A Living Conversation with God

 
 
A Living Conversation with God Ephesians Part 5 – Seriously Praying By Pastor Dan Kennedy © August 9, 2015 www.pastorkennedy.com Communication with God in prayer is a mystery to each of us. Many recite “the Lord’s Prayer” from Matt. 6:9-13, as the model for our prayer life. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen.” Acronyms are sometimes given to help us remember key aspects of our communion with God: A – Adoration and worship C - Confession T - Thanksgiving S – Supplication and requests Today we are exploring a prayer of Paul written down for the Church at Ephesus in Ephesians 3:10-21. As we look at each of these dynamic aspects of prayer, which Paul prays for this early church, we begin to see the multi-faceted and deep dimensions that we could incorporate into our own “living conversations with God”. Ephesians 3:10–21 1. Approaching God: with freedom and confidence We have an absolute privilege, as those who are Children of the Most High God, to come into Almighty God’s Presence – with Freedom and Confidence. It is with astonishment that the rest of creation looks on! Heads of governments across our planet give this unique privilege to those in his or her family. God gives this privilege to those who have been born into His Family through the redemptive blood of His Son and power of His Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:10-11 Eph. 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Hebrews 4:16 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 10:19, 22 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. It is amazing how God has given His Children this bold and accessible privilege to approach His Throne…because they are in His Family! The angels desire to look into these things (1 Peter 1:10-*12)! Stop…reverse for a minute and enter in to Paul’s real life in his suffering and imprisonment. 2. Suffering: Faithfully Enduring It is interesting that in the middle of this amazing passage on prayer, Paul inserts a sentence about his suffering in prison and then immediately goes back to his prayer for the Ephesians. Eph. 3:13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Suffering is a universal problem. We suffer for many reasons – the primary cause of suffering is associated with death. Everyone and everything comes one day to the end of its life, and this includes suffering physical, emotional, and mental trauma as life comes to a close. Psalm 104:27–30 27 These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Who we rely upon during suffering affects how we endure the trauma of pain? There are other types of suffering besides those associated with the end of our life. • Suffering the pain because of doing wrong. • Suffering pain when we do right. God knows the intensity and depth of both of these “sufferings”, and He rewards each person according to what they have done. There are practical and eternal consequences to good and bad, and the suffering that accompany both. When writing this passage on prayer, Paul was in prison, only a few years from execution. This period, in world history, was not a happy time for Christians or Jews. • Paul’s execution by Nero may have been portrayed for other issues than because of Paul’s belief in Christ and his establishment of Christian Churches. o In 64 A.D. Nero set fire to Rome and blamed the Christians. o The Jewish revolt against Rome was in 66 A.D. o Early church historians record that Nero beheaded Paul in the mid-60’s A.D. o Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D. and civil wars ensued. o 69 A.D. was the year of the four emperors. The struggle for dominance was resolved when Vespasian seized control of the Empire. o The destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. ended the Jewish revolt, causing the dispersion – the diaspora of the Jews to the ends of the earth. So, Paul’s execution may have been publicized for many reasons, including his being a Christian and a Jew. After Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 A.D., Israel would not be established again in its Promised Land for another 2,000 years. Christians, in any age, can be swept to their demise because of various adversarial political arenas and social upheavals, etc., not just because of their faith. In fact, the enemy of our soul would much prefer that a Christian’s destruction be portrayed to the world because of peripheral matters other than the real issue of faith. How does “suffering” affect our prayer life? Suffering intensifies prayer, doesn’t it? It also brings a greater depth and meaning in our fellowship and communion with God. Colossians 1:24–26 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 2 Timothy 4:16–17 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 2:8–10 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Suffering Comes in Many Forms I received a prayer request this week from a dear friend of our church’s mission who was on the executive staff at a well known Women’s Bible Study Ministries. Greetings: Well news is less than wonderful.  Dr said he thinks it is all cancer in the bones. He was very surprised because with Melanoma it rarely spreads into bones.  Usually it is in the brain or liver.  I did have a tumor in the liver but it has shrunk.  There is a fatty tissue below the skull which is diseased.  There is also a mass of something in my chest.  I ask what bones were diseased and he said almost all of them and that is why I've had so much pain.  He is going to get a CT of chest and xray of elbow to see if there can be a more definite diagnosis.  Nothing is conclusive right now except that there is disease in all these places and he just really believes it is cancer. I've had no pain at all for over a week.  