:26:56.500 In prayer. 00:26:57.900 --> 00:26:58.839 It's also a reminder. 00:26:59.079 --> 00:26:59.920 That family. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.440 And community. 00:27:02.180 --> 00:27:03.220 And church. 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.680 Are derived. 00:27:04.880 --> 00:27:07.019 From the Trinitarian God. 00:27:07.680 --> 00:27:09.480 Before time and space. 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.240 Were created. 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:10.839 God. 00:27:11.339 --> 00:27:11.819 Dwelt. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:13.319 In perfect tranquility. 00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:14.539 As father. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:14.960 Son. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:15.660 And Holy Spirit. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.620 In relationship. 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.120 This prayer. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.539 Has an added force. 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:21.779 Now. 00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:22.200 In the light. 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:22.779 Of what Paul. 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.980 Has just said. 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.259 Not only. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.339 Is he led to prayer. 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:27.059 Because of the thought. 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:27.960 Of Jews and Gentiles. 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:29.039 Being reconciled. 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:30.379 And because of the wonderful. 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.259 Plans of salvation. 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.599 That are now being revealed. 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:35.119 But he brings. 00:27:35.119 --> 00:27:36.460 His own personal. 00:27:37.059 --> 00:27:37.460 Story. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.559 To this prayer. 00:27:39.619 --> 00:27:39.879 He. 00:27:40.059 --> 00:27:40.980 Has experienced. 00:27:41.319 --> 00:27:41.680 Christ. 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:42.940 In all the fullness. 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:43.579 Himself. 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:45.019 And he now longs. 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.119 That his readers. 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.660 Would do so too. 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:53.000 The prayer. 00:27:53.340 --> 00:27:54.720 Is like a staircase. 00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:57.080 In which Paul climbs. 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:57.720 Higher. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.600 And higher. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.860 In his aspirations. 00:28:00.400 --> 00:28:01.140 For his readers. 00:28:02.580 --> 00:28:03.580 And the first step. 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:04.500 Of this. 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:05.600 Prayer staircase. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.759 Is found in verse 16. 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:09.759 I pray. 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.460 That according. 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:11.180 To the riches. 00:28:11.180 --> 00:28:12.039 Of his glory. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:13.359 He may grant you. 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.220 To be strengthened. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:14.980 With power. 00:28:15.599 --> 00:28:16.220 Through his spirit. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.019 In your inner being. 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:17.720 So that Christ. 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:18.299 May dwell. 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.099 In your hearts. 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.420 Through faith. 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:24.920 What it says here. 00:28:25.120 --> 00:28:25.860 Is that Christ. 00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:26.779 Is not just. 00:28:27.080 --> 00:28:28.160 An occasional visitor. 00:28:30.060 --> 00:28:30.860 But that he. 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:32.400 It takes up residence. 00:28:32.840 --> 00:28:33.580 In your heart. 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:33.800 You know. 00:28:33.820 --> 00:28:34.259 He's not just. 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.420 The guest. 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.840 Who comes for the weekend. 00:28:36.980 --> 00:28:38.480 Or for a couple of weeks. 00:28:39.560 --> 00:28:40.080 But. 00:28:40.320 --> 00:28:41.360 He's a permanent. 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:42.180 Resident. 00:28:42.360 --> 00:28:43.100 He takes up. 00:28:43.300 --> 00:28:43.580 Root. 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:44.580 In your heart. 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:46.620 That he is constantly there. 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.360 And that from. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.560 His presence. 