Get to know Your Coach! (2)

Simplify: living the uncluttered life.  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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God is concerned about the Whole Picture of our lives (The unfolding or the progress of our lives, Our physical Health, Our Spiritual well being). The HS give to illuminate and so we can walk in truth..

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Introduction

Coaching is a big deal in todays world… When we used the word coach it used to apply only to sports but now we find coaching in just about every field.
We have life Coaches, fitness Coaches, Business Coaches… there are leadership and pastor Coaches...
It is widely accepted that Coaching improves performance…
There has been an increase in coaching industry.
A 2009 study of the professional coaching industry by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), reported that coaching was used by 90% of the organizations surveyed. Additionally, even during the economic downturn, 70% of the organizations surveyed reported that they were increasing or maintaining their commitment to coaching.
Bill Gates put it best when he said: “Everyone needs a coach. We all need people to give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
Why is coaching so important?
We don’t have to go far to find a Coach - There all kind of options out there...
We don’t have to go far to find a Coach we have virtual coaches who will train you right from your computer…
Albert Einstein once said: “Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.”
In other words….... at some point or some level we all get stuck and what is needed is a fresh perspective - Coach often is able to give us new perspective and challenge us to grow in areas we never thought about..
.... So at some point or some level we all get stuck and what is needed is a fresh perspective - Often a Coach can shed light on our short sightedness.
.... So at some point or some level we all get stuck and what is needed is a fresh perspective - Often a Coach can shed light on our short sightedness.
Often a Coach can shed light on our short sightedness.

A married couple will tell us of the benefit of a Christian counselor. An athlete will talk about the importance of a trainer or a coach. A businessperson will talk about the power of a team. In life, we all need support—and when we get it, it makes all the difference in the world.

