The Power of the Spirit
Tim Keller | November 27, 2011
Overview
Paul’s great letter to the Ephesians is mainly on the subject of the church. In chapter 3 verse 14, Paul thinks about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it moves him to pray in a particular way. And what is he praying for? A spiritual inner sensitivity to gospel truth. This sermon unpacks how the Holy Spirit works in prayer to cultivate spiritual sensivity, obedience, and community.
Outline
Ephesians 3:14–21
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians talks about the importance of the church and how to deal with tough times. He prays for his readers to be spiritually strong through the power of the Holy Spirit and the message of Jesus. This makes us wonder why, what, and how to get this spiritual strength.
1. Why is it so important?
Paul prays for three things for the believers: that Christ lives in their hearts, they understand Christ’s surpassing love, and they experience the fullness of God. Famous Christians like Blaise Pascal and Dwight Moody show that experiencing these truths can change us and help us live authentic Christian lives. Paul’s prayer focuses on the Spirit’s power to bring this deep change, not just on the situations we face.
2. What is it?
The Holy Spirit’s power helps us develop a deep sensitivity to the gospel, letting us understand and truly feel the enormity of God’s love. This sensitivity, sparked by the Holy Spirit, makes us feel safe, loved, and eager for holiness, leading us to a life rooted in love. It’s a life-changing blend of understanding God’s truths and experiencing them, combining thought and feeling in heartfelt love for God.
3. How do we get it?
Practical steps like regular prayer and obedience are key to a meaningful spiritual journey. Kneeling can be a physical way to show prayer and surrender to God. Being involved in a community and thoughtful meditation are needed to truly understand God’s love. God’s love, shown through Jesus’s message, is unimaginably vast and deep. Grasping this love needs us to reflect on God’s word, understand Jesus’s sacrifice, and want to be changed through God’s Spirit.
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