1 00:00:05,477 --> 00:00:08,113 I want you to open your Bibles if you would tonight 2 00:00:08,113 --> 00:00:15,599 to Ephesians 3. 3 00:00:15,599 --> 00:00:19,043 You certainly appreciate this more sure word of prophecy 4 00:00:19,043 --> 00:00:20,532 as much as I do, 5 00:00:20,532 --> 00:00:23,502 or you would not be here tonight. 6 00:00:23,502 --> 00:00:24,982 And with that said, 7 00:00:24,982 --> 00:00:28,482 I want to delve into one of Paul's prayers 8 00:00:28,482 --> 00:00:30,261 that he has recorded for us in the 9 00:00:30,261 --> 00:00:33,084 holy Scriptures for us tonight. 10 00:00:33,084 --> 00:00:35,759 I want you to look with me here at Ephesians 3. 11 00:00:35,759 --> 00:00:37,257 I'm just going to read the text 12 00:00:37,257 --> 00:00:42,045 from verse 14 through the end of the chapter. 13 00:00:42,045 --> 00:00:45,235 A rich epistle it is. 14 00:00:45,235 --> 00:00:48,345 And Paul bears his heart. 15 00:00:48,345 --> 00:00:50,775 Verse 14 16 00:00:50,775 --> 00:00:53,023 "For this reason, I bow my knees 17 00:00:53,023 --> 00:00:56,684 to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 00:00:56,684 --> 00:00:58,386 from whom the whole family 19 00:00:58,386 --> 00:01:00,930 in heaven and earth is named. 20 00:01:00,930 --> 00:01:02,386 That He would grant you 21 00:01:02,386 --> 00:01:05,626 according to the riches of His glory 22 00:01:05,626 --> 00:01:08,083 to be strengthened with might 23 00:01:08,083 --> 00:01:12,185 through His Spirit in the inner man, 24 00:01:12,185 --> 00:01:13,757 that Christ may dwell in your 25 00:01:13,757 --> 00:01:16,083 hearts through faith; 26 00:01:16,083 --> 00:01:20,999 that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 27 00:01:20,999 --> 00:01:24,571 may be able to comprehend with all the saints 28 00:01:24,571 --> 00:01:29,124 what is the width and length and depth and height 29 00:01:29,124 --> 00:01:30,892 and to know the love of Christ 30 00:01:30,892 --> 00:01:33,174 which passes knowledge, 31 00:01:33,174 --> 00:01:34,372 that you may be filled 32 00:01:34,372 --> 00:01:37,954 with all the fullness of God. 33 00:01:37,954 --> 00:01:39,542 Now to Him who is able to do 34 00:01:39,542 --> 00:01:41,601 exceedingly, abundantly 35 00:01:41,601 --> 00:01:44,946 above all that we could ask or think, 36 00:01:44,946 --> 00:01:48,401 according to the power that works in us, 37 00:01:48,401 --> 00:01:51,156 to Him be glory in the church 38 00:01:51,156 --> 00:01:54,583 by Christ Jesus to all generations 39 00:01:54,583 --> 00:01:58,462 forever and ever, Amen. 40 00:01:58,462 --> 00:02:02,205 Let's pray once again together. 41 00:02:02,205 --> 00:02:03,767 Father, You know how desparately 42 00:02:03,767 --> 00:02:08,053 we need a visitation from You, 43 00:02:08,053 --> 00:02:10,433 and when we look at this prayer, 44 00:02:10,433 --> 00:02:12,530 we see one of the most astounding 45 00:02:12,530 --> 00:02:16,608 implications is that this is really 46 00:02:16,608 --> 00:02:21,702 the essence of revival praying. 47 00:02:21,702 --> 00:02:25,682 This is what the church needs 48 00:02:25,682 --> 00:02:27,399 to bring it to a dimension 49 00:02:27,399 --> 00:02:30,215 of spiritual reality that sadly 50 00:02:30,215 --> 00:02:32,994 in most circles today has been 51 00:02:32,994 --> 00:02:35,479 long forgotten. 52 00:02:35,479 --> 00:02:36,906 We would ask tonight that 53 00:02:36,906 --> 00:02:39,400 You might draw near 54 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:42,063 and speak to us. 55 00:02:42,063 --> 00:02:44,647 We know that our dependence 56 00:02:44,647 --> 00:02:48,062 must fall utterly upon You. 57 00:02:48,062 --> 00:02:49,982 There is nothing, 58 00:02:49,982 --> 00:02:51,688 even the best of men, 59 00:02:51,688 --> 00:02:56,286 could come and articulate Your truth tonight 60 00:02:56,286 --> 00:02:58,008 and perhaps we would be encouraged 61 00:02:58,008 --> 00:03:00,662 and intellectually stimulated, 62 00:03:00,662 --> 00:03:02,507 but our life would not experience 63 00:03:02,507 --> 00:03:05,665 an abiding, sustained change 64 00:03:05,665 --> 00:03:08,259 that would perpetuate Your glory, 65 00:03:08,259 --> 00:03:09,789 unless the Holy Spirit falls 66 00:03:09,789 --> 00:03:12,105 upon the place. 67 00:03:12,105 --> 00:03:13,265 So we would ask tonight 68 00:03:13,265 --> 00:03:16,961 that You would give us something 69 00:03:16,961 --> 00:03:19,429 that is experimental; 70 00:03:19,429 --> 00:03:24,566 that is profoundly full of reality; 71 00:03:24,566 --> 00:03:27,501 that Your people would be encouraged; 72 00:03:27,501 --> 00:03:29,200 that this would truly be a time 73 00:03:29,200 --> 00:03:33,347 of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 74 00:03:33,347 --> 00:03:35,701 Lord, we beg of You tonight, 75 00:03:35,701 --> 00:03:38,419 grant every lady, 76 00:03:38,419 --> 00:03:41,419 every man here, 77 00:03:41,419 --> 00:03:43,692 all the young people, 78 00:03:43,692 --> 00:03:46,191 a vision of Yourself, 79 00:03:46,191 --> 00:03:48,525 and such a work of Your Spirit, 80 00:03:48,525 --> 00:03:50,369 that would cause the truth 81 00:03:50,369 --> 00:03:53,260 to dance in our hearts. 82 00:03:53,260 --> 00:03:55,766 Please come tonight, 83 00:03:55,766 --> 00:03:58,208 and revive Your people. 84 00:03:58,208 --> 00:04:00,844 We ask in Christ's name, 85 00:04:00,844 --> 00:04:03,670 Amen. 86 00:04:03,670 --> 00:04:06,088 In the way of introduction here tonight, 87 00:04:06,088 --> 00:04:07,922 it is interesting that the preface 88 00:04:07,922 --> 00:04:10,720 of Paul's prayer for the Ephesians 89 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:13,258 begins with a reason. 90 00:04:13,258 --> 00:04:15,092 He says, "for this reason," 91 00:04:15,092 --> 00:04:17,958 back in verse 14. 