Where It All Begins

Apr 28, 2019

Authentic Spirituality #1

Where It All Begins, Eph. 1:1-2

By Louie Marsh, 4-28-2019

 

Intro – what does spirituality mean? Examples close with video

 

AUTHENTIC SPIRITUALITY MEANS…

 

1) I’m LIVING OUT God’s Purpose for my life.

 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God… Ephesians 1:1a (NIV)

 

I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus… Ephesians 1:1a (MSG)

 

• My purpose is only found IN CHRIST

 

• This gives me INCREDIBLE CONFIDENCE!

 

 

2) I’m LIVING IN my true identify.

 

…To the saints in Ephesus,… Ephesians 1:1b (NIV)

 

• Saint = ONE SET APART

 

TRUE IDENTITY CAN BE HARD TO FIND AND EVEN HARDER TO BELIEVE!

3) I’m LIVING FOR an Audience of One.

 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:1 (NIV)

 

Dear Christian friends at Ephesus, ever loyal to the Lord: This is Paul writing to you, chosen by God to be Jesus Christ's messenger. Ephesians 1:1 (TLB)

 

Why it’s so futile to live to please people

 

4) I see all my life as being IN CHRIST.

 

… the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:1 (NIV)

 

5) My life is built upon GOD’S GRACE.

 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 (NIV)

 

• Grace = FREE GIFT. Unmerited favor

 

Grace is so important that it’s used some 13 times in Ephesians/

 

who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

 

But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they also. Acts 15:11 (Darby)

 

• Authentic Spirituality begins with WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR ME.

 

 

AUTHENTIC SPIRITUALITY BRINGS…

 

1) PEACE.

 

• Peace = HARMONY WITH GOD AND MAN.