Sermon notes “The Power of the LORD”

Text: Ephesians 3:16-19

​ Sermon: Authority is given to someone who is an expert on something or has the power to influence others. Some people have more authority than others. A teacher has authority to make decisions for the whole class. A principal has the authority to make decisions for an entire school, etc.

Across the board people expect those who have high levels of authority to act honestly and wisely and when they don’t there is great confusion. If a student in a classroom misbehaves, that is a problem. But a bigger problem would be if the teacher in the classroom misbehaves. That is a big problem because the teacher sets an example for the whole class.

One of the greatest Biblical examples of this misuse of authority is King David and his relationship with Bathsheba. This is a blatant abuse of power and authority. David used his power and authority to hurt individuals and the community.

There have been attempts throughout history to exonerate David by laying the blame at the feet of Bathsheba. She was simply too beautiful, too available, too accessible, and visible to resist. David was helpless before her power. It is clear where the power is here. The writer is careful to explain Bathsheba’s behavior. It is David’s behavior that is being challenged here.

In churches, I believe that some begin to believe that they are superior because of the authority that they have. Let’s call that Spiritual Pride, which is thinking their faith and traditions elevates them above everyone else. We find this in both Pastors and common day Christians alike.

Spiritual Pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others.
Last week we discussed our need for reconciliation in both the church as well as outside of the church. As we learned, we can only reconcile with love and acceptance; both are fully expressed throughout the life of Jesus.

We also understand that to reconcile, the church needs to acknowledge their misuse and abuse of the authority that we have had throughout history. We must acknowledge the abuse that happens too often, and we need to hold the church accountable for the sins that have been committed. This goes from the individuals in the church as well as the systematic issues that rooted in the church culture.

Many church-members and leaders need to come face to face with God, like how David came face to face with his sins and confess with an earnest heart for change and healing.

  God’s love is total and reaches every corner of our experience. It is through God’s love that the church will reconcile with those that have been hurt by the church. I believe that when the church acknowledges the hurt and reevaluates the culture of the church, healing and reconciliation can happen.

As a church we are called to follow and obey God, including confessing our sins and bringing healing. Following and obeying God is not always easy, He calls you to take up your cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24) so that the entire world can hear God’s message of Salvation.

REMEMBER: “Salvation” often describes the rescue or deliverance from danger, destruction and peril. Yet, in this context it seems that Paul is using it to discuss our restoration to a state of safety, soundness, health and well-being.

We are called to restore these broken relationships and bring a better understanding of Jesus and his teachings. To bring this level of restoration, we need to face our weaknesses.

In verse 16-17, it states, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love” He later adds in 19, “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Our actions need to be rooted in God’s love. It is God’s love that we are strengthened to face the darkest parts of our lives and bring true change to ourselves and others. In acknowledging God’s love, we can experience the fullness of God and God’s reconciliation through Jesus.

In Christ we lack nothing, have nothing to lose, and have nothing to fear. We have all fullness of God available to us, but we, must claim that fullness by living in touch with the Holy Spirit through prayer and faith each day.
The only way for this change to happen is through God’s love. God’s love is total and reaches every corner of our experience.

Conclusion: Let us face our brokenness and seek God’s love for forgiveness and reconciliation.