92 00:04:17,958 --> 00:04:19,595 Commentators, quite honestly, 93 00:04:19,595 --> 00:04:23,452 are divided upon what the reason is. 94 00:04:23,452 --> 00:04:25,107 There are some that believe that 95 00:04:25,107 --> 00:04:26,839 the reason is that Paul said, 96 00:04:26,839 --> 00:04:29,361 "I'm held captive," is for preaching 97 00:04:29,361 --> 00:04:32,559 the Gospel and the benefits 98 00:04:32,559 --> 00:04:35,751 that it produces for the Gentiles. 99 00:04:35,751 --> 00:04:38,007 Other commentators believe that the reason 100 00:04:38,007 --> 00:04:39,740 speaks of the advantage 101 00:04:39,740 --> 00:04:41,002 that the Gospel affords 102 00:04:41,002 --> 00:04:43,528 those who are despairing. 103 00:04:43,528 --> 00:04:45,200 As Paul has weathered the storm, 104 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:47,436 as he's endured persecution, 105 00:04:47,436 --> 00:04:49,640 he's drawing from the Gospel 106 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:51,973 as a divine buoy to buoy him up 107 00:04:51,973 --> 00:04:55,377 in the midst of his adversities. 108 00:04:55,377 --> 00:04:57,302 Now, in the line of all that the Father 109 00:04:57,302 --> 00:04:59,263 of the Lord Jesus Christ has taken 110 00:04:59,263 --> 00:05:01,564 the initiative to accomplish 111 00:05:01,564 --> 00:05:04,212 both for Jew and Gentile. 112 00:05:04,212 --> 00:05:06,392 Paul is moved to drop to his knees 113 00:05:06,392 --> 00:05:08,771 as you read on. 114 00:05:08,771 --> 00:05:11,569 And pray that the benefits of the Gospel 115 00:05:11,569 --> 00:05:13,572 might be fully grasped by the saints 116 00:05:13,572 --> 00:05:15,446 at Ephesus. 117 00:05:15,446 --> 00:05:19,480 His posture in prayer, brethren, is no sham. 118 00:05:19,480 --> 00:05:22,599 It's not a hypocritical gesture. 119 00:05:22,599 --> 00:05:25,780 It is full of reality. 120 00:05:25,780 --> 00:05:28,758 He is in dead earnest here. 121 00:05:28,758 --> 00:05:31,149 As he expresses his heart in dropping 122 00:05:31,149 --> 00:05:34,214 before God and uttering a plea 123 00:05:34,214 --> 00:05:37,933 from the uttermost depths of his heart. 124 00:05:37,933 --> 00:05:39,643 The prayer here that he prays 125 00:05:39,643 --> 00:05:43,562 possesses both petition and praise. 126 00:05:43,562 --> 00:05:45,089 Paul requests that the Ephesians 127 00:05:45,089 --> 00:05:48,412 might be strengthened with might 128 00:05:48,412 --> 00:05:50,389 through the Spirit 129 00:05:50,389 --> 00:05:52,374 in the inner man. 130 00:05:52,374 --> 00:05:53,913 And then he goes on to express 131 00:05:53,913 --> 00:05:56,418 his benediction in prayer 132 00:05:56,418 --> 00:05:58,624 as he tells who is able to do 133 00:05:58,624 --> 00:06:00,255 exceedingly, abundantly above 134 00:06:00,255 --> 00:06:05,377 all that we could ever ask or think. 135 00:06:05,377 --> 00:06:07,315 This afternoon, we will only look at 136 00:06:07,315 --> 00:06:10,168 Paul's petition. 137 00:06:10,168 --> 00:06:13,022 You'll notice in verse 15 now, 138 00:06:13,022 --> 00:06:15,928 it reveals the impartiality of God 139 00:06:15,928 --> 00:06:17,793 as He is a Father 140 00:06:17,793 --> 00:06:20,946 both to Jew and to Gentile. 141 00:06:20,946 --> 00:06:22,930 From both groups, 142 00:06:22,930 --> 00:06:24,328 the Scripture here says 143 00:06:24,328 --> 00:06:26,120 He has called His elect 144 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:29,385 and united them as the whole family 145 00:06:29,385 --> 00:06:31,808 in heaven and earth. 146 00:06:31,808 --> 00:06:33,869 Therefore, listen: 147 00:06:33,869 --> 00:06:36,812 the phrase refers to a common bond 148 00:06:36,812 --> 00:06:38,864 of all who have been reconciled 149 00:06:38,864 --> 00:06:41,440 with the Father through Christ. 150 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:43,335 It does not refer to God giving 151 00:06:43,335 --> 00:06:47,614 each of His children individual names. 152 00:06:47,614 --> 00:06:52,310 Rather, it speaks of all God's children, 153 00:06:52,310 --> 00:06:54,627 whether Jew or Gentile. 154 00:06:54,627 --> 00:06:57,343 Whether they are in heaven or earth, 155 00:06:57,343 --> 00:06:59,842 being under the same Father, 156 00:06:59,842 --> 00:07:01,948 and in other words, He says 157 00:07:01,948 --> 00:07:05,192 that all are the same spiritual faith family 158 00:07:05,192 --> 00:07:10,637 that are under the name of the Lord God. 159 00:07:10,637 --> 00:07:13,492 Al Barnes made this statement: 160 00:07:13,492 --> 00:07:15,531 "The expression is taken from the 161 00:07:15,531 --> 00:07:17,698 custom in a family, 162 00:07:17,698 --> 00:07:19,362 where all bear the name of the 163 00:07:19,362 --> 00:07:21,045 head of the family 164 00:07:21,045 --> 00:07:22,359 and the meaning is that 165 00:07:22,359 --> 00:07:24,858 all in heaven and on earth 166 00:07:24,858 --> 00:07:27,391 are united under one Head 167 00:07:27,391 --> 00:07:32,135 and constitute one faith community." 168 00:07:32,135 --> 00:07:34,524 Now we're laying a foundation. 169 00:07:34,524 --> 00:07:36,992 Please bear with me for a moment. 170 00:07:36,992 --> 00:07:39,050 When you look at Paul's petition here, 171 00:07:39,050 --> 00:07:40,726 you might get the impression that 172 00:07:40,726 --> 00:07:42,918 he's asking multiple blessings 173 00:07:42,918 --> 00:07:45,523 for the Ephesians. 174 00:07:45,523 --> 00:07:47,839 But it's interesting, 175 00:07:47,839 --> 00:07:51,344 he's only petitioning God for one thing: 176 00:07:51,344 --> 00:07:54,397 that they might be strengthened with might 177 00:07:54,397 --> 00:07:57,959 through the Spirit, in the inner man. 178 00:07:57,959 --> 00:08:00,608 The petition is that the inner man 179 00:08:00,608 --> 00:08:03,206 of every believer would be quickened 180 00:08:03,206 --> 00:08:07,043 to grasp this request. 