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:50.399 You will derive. 00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:51.039 Strength. 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:51.819 And might. 00:28:52.119 --> 00:28:53.179 To face the challenges. 00:28:53.179 --> 00:28:54.159 That this life. 00:28:54.619 --> 00:28:55.019 Presents. 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.700 It's so important. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.599 That we understand. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.419 And we remember. 00:28:59.559 --> 00:28:59.940 It doesn't matter. 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:00.819 How old we are. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:01.440 In the faith. 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.879 That we cannot do life. 00:29:02.919 --> 00:29:03.519 On our own. 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:04.960 So often. 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:05.559 Our default. 00:29:05.679 --> 00:29:06.819 Is to go back to ourselves. 00:29:06.919 --> 00:29:07.899 Particularly under times. 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:08.440 Of pressure. 00:29:08.639 --> 00:29:09.179 And difficulty. 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:11.259 We simply cannot manage. 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:11.919 On our own. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:13.220 And the reality is. 00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.079 Through the Holy Spirit. 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:14.779 Is that Christ. 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:15.980 Is always with us. 00:29:17.099 --> 00:29:18.639 The most natural thing. 00:29:18.639 --> 00:29:19.279 When you wake. 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:19.859 In the morning. 00:29:20.119 --> 00:29:20.700 Is to say. 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:21.099 Lord. 00:29:21.180 --> 00:29:22.019 Be with me today. 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:24.019 Guide me. 00:29:24.359 --> 00:29:25.079 Go with me. 00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:26.240 As you clamber. 00:29:26.240 --> 00:29:26.960 Into the car. 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:27.519 With the kids. 00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:28.599 Screaming in the back. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.319 Lord. 00:29:29.399 --> 00:29:30.480 Give me grace today. 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:32.059 As you are heading into work. 00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:33.359 To face that difficult meeting. 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.299 Give me an insight. 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:34.759 A word. 00:29:34.819 --> 00:29:35.200 A wisdom. 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:36.779 As you are walking down. 00:29:36.859 --> 00:29:37.379 The corridor. 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:38.720 At school. 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.279 And you have your friends. 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:40.940 All around you. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.819 Oh God. 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.099 Help me to just. 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.240 Be a good witness. 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:46.420 Truth is. 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:47.860 He is always with us. 00:29:48.380 --> 00:29:48.880 Always. 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.000 At our side. 00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:52.840 Now the next step. 00:29:52.880 --> 00:29:53.600 In our experience. 00:29:54.039 --> 00:29:55.220 Of the mystery revealed. 00:29:55.320 --> 00:29:56.320 That Paul prays for. 00:29:56.400 --> 00:29:57.039 Is found at the end. 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.000 Of verse 17. 00:29:59.000 --> 00:29:59.680 That you. 00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:00.519 Being rooted. 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:01.220 And grounded. 00:30:01.340 --> 00:30:01.680 In love. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.480 May have strength. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.120 To comprehend. 00:30:03.120 --> 00:30:04.160 With all the saints. 00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:05.259 What is the breadth. 00:30:05.580 --> 00:30:05.920 And length. 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:06.460 And height. 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:07.039 And depth. 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:08.500 Of the love of Christ. 00:30:09.680 --> 00:30:10.480 Now we are given here. 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:11.460 The reason. 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.440 Why Paul prayed. 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:13.420 That God would dwell. 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:14.900 In his readers hearts. 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.779 And for that matter. 00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:17.700 Dwell. 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:18.279 In the heart. 00:30:18.360 --> 00:30:19.500 Of all the saints. 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.259 To comprehend. 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:22.500 With all the saints. