Summary: Second in a series through the book of Ephesians.

First Baptist Church of Cresson

Sunday Morning - April 25th, 2004

Ephesians 1:15-23

Walking a Life Worthy of the Calling

“Prayers from a Prisoner”

I. INTRODUCTION (v.15-16)

a. Recap Background: Ephesians – 10th book of NT. Paul writes to Church @ Ephesus from Roman prison.

b. Central Theme: Ephesians 4:1 - “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”

c. ILLUS: William Randolph Hearst-> art. own warehouse!

d. Recap Last Week: Riches in Blessings from God

e. Faith & Love! Great, but Paul knew there’s more. READ

II. That We Might Know God’s Calling (v. 17-18a)

a. EXPLAIN -> “called” important word

i. church = GR. 2 words “called out”

ii. Paul – “God called him by His Grace” Gal. 1:15

iii. Reminded Timothy of “holy calling” 2 Tim. 1:19

iv. Hope is ours because of this calling Eph 4:4 (read)

b. ILLUS -> “Sometimes all you have is the calling.” - Phil

c. APPLY -> Ephesus is destroyed–The Called are in heaven

III. That We Might Know God’s Riches (v.18b)

a. EXPLAIN -> we are His inheritance

i. God gets glory in His church b/c investment

ii. Ex 1 – Cowardly Gideon - Judges 6:12

iii. Ex 2 – Andrew’s Brother – John 1:42 (read)

b. APPLY -> Gideon = Great valor. Peter = a rock! Live dedicated to the future God has planned for you!

IV. That We Might Know God’s Power (v.19-23)

a. BKG -> power = GR. “dunamis” – dynamite!

b. ILLUS -> computers – power cord – not in!

c. EXPLAN- need power to use the riches! (Matthew 26:41)

i. “The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”

ii. Human wisdom leads to folly need God!

iii. Enemy would steal – Resurrection power!

d. APPLY -> v22-23 – church – head – supplies power

e. Power shortage is not in California – Paul is praying…

V. CONCLUSION/PREVIEW/INVITATION

a. RECAP/RESTATE