.... We all get stuck and sometimes someone with an objective perspective can shed light on our short sightedness.
The Biggest advantages of a coach is that it give us a new perspective, a new technique or strategy to elevate our game.’’
Coaches will see our both our weaknesses and potential.. They also stand on your side of the corner cheering us you on…
A Coach can give us new perspective, a new technique or strategy to elevate our game..…’’
When I first ran track in prep school, my coach invited me to his home for dinner. After the meal, he pulled out a notebook with my name on the front cover. He turned to the back page, which bore the heading “June 1957”—three and a half years away.
Coaches often sees our potential when we doubt ourselves.. They stand on your side of the room cheer you on…
“Gordon, these are the races I’m going to schedule you to run about four years from now. Here are the times you will achieve.”
Gordon looked at those times. They were light-years away from where I was as a runner. Then Coach began turning back the pages of that book, page by page, showing the forty-two months he had scheduled for workouts. These were the graduated, accelerated plans for my increasing skill on the track in the coming months.
When we are coached we come under someones leadership.... I have been receiving some coaching in the soft ware program that I use for Bible study… There is over 70 hours of training because or the complexities and nuencious in the program.... Learning so much…
Coaches and other leaders know the necessity of strategic, long-range planning. Similarly, a wise and all-knowing God has a plan for our lives, as down through the years we gradually become more like Jesus....
T/s This morning I want to talk about a Coach that all of us have access to...
Coaches have been around along time..
Coaches have been around along time..
\round along time..
Basil the great a spirtual leader and theologian in the 3rd Century… said…choose your mentor carefully…
Basil the great a spirtual leader and theologian in the 3rd Century… said…Choose your mentor carefully…
Basil the great a spirtual leader and theologian in the 3rd Century… said…Choose your mentor carefully…
This morning we are going to talk about the God the Holy Spirit - The third person of the Trinity... Jesus at his ascension said would be H.S. would be with us and in us --- He is the seal of our salvation and will be with us forever… The HS is the known as the God’s Breathe (Pneuma) also our parakete- the one who will l lead guide us in to truth… His role in the believers life is to make us more like Christ… With out taking away His Divinity… The Holy Spirit’s role in the believers life is to Coach us....
said…Choose your mentor carefully…
He is the known a the God’s Breathe (Pneuma) also our parakete- the one who will l lead guide us in to truth… His role in the believers life is to make us more like Christ… With out taking away His Divinity… The Holy Spirit’s role in the believers life is to Coach us....
“if you place yourself in the hands of a man rich in virtue, you will become the heir of the good qualities he possesses and you will be supremely blessed with God and men. On the other hand, if, to spare the body, you seek a master who will condescend or, rather, degrade himself to the level of your vices, all in vain did you endure the struggle of renunciation, since you have surrendered yourself to a life of gratifying your passions by choosing a blind guide who will lead you.”
How many of us would like a life Coach that would pop up during our day and help us make some decision… Give us wisdom.... and I am not talking about google search...
This morning I want to talk about a Coach that all of us have access to..
…Jesus told his disciples that when he left this world that he would send them the Holy Spirit…The HS would not only be with them but he would be in them…
1 John tells that you have that annointing inside of you.
So… the question.... is what
He would lead guide us in to truth...
He would abide in them… John expounds this idea of the Holy Spirit being our coach..
… The most important mentor, teacher, coach in our lives is much closer than we think… you see…Jesus told his disciples that when he left this world that he would send them the Holy Spirit…The HS would not only be with them but he would be in them… He would abide in them… 1 John tells that you have that annointing inside of you.
God uses people in our lives… pastors, teaches, friends… godly men and woman of God… but sometimes we forget … The most important mentor, teacher, coach in our lives much closer than we think… you see…Jesus told his disciples that when he left this world that he would send them the Holy Spirit…The HS would not only be with them but he would be in them… He would abide in them… 1 John tells that you have that annointing inside of you.
1 John 2:27 ESV
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
but sometimes we forget … The most important teacher actual is closer than we thing… and that is the Person of the Holy Spirit…
John tells us that we have been anointed… Annointing in the Bible refers to an appointment or purpose… Samuel took oil and anointed Saul and David to King of Israel… Jesus began his ministry he goes to the Synagogue and reads from the book of Isaiah… “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach the good news to the poor”
Jesus was appointed for purpose..
John says to the church have been appointed … you have a calling… Because who ever the HS descends upon has a calling..
This verse has tipped some people and it has been taken completely out of context.. … What we need to know is that Jesus was not dismantling the role of pastor and teachers… You can’t take this one verse and build a whole theology…
We have access to the greatest teacher… because the HS is God himself…
we have access to the greatest teacher… and its God himself… Some people read this verse and think well we don’t need any teaches… That is not what is being taught here...
What we need to know is that Jesus was not dismantling the role of pastor and teachers… You can’t take this one verse and build a whole theology… scripture interprets scripture…
God has gifted the Church with five fold ministry in… — He gave Apostle, prophets, Evangelist, pastors and teaches for the edifying and building up of the church...
Jesus was not dismantling the role of teachers - God would have never gifted us gifted the Church with five fold ministry in… — if he was doing away with pastors and teachers… rather.
Rather in addition to apostles, the prophets, the shepherds and teaches Pastor teachers for our edification…
He has given us the apostles, the prophets, the shepherds and teaches Pastor teachers for our edification…
John is saying there is a trump.. in the deck… because On top of this… the icing on the cake is that you have been given the Holy Spirit..
Rather than subtracting from the roles of apostles, the prophets, the pastors and teaches --- We have been given the HS… He has gifted the church all these resouces so the we will edified and equipped...
He has given us both…
Ontop of all this… the icing on the cake is that you have been given the Holy Spirit..
The Holy Spirit…is a unique teacher —
When Jesus sent out his Disciple they said we don’t know what to say…Jesus responds the Holy Spirit will help you in that moment.. — Likewise we don’t know how to pray… the holy spirit will intercede for us with groanings too deep for words...
the Holy Spirit is God himself…
has a unique teacher —
The HS is unique teacher because He is alway there....
master expounder....
He is always available.. The Holy Spirit has the ability bring lessons back to us when we need it…
The Holy Spirit has the ability bring lessons back to us when we need them...
The Holy Spirit has the ability bring lessons back to us when we need it…
The HS is the Author and the Chief expounder of the Scriptures...
The disciples had been enrolled in Jesus’ Seminary for three years… they had Jesus as their teacher - they had formal teaching and on- the-field experience…But.. They still weren’t getting it.... The still didn’t understand.... but instead of flunking them all… Jesus says, I am giving you the HS.. keep the process going… keep on learning and growing..
His disicples had been enrolled in Seminary for three years… they had the best teacher - they had formal teaching and on- the-field experience… They still weren’t getting it...
John 14:26 ESV
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:
2. The HS is the Author and the Best expounder of the Scriptures...
This morning we are going to talk about the Holy Spirit role in our lives as our coach..
The disciples had been enrolled in Jesus’ Seminary for three years… they had Jesus as their teacher - they had formal teaching and on- the-field experience…But.. They still weren’t getting it.... The still didn’t understand.... but instead of flunking them all… Jesus says, I am giving you the HS.. keep the process going… keep on learning and growing..
The HS our Helper the Paraclete.... the one who encourages us… the one who lifts us up and will build us up.... His role in the believers life is to make us more Christ like…
Over the past few weeks we have been looking at the inner life… and the need for ordering the inner man… We have the inner conflict between the Spirit and the Flesh…
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What John is saying is the Holy Spirit is going to be your on board Coach.
The HS our Helper the Paraclete.... the one who encourages us… the one who lifts us up and will build us up.... HS will continually point you to Christ.…
As the old self was in Adam, a part of sinful humanity, so now the new self is “in Christ,” a part of regenerate humanity.
ingression
yet we are constantly being pulled to the old self was in Adam, a part of sinful humanity, so now the new self is “in Christ,” a part of regenerate humanity.
yet we are constantly being pulled to the old self was in Adam, a part of sinful humanity, so now the new self is “in Christ,” a part of regenerate humanity.
Yet we are constantly being pulled to the old self that is our Adamic nature, a part of sinful humanity, so now the new self is “in Christ,” a part of regenerate humanity...
Colossians & Philemon: Verse by Verse The New Life of Unity in Christ (3:9–11)

As the old self was in Adam, a part of sinful humanity, so now the new self is “in Christ,” a part of regenerate humanity.