181 00:08:07,043 --> 00:08:09,611 The saints in Ephesus. 182 00:08:09,611 --> 00:08:13,231 That they would encounter four 183 00:08:13,231 --> 00:08:15,900 spiritual entities. 184 00:08:15,900 --> 00:08:18,143 These are blessed things. 185 00:08:18,143 --> 00:08:22,886 Namely, that Christ would dwell in their hearts. 186 00:08:22,886 --> 00:08:26,872 That they would be rooted and grounded in love. 187 00:08:26,872 --> 00:08:31,210 And that they might know the love of Christ 188 00:08:31,210 --> 00:08:34,110 that surpasses intellect. 189 00:08:34,110 --> 00:08:36,491 That they might know it in their heart, 190 00:08:36,491 --> 00:08:38,351 this spiritual reality, 191 00:08:38,351 --> 00:08:40,793 and then a total domination of God 192 00:08:40,793 --> 00:08:43,826 in all of life. 193 00:08:43,826 --> 00:08:46,394 We'll come back to that in a moment. 194 00:08:46,394 --> 00:08:48,218 But you'll note, brethren, 195 00:08:48,218 --> 00:08:51,373 that while Paul never uses the term "revival," 196 00:08:51,373 --> 00:08:55,445 he is describing the nature of one. 197 00:08:55,445 --> 00:08:57,791 For these four things, 198 00:08:57,791 --> 00:09:01,335 they are the result of being strengthened with might 199 00:09:01,335 --> 00:09:04,722 by God's Spirit, are characteristic 200 00:09:04,722 --> 00:09:07,998 of global awakenings in the history 201 00:09:07,998 --> 00:09:09,638 of the church. 202 00:09:09,638 --> 00:09:12,274 For example, you see that he mentions 203 00:09:12,274 --> 00:09:15,074 a greater dimension of love, 204 00:09:15,074 --> 00:09:17,297 both in love for others 205 00:09:17,297 --> 00:09:21,684 and the Father's love for us. 206 00:09:21,684 --> 00:09:24,519 Often in church history, 207 00:09:24,519 --> 00:09:26,346 great times of revival, 208 00:09:26,346 --> 00:09:29,039 times of spiritual awakening 209 00:09:29,039 --> 00:09:32,669 are described as showers or 210 00:09:32,669 --> 00:09:35,168 torrents of love. 211 00:09:35,168 --> 00:09:36,980 Love for God. 212 00:09:36,980 --> 00:09:39,178 Love for the saints. 213 00:09:39,178 --> 00:09:41,600 Love for the unregenerate. 214 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:46,170 It's characterized by showers of love. 215 00:09:46,170 --> 00:09:48,164 So with that said tonight, 216 00:09:48,164 --> 00:09:51,267 let me share with you three things. 217 00:09:51,267 --> 00:09:52,828 First of all, 218 00:09:52,828 --> 00:10:00,246 the desperate need for effectual prayer. 219 00:10:00,246 --> 00:10:02,651 Paul is in earnest, 220 00:10:02,651 --> 00:10:05,064 in Ephesians 3:14, 221 00:10:05,064 --> 00:10:07,821 "For this reason, I bow my knees 222 00:10:07,821 --> 00:10:10,341 to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," 223 00:10:10,341 --> 00:10:11,761 and then verse 16, 224 00:10:11,761 --> 00:10:14,712 "that He would grant you..." 225 00:10:14,712 --> 00:10:16,913 Now, brothers and sisters, 226 00:10:16,913 --> 00:10:18,836 I remind you that the apostle 227 00:10:18,836 --> 00:10:23,602 was a praying man. 228 00:10:23,602 --> 00:10:25,361 He was a living epistle 229 00:10:25,361 --> 00:10:28,331 of intercessory prayer. 230 00:10:28,331 --> 00:10:30,626 He was aware that he had written to them 231 00:10:30,626 --> 00:10:32,490 and prayed for them, 232 00:10:32,490 --> 00:10:35,859 that his prayer would not be in vain, 233 00:10:35,859 --> 00:10:38,223 because he depended on the Holy Spirit 234 00:10:38,223 --> 00:10:40,797 to strengthen them to lay hold of 235 00:10:40,797 --> 00:10:43,668 these glorious realities. 236 00:10:43,668 --> 00:10:45,403 But he prayed. 237 00:10:45,403 --> 00:10:48,587 Spurgeon said that prayer is the rope 238 00:10:48,587 --> 00:10:52,822 that rings the bell in the ear of God. 239 00:10:52,822 --> 00:10:55,156 Someone defined intercession years ago 240 00:10:55,156 --> 00:10:57,402 as a ballistic missile that can be launched 241 00:10:57,402 --> 00:10:58,723 from a launching pad 242 00:10:58,723 --> 00:11:00,323 no larger than a place to kneel, 243 00:11:00,323 --> 00:11:02,244 travel at the speed of thought, 244 00:11:02,244 --> 00:11:05,903 land precisely on target thousands of miles away, 245 00:11:05,903 --> 00:11:08,438 and there is no defense against it. 246 00:11:08,438 --> 00:11:11,268 It's prayer. 247 00:11:11,268 --> 00:11:14,006 Are you a praying person? 248 00:11:14,006 --> 00:11:16,483 Are you a praying man? 249 00:11:16,483 --> 00:11:19,379 Now here's something that's interesting. 250 00:11:19,379 --> 00:11:22,151 With all of his credentials, 251 00:11:22,151 --> 00:11:23,707 with all of his ministerial 252 00:11:23,707 --> 00:11:26,228 and spiritual pedigree, 253 00:11:26,228 --> 00:11:29,448 Paul knew that that was not sufficient 254 00:11:29,448 --> 00:11:33,390 to bring about a work of God. 255 00:11:33,390 --> 00:11:37,373 He cast himself upon God in prayer. 256 00:11:37,373 --> 00:11:39,281 Here's a thought: 257 00:11:39,281 --> 00:11:41,528 Do we pray? 258 00:11:41,528 --> 00:11:43,313 Do we know anything of our own 259 00:11:43,313 --> 00:11:45,436 utter weakness? 260 00:11:45,436 --> 00:11:47,699 Is our prayerless an acknowledgement 261 00:11:47,699 --> 00:11:49,369 that we are too dependent 262 00:11:49,369 --> 00:11:52,192 on ourselves? 263 00:11:52,192 --> 00:11:54,073 Let me remind you 264 00:11:54,073 --> 00:11:57,646 that prayer is the language of the poor, 265 00:11:57,646 --> 00:12:00,036 the poverty stricken. 266 00:12:00,036 --> 00:12:02,520 And those who posture themselves 267 00:12:02,520 --> 00:12:04,442 as beggars, 268 00:12:04,442 --> 00:12:07,702 win the heart of God in prayer. 269 00:12:07,702 --> 00:12:09,853 You see, Paul prayed, 270 00:12:09,853 --> 00:12:12,093 and he prayed often. 271 00:12:12,093 --> 00:12:15,478 You find his ongoing pleas 272 00:12:15,478 --> 00:12:18,391 for the Ephesian saints are revealed 273 00:12:18,391 --> 00:12:22,624 in this epistle alone. 