Becoming A Grounded Person

Introduction

I have never struggled with Anxiety before.

Sometimes, I just need a reminder to know that my heart is strong and someone else is watching out for me.

Getting Us to this point in Ephesians

Christ raised people from the dead

Unity for Jews & Gentiles

Wonderful purpose of God to redeem a all

God’s wonderful plan for complete unity between people and God.

Don’t loose heart!

Strengthened So Christ could Dwell in You

Ephesians 3:16–17 (ESV)

…he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…

We are strengthened so Christ may Dwell in our hearts!

Paul is praying for us to strengthened so Christ may Dwell in us!

Why do we need to be strengthened? ~ Why do I need strength for Christ to dwell in me? ~ Why can’t Christ dwell in my weak body?

Because we are weak!

Christ is gonna dwell in you

Jesus ain’t checking in for the night!

You ain’t Motel 6. You ain‘t Holiday Inn.

We don’t leave the light on for Jesus, because He is the light.

This is his residence!

Do you know how difficult it is to welcome the Savior of the world to live in your heart?

How many of you sin?

Is that an eviction letter or what?

How many of you fail to do good?

Jesus, we need you to tour Louisville while house-keeping comes in to spruce us your room.

You know how difficult it is for Christ to Dwell in you!

What’s why Paul prays for strength!

Strengthened to Comprehend and Know the Love of Christ

Can you get your minds around the Love of Christ?

Arrogantly, I would say YES!

I know the love of Christ for me.

I know he died on the Cross

Can I Comprehend and Know?

YES, if I trust Paul’s words.

His prayer is for me to be strengthened to comprehend and know.

What is the Love of Christ

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 5:25 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

1 John 4:19 ESV

We love because he first loved us.

John 13:34 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

So, can you Comprehend and Know the Love of Christ?

Love for our family and friends

Spouse

Children

Nieces and Nephews

Easier to die for those people we already love

Love for our enemies

Would you die for the person you hate?

Filled up to God’s Fullness

God’s fullness / God’s perfection is the goal

That seems like an impossible goal!

How could we ever do something like that?

Matthew 5:48 ESV

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Christ is the fullness of God!

Colossians 2:9 ESV

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Therefore, if we are to be filled with God’s fullness, we are to be filled with Christ!

Christ living in you is the goal!

If you Doubt that these things can happen … v.20-21

Oh, Josh, I could never live like Christ.

I could never love my neighbor unconditionally,

I could never fully forgive others,

I could never stop my own sin addictions,

It’s just not possible!

Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV

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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Do you doubt God’s ability to work in your life?

The power is working within you!

It ain’t your power working but God’s!

If Christ is working in you, anything is possible!

Do you want to live a Grounded Life?

Fall to your knees in confession and surrender your life to Christ!

Bill Elmore will pray for Christ to strengthen us to handle this world.