Introduction:     Here is revealed the “fellowship of the mystery” (v.9) which has been hidden in God until now. What is the mystery? (Ills. All Gentiles until Abraham (2000 yrs.); Jews and Gentiles until the church at Pentecost (2000 yrs.); now 3 exist, Jews, Gentiles, and the Church of Jesus Christ, (1 Cor.10:32). This mystery is revealed that the Church might know the manifold wisdom, power, and purposes of God, (vv.10-13). What we learn is to directly affect the way we live! I believe God wants us to learn what we have in Him and to live what we have learned. How do we do this? By being:

I.          SUBMITTED TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST (VV.14-16)

A.                 The Position Assumed (v.14)

B.         The Power Acquired (v.16)

·        It is limitless power

·        It is located power

·        It is life-changing power

II.         STABLISHED IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST (VV.17-19)

A.                 A Foundational Love (v.17)

“Rooted and grounded” = a steady position; having a habit of faith & love. You cannot have the fruit of the Spirit without being rooted in spiritual things

B.                 A Fellowshipping Love (v.18a)

“With all saints” (Ills. Loving the un-lovely).

C.                 A Fantastic Love (v.18b-19)

This is more than just hearing and knowing; it is understanding; it is laying hands on in order to possess.

III.       SATURATED WITH LIBERTY IN CHRIST (VV.19-21)

A.                 His Greatness (vv.19-20)

This power works in us as we open our hearts to Jesus and cultivate abiding fellowship, love, and prayer as we submit to His Word. It is hard to be down when you’re filled with the Spirit!

B.                 His Glory (v.21)

God is glorified in the Church when:

·        As God works in us (v.20)

·        God works through us

·        God is glorified in us

Conclusion:       God’s desire is for us that we learn of Him and then live out daily what we have learned.