274 00:12:22,624 --> 00:12:25,233 Consider how he often prays. 275 00:12:25,233 --> 00:12:29,885 He prayed for them in Ephesians 1:16-23 276 00:12:29,885 --> 00:12:31,676 when he asked God to give them 277 00:12:31,676 --> 00:12:34,750 the Spirit of wisdom and revelation 278 00:12:34,750 --> 00:12:36,597 for their spiritual advantage 279 00:12:36,597 --> 00:12:38,435 and knowing what the hope 280 00:12:38,435 --> 00:12:39,780 of their calling was, 281 00:12:39,780 --> 00:12:41,159 the riches of the glory 282 00:12:41,159 --> 00:12:42,526 of the inheritance, 283 00:12:42,526 --> 00:12:44,415 and the exceeding riches or 284 00:12:44,415 --> 00:12:46,155 greatness of His power 285 00:12:46,155 --> 00:12:48,135 toward them. 286 00:12:48,135 --> 00:12:49,453 Now listen, 287 00:12:49,453 --> 00:12:52,019 listen for a moment, 288 00:12:52,019 --> 00:12:55,418 he also prays here in Ephesians 3 289 00:12:55,418 --> 00:12:58,079 for their understanding. 290 00:12:58,079 --> 00:13:00,268 Through that understanding, 291 00:13:00,268 --> 00:13:02,740 there would be a divine enablement 292 00:13:02,740 --> 00:13:05,201 wrought by the Holy Spirit, 293 00:13:05,201 --> 00:13:06,412 whereby they might be 294 00:13:06,412 --> 00:13:09,273 strengthened with might. 295 00:13:09,273 --> 00:13:11,384 And he's praying and believing God 296 00:13:11,384 --> 00:13:12,919 that they might grasp these 297 00:13:12,919 --> 00:13:15,562 glorious benefits, 298 00:13:15,562 --> 00:13:18,242 which are fourfold as a result 299 00:13:18,242 --> 00:13:20,008 of being strengthened, 300 00:13:20,008 --> 00:13:23,231 enabled by the Spirit. 301 00:13:23,231 --> 00:13:25,119 He prays again you find 302 00:13:25,119 --> 00:13:29,784 in Ephesians 6:18 for the saints. 303 00:13:29,784 --> 00:13:32,500 When he tells them that he's praying always 304 00:13:32,500 --> 00:13:35,454 with all prayer and supplication 305 00:13:35,454 --> 00:13:38,303 for all the saints. 306 00:13:38,303 --> 00:13:40,661 Brothers and sisters, 307 00:13:40,661 --> 00:13:46,651 we don't put on the whole armor of God 308 00:13:46,651 --> 00:13:49,834 just to overcome evil. 309 00:13:49,834 --> 00:13:51,730 We don't put on the whole armor of God 310 00:13:51,730 --> 00:13:54,204 to obtain some prized object 311 00:13:54,204 --> 00:13:57,276 that we're believing God for. 312 00:13:57,276 --> 00:13:59,938 That's a part of it. 313 00:13:59,938 --> 00:14:01,838 But you find in the context, 314 00:14:01,838 --> 00:14:03,123 the purpose of putting on 315 00:14:03,123 --> 00:14:04,826 the whole armor of God 316 00:14:04,826 --> 00:14:07,404 is to pray. 317 00:14:07,404 --> 00:14:11,741 To supplicate in prayer. 318 00:14:11,741 --> 00:14:14,192 This is the thing 319 00:14:14,192 --> 00:14:16,039 that we should underscore. 320 00:14:16,039 --> 00:14:18,565 Listen, Paul prayed. 321 00:14:18,565 --> 00:14:20,799 He prayed because he recognized 322 00:14:20,799 --> 00:14:24,060 his inability to effect change. 323 00:14:24,060 --> 00:14:25,589 And he prayed faithfully because 324 00:14:25,589 --> 00:14:28,711 he continued to be consciously aware 325 00:14:28,711 --> 00:14:32,394 of his own helplessness. 326 00:14:32,394 --> 00:14:34,905 You see, we pray by virtue 327 00:14:34,905 --> 00:14:37,645 of the fact that we recognize in some measure 328 00:14:37,645 --> 00:14:41,811 our utter helplessness before God. 329 00:14:41,811 --> 00:14:43,704 But the spiritually proud, 330 00:14:43,704 --> 00:14:46,012 the self-sufficient, 331 00:14:46,012 --> 00:14:49,399 find it very difficult to maintain continuity 332 00:14:49,399 --> 00:14:52,006 when it comes to pleading before 333 00:14:52,006 --> 00:14:54,079 the throne of God. 334 00:14:54,079 --> 00:14:55,686 Paul prayed. 335 00:14:55,686 --> 00:14:59,246 He prayed earnestly for the Spirit. 336 00:14:59,246 --> 00:15:02,210 Listen, 337 00:15:02,210 --> 00:15:04,823 while we might not like to hear it, 338 00:15:04,823 --> 00:15:07,960 this I believe in our hour 339 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:11,110 is a tribute to self-sufficiency. 340 00:15:11,110 --> 00:15:13,514 Our own prayerlessness. 341 00:15:13,514 --> 00:15:16,051 Do you pray? 342 00:15:16,051 --> 00:15:19,035 Can you continue in prayer? 343 00:15:19,035 --> 00:15:20,274 Do you know anything 344 00:15:20,274 --> 00:15:24,375 of the prayer of importunity? 345 00:15:24,375 --> 00:15:26,395 Perhaps God many times uses 346 00:15:26,395 --> 00:15:27,827 the very ministry of prayer 347 00:15:27,827 --> 00:15:31,994 to wean us off of our own self 348 00:15:31,994 --> 00:15:34,831 and independence of Him in ministry. 349 00:15:34,831 --> 00:15:36,152 But there's a second thing 350 00:15:36,152 --> 00:15:38,201 I want you to see in the text. 351 00:15:38,201 --> 00:15:42,555 And that is in chapter 3:16. 352 00:15:42,555 --> 00:15:48,019 And that is the need of the Spirit's enablement. 353 00:15:48,019 --> 00:15:49,543 The Spirit's enablement. 354 00:15:49,543 --> 00:15:52,767 Notice once again the phrase, 355 00:15:52,767 --> 00:15:56,118 "to be strengthened with might 356 00:15:56,118 --> 00:16:01,514 through His Spirit." 357 00:16:01,514 --> 00:16:03,447 It's interesting. 358 00:16:03,447 --> 00:16:05,692 Throughout Paul's epistles, 359 00:16:05,692 --> 00:16:08,206 the churches and individuals 360 00:16:08,206 --> 00:16:10,852 he uses such phrases as, 361 00:16:10,852 --> 00:16:12,797 "by the Spirit," 362 00:16:12,797 --> 00:16:14,861 "through the Spirit," 363 00:16:14,861 --> 00:16:17,136 "in the Spirit." 364 00:16:17,136 --> 00:16:20,811 Do we know this type of prayer? 