THE “IN” CROWD IN TROUBLESOME TIMES

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

 

Let’s be practical. We got problems. New Testament Christians had problems. Paul was in prison. The year was about 60 AD. [27 years after Christ’s resurrection and 10 years 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. For obvious reasons these four books are sometimes called the Prison Epistles.

Face it, true believers, troublesome times will come. But again, let’s be practical. The Bible Believing Christian, especially the Bible practicing Christian has:

 

 

I. PRACTICAL PEACE [v. 9-14]

 

1. Insider Information [v. 9-10]

 

2. Predestined Perfection [v. 11-12]

 

3. Indisputable Inheritance [v. 13-14]

 

 

II. PRACTICAL 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?

 

III. PRACTICAL 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.

 

IV. 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-23]

 

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