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River Church Sermons


Jun 2, 2019

Authentic Spirituality #6

The Power of the Proper Perspective, Eph. 3:1-13

By Louie Marsh, 6-2-2019

 

Intro.  Why this personal part? Because Paul is personally involved with all the churches, he loves them. AND he knows what all great communicators know – people remember and are moved by stories. True stories even more so. This is the true, though partial, story of how Paul experienced Authentic Spirituality.

 

AN AUTHENTICALLY SPIRITUAL PERSON…

 

1) Views life from A HEAVENLY  not a human perspective.

 

1  For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— Ephesians 3:1 (ESV)

 

Paul was a prisoner of Rome, and was in Rome when he wrote this letter. He was sitting in a room with a Roman soldier chained to him 24/7 – still he claims to be a prisoner of the Lord!

 

He also sees why he’s there, not from any human plots or manipulation, but because he’s carrying out his vision of bringing Jew and Gentile into one new community – the church!

 

2) Serves God by GRACE.

 

2  assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,.. 7  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Ephesians 3:2,7 (ESV)

 

As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it. 1 Corinthians 12:18 (MSG)

 

3) Has a proper view of …

 

  • MYSELF

 

8  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints… Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)

 

16  I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)

 

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

 

29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

 

  • CHRIST

 

8  …this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)

 

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! Romans 11:33 (ASV)

 

4) UNDERSTANDS what the church really is.

 

10  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ephesians 3:10-11 (ESV)

 

  • God’s Work is always THROUGH THE CHURCH.

 

5) Approaches God with CONFIDENCE!

 

12  in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. Ephesians 3:12 (ESV)

 

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome. Ephesians 3:12 (NLT)

 

16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

 

6) NEVER FORGET: Service = SACRIFICE!

 

13  So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:13 (ESV)

 

17  And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father’s house. But do not let the plague be on your people.” 18  Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 1 Chronicles 21:17-18 (ESV)

 

23  Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” 24  But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:23-24 (ESV)