WHAT THE “IN” CROWD SHOULD DO IN TIMES OF DISTRESS

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

Pastor Rick Jackson

Paul was in prison. The years was about 60 AD. 27 years after Christ’s resurrection an 10 yeas before the fall of Jerusalem. While in prison Paul wrote 4 epistles to send to churches and individuals in Asia Minor [present day Turkey]. Colossians, Philippians, Philemon and, of course, Ephesians.

I. PAUL’S PRISON PRAISE [v. 15-16a]

1. For Their Upward Testimony [v. 15a]

2. For Their Outward Testimony [v. 15b]

3. For God’s Obvious Working [v. 16a]

Can you thank God for others? For God blessing in their lives?

II. PAUL’S PRISON PRAYER [v. 16b-18]

1. Wisdom Plus [v. 17a, 1 Corinthians 8:1]

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2. Knowledge of Him [v.17b, John 14:8-11, Philippians 3:10]

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

3. Understanding [v. 18, 1 Chronicles 12:32]

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

III. PAUL’S PRACTICAL PURPOSE [v. 18b-23]

1. Know the Future Glory [v. 18]

2. Know the Present Power [v. 19-20a, Philippians 3:10]

3. Know the Preeminent Person [v. 20b]

It’s not about us. It’s not about you! It’s all about Him! [1:6, 12]