BAC Sermons
Displaying the Power of God (Part I) |
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1995-11-01 | Ephesians 1:19-22 |
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe...20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he 1) raised him from the dead, and 2) set him at his own right hand in the heavenlies 21 Far above all principality/power/might/dominion/name... in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And 3) put all under his feet, and 4) gave him [to be] the head over all to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness (control) of which in all things and every way is being filled. {The story thus far: In light of God's grand plan to bless believers as He has Christ, Paul prays that the animating force of believer's lives (spirit) will be so ordered by wisdom (choosing the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them) and revelation about the kingdom, that they will experience God's best for them in terms of their hope, inheritance and the power available to them (which is the same power which worked in Jesus' life), thus displaying God's glory.} I. Jesus is Not Lord of All while Satan is alive and well on planet earth.A. Jesus is Not Lord of All while: 1. Satan devours martyrs and takes others captive to do His will 1Pe 5:8 Be soberminded (objective driven), be vigilant (on guard); because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 2Ti 2:26 recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him to do his will. 2. Demons pass themselves off as ministers of light 2Co 11:14-15...ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness 3. Believers lead carnal lives 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying its power: from such turn away. 4. Satan disrupts the unity of local bodies of believers (Eph 6) 5. Death still reigns (1Cor 15); Unbelievers say there is no God; The New York Times prints all the news that fits B. Jesus has won the election, but His rule/glory won't be seen until the inauguration. Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Heb 2:8 Thou has put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not made subject to him. But now we see not yet all things made subject to him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it was fitting for him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. C. We need to use God's power to expose the lies of Satan, be faithful to our Lord, and display His glory. 1. God's infinite power (Eph 1:19-20): a) Is available only for those exercising belief that God is who He said He is and will do what He said He'll do (Heb 11:6). b) Moves its recipients from the realm/dominion/rulership of death to life (raised-Rom 6:9&12) c) Is necessary for exaltation (seated-1Cor 15:10) d) Is greater than any forces that would oppose it (put-1Jn 4:4) e) Is the dynamic/basis of Christ's headship over the Church (gave-1Cor 12; Phil 2) 2. God's power combats Satan's temptations to (Gen 3; Matt 4; 1Jo 2:15): Power (Security, Significance & Independence - the pride of life) Pleasure (lust of the flesh) Possessions (lust of the eyes) 3. God's power is channeled by the Truth when we follow our Saviours' model (Jn 8:31-32). Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (cf. 1Pt 5:8) Mat 4:10 Begone Satan for it is written... II. Jesus is Lord of the Body when Believers are alive and well on planet earth.Lay down their lives for His glory and each other's highest good (Jn 15:13) Obey the Scriptures relentlessly with one heart, soul, mind and purpose (Php 2:2) Rely upon Him to function as an interdependent member of a church body (1Cor 12) Daily deny themselves to follow His footsteps in making disciples (Luke 9:23; Mat 28:19-20) Questions for Discussion/Reflection/Response:1. If Jesus were actively ruling over all things and Satan were out of the picture, how could we demonstrate faithfulness? 2. What's the difference in mindset between a revolutionary freedom fighter and an indulgent aristocrat? 3. What truth have you found to be particularly effective in combatting one of Satan's temptations? 4. If the truth doesn't work is the fault in it, our use of it, or in being sober, or on guard, or in submitting, or resisting? 5. How does the truth that Jesus has won & been exalted (perfected through sufferings) help in our struggle/suffering on earth? |