Be the Church God Wants to See in the World

In one paragraph

This message worked through Ephesians 1:15-23, the second longest sentence in the New Testament, as Paul's prayer for the church at Ephesus and for any believing community that reads it. The sermon asked what it means that God has chosen the church, not military power or political force, to carry the fullness of Christ forward in the world. That question pressed on everyone in the room, not just...

Read together

1. Ephesians 1:1-2 read and expounded as the opening address and greeting of the letter, establishing Paul as apostle by God's will and introducing grace and peace
2. Ephesians 1:3-14 identified as the longest sentence in the New Testament, covering election, predestination, redemption, the mystery of God's will, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit
3. Ephesians 1:15-23 the main passage for the sermon, Paul's prayer for the church covering wisdom and revelation, the hope of his calling, the riches of his inheritance in the saints, and the boundless greatness of God's power toward believers
4. Psalm 8 cited as the Old Testament source behind the phrase about God putting all things under Christ's feet
5. Philippians 4:12-13 quoted at the close as Paul having learned contentment in every situation and being able to do all things through Christ who gives strength

Talk about it

1. Paul describes himself as an apostle 'by the will of God' rather than by his own choosing. Where in your own life have you seen God redirect you toward something you would not have chosen for yourself?
2. The pastor prayed before the sermon that God would help us know His will generally and specifically. He also pointed out that Paul prays for the Ephesians to receive 'a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.' What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God, and which one would you say you are more practicing right now?
3. The sermon described New Testament hope as 'an absolute certainty that has not yet come to pass,' rather than a wish that may or may not happen. How does that definition change the way you think about the future God has called you toward?
4. The pastor said that Christ being head over all things was given specifically 'to the church,' and that the church is God's plan A with no plan B. What does it do to you personally to hear that the church, including you, is how God has chosen to move forward in the world?
5. The sermon closed with the idea of being 'the church that God wants to see in the world' rather than just the change you want to see. What is one specific way your group could act that out together in this community this week?