Rooted in Love

Sermon Points

Christians need to be FAITHFUL to Jesus and rooted in his LOVE to fulfill their mission. 3:14-19

Ephesians 3:14–19 NIV

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Our confidence in Jesus gives us BOLDNESS to testify to the POWERS of the world. 3:12-13

Ephesians 3:12–13 NIV

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Our job is to testify to the WISDOM of God’s plan to UNITE the world in Christ. 3:10-11; 1:8-10.

Ephesians 3:10–11 NIV

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 1:8–10 NIV

that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

We testify to God’s wisdom by DECLARING and DEMONSTRATING God’s generosity. 3:7-9, 2:6-7.

Ephesians 3:7–9 NIV

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Ephesians 2:6–7 NIV

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

We DECLARE God’s generosity by OFFERING the Gospel to anyone and everyone. 3:2-6

Ephesians 3:2–6 NIV

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

We DEMONSTRATE God’s generosity by resisting pressure to WITHHOLD it. 3:1

Ephesians 3:1 NIV

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Back to Love

Our job is to be the change we CAN ONLY see in the CHURCH. 3:20-21; Romans 8:28, 13:1-4, Jeremiah 29:7, 1 Timothy 2:1-4;

Romans 13:1–4 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:7 NIV

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Ephesians 3:20–21 NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Paul wants them to be strong in faith and rooted in love. (14-19)

First he wants to make sure they are not discouraged. (13)

We can speak speak boldly because we have access to God through Jesus Christ (12)

God wants us to use that boldness to display the wisdom of God’s plan to the powers of the world. (10-11)

Paul has been tasked by God to prove to the world that God really has offered life to everyone freely in his grace. (7-9)

Paul’s special message is that God has made Gentiles heirs with Israel in the promises of God. (2-6)

His loyalty to that message is why he is in prison. (1)