Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Ephesians 6:18–24 (2)

Introduction:

· The “gospel of sola bootstrapa” is on a collision course with Paul;

· How do we find our strength not in ourselves but in God: Difficult in-laws? Uncertain job?.

FIRST, THE PATTERN OF PRAYER, AND SECOND, THE PRACTICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY.

I) The Pattern of Prayer (vv. 18-20)

A. How to Pray

i. We are to pray in the Spirit (vs. 18a)

1. Prayer in the Spirit: the Holy Spirit reorders our affections & desires

2. QUOTE: “The Spirit renews and cleanses our desires, creating an appetite for a closer and more mature relationship with God.” – Chapell

3. APPLICTION: start in prayer by asking the HS to stir your desire for him

ii. We are to pray diligently (vs. 18b)

1. Busyness vs. diligence, but remember: a struggle against the power of sin

2. APPLICATION: Pray diligently because prayer isn’t a last resort, but a way of maturity

iii. How To pray: (vs. 18c)

1. “Prayer” is communion with God – it is gratitude, confession, worship…

2. Supplication is asking God for what we need:

B. What to Pray for

i. We are to pray for the saints

1. Paul doesn’t specify what to ask for – but there are abundant needs

a. PHYSICAL needs: (But don’t ignore emotional, spiritual, material)

2. APPLICATION: Listening well, and Keeping a prayer list

ii. We are to pray for those who proclaim the gospel (vv. 19-20)

1. Paul does NOT pray for improved circumstances (!) but for the advancement of the Gospel

2. Why? Because the advance of the gospel depends on the Spirit’s work!

3. APPLICATION: People who “pray for the pastor” --

THE SECOND PART OF PAUL’S CLOSING WORDS HAS TO DO WITH MUTUAL SUPPORT.

II) The Pattern for Mutual Encouragement (vv. 21-24)

A. The Church Practices Mutual Accountability (vv. 21-22)

i. “How I am” – expressing care for one another (VS. 21)

1. Paul’s goal is to encourage the Ephesians with a report on his well-being

2. APPLICATION: Specific: the well-being of believers is support within the body of Christ

ii. “What I am doing” – practicing accountability

1. Paul is giving a report on the nature of his ministry

2. APPLICATION:

a. Missionaries give a report

b. At Sunnyslope, we practice this each month – I report to our elders about my work, and my well-being

B. The Church Rests in God’s Favor (vv. 23-24)

i. Last words matter

1. The book of Ephesians is coming to a close – since January!

2. last words tie up “loose ends” but reinforce themes

ii. This Blessing is God’s pronouncement

1. God makes peace with us through Jesus, and love as well – this is a gift!

Transition:

Conclusion

Back where we started: “How do we live in an entertainment-saturated world?