Prayer for Renewal (Paul's 2nd prayer)

Service Order:

Honor Pastors (Doug & Trisha)

25 Year service award

Burning Note

OPENING DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 ESV

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Shepherd’s Gate is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

They are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

INTRODUCTION:

Story:

My family (PICTURE)

WHY?…Those who want their actions to be effective for God’s kingdom should CONSIDER their time and effort in prayer.

TODAY: Paul’s Second Prayer IN EPHESIANS…prayer for RENEWAL

How are Paul’s prayers similar to or different from the kinds of prayers you or those in your community pray?

What might God do in and through us as a community if we prayed like Paul?

Ephesians 3:14–21 ESV

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

THREE REQUESTS FOR RENEWAL:

1. Prayer for strength

Ephesians 3:14–17a ESV

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Strength=power

v. 3:14 Paul does not use vb. of praying but instead the uncommon posture for praying (cf. normal posture was standing to pray), which shows a humble submission and worship…our strength is not our own

v. 3:15 takes us to creation which speaks of God’s power and the dominion God has as its creator:

Isaiah 40:26 ESV

26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.

v. 3:16 The source of our strength is the creator God who also demonstrated his power through the resurrection…Paul is making it clear the source of the strength he is seeking for the believers

Example of power beyond oneself:

1. Prayer for strength

2. Prayer for more than understanding

Ephesians 3:17b–19a ESV

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

understadning = perception

Our world s in love with power and yet they often miss the real power of love

vv. 3:17-18 An understanding that the love of Christ who is the chief cornerstone is the foundation upon which they are to be built…the foundation of love.

v. 3:18 “breadth and length and height and depth” is figurative language referring to different aspects of God’s love that they are to perceive, which only comes through a personal acquaintance with God.If we understood God’s love, it should impact all areas of our lives, like how we interact with others, how we view our selves, and how we manage our finances?

The love here is like the love Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 5:14 ESV

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

There is alway more of God’s love to know, experience, and change our lives

Example of growing in the love of God:

1. Prayer for strength (Power)

2. Prayer for more than understanding (Perception)

3. Prayer for filling

Ephesians 3:19b ESV

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

filling=perfection

This third request is a summary of the first two

This is the goal of Paul’s prayer and the content of the “filling”: “towards all the fullness of God”

This filling of the fullness of God only happens if we allow the Holy Spirit to continually fills us afresh

Example of being filled continually: a river of water like the mighty Mississippi

***Pray over college students***

Conclusion:

Doxology-Give Praise to God

Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

v. 3:20 shift from second person (“you”) to first person (“we”)

The prayer started from kneeling humbly in prayer, which is also the posture of worship, to actual worship of God.

v. 3:21 “forever and ever” phrase means “to all the generations of the age of the ages” but should be understood as indicating eternity.” (EGGNT)

Reflection Questions:

Ephesians: 11 Studies for Individuals or Groups (Study 6: Power and Love (Ephesians 3:14–21))

How are Paul’s prayers similar to or different from the kinds of prayers you or those in your community pray?

What might God do in and through us as a community if we prayed like Paul?

Gk. Notes and Background Notes

v. 3:14 Paul does not use vb. of praying but instead the uncommon posture for praying (cf. normal posture was standing to pray), which shows a humble submission and worship

v 3:15 “Naming is significant in the Bible because it can signify the creative act of bringing something into existence as well as dominion over it (Ps 147:5; Isa 40:26). Thus, this v. highlights the fact that God is the sovereign Creator who brought all living beings into existence who are dependent on him for life and significance.” (EGGNT)

v. 3:16 “to be strengthened” is the d.o. of vb. “he may grant” which shows God as the source of the strengthening.

v. 3:17 love is the foundation upon which they are to be built.

v. 3:18 “breadth and length and height and depth” is figurative language referring to different aspects of God’s love (cf. Rev. 21:16).

A love that controls us - 2 Corinthians 5:14

v. 3:19 “fullness” has a variety of meanings

v. 3:20 shift from second person to first person

v. 3:21 “forever and ever” phrase means “to all the generations of the age of the ages” but should be understood as indicating eternity.” (EGGNT)

REFERENCES

Benjamin L Merkle, Andreas J. Köstenberger, and Robert W. Yarbrough. 2016. Ephesians. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Academic. http://search.ebscohost.com.lpc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1338892&site=ehost-live.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984.