The GospelsActs of the ApostlesPaul’s LettersOther LettersRevelation
A Walkthru’ of the New TestamentLesson 11: Ephesians – Pushing Limits
GOD REVEALED
Romans – Life Transformation Journey 1 Corinthians - Heaven’s Gold 2 Corinthians – Jars of Clay Galatians – No longer I Ephesians - Pushing Limits Philippians - The Mind of Christ Colossians – Complete Maturity in Christ 1 Thessalonians – Cascading Hope 2 Thessalonians – Confident Hope 1 Timothy - Fighting Fit 2 Timothy – Fearless Faithfulness Titus – Double Grip Philemon – The Avatar
Paul’s Letters
Introduction Glorious Destiny Perfect Harmony Boundless Capacity
Stand Steadfastly Speak Fearlessly Pray Unceasingly
Discussion
Presentation OverviewPushing Limits
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19
Paul wrote the book in prison about 60-62 A.D. to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ in the midst of persecution [1].
We see strings of emphasis and superlatives in this book such as “exceedingly, abundantly, above all, filled with all the fullness of God…”, etc. God is pushing limits and empowering us to do so.
Introduction to the book
I pray 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 his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph 1: 18,19
What are the eyes of our heart? How can they be enlightened?
Glorious Destiny
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 3:6
Perfect Harmony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egkRSJtNwjU
Read Eph 5:21-33 How can the family enjoy this harmony (ch 5) in a
world where families are breaking up? What are some challenges you face in following
biblical guidelines. Share practical examples of how to overcome them
Does the church look like a picture of harmony today? How does it come together?
Perfect Harmony
But from the big picture perspective, there are the “remnant” – those few functional “living stones” in the churches that work across the globe to form the true “body of Christ” – who are moving forward to achieve His big purpose.
The Big Picture
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us.. Eph 3:20 Jubilee bible
What are the superlatives do we have in this verse? What is this super power dependent on?
Boundless Capacity
Some conditions to leverage God’s “power that works in us” (Eph 3:20)? Stand steadfastly Speak fearlessly Pray unceasingly
Boundless Capacity
13
Therefore put on the full armor of God,so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…Ch 6
Boundless CapacityStand Steadfastly
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.6:19
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. – ch 4
19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Ch 5
Boundless CapacitySpeak Fearlessly
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 6:18
Boundless CapacityPray Unceasingly
Glorious Destiny Perfect Harmony Boundless Capacity
Stand Steadfastly Speak Fearlessly Pray Unceasingly
RecapPushing Limits
What are the most difficult areas to take our stand – in church? In our work/ neighbourhood?
Seeing the relationship guidelines in ch 5, share examples of how you could “speak the truth in love” even when you were very upset. How does “perfect love cast out fear” (1 John 4:18)? Why is it so important?
How can we speak to each other in psalms? In what way does it strengthen relationships
What are some habits we need to develop in order to enable us to pray at all times?
Pushing LimitsDiscussion