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.500 See the church. 00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:26.420 Is only going to blossom. 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.519 If we. 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:28.900 All the saints. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.720 Learn to get on. 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:31.900 Across racial. 00:30:33.120 --> 00:30:33.519 Cultural. 00:30:34.180 --> 00:30:35.220 And personality. 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.299 Divides. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:38.899 And this is only possible. 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.859 If we are rooted. 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.139 And grounded. 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:42.180 In the love of God. 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.740 It's only when we know. 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:44.539 How much. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.879 We are loved. 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:47.980 And how unconditional. 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.000 That love is. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:51.019 The love of a good father. 00:30:51.019 --> 00:30:52.220 That we will be able. 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:53.519 To love with generosity. 00:30:55.579 --> 00:30:56.019 Now. 00:30:56.099 --> 00:30:57.319 How can we hold a grudge? 00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:59.700 How can we fail. 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:00.639 To forgive? 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.019 How much. 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.899 Does your father. 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.759 Love you? 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:06.680 Enough. 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:08.599 To send his son. 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:10.079 To the cross. 00:31:11.339 --> 00:31:12.279 Do we grasp. 00:31:12.900 --> 00:31:13.759 How wide. 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:15.039 And long. 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:16.140 And deep. 00:31:16.460 --> 00:31:17.059 And high. 00:31:17.220 --> 00:31:17.879 The love. 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.660 Of God is. 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.279 Is this. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:21.940 Sacrificial love. 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:22.740 Of the father. 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.839 And of Christ. 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:25.599 That should motivate us. 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:26.519 To work. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:27.640 Tirelessly. 00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:28.859 For unity. 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:33.119 So if the second. 00:31:33.700 --> 00:31:34.079 Step. 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:35.639 Is that we are rooted. 00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.699 And grounded in love. 00:31:37.139 --> 00:31:38.259 So that we might love. 00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:38.819 Others. 00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:40.539 And the third step. 00:31:41.539 --> 00:31:42.579 Is verse 19. 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:44.399 That we know. 00:31:44.639 --> 00:31:45.799 The love of Christ. 00:31:45.919 --> 00:31:47.279 That surpasses knowledge. 00:31:48.279 --> 00:31:49.599 That you may be filled. 00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:50.799 With all the fullness. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.599 Of God. 00:31:54.399 --> 00:31:54.919 Now here. 00:31:55.339 --> 00:31:56.299 Paul is praying. 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:58.019 For each one of us. 00:31:58.019 --> 00:31:58.740 That we would have. 00:31:58.819 --> 00:32:00.179 A greater encounter. 00:32:00.179 --> 00:32:00.899 With God. 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:05.300 That we would not be satisfied. 00:32:06.280 --> 00:32:07.259 With our relation. 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.620 With him at the moment. 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:10.340 But that we would long. 00:32:10.600 --> 00:32:11.660 And desire. 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:12.660 To know him. 00:32:12.780 --> 00:32:13.360 In a deeper. 00:32:13.540 --> 00:32:15.340 And a more profound way. 00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:18.960 That we would grow. 00:32:19.320 --> 00:32:20.400 In our holiness. 00:32:22.320 --> 00:32:23.360 It's that maturity. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:24.580 That Paul will speak about. 00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:25.500 In the next chapter. 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:27.519 That we will no longer be infants. 00:32:27.640 --> 00:32:28.819 Tossed here and forth. 00:32:29.220 --> 00:32:30.619 By every wind of teaching. 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:31.940 Rather. 00:32:32.359 --> 00:32:33.720 That you are rooted. 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:34.740 And grounded. 00:32:35.380 --> 00:32:37.559 Filled to the measure of God. 