Sermons from July 2019
A Crash Course in Christ-Centered Relationships
Paul now applies the calling to live worthy of Christ by putting of the old self and putting on the new self to the sphere of relationships. Drawing upon the common household codes of his time, Paul reframes the basic social unit of the household with the Gospel calling of selfless love and consideration of the other. Thus, husband-wife, parent-child, and master-servant relationships are transformed through Christ as His people live by the Holy Spirit in the attitude of mutual…
A Crash Course in Christlike Living
In this longest section of the series, Paul walks through a depiction of Christlike living – “a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1) – framed as putting off the old self and putting on the new self (4:20-24). The old self was marked by darkened understanding and impure living. The new self is marked by renewal of the mind and holiness. Paul applies this to our internal desires, the words we speak toward others, our sexuality, and…
A Crash Course in Church Growth
Pivoting from theological discussion into life application, Paul urges the readers to “live a life worth of the calling you have received” (4:1). This section offers a theological framework for individual spiritual growth that fits within a framework for corporate spiritual growth. The individual parts of the body grow as the entire body grows through focused cultivation of unity, active use of spiritual graces, and formation by God toward maturity in Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 SERMON OUTLINE “I urge you to…
A Crash Course in Experiencing the Love of Christ
Paul pulls back the veil on his prayer life for the believers, which is focused on the love of God, the power of God, and the glory of God. The beginning of the prayer relates the interrelationship between knowing and growing in the love of God. This foundation of Paul’s prayer in Christ’s love leads into the fathomless power of God and the magnificent glory of God. Ephesians 3:14-21 SERMON OUTLINE Unity Through One Father (vs. 14-15) Christ’s Dwelling Place…