A. Christian's should give thanks for their salvation, but are they growing in the faith. - v.15-16.
The heading over this passage of scripture is "Prayer for Spiritual Insight."
Paul is here praising God and giving thanks for the church of Ephesus. He is saying that it is wonderful to know that you are Christians. It's wonderful to see that you love one another, but are you growing in your spiritual journey? Do you have that deep burning passion for God? For other's? What about prayer? Do you spend time in prayer? Do you read and study the Bible?
1. The Christian faith is a spiritual journey.
I know that God wants us to grow spiritually. I want to see not only you grow spiritually, but also myself. As Christian's we need to get into the Word of God, Pray, and have a desire to grow as Christians.
Spiritual growth comes from having a deep passion for the things of God. A hunger and thirst for God. When you are thirsty and hungry what do you do? You satisfy that thirst or hunger by getting something to drink or eat.
You eat three meals a day, but how many times a day do you feed your soul?"
1800: ON A PASTOR'S MONUMENT: Go tell the church that I'm gone, But that they need not shed any tears; For though I've died I'm no more dead, Than they have been for years.
2. Many churches are not going and growing, because they are comfortable.
High in the Alps is a monument raised in honor of a faithful guide who perished while ascending a peak to rescue a stranded tourist. Inscribed on that memorial stone are these words: "HE DIED CLIMBING".
A maturing, growing Christian should have the same kind of attitude, right up to the end of life.
One has said,"Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."
We need to get going so that we will start growing, not just spiritually, but also as a church.
B. Christian's need to engage in prayer for spiritual insight, not only for ourselves, but others. - v.17
Luke 11:9-10 And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened for you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened.
True wisdom is ours only by revelation and the revelation comes from God. He is the source of spiritual insight. Wisdom is more than knowledge about God. It is a personally experienced knowledge of Him and a submission to His will. Without this knowledge of God spiritual growth is impossible.
It is God's desire for us to go on in our faith and to grow as a church. That can only be done through obedience. If you want to grow spiritually you need to make up your mind and ask God to show you where it is that you need to grow. Maybe there is an area in your life that you
would personally like to grow, ask and it will be given, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
I. Christian's need to come to the understanding that they must be continually growing. v.18a.
The eyes of your heart enlightened, means that we need to see things as they are and act upon the knowledge that we obtain. That which is not vital and growing is dead. If you are not growing spiritually it is no ones fault but yours.
II. Christian's need to know the hope of His calling that is placed on upon their lives. v.18b.
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance."
God desires to save as many people as He can. He wants people like you and me to reach out in love with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has chosen us all, but only some choose to follow Him. God is molding and shaping us into the image of His wonderful Son Jesus Christ.
1 Thess 4:7 "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."
In this molding process there comes a time when we need to be filled with the fullness of God and surrender our all to Him. We need to be sanctified Christians. Set apart to do His will! As long as you are in control, God cannot use you like you could be used.
III. Christian's need to set out to obtain and share the riches of His inheritance. v.18c.
The riches of our eternal inheritance are beyond our fondest imagination. It will be more joyful because we will share it with all the saints. It our duty to share our faith with friends and loved ones. Why should we keep such a wonderful gift from them! I want to see my friends and loved ones in heaven.
Col 3:4 "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."
It should be our desire to appear with Him in glory.
IV. Christian's need to experience the power of God in their lives everyday. v.19
The great power that is within us is the divine power of God. God takes a feeble body and transforms it into a holy vessel. He is the One who empowers us from within. He inspires the fire in our soul that burns to do His will.
Are you experiencing the power of God in your life? Are you a going and growing Christian?
I believe there are some here that need a fresh outlook about their relationship with God.
When change is successful we look back at it and call it growth! Come and let the power of God take you on a magnificent journey beyond your greatest imaginations. Let us help you on this journey.
By Carey Scott borrowed heavily from another source
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