Living Victoriously

Living Victoriously

FCF: Unloving, unspiritual, ignore the love of Christ

Propositional Statement: We cannot live victoriously without trusting the power of God in our life.

Introduction: Paul has been deliberate as he addresses this church in Ephesus and explains what it means to be the chosen of God. Paul is deliberate in explaining to them how they through faith have become heirs and partakers of the promise of God (vs. 6). He demonstrates the mercy of God through his own testimony (vs.7-9)

Paul challenges the church to be walk boldly and confident in the purpose of God and become witnesses to the world of the of the salvation that God has extended through the His Son Jesus Christ (vs. 10-12).

But now, in these final verses of chapter three, Paul prays for the church. Yes in this letter he challenges the Ephesian church to live differently, to live victoriously as he had prayed for them.

Transition: Paul mentions his prayer and outlines it so that the Ephesian church may know exactly what it means to be victorious through Christ. First it is to recognize that they are under submission of God.

When We Live Victoriously We Live Under the Subjection of God ()

He has complete authority over both heaven and earth

He is father and Creator

Paul's prays to God because he is under the authority of God

Paul says he bows to God . . .

ILLUSTRATION:

Application: Surrender to the authority of God. Reverence Him. Honor Him. Worship Him!

Transition: The authority that God displays is one of graciousness which we are strengthened by. When we live victoriously, we are empowered by God to be spiritual.

When We Live Victoriously, We Are Empowered By God To Be Spiritual ()

"to be strengthened with might " means with ability

there is a changing of the mind

there is a changing of the heart

Know the love of Christ means to exercise the love of Christ

another way to say we are empowered by God to be spiritual is , "We are mature in Christ"

ILLUSTRATION: When we were younger we used to have a saying for people who just didn't seem to act mature as we believed they should. We would say act your age not your shoe size. There were some people who just didn't seem to grow up.

Transition: As Christians we must mature and become examples of what a spiritual life is.

Application: Don't harbor ill will towards others who hurt you. Know the love of Christ. Exercise the love of Christ by treating other with love. When people run over you live so that they see your love not you anger. When people use you, love them. When people hurt you, love them.

Transition: This is really something we struggle with isn't it? But Paul says, we are empowered to do it. It may not be easy but we can do it.

When We Live Victoriously, We Have The Provisions of God ()

Provisions exceedingly abundant

Provisions above all that we ask or think

Provisions according to our faith

Application: Trust God. God is the source for all that we need and want. Pray to God for answers to your problems. Regardless of how minute or small you think they are remember that God has all power. Look remind yourself God has complete authority over everything in your life. Your job, your family, your future, your health . . . Pray, Pray, Pray!!!