Bend the Knee

Ephesians 3:14–19 ESV

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Attention Grabber:

Describe what happens on the “Game of Thrones” when someone bends the knee to the King.

security

status

peace

prosperity

strength

Introduction:

- Briefly introduce the theme of being "Strengthened by Prayer" within the broader context of "Spiritually Mature in Truth."

- Emphasize that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about being strengthened in our inner being, deepening our relationship with God, and growing in spiritual maturity.

I. Prayer Strengthens Us with Divine Power

Ephesians 3:16 ESV

16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Key Point:

- Discuss how Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians highlights the necessity of divine strength that comes through prayer.

- Emphasize that this strength is not just physical but a deep, spiritual fortitude that enables us to withstand trials and grow in faith.

- Application: Encourage the congregation to seek God's strength through consistent prayer, especially in times of spiritual warfare and personal weakness.

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This powerful verse underscores that our capabilities are rooted in divine strength. Through prayer, we open ourselves to Christ's boundless empowerment, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Here, we see that our weaknesses are not a hindrance but a crucial opportunity for Christ's power to manifest in our lives. Engaging in prayer invites His grace into our struggles, fortifying us with the strength that transforms and uplifts us beyond our limitations.

II. Prayer Deepens Our Understanding of God’s Love

Ephesians 3:17–19 ESV

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Key Point:

- Explore how prayer opens our hearts to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love, which is foundational to spiritual maturity.

- Discuss the importance of being "rooted and established in love" as a result of regular, heartfelt prayer.

- Application: Urge the congregation to meditate on God’s love in prayer, allowing it to transform their lives and relationships.

Romans 5:5 ESV

5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

This verse powerfully illustrates that God’s love becomes an intrinsic part of our being through prayer and the Holy Spirit. It reassures us that as we engage in communion with Him, we receive an understanding and the profound experience of His unconditional love, anchoring us in our spiritual journey.

1 John 4:16 ESV

16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

This scripture emphasizes the transformative impact of knowing and believing in God's love. It highlights that through persistent prayer and intimacy with God, we develop a deeper relationship that allows us to abide in His love. This fundamental truth fosters spiritual growth and maturity.

III. Prayer Leads Us to the Fullness of God

Colossians 1:9–10 ESV

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Key Point:

- Connect Paul’s prayer for the Colossians with the concept of being "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19).

Ephesians 3:19 ESV

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

- Emphasize that prayer is the means by which we grow in the knowledge of God, bear spiritual fruit, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

- Application: Challenge the congregation to make prayer a priority in their daily lives, seeking to be filled with God’s wisdom and to walk in His truth.

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

This scripture encapsulates the essence of living in God's fullness. Through prayer, we access the abundant life that Christ promises, allowing us to experience spiritual richness and vitality in our everyday lives. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we unlock the potential to bear fruit and fulfill our divine purpose.

2 Peter 1:3 ESV

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

This verse reinforces the truth that prayer is a conduit through which we receive all that pertains to living a life anchored in God’s excellence. Through understanding and seeking His will in prayer, we are empowered to embody God's fullness in all aspects of our lives, leading us to greater spiritual maturity and fulfillment.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points: Prayer strengthens us with divine power, deepens our understanding of God's love, and leads us to the fullness of God.

Encourage the congregation to commit to a deeper prayer life, focusing not just on requests, but on spiritual growth and maturity in truth.

Close with a prayer asking God to empower the congregation to live out these truths and be strengthened in their inner being.

Study Questions

True or False

1. True or False: According to Philippians 4:13, we gain strength independently from Christ.

Answer: False. We gain strength through Him, who strengthens us.

2. True or False: Engaging in prayer can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love.

Answer: True.

Multiple Choice

3. What does Ephesians 3:18 suggest about comprehending the love of Christ?

a) It is limited to our understanding

b) We need to be rooted and grounded in love

c) It can only be understood through biblical knowledge

d) None of the above

Answer: b) We need to be rooted and grounded in love.

4. What is the primary benefit discussed in Colossians 1:9-10 regarding prayer?

a) Gaining material wealth

b) Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will

c) Attracting friends

d) Avoiding mistakes

Answer: b) Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will.

5. Which verse assures us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts?

a) John 10:10

b) 1 John 4:16

c) Romans 5:5

d) Ephesians 3:19

Answer: c) Romans 5:5.

6. In John 10:10, what kind of life does Christ promise?

a) A life with no challenges

b) A life of abundance

c) A life solely focused on spiritual matters

d) A life devoid of relationships

Answer: b) A life of abundance.

7. What role does prayer play in spiritual maturity, according to the outlined content?

a) It has no impact

b) It allows us to see visions

c) It helps us grow in the knowledge of God and His fullness

d) It focuses solely on asking for help

Answer: c) It helps us grow in the knowledge of God and His fullness.

8. In what way are our weaknesses portrayed in 2 Corinthians 12:9?

a) As limitations that prevent us from succeeding

b) As an opportunity for Christ’s power to manifest

c) As unimportant

d) As reasons for despair

Answer: b) As an opportunity for Christ’s power to manifest.

Short Essay

9. Discuss the significance of being "filled with the fullness of God" as described in Ephesians 3:19 and apply it to personal spiritual practices.

Answer: [Response will vary; should discuss personal meaning found in being filled with the fullness of God, such as developing a more profound sense of purpose, strength in life challenges, and how it influences personal spiritual practices like prayer, worship, and service.]

10. Explain how prayer strengthens our relationship with God and impacts our interactions with others. Provide examples.

Answer: [Response will vary; should explore how prayer nurtures love, patience, and understanding towards others, improving relationships and providing a solid foundation for community and support within faith-based settings.]