I’ve Got the Power

Ephesians 3:14–21 NIV

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 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, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Introduction

The meaning of power

Context

“For this reason” – Gentile inclusion in the one humanity through Christ is the basis of the prayer

“from whom every gamily in heaven and on earth derives its name”

But there’s a gap – God is creating (and has secured the creation of) the one humanity, but there is still enmity

Jews and Gentiles in the church

Church and its opposition

Paul is setting up a transition between what has been accomplished and what must be appropriated

We don’t always experience what God has done

Power of Christ in Us

Ephesians 3:16–17 NIV

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. […]

Source – his glorious riches

Action – Strengthened

Enablement – Through the Spirit

Sphere – in the inner being

Result – So Christ dwells in our hearts

Power to Know Love

Power of God

Conclusion

Benediction

Transition

This internal power is necessary for the transformed life