365 00:16:20,811 --> 00:16:25,640 To be utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit? 366 00:16:25,640 --> 00:16:28,887 He's dependent on the Father for his petitions, 367 00:16:28,887 --> 00:16:31,568 but he relies on the Holy Spirit 368 00:16:31,568 --> 00:16:33,945 to quicken those petitions in the hearts 369 00:16:33,945 --> 00:16:35,834 of his people. 370 00:16:35,834 --> 00:16:38,512 In Ephesians alone, you see 371 00:16:38,512 --> 00:16:41,409 the apostle's great consciousness 372 00:16:41,409 --> 00:16:43,618 of the Holy Spirit. 373 00:16:43,618 --> 00:16:47,697 For example, back in Ephesians 2:22, 374 00:16:47,697 --> 00:16:49,849 there he's speaking of the church, 375 00:16:49,849 --> 00:16:51,416 he says it's built together 376 00:16:51,416 --> 00:16:57,486 for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 377 00:16:57,486 --> 00:17:00,511 Ephesians 3:5 378 00:17:00,511 --> 00:17:03,295 He speaks of a revelation that comes 379 00:17:03,295 --> 00:17:05,509 by the Spirit to His holy 380 00:17:05,509 --> 00:17:08,418 apostles and prophets. 381 00:17:08,418 --> 00:17:11,298 In Ephesians 3:16, 382 00:17:11,298 --> 00:17:12,974 there is our text, 383 00:17:12,974 --> 00:17:14,843 to be strengthened with might 384 00:17:14,843 --> 00:17:18,248 by His Spirit in the inner man. 385 00:17:18,248 --> 00:17:20,727 Ephesians 4:3 386 00:17:20,727 --> 00:17:23,539 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit 387 00:17:23,539 --> 00:17:28,655 in the bond of peace. 388 00:17:28,655 --> 00:17:31,479 Look at Ephesians 6:17. 389 00:17:31,479 --> 00:17:34,571 There he speaks of the sword of the Spirit, 390 00:17:34,571 --> 00:17:37,675 which is the Word of God. 391 00:17:37,675 --> 00:17:39,553 And then the very next verse, 392 00:17:39,553 --> 00:17:41,767 verse 18, praying always with all 393 00:17:41,767 --> 00:17:47,127 prayer and supplication in the Spirit. 394 00:17:47,127 --> 00:17:49,447 I ask you tonight, friend, 395 00:17:49,447 --> 00:17:50,715 do you have an ongoing 396 00:17:50,715 --> 00:17:54,332 dependence upon the Holy Spirit? 397 00:17:54,332 --> 00:17:57,004 You say, well, I believe that I do. 398 00:17:57,004 --> 00:17:58,948 But once again, to reiterate 399 00:17:58,948 --> 00:18:01,541 what we've already covered. 400 00:18:01,541 --> 00:18:05,229 Is it reflected in prayer? 401 00:18:05,229 --> 00:18:07,720 Are you seeking Him because you know 402 00:18:07,720 --> 00:18:11,398 that there is nothing that you could engineer? 403 00:18:11,398 --> 00:18:14,499 Nothing that you could mentally concoct 404 00:18:14,499 --> 00:18:16,553 that could really change the course 405 00:18:16,553 --> 00:18:19,687 of someone's life? 406 00:18:19,687 --> 00:18:21,603 God does all that He can to wean us, 407 00:18:21,603 --> 00:18:24,289 once again, off ourself to make us 408 00:18:24,289 --> 00:18:28,090 earnestly dependent upon the Holy Spirit. 409 00:18:28,090 --> 00:18:30,288 Listen to this. 410 00:18:30,288 --> 00:18:32,670 It was Ravenhill years ago who said 411 00:18:32,670 --> 00:18:35,564 God does not answer prayer; 412 00:18:35,564 --> 00:18:38,691 He answers desperate prayer. 413 00:18:38,691 --> 00:18:40,417 Do we know anything of the dimension 414 00:18:40,417 --> 00:18:43,271 of prayer of this sort? 415 00:18:43,271 --> 00:18:47,079 To be dead earnest in prayer. 416 00:18:47,079 --> 00:18:48,873 The point I want to make 417 00:18:48,873 --> 00:18:50,403 is how desparately we need to be 418 00:18:50,403 --> 00:18:52,031 consciously aware 419 00:18:52,031 --> 00:18:53,426 of the Holy Spirit 420 00:18:53,426 --> 00:18:56,864 to make the things of the Gospel real 421 00:18:56,864 --> 00:18:58,727 to people. 422 00:18:58,727 --> 00:19:01,224 Real to those who are unconverted. 423 00:19:01,224 --> 00:19:03,156 And alive in the hearts of those 424 00:19:03,156 --> 00:19:06,333 who do know the Savior. 425 00:19:06,333 --> 00:19:10,899 Have you ever heard someone make this statement? 426 00:19:10,899 --> 00:19:14,910 Describing the work of the Holy Spirit. 427 00:19:14,910 --> 00:19:17,705 It's hard to explain. 428 00:19:17,705 --> 00:19:19,893 I have a difficult time articulating 429 00:19:19,893 --> 00:19:22,411 exactly what I sensed. 430 00:19:22,411 --> 00:19:25,474 What I sensed God through a manifestation 431 00:19:25,474 --> 00:19:28,657 of His presence was accomplishing. 432 00:19:28,657 --> 00:19:30,537 Spurgeon talked about at times 433 00:19:30,537 --> 00:19:32,220 how there were words that 434 00:19:32,220 --> 00:19:34,621 came from his mouth in preaching, 435 00:19:34,621 --> 00:19:38,730 that he did not direct. 436 00:19:38,730 --> 00:19:41,063 It was like they came impulsively. 437 00:19:41,063 --> 00:19:42,491 I've heard people talk about 438 00:19:42,491 --> 00:19:44,263 the sanctifying work of the Spirit. 439 00:19:44,263 --> 00:19:45,665 Or how He began to move 440 00:19:45,665 --> 00:19:47,566 in answer to prayer. 441 00:19:47,566 --> 00:19:49,359 And the bottom line is, 442 00:19:49,359 --> 00:19:54,104 well, I'll try, but I just really can't explain it. 443 00:19:54,104 --> 00:19:55,410 You know, perhaps, we need 444 00:19:55,410 --> 00:19:58,237 that kind of religion today. 445 00:19:58,237 --> 00:20:00,219 A religion that we cannot explain 446 00:20:00,219 --> 00:20:03,611 in human terms. 447 00:20:03,611 --> 00:20:05,159 Well, here is the major thrust 448 00:20:05,159 --> 00:20:07,538 and implication of the message tonight. 449 00:20:07,538 --> 00:20:09,522 If you would, look at a third thing 450 00:20:09,522 --> 00:20:11,577 with me in the text. 451 00:20:11,577 --> 00:20:14,099 And that is the desparate need 452 00:20:14,099 --> 00:20:18,790 of experimental reality. 453 00:20:18,790 --> 00:20:22,335 He says back in Ephesians 3:17-19 454 00:20:22,335 --> 00:20:24,451 that there are four things that will be 455 00:20:24,451 --> 00:20:27,299 the consequence of being strengthened 456 00:20:27,299 --> 00:20:29,590 with might by the Spirit 457 00:20:29,590 --> 00:20:32,608 in the inner man. 458 00:20:32,608 --> 00:20:37,143 The first thing notes in verse 17, 459 00:20:37,143 --> 00:20:43,039 that Christ may dwell in your hearts 460 00:20:43,039 --> 00:20:46,409 through faith. 