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:39.099 That God is Lord. 00:32:39.099 --> 00:32:40.559 Of all your life. 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:43.859 That may be. 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:45.599 This morning. 00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.399 That God seems. 00:32:47.899 --> 00:32:48.679 Distant to you. 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:52.599 His visit with you. 00:32:52.720 --> 00:32:53.119 Seems. 00:32:54.159 --> 00:32:54.500 Up. 00:32:55.339 --> 00:32:56.019 And he's gone. 00:32:58.379 --> 00:32:59.839 Maybe that you are in. 00:33:00.399 --> 00:33:01.539 Fractured relationships. 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:02.819 Possibly with one another. 00:33:04.440 --> 00:33:05.319 Or that you. 00:33:06.440 --> 00:33:07.440 Compromised in your holiness. 00:33:08.079 --> 00:33:09.019 Maybe even last night. 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:12.079 And it's almost certainly. 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:13.659 What some of the Ephesian Christians. 00:33:13.940 --> 00:33:14.359 Feel like. 00:33:15.460 --> 00:33:16.519 That's why Paul ends. 00:33:16.960 --> 00:33:18.419 The prayer with these words. 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:20.559 Verse 20. 00:33:21.579 --> 00:33:22.460 Now to him. 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:23.639 Who is able. 00:33:23.779 --> 00:33:25.500 To do far more abundantly. 00:33:25.679 --> 00:33:27.000 Than all that we ask. 00:33:27.119 --> 00:33:27.700 Or think. 00:33:28.359 --> 00:33:29.059 Or imagine. 00:33:33.179 --> 00:33:35.279 We have a reconciling. 00:33:35.579 --> 00:33:36.019 Saviour. 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:37.940 Who restores. 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:39.259 Broken relationships. 00:33:40.559 --> 00:33:42.299 According to the power. 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.539 At work within us. 00:33:43.919 --> 00:33:44.940 To him be glory. 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.539 In the church. 00:33:45.659 --> 00:33:46.539 And in Christ Jesus. 00:33:46.679 --> 00:33:48.039 Throughout all generations. 00:33:48.399 --> 00:33:48.720 Forever. 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:49.679 And ever. 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.500 Amen. 00:33:51.779 --> 00:33:52.859 The challenge. 00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:53.659 For us. 00:33:53.859 --> 00:33:54.539 This morning. 00:33:54.659 --> 00:33:55.139 The challenge. 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:55.960 That Paul. 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.639 Gives us. 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:57.899 Do we aspire. 00:33:58.099 --> 00:33:59.220 To be like Paul. 00:34:00.599 --> 00:34:01.700 To know. 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:02.839 The mystery. 00:34:03.079 --> 00:34:03.619 Revealed. 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:05.639 To preach. 00:34:05.639 --> 00:34:05.639 00:34:05.639 --> 00:34:05.659 To experience. 00:34:05.659 --> 00:34:05.659 00:34:05.659 --> 00:34:06.699 To experience. 00:34:06.699 --> 00:34:07.279 That mystery. 00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:08.920 To experience. 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:10.759 That mystery. 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.779 The person. 00:34:14.279 --> 00:34:15.279 Who knows you best. 00:34:15.659 --> 00:34:16.420 Would they say. 00:34:16.679 --> 00:34:17.859 Christ dwells. 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:19.219 In your heart. 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:23.119 That you strive. 00:34:23.319 --> 00:34:23.880 To live. 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:24.679 In harmony. 00:34:24.679 --> 00:34:25.500 With one another. 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.779 And you pursue. 00:34:28.139 --> 00:34:28.619 Holiness. 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:29.359 With vigour. 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:31.500 Are you somebody. 00:34:31.720 --> 00:34:32.300 Whose time. 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:32.920 Energy. 00:34:33.099 --> 00:34:33.620 And passions. 00:34:33.780 --> 00:34:34.720 Are taken up. 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:35.460 With Christ. 00:34:37.519 --> 00:34:38.660 God is able. 00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:40.039 To do far more. 00:34:40.120 --> 00:34:40.740 Than we dare. 00:34:40.840 --> 00:34:41.400 To ask. 00:34:41.460 --> 00:34:42.720 Or even imagine. 00:34:42.719 --> 00:34:46.000 Is that what you would. 00:34:46.099 --> 00:34:47.019 Ask for today. 00:34:48.359 --> 00:34:49.319 Let us pray. 00:34:49.799 --> 00:34:50.839 That we would be. 00:34:50.899 --> 00:34:51.459 Taken up. 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:52.199 With Christ. 00:34:52.359 --> 00:34:52.759 Anew. 00:34:53.199 --> 00:34:54.019 And let Paul. 00:34:54.359 --> 00:34:55.279 Be our inspiration. 00:34:56.159 --> 00:34:57.299 He got the gospel. 00:34:58.539 --> 00:34:59.480 He lived. 00:34:59.599 --> 00:35:00.079 The gospel. 00:35:00.279 --> 00:35:01.000 He loved. 00:35:01.139 --> 00:35:01.599 The gospel. 00:35:01.799 --> 00:35:02.639 He preached. 00:35:02.639 --> 00:35:03.500 The gospel. 00:35:04.119 --> 00:35:05.399 Because he loved. 00:35:05.659 --> 00:35:06.679 And was taken up. 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:07.619 With Christ. 00:35:10.699 --> 00:35:11.259 Amen.