Perfect Fit

This week in our studies we looked at Ephesians 2:14-22- on thursday the men talked about Salvation and the depth of it.

The passage also speaks about unity - which his a powerful topic all to itself.

This passage encourages Christians to find their identity and unity in Christ.

Through His sacrifice, we are made one, breaking down any walls that divide us socially, culturally, or spiritually. Thus, believers reflect this unity in their interactions with one another.

Big Idea: Through Christ, both Jew and Gentile are united into one body, showcasing that true peace and reconciliation can only be found in Him.

The Key word in that passage is Remember. Don’t forget what Christ has done - AMEN

You are a NEW YOU !!!

1. Peace Personified in Christ - Ephesians 2:14-15

His sacrifice on the cross unified what was once separated by cultural, religious, and social boundaries. This is a call for us to embody and pursue this peace in our own communities and relationships.

2. Reconciliation and Access Granted - Ephesians 2:16-18

We now have to the Father through the Spirit, prompting us to live as one family. and work towards unity and peace, reflecting Christ’s reconciling work.

3. United in Christ's Structure - Ephesians 2:19-22

The Church - We are now part of God's household, with Christ as the cornerstone. This solidifies our identity as the church, a dwelling place for God.

Paul says in verse 21 of chapter 2 that the building is being fitted together. Remember the building is made of people -

You are a very valuable piece of it.. - YOU FIT - You fit into your perfect place.

Without you a piece would be missing.

Think about that for a moment.

NOW Consider the Contrast

Jesus wants to build the church and Satan wants to destroy the church. ( that means you)

The church is rising and is strong and victorious. - you should be as well AMEN

I SAID THIS LAST YEAR

The church is being re-calibrated, every person transformed. The church is rethinking its purpose, it is gaining some inner strength thru the Holy Spirit. It is getting out of its comfort zone, it is moving forward. It is listening to the HS we are getting ready for an incredible final period and witness the return of the Lord. - Somebody say Amen

OK Lets look at CH 3

Bible Passage: Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 NLT

1 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles … 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Apostle Paul reveals the mystery of the Gospel, emphasizing that God's grace is extended to all people, and that through the Spirit, believers are empowered to understand and embrace this divine plan.

We are to deepen our understanding of God's grace. Remembering that we are part of a larger story that transcends their individual circumstances.

God’s plan is reconciling all people to Himself.

1. Mystery Manifested

Ephesians 3:1-6

In New Testament usage a spiritual truth heretofore hidden, incapable of discovery by mere reason, but now revealed (uncovered)

There are six New Testament "mysteries":

(1) The incarnation (1 Tim 3:16.

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

(2) The mystery of iniquity (2 Thess 2:7

2 Thessalonians 2:7 ESV

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.

(3) Christ's marriage to the church, Eph 5:32

Ephesians 5:32 ESV

32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Christ's spiritual union with the church, represented by marriage, is of great import

(4) The union of Jews and Gentiles in one body, the present election church (Eph 3:4-6) which we just read in Eph 3;

the Holy Spirit not merely gives influences as in Old Testament, but personally comes and dwells in the church, joining Jews and Gentiles in one fellowship of God and Christ;

(6) The resurrection of the body (1 Cor 15:51

1 Corinthians 15:51 ESV

51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Ch 3 bring us into the family, shatters barriers of division and speaks to the depth of Gods grace

God brings strength by shattering division. Bringing two together into one.

Sounds like a marriage.

2. God Has A Plan

  The plan involves you – your identity and your calling.

I was told this once - If you are doing nothing, I guarantee you are complaining about others who are doing something.

You have to walk out this plan by faith and with confidence.

Reflect on their own calling and the power you have received to proclaim Christ's transformative grace.

You cannot lose heart in tough circumstances, but to draw strength from your identity and mission in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The church is Gods plan.

He uses the Church  (Lets read verse 10 again)

Ephesians 3:10 NASB95

10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

It doesn’t say he is going to use the Assemblies of God, or Bethel, or the Baptists, or Calvary Chapel, or the Foursquare church or the Vineyard Church or the many Independent churches.

I believe this - No Denomination or Fellowship is going to get the glory on this one.

It is going to be individuals moved by the power of the Holy Spirit who will bring great encouragement, courage, and a clear picture of Gods purpose and Character to a world that will soon come under judgement.

Conclusion

Pauls 2nd prayer

Maturity Experienced: Love’s Depths

Paul says he kneels before the father – this is an act of worship, humility and recognition of authority.

Abraham and Solomon Stood, David sat but Paul Knelt – our posture is of a heart attitude.

Paul prays four petitions.

1. To be Strengthened - it is defined as overcoming resistance

                              It is your present need

                              It is divine inner strength – dynamic overcoming power

This is not the “when the going gets tough the tough get going” kind of power. This is not self-discipline or the power of positive thinking. This is not mental renewing, or self-talk, or getting a grip on yourself, or turning over a new leaf. This is a fundamental work of God from his Spirit to our spirit. (Max Anders)

                              You are in constant need of healing and you are constantly forgiving. There is no shortage of resources and He is not going to run out of what is important.

It is only when we yield to the Spirit and let Him control the inner man that we succeed in living to the glory of God. Inward renewal.

Corinthians says, : though our outward man is perishing – the inward man is being renewed day  by day.

2. To have Faith

Like I said before

You are given a measure of faith. – They key is are you using it. You don’t need a lot – actually a small amount will move a mountain but it has to be activated.

The Holy Spirit comes fully charged and you have to activate that charge in your life

Some of you might ask how do I do that? Write these down

1. Submit to the Spirit – He has the power to lead you

2. Get into the Word so you can understand the works of the Spirit.

3. Pray to the Father through the Son and the Holy Spirt procures the answer and gets a move on. That is why prayer works.

Get rooted in faith so you can withstand the violent winds that life throws at it. Go Deep

4. Love well

Question – How deep is your love. Put it to the test. Jesus said love your enemies so how are you doing with your enemy's. Sometimes in the church your enemy might feel at times like the one sitting next to you, or the one who slighted you on the way in, or the brush off you felt, or the lack of encouragement you felt you deserved, or or or or .

Think about how far Gods love goes in all directions

Be Spirit filled NOT half full.

God is calling us to be strengthened, grounded and filled.

God will do abundantly more than we ask or even imagine. In humility God will life you up.