461 00:20:46,409 --> 00:20:52,102 Now brothers and sisters, listen. 462 00:20:52,102 --> 00:20:54,210 What Paul is saying in essence here 463 00:20:54,210 --> 00:21:00,364 is that you might know a felt Christ. 464 00:21:00,364 --> 00:21:05,089 A felt Christ. 465 00:21:05,089 --> 00:21:07,546 When the Spirit of God takes the field 466 00:21:07,546 --> 00:21:10,290 in genuine awakening, 467 00:21:10,290 --> 00:21:17,122 Jesus becomes real. 468 00:21:17,122 --> 00:21:21,678 There is no greater fulfillment. 469 00:21:21,678 --> 00:21:23,646 Listen. 470 00:21:23,646 --> 00:21:25,218 You will notice the word 471 00:21:25,218 --> 00:21:27,606 that refers to something previous 472 00:21:27,606 --> 00:21:29,007 when he says that Christ may 473 00:21:29,007 --> 00:21:31,398 dwell in your hearts through faith. 474 00:21:31,398 --> 00:21:33,309 Something previous that has occurred, 475 00:21:33,309 --> 00:21:36,464 once again, connected with the fulfillment 476 00:21:36,464 --> 00:21:38,262 of this petition that they're 477 00:21:38,262 --> 00:21:41,239 strengthened by the Spirit. 478 00:21:41,239 --> 00:21:43,279 The matter that the word points to 479 00:21:43,279 --> 00:21:44,843 is His work. 480 00:21:44,843 --> 00:21:46,728 The Spirit's work. 481 00:21:46,728 --> 00:21:49,306 He makes Christ real. 482 00:21:49,306 --> 00:21:51,472 It is marvelous, brethren. 483 00:21:51,472 --> 00:21:53,288 A very marvelous thing 484 00:21:53,288 --> 00:21:55,273 when the Spirit of God comes 485 00:21:55,273 --> 00:21:57,584 and makes one keenly aware 486 00:21:57,584 --> 00:22:06,014 that Jesus is in the midst. 487 00:22:06,014 --> 00:22:09,621 What we're looking at here in this first point, 488 00:22:09,621 --> 00:22:12,106 a felt Christ, 489 00:22:12,106 --> 00:22:16,545 and the other three glorious entities 490 00:22:16,545 --> 00:22:21,620 is radically subjective. 491 00:22:21,620 --> 00:22:25,322 And I would say in passing tonight, friend, 492 00:22:25,322 --> 00:22:28,796 I'm all for the intellect. 493 00:22:28,796 --> 00:22:33,246 I'm all for sharpening our minds. 494 00:22:33,246 --> 00:22:38,400 Accruing a greater theological understanding. 495 00:22:38,400 --> 00:22:44,746 But we cannot afford for it to stop there. 496 00:22:44,746 --> 00:22:50,218 Does your theology make your heart dance? 497 00:22:50,218 --> 00:22:55,366 Does it move you to obedience? 498 00:22:55,366 --> 00:23:00,266 Do you know anything of a felt Christ? 499 00:23:00,266 --> 00:23:03,110 Is the reward of earnest prayer 500 00:23:03,110 --> 00:23:10,898 in utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit? 501 00:23:10,898 --> 00:23:13,793 Interestingly, know that we have the 502 00:23:13,793 --> 00:23:16,518 person of Jesus resident within 503 00:23:16,518 --> 00:23:19,363 in the person of the Holy Spirit. 504 00:23:19,363 --> 00:23:21,683 But what does Paul refer to when he says 505 00:23:21,683 --> 00:23:26,043 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith? 506 00:23:26,043 --> 00:23:27,254 Listen. 507 00:23:27,254 --> 00:23:30,715 He is speaking of a Spirit-wrought awareness 508 00:23:30,715 --> 00:23:34,224 which entails an enlivening of our faith 509 00:23:34,224 --> 00:23:37,592 that we might lay hold of the reality 510 00:23:37,592 --> 00:23:40,925 of the Christ that is about us. 511 00:23:40,925 --> 00:23:43,573 This is revival. 512 00:23:43,573 --> 00:23:45,412 This is revival. 513 00:23:45,412 --> 00:23:49,826 It is the manifestation of His glory. 514 00:23:49,826 --> 00:23:52,019 Secondly, look at another thing 515 00:23:52,019 --> 00:23:55,715 that this strengthening of the Spirit produces. 516 00:23:55,715 --> 00:23:59,705 That you being rooted and grounded 517 00:23:59,705 --> 00:24:01,815 in love. 518 00:24:01,815 --> 00:24:04,343 In essence, what Paul is saying, 519 00:24:04,343 --> 00:24:07,351 that there is an unchanging posture 520 00:24:07,351 --> 00:24:13,077 of love in your life that you will encounter. 521 00:24:13,077 --> 00:24:14,649 Now, it's interesting here, 522 00:24:14,649 --> 00:24:17,090 the phrase makes no qualification. 523 00:24:17,090 --> 00:24:22,568 It's not just speaking of our love for God. 524 00:24:22,568 --> 00:24:25,052 But rather, I believe that it addresses 525 00:24:25,052 --> 00:24:29,237 every relationship in our lives. 526 00:24:29,237 --> 00:24:31,009 Our love for sinners. 527 00:24:31,009 --> 00:24:33,390 Our love for saints. 528 00:24:33,390 --> 00:24:36,553 Our love in the face of hostility. 529 00:24:36,553 --> 00:24:38,809 Even people, perhaps, that we have 530 00:24:38,809 --> 00:24:43,952 some measure of contempt or aversion for. 531 00:24:43,952 --> 00:24:46,446 Don't miss the point. 532 00:24:46,446 --> 00:24:48,291 When the Spirit strengthens, friend, 533 00:24:48,291 --> 00:24:49,505 all of a sudden, 534 00:24:49,505 --> 00:24:52,901 these issues that have divided you and somebody else 535 00:24:52,901 --> 00:24:57,150 begin to fade away in the light of eternity. 536 00:24:57,150 --> 00:25:00,437 You become so rooted and grounded in love, 537 00:25:00,437 --> 00:25:03,006 your love doesn't vacillate on the basis 538 00:25:03,006 --> 00:25:08,157 of how people treat you. 539 00:25:08,157 --> 00:25:10,278 Even when there is no tangible sense 540 00:25:10,278 --> 00:25:11,818 of the presence of God, 541 00:25:11,818 --> 00:25:14,480 you still love Him. 542 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:18,501 And it's nothing short of fervant 543 00:25:18,501 --> 00:25:20,964 when the Spirit comes. 