Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are

"Preach The Word"

The Pastoral Prayer For The Church

(Prayer #1)

Text: Eph. 1:15-23

Introduction:

The greatness of man’s ministry can be contributed in a large part to his prayer life. There are two prayers of Paul recorded in Ephesians.

This prayer was prompted by the past experiences of these believers. His prayer was also prompted by the present experiences of these believers.

In this prayer of the Apostle Paul we should be able to see both the expression of their faith and of their love.

The essence of this prayer was for revelation and realization.

The Scripture speaks of "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."

The indwelling Spirit is to function as their teacher and revealer.

He prays that those believers:

I. Would Know God’s Person To Enlarge Them (v.17; 3:17)

A. Their present relationship to Christ

These believers already knew Christ but it was for a deeper growing knowledge of Him that Paul prayed.

B. Their progressive resemblance to Christ

Now that they were in Christ, he longed to see them grow up into Christ in all things (4:15).

II. Would Know God’s Purpose To Encourage Them (v.18)

God has called the church to be Christ’s body, the fulness of

Christ, the visible part of the invisible Christ to an ungodly world. The hope of His calling is evident. The church now sanctified is to become the church glorified (5:27; 2 Cor.3:18; 1 Jn. 3:2).

A. Heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1)

B. Holy calling ( 2 Tim. 1:9)

C. High calling (Phil. 3:14)

III. Would Know God’s Possessions To Enrich Them (v.18)

Note the phrase, "The riches of the glory of his inheritance." It is said of God’s people, "Yet, they are thy people and thine inheritance (Deut.9:29)." The Scripture says, "For the Lord’s portion is His people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. (Deut.32:9)." The Bible also declares, "And they shall be mine when I make up my jewels ( Mal. 3:17)." God was not satisfied in possessing the sun and stars. He wanted sons and saints.

A.The provision of His inheritance- riches

B. The position of His inheritance- saints

C. The purpose of His inheritance- glory

IV. Would Know God’s Power To Energize Them (v.19)

This wonderful working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance, and consummation of our salvation. This power is all sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthy of his calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers.

 

A. Resurrection power- Relationship

B. Exaltation Power- Lordship, rule, creation

C. Domination Power- Headship, rule, church

Conclusion:

As His body, the church in a sense completes Christ. He would be no more complete without His church than Adam was without Eve.

1. Here we have the believer’s hope that beckons us.

2. Here we have the believer’s inheritance that blesses us.

3. Here we have the believer’s power that backs us.

Sermon By Dr. Curtis Barbery
 Bennett, NC--USA

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