The Holy Spirit, Our Strength

Introduction

Ephesians is a comforting book for the church. It tells what God planned, how it came into effect. It tells me how it benefits me now and how it will get me to where I am going.

It also stresses the importance of how I live. “it’s a real book”.

In this passage Ep 3:14-16 Paul prays to God that his audience be strengthened Ep 2:22

This is the same power that rose Christ from the dead Ep 1:20 “which He wrought in Christ”

Death defying power

Devil beating power

You will need that kind of power if you want to get to heaven.

“He would grant you” - to give to someone’s advantage/benefit/aid

“according to his riches of His glory (reputation/all God is)” - from His abundant store supply. Appl. God has no limit to his stores: Grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, help.

Man is limited and can only bless you to a limit. God’s credit never maxes out!

“to be strengthened” KRATOS this is God’s absolute power. Power in existence.

“with power” DUNAMIS this is power in effect. Power in action

Appl. God is not just boasting “I have power” but it can work for you.

“through His Spirit in the inner man”

The deposit will be made in the inner man but through the agency of the Holy Spirit.

“The Reason for Strength”

The immediate reason is to live right. The indwelling and comprehension that follows is the immediate reason.

However, there’s another reason

“The Fight”

vs. 10 “be strong” - dunamis an inherent power

“in the strength” - kratos

“of His might” - ischus a holding on power, military power. The power we need to withstand the devil.

1 John 2:14 NASB95

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

“to stand against” - this word means to cause to remain in place or firmly fixed. To maintain or uphold something.

This means that the stability of something must be threatened

Question: What do you have that needs maintenance?

Another question: What do you have that the devil wants you to lose?

Christlike character

Faith in God

This is How the Spirit Helps

“take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God”

The word builds faith Rom 10:17

The word saves Jam 1:21

The words have life John 6:68

The word have life changing power Heb 4:12

The word keeps you from sin Ps 119:11

The word gives me something to draw on

When I do not have the word in you…I will not have anything to draw on. You need the Spirit and the His sword.

This is how the Spirit will help you.