544 00:25:20,964 --> 00:25:23,144 You see, friend, the point is, 545 00:25:23,144 --> 00:25:25,660 to be rooted and grounded in love 546 00:25:25,660 --> 00:25:27,713 means that it does not fluctuate 547 00:25:27,713 --> 00:25:29,585 or change or vacillate 548 00:25:29,585 --> 00:25:31,597 depending on our circumstances. 549 00:25:31,597 --> 00:25:33,505 We still love God, 550 00:25:33,505 --> 00:25:36,356 even when we don't sense His presence. 551 00:25:36,356 --> 00:25:38,001 Even when we're struggling to get 552 00:25:38,001 --> 00:25:39,737 anything out of the Word, 553 00:25:39,737 --> 00:25:41,413 or we're having a difficult time 554 00:25:41,413 --> 00:25:43,020 connecting in prayer. 555 00:25:43,020 --> 00:25:46,867 We still love Him. 556 00:25:46,867 --> 00:25:50,907 And we still love our enemies. 557 00:25:50,907 --> 00:25:53,461 And we love the most undesirable people 558 00:25:53,461 --> 00:25:54,936 in our churches. 559 00:25:54,936 --> 00:25:55,696 Why? 560 00:25:55,696 --> 00:25:57,873 Because we've been rooted and grounded 561 00:25:57,873 --> 00:26:00,335 in love through the strengthening work 562 00:26:00,335 --> 00:26:02,264 of the Holy Spirit. 563 00:26:02,264 --> 00:26:05,827 You see that? 564 00:26:05,827 --> 00:26:08,983 The idea here is that the grace of love 565 00:26:08,983 --> 00:26:12,004 has been so firmly planted in our hearts 566 00:26:12,004 --> 00:26:14,388 that it affords a dimension of love 567 00:26:14,388 --> 00:26:16,951 that extends to all relationships, 568 00:26:16,951 --> 00:26:20,497 not just to God, but all. 569 00:26:20,497 --> 00:26:25,027 So here's a third thing. 570 00:26:25,027 --> 00:26:26,675 Paul said that they might be 571 00:26:26,675 --> 00:26:28,620 strengthened with might by the Spirit. 572 00:26:28,620 --> 00:26:30,987 In verse 18, that they may be able 573 00:26:30,987 --> 00:26:33,306 to comprehend with all the saints 574 00:26:33,306 --> 00:26:39,289 what is the width, and length, and depth, and height 575 00:26:39,289 --> 00:26:42,543 in reference to the love of God. 576 00:26:42,543 --> 00:26:45,512 To know the love of Christ 577 00:26:45,512 --> 00:26:49,166 which passes knowledge. 578 00:26:49,166 --> 00:26:50,679 It's interesting the phrase, 579 00:26:50,679 --> 00:26:53,833 "to know the love of Christ." 580 00:26:53,833 --> 00:26:55,767 The Greek word means to 581 00:26:55,767 --> 00:26:58,891 perceptibly feel. 582 00:26:58,891 --> 00:27:02,876 I feel it. 583 00:27:02,876 --> 00:27:04,403 And when he says, 584 00:27:04,403 --> 00:27:06,142 to know the love of Christ 585 00:27:06,142 --> 00:27:08,431 which passes knowledge, 586 00:27:08,431 --> 00:27:10,083 it's the picture of something 587 00:27:10,083 --> 00:27:15,161 being thrown beyond intellect. 588 00:27:15,161 --> 00:27:20,096 This, my friend, is not cerebral. 589 00:27:20,096 --> 00:27:22,998 This is not mental. 590 00:27:22,998 --> 00:27:28,739 This, once again, is radically subjective. 591 00:27:28,739 --> 00:27:31,145 When He comes, 592 00:27:31,145 --> 00:27:33,138 when He answers this prayer 593 00:27:33,138 --> 00:27:35,858 to be strengthened with might, 594 00:27:35,858 --> 00:27:37,531 I tell you, friend, 595 00:27:37,531 --> 00:27:44,398 you begin to feel the love of Christ. 596 00:27:44,398 --> 00:27:46,197 It's hard to measure 597 00:27:46,197 --> 00:27:47,928 the depth. 598 00:27:47,928 --> 00:27:49,727 You can't take it all in. 599 00:27:49,727 --> 00:27:52,713 It's an overwhelming thing. 600 00:27:52,713 --> 00:27:54,136 The word comprehend here 601 00:27:54,136 --> 00:27:56,375 means to spiritually perceive 602 00:27:56,375 --> 00:27:59,442 or grasp a dimension of Christ's love 603 00:27:59,442 --> 00:28:03,409 that surpasses what you know mentally. 604 00:28:03,409 --> 00:28:04,836 Listen. 605 00:28:04,836 --> 00:28:06,875 Matthew Henry said it best 606 00:28:06,875 --> 00:28:10,718 in a very simple, very succinct way. 607 00:28:10,718 --> 00:28:15,459 Where Christ dwells, He swells. 608 00:28:15,459 --> 00:28:17,795 He swells. 609 00:28:17,795 --> 00:28:21,050 And where Christ's love for us dwells, 610 00:28:21,050 --> 00:28:23,711 suddenly when the Spirit strengthens us, 611 00:28:23,711 --> 00:28:26,502 it swells. 612 00:28:26,502 --> 00:28:29,355 It's like an ocean to swim in. 613 00:28:29,355 --> 00:28:31,622 You think these songs on the love of God 614 00:28:31,622 --> 00:28:35,627 were written out of pure intellect? 615 00:28:35,627 --> 00:28:38,981 The deep, deep love of Jesus? 616 00:28:38,981 --> 00:28:45,859 These people encountered something. 617 00:28:45,859 --> 00:28:47,931 He was underscoring that the vastness 618 00:28:47,931 --> 00:28:49,670 of such an infinite love 619 00:28:49,670 --> 00:28:54,546 is explored by faith and by the Spirit's work. 620 00:28:54,546 --> 00:28:56,445 But then finally, 621 00:28:56,445 --> 00:28:58,784 there's a fourth glorious reality here 622 00:28:58,784 --> 00:29:01,015 that's the product of the strengthening 623 00:29:01,015 --> 00:29:02,733 work of the Holy Spirit. 624 00:29:02,733 --> 00:29:05,393 And that is that you might be filled with 625 00:29:05,393 --> 00:29:08,752 all the fullness of God. 626 00:29:08,752 --> 00:29:10,051 This is very interesting. 627 00:29:10,051 --> 00:29:10,892 Listen. 628 00:29:10,892 --> 00:29:12,542 The reality is that the Ephesians 629 00:29:12,542 --> 00:29:14,671 and each of us might know 630 00:29:14,671 --> 00:29:19,170 the riches of His person; 631 00:29:19,170 --> 00:29:21,000 the person of God. 632 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:22,945 Think about it with me. 633 00:29:22,945 --> 00:29:24,765 To think that God took the initiative 634 00:29:24,765 --> 00:29:26,589 to send His Son to the world 635 00:29:26,589 --> 00:29:28,031 to not only redeem us, 636 00:29:28,031 --> 00:29:30,338 but to give us the fullness of Himself, 637 00:29:30,338 --> 00:29:37,293 friend, is almost indescribable. 