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

EVENT TIMELINE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

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

Reflect and discuss “filled with all the fullness of God” (eph 3:19)

Discussion

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

Our churches may look disjointed, and misaligned with God’s purpose

The Seeming Disconnect

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

Have we emptied ourselves enough to be FILLED with ALL the FULLNESS of GOD?

1. biblehub.com

References