From Stone to Gold: Mining God’s Love in Our Hearts

Ephesians 3:14–21 CSB

For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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Paul's Prayer for Strengthened Hearts (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Paul’s Request: Paul prays that believers be strengthened by the Spirit to allow Christ to dwell (be "at home") in their hearts.

The Heart or “Inner Man”: the center of emotion, intellect, spiritual activity, action, and conscience.

The Need for Renewal: Apart from Christ, our hearts are sinful and darkened.

(V16-17)The Condition of Our Heart Apart from Christ (We Need A New Heart)

Sinful and darkened hearts(Genesis 8:21, Ecclesiastes 8:11)

Wicked and bent toward evil.

Words and actions stem from a twisted heart.

The “Outer Man” is affected by the “Inner Man”

Effects of a Hardened Heart

Poor judgment, prideful desires, and foolish actions.

Rejection of correction, increasing disobedience, distancing from God.

Results in broken lives, broken relationships, broken pursuits.

(V16-17a) Transformation Through Christ's Indwelling (We Need A New Renovator & Lord)

The Spirits Power enables Christ to reside in our hearts

Christ as Ruler & Renovator

Christ enters to rule, renovate, and transform our hearts.

When Christ by his Spirit takes up residence within us, he finds a moral equivalent to trash, black and silver wall paper, and a leaking roof. He sets about turning this residence into a place appropriate for him, a home for which he is comfortable.… When a person takes up long-term residence somewhere, their presence eventually characterizes that dwelling.… When Christ first moves into our lives, he finds us in bad repair. It takes a great deal of power to change us; and that is why Paul prays for power.… [He is] transforming us into a house that pervasively reflects his own character. - D.A. Carson

The Work of Sanctification:

Jesus creates in us a new heart, transformed and set ablaze for God.

Christ molds us into obedient children, reflecting God’s character.

Our actions begin to align with righteousness, purity, and sincerity.

We develop a love for the Father’s correction and strive to embody His attributes:

Justice, Mercy, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Love, Peace, Humility, Compassion, Patience, etc.

(V17b) The Unshakeable Love of Christ (We Need A New Love)

Christ’s Love as a Firm Foundation

His Love is immeasurable and boundless; it roots us firmly in Him.

Our lives reflect the strength of this foundational Love (solid buildings, deep roots).

Faith in Action

Faith in God’s love drives us to express that love toward God and others.

God love in us illuminates God’s love through us:

Agape love’s characteristics: sacrificial, immeasurable, serving, restoring, merciful, forgiving, relational, impartial, sincere, patient, humble, enduring, hopeful, never-ending.

(V18-19) Comprehending and Reflecting Christ’s Love (We Need A New Pursuit)

Paul’s Encouragement to Pursue Christian Character:

The love of Christ is deeper than our understanding, like a vast mine.

We are to “mine” God’s love daily, growing in knowledge and reciprocation.

We are To Mine God’s Love Individually and corporately.

Mining The Depths of God’s Love:

Vertical Mining: Daily Discover His Love For Us & Rest In It

Horizontal Mining: Reflect What We Reveals In Our Daily Life.

The Ultimate Goal of This Pursuit:

To be filled with God’s fullness, Mature In Christ.

Looking Like Christ, Reflecting Him To All People In Everything We Do. (Individual & Corporately)