638 00:29:37,293 --> 00:29:42,362 What does the text say? 639 00:29:42,362 --> 00:29:45,194 We're not only filled with God, 640 00:29:45,194 --> 00:29:47,453 but secondly, we're filled 641 00:29:47,453 --> 00:29:50,295 with the fullness of God. 642 00:29:50,295 --> 00:29:52,370 And thirdly, we're filled with 643 00:29:52,370 --> 00:29:58,078 all the fullness of God. 644 00:29:58,078 --> 00:30:02,408 Isn't that what you came to this meeting for? 645 00:30:02,408 --> 00:30:05,722 Isn't this what you desire? 646 00:30:05,722 --> 00:30:09,077 This is what I long for. 647 00:30:09,077 --> 00:30:10,818 I'm 63 years old, friend. 648 00:30:10,818 --> 00:30:17,427 I don't want to creep across the finish line. 649 00:30:17,427 --> 00:30:19,622 I'm seeking to preach out of the passion 650 00:30:19,622 --> 00:30:21,321 of wanting more. 651 00:30:21,321 --> 00:30:23,455 God, please, answer this prayer 652 00:30:23,455 --> 00:30:25,087 in my life. 653 00:30:25,087 --> 00:30:26,776 In the lives of our people. 654 00:30:26,776 --> 00:30:30,493 And in the lives of the church. 655 00:30:30,493 --> 00:30:32,021 That they might be filled with 656 00:30:32,021 --> 00:30:35,637 all Your fullness. 657 00:30:35,637 --> 00:30:37,025 Yes, Piper had it right. 658 00:30:37,025 --> 00:30:39,828 God is the Gospel. 659 00:30:39,828 --> 00:30:42,894 By virtue of giving forth His Son, 660 00:30:42,894 --> 00:30:45,026 He sought to give us Himself 661 00:30:45,026 --> 00:30:50,684 in all of His fullness. 662 00:30:50,684 --> 00:30:54,071 So, think with me. 663 00:30:54,071 --> 00:30:57,109 To think that the very God in whom we move 664 00:30:57,109 --> 00:30:59,831 and breathe and have our being, 665 00:30:59,831 --> 00:31:03,129 has given us such a promise, 666 00:31:03,129 --> 00:31:05,821 to be filled with all the fullness of God, 667 00:31:05,821 --> 00:31:09,012 ought to constrain us to pray. 668 00:31:09,012 --> 00:31:15,134 Paul says that we might be filled with God. 669 00:31:15,134 --> 00:31:19,223 Have you noticed in Paul's writings, 670 00:31:19,223 --> 00:31:22,350 it's a favorite expression? 671 00:31:22,350 --> 00:31:26,003 The fullness. Fullness. 672 00:31:26,003 --> 00:31:28,721 Talks about the fullness of the Gentiles. 673 00:31:28,721 --> 00:31:30,695 Romans 11:25 674 00:31:30,695 --> 00:31:33,885 The fullness of time. Galatians 4:4. 675 00:31:33,885 --> 00:31:36,013 The fullness of Him that filleth all in all; 676 00:31:36,013 --> 00:31:38,363 Ephesians 1:23 677 00:31:38,363 --> 00:31:41,645 And the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 678 00:31:41,645 --> 00:31:46,554 The fullness of the Godhead in Christ. Colossians 1:9 679 00:31:46,554 --> 00:31:49,325 And it means here 680 00:31:49,325 --> 00:31:52,792 and I quote Donald Barnes, 681 00:31:52,792 --> 00:31:54,858 "that you may have the richest..." 682 00:31:54,858 --> 00:31:57,223 Now this is great, listen to this. 683 00:31:57,223 --> 00:32:00,722 This will make your heart dance, ok? 684 00:32:00,722 --> 00:32:02,882 "But what the Greek implies here 685 00:32:02,882 --> 00:32:07,505 is that the rich measures of divine 686 00:32:07,505 --> 00:32:11,535 consolation and the very divine presence 687 00:32:11,535 --> 00:32:15,133 itself will be your lot." 688 00:32:15,133 --> 00:32:20,870 What a strengthening agent! 689 00:32:20,870 --> 00:32:23,176 "That you may partake of the entire 690 00:32:23,176 --> 00:32:26,067 enjoyment of God in the most ample measure 691 00:32:26,067 --> 00:32:31,117 in which He bestows His favors on His people." 692 00:32:31,117 --> 00:32:33,564 That's wonderful. 693 00:32:33,564 --> 00:32:36,496 That's wonderful. 694 00:32:36,496 --> 00:32:40,347 So, I conclude. 695 00:32:40,347 --> 00:32:41,586 I remind you again, 696 00:32:41,586 --> 00:32:44,680 which would be a very fitting reminder. 697 00:32:44,680 --> 00:32:47,098 That this is revival. 698 00:32:47,098 --> 00:32:51,228 This is real, genuine spiritual awakening. 699 00:32:51,228 --> 00:32:53,151 Now, I don't know what your position is 700 00:32:53,151 --> 00:32:56,888 on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 701 00:32:56,888 --> 00:32:58,509 Some people are cessationists, 702 00:32:58,509 --> 00:33:00,868 but if you are a cessationist here tonight, 703 00:33:00,868 --> 00:33:03,160 it doesn't mean that you don't believe 704 00:33:03,160 --> 00:33:07,202 in the power of the Holy Spirit. 705 00:33:07,202 --> 00:33:12,572 He longs to enable His people, 706 00:33:12,572 --> 00:33:14,746 but we must ask. 707 00:33:14,746 --> 00:33:17,227 We must ask earnestly. 708 00:33:17,227 --> 00:33:19,230 In faith, 709 00:33:19,230 --> 00:33:23,301 for Him to come and give us this sense 710 00:33:23,301 --> 00:33:25,395 of a felt Christ, 711 00:33:25,395 --> 00:33:27,578 an unmoveable love, 712 00:33:27,578 --> 00:33:33,642 and all the fullness of God. 713 00:33:33,642 --> 00:33:36,136 That's my prayer. 714 00:33:36,136 --> 00:33:38,157 Would you join me now in prayer? 715 00:33:38,157 --> 00:33:39,885 Let's look to the Lord. 716 00:33:39,885 --> 00:33:46,319 Let's all stand to our feet. 717 00:33:46,319 --> 00:33:49,513 Let us let the benediction of this session 718 00:33:49,513 --> 00:33:52,016 be that just a few of you, 719 00:33:52,016 --> 00:33:53,720 men and women, 720 00:33:53,720 --> 00:33:55,006 as you feel led right now, 721 00:33:55,006 --> 00:33:56,346 maybe three or four, 722 00:33:56,346 --> 00:33:58,273 would you close this part of the meeting 723 00:33:58,273 --> 00:34:00,852 in prayer by asking God to come 724 00:34:00,852 --> 00:34:02,839 and by His Spirit, 725 00:34:02,839 --> 00:34:05,110 strengthen us with might 726 00:34:05,110 --> 00:34:07,463 that we might know these realities 727 00:34:07,463 --> 00:34:10,510 in Ephesians 3.