For this Reason

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture:            Ephesians 3:14-21

I.          There is a REASON for the Church

            A.        Some never go to church because they do not have a reason

            B.         Some are miserable in church because they don’t know the true reason

            C.        What is your REASON for being here?

II.        REASON # 1:   We are a part of a spiritual “family”

A.        There is one God and Father of all in Christ (Ephesians 4:6)

B.         We are brothers and sisters through faith in Christ Jesus.

1.         We can pick our friends, but we are stuck with our family.

2.         As a family, we must learn to embrace and love one another.

III.       REASON #2:  We are part of His eternal purpose in the earth

            A.        “For this reason” (verse 14):  What is the “reason”?

1.         Verse 10:  “To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

2.         We must get rightly connected with God and with each other if God’s purpose is going to be revealed through us

III.       How are we going to experience this glorious work of God in the church?

A.        RELATIONSHIP:  We are vitally interconnected as a family

B.         VISON:  We must focus on the promise rather than the problem

            C.        PRAYER:  We must begin to pray for one another

1.         STRENGTH:  That we might be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man

2.         PRESENCE OF JESUS:  That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

3.         LOVE:

            a.         Rooted and grounded in love

            b.         Comprehending the full dimension of God’s love

            c.         Know the love of Christ

4.         FULLNESS OF GOD (Completion, full measure)

D.        FAITH:  God will do beyond our expectations (verse 20)

E.         GRACE:  Grace is God’s power that works in us

F.         GLORY:  We must openly make manifest all of His goodness and nature

G.        GENERATIONS:  Every generation must be included in this work

IV.       What is our responsibility before God?

            A.        Walk worthy of the calling (in keeping with His purpose) (Ephesians 4:1)

            B.         God wants to use us.  Are we willing to be a part of this glorious revelation?

V.        Response

A.        What is your REASON for being here today?

1.         You recognize your need to have a true relationship with God.  You can be reconciled to God the Father through faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior

2.         You are here out of obligation and duty.  You can trade in RELIGION for a REASON.  You can begin to connect today with God’s family and eternal purpose for your life.

3.         You understand that God is our Father and that He is faithfully working out His plan in your life through vital connections with others in His church.  For you church represents both your “spiritual family” and your connection to God’s work in the earth.

B.         What is hindering you from experiencing the true REASON?

            1.         Sin or a sinful habit?

            2.         Idolatry?  Placing other things ahead of your relationship with God?

3.         Broken or damaged relationships?

4.         Fear of being hurt?

5.         Fear of what others may think.

6.         Denial? “ There is nothing wrong with me.  This message is for someone else.”

            7.         Tradition?  “I like things the way they used to be.”

            8.         Selfishness?  “I want my own way.”

9.         Stubbornness?  “I don’t care what the Bible or the preacher says.  I will not change.”

10.       Pride?  “I am above humbling myself before God or these people.”