I think it is because of the HC-II and turmeric I'm taking. I am taking no other pain pills - amazing. So that’s it for now - won't know anything for a month.  He said if I have any new pain in any other part of my body, to let him know and we'll start new treatment.  We are going to wait just about a month before we start treatments. I keep thinking of the verse “in everything give thanks.”  Am I thankful for this news – well no?  But I am thankful for:   *   My Christian parents that taught me Scripture that I rely so heavily.   *   That I am so confident that God is in complete control and He can change anything and quickly.   *   That I am free from pain.   *   That I have the promise “that the peace of God surpasses all understanding.”   *   For my wealth of friends.   *   For my very loving family that won’t let me get too morbid.   *   For hope in medical science.   *   For hope in God who rises above all science and understanding. Thanks for your prayers and support. Signed…. PS:  I don't need anything right now.  I cook my meals, do cleaning, entertain etc.  Let’s wait until I really need help! Suffering will always be a part of this world. Trials affect each true Christian, for their own benefit (James 1:2-4; 12). Turning Our Anxiety into Prayer Philippians 4:6 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Adversity presses us closer to God and the reality of His work in our life. Suffering brings us to our knees in prayer. 3. Attitude: Humility and Awe Eph. 3:14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Paul was evidencing humility in prayer… on his knees in that dark and putrid Roman prison cell as he cried out in Awe to the Creator of us all. John 1:1–3 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Psalm 33:6 6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Colossians 1:16 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Our God, the God who created all things in the universe, is worthy of our deepest worship and adoration. We humbly pray to Him. 4. Empowered: Spirit Infused Inner Strength Eph. 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, Ephesians 1:3–14 Spiritual Blessings in Christ 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:17–22 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church…. God, our Heavenly Father, has infused His Children with His Power, well beyond their limited self – so they can accomplish His Purposes in the world! 5. Indwelling: Christ in our hearts through faith Eph. 3:17a so that Christ may dwell in your hearts (the center and seat of our spiritual life) through faith. “Dwell” metaph.: divine powers, influences, etc., are said to dwell in his soul, to pervade, prompt, govern it. 2 to dwell in, inhabit. Colossians 1:27 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. What does it mean that Christ is dwelling in your heart through Faith? 6. Love: Rooted and established – the fundamentals on which our life is built. Eph. 3:17b And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, Colossians 2:2–3 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. How big a part should Godly love play a part in the Christian’s life? What does God’s Word say about loving our neighbor? About loving our enemy? 7. Grasping: the Breadth and Scope of Christ’s Love Eph. 3:18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, Romans 8:38–39 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 8. Experiencing: Christ’s love Eph. 3:18b to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ 19a and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— Philippians 4:6–7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 9. Filled: with All the Fullness of God Eph. 3:19b that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Colossians 1:19 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…. Colossians 2:9 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…. Ephesians 1:13 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…. 10. Comprehending: things beyond comprehension Eph. 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…. Genesis 18:14 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” Luke 1:35–37 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” Matthew 19:23–26 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Comprehending the incomprehensible. God, our Creator, has no limitations. Nothing is impossible with God. 11. Glory: Christ glorified in the church throughout all generations – FOREVER. Eph. 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us….21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Romans 11:36 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Conclusion What is Prayer? 1. Approaching God: with Freedom and Confidence 2. Suffering: Faithfully Enduring 3. Attitude: Humility and Awe 4. Empowered: Spirit Infused Inner Strength 5. Indwelling: Christ in our Hearts through Faith 6. Love: Rooted and Established 7. Grasping: the Breadth and Scope of Christ’s Love 8. Experiencing: Christ’s Love 9. Filled: with All the Fullness of God 10. Comprehending: things Beyond Comprehension 11. Glory: Christ Glorified in the Church throughout All Generations - FOREVER Prayer is the means whereby the Believer in Jesus Christ is entrusted with the privilege to have the greatest Relationship, Fellowship and Communication possible for human beings. • To have a living Relationship, Fellowship, and Communication with God. • To be guided by His Spirit. • To be surrounded by His care, even in suffering and death. • To be empowered to accomplish His will. • And, to live with Him FOREVER. http://www.pastorkennedy.comshapeimage_2_link_0