Sunday Service 6-30-19 - Ephesians 3:14-21 - Paul's bold prayer for the Church - Part 2

What has led up to this? "... Therefore" Eph 1: ...making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to _unite all things_ in him, things in _heaven_ and things on _earth_. ...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the _hope_ to which he has _called_ you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in _the saints_. -- Eph 2: You were _dead_, God made you _alive_ in Christ Jesus. By _grace_ through _faith_ ; We are his _workmanship_ , created in Christ Jesus for _good works_ ; We are no longer _strangers _ and _aliens_, but _citizens_ and _members_. In him you also are being _built together_ into a _dwelling place_ for God by _the Spirit_. -- Eph 3: For this reason, I, Paul, a _prisoner_ of _Christ Jesus_ on behalf of _you Gentiles_... This mystery is that the Gentiles are _fellow heirs_, members of the same _body_, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through _the gospel_. ...to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through _the church_ the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the _rulers and authorities_ in the _heavenly places_.Paul's certainty of the truth and value of the Gospel as well as His own need for it.Paul's concern for their heart in the midst of his own suffering. -- THEREFORE... I therefore, _a prisoner for the Lord_, _urge you_ _to walk in a manner worthy_ of _the calling to which you have been called_ -- How do we walk worthily in that calling? 2 with all _humility_ and _gentleness_, with _patience_, _bearing with_ one another in _love_, The opposite of Israel in the wilderness: stiff-necked, stubborn, grumbling, faithless, in-fighting, pride. -- Therefore ... UNITY 3 eager to maintain the unity of the _Spirit_ in the bond of _peace_. -- Basics of Unity Based on: Trinitarian Unity 4 There is one _body_ and one _Spirit_ —just as you were called to the one _hope_ that belongs to your call— 5 one _Lord_, one _faith_, one _baptism_, 6 one _God_ and _Father of all_, who is over all and through all and in all. -- How can we do this? Paul's prayer: that you may be strengthened in your inner being to do what? ... to move mountains, to perform miracles? that you may be rooted and grounded in _love_ and to comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the _love of Christ_ which surpasses knowledge. Remember, this is a response to a calling... Remember that calling! Remember the Gospel! Remember Jesus. A new command I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.