This new identity in Christ “is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.” There is a great deal to unpack in this. The ongoing force of “being renewed” alerts us that this is a process rather than a finished work. Our nature is made new, but we still must work continuously and grow slowly in the effects of this renewal. This is critical. We have been made a completely new person, but it takes the rest of our lives to reorient ourselves to the Christ-ward path

This new identity in Christ “is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.”
There is a great deal to unpack in this. The ongoing force of “being renewed” alerts us that this is a process rather than a finished work.
Our nature is made new, but we still must work continuously and grow slowly in the effects of this renewal.
This is critical. We have been made a completely new person, but it takes the rest of our lives to reorient ourselves to the Christ-ward path
ingression
We are going to look at three prayers in the Bibles that speaks of the H.S. role as Coach. The first..
is a really short written by John the disciple of Jesus…Note written before his visit. Short message can be more effective than even a long message where we can lose the impact of the message.
Sometimes short messages can be rich in truth… and even more effective than even a long message where we can lose the impact of the message.
Short message can be more effective than even a long message where we can lose the impact of the message.
is a private Letter written Gaius an Elder in the church... Paul commends Gaius for living out the Gospel in a real way… through showing hospitality to the stranger and itinerant missionaries that came through. His letter is simply keep up the good work… There is the sense that John is a mentor or coach to Gaius… giving encouragement...
John Pray’s for some very specific things in this verse
.. lets look at Johns Prayer.
John Pray’s for some very specific things in this verse
John also knows that the Outcomes of life don’t just happen by wishful thinking but through the power of prayer..
elcoming missionaries into his home... Faithfully taking loving and serving people of God.
Prayer needs to be more than an after thought… Prayer is the way that we abide in Christ.. it is the supply line for our faith… and life line of our Church… If we abandon prayer we have abandoned our spiritual stations…
Paul talks about praying without ceasing… this is kind of radical praying… living in prayer... In Praying on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… always praying for the saints.
Brother Lawrence spoke about practicing the presence of Christ… It’s not the weekend warrior…prayer needs to be continuous.. lets look at Johns Prayer.
If you really want to kick things up a gear start praying...
inspiration
inspiration
interconnection
3 John 1–4 ESV
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
indentation
3 John 1–4 ESV
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:1-
interconnection

1.

John is a mentor to Gauis but he also knows that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Guide… —
We have a Coach — The HS He is with us 24/7… The Holy Spirit abides with in Every Christian..
John is a mentor to Gauis but he also knows that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Guide…We have a Coach — The HS He is with us 24/7… The Holy Spirit abides with in Every Christian..
T/s John teaches three things about our Coach the Holy Spirit.. The first lesson is that...

1. The Holy Spirit will lead us into Wholeness.

1. The Holy Spirit will lead us into Wholeness.

John is a mentor and friend of Gaius the elder of the church...Paul commends Gaius for living out the Gospel in a real way… through showing hospitality to the stranger and itinerant missionaries that came through. In this short note… He say keep up the good work....
… Paul never used flattery but he often affirmed people… … Words have a power to them, especially words of affirmation and valuing. The Bible tells us that there is life and death in the tongue.
When people say positive or negative words they pass into you. They become part of you. They shape who you are. We have a tendency to hold onto words that other people have said over us.... Ill never forget the word is Clyde Howell said Pastor I’m 100% behind you… some of the best mentoring I have had has been through those who said some truth… that affirmed my calling.
When eople say positive or begative words they pass into you. They become part of you. They shape who you are.
Those short words of affirmation go along way… Words have a power to them, especially words of affirmation and valuing. The Bible tells us that there is life and death in the tongue… Paul never used flattery but he often affirmed people… When eople say positive or begative words they pass into you. They become part of you. They shape who you are.
In this short note… He is saying a”keep up the good work....” Those short words of affirmation go along way…
The ancients knew this. If even offhanded, almost casual comments can pass into you and just hurt you and ruin you or lift you up and comfort you and sweeten your life for years and years and years…
This church is amazing at giving encouragement and affirmation..
I have literally had someone influnence my life by one statement.
John uses the word love twice in one verse..
.John uses the word love twice in one verse.. He addresses Gaius Beloved whom he loves in truth… beloved --- means Special or preferred one… There is something unique about their relationship… the second love is the word means to having loving concern. When you have this kind of love — the beloved kind of love you are concerned for a persons whole wellbeing..
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth”
John knows that true concern need to reflected in our ones prayer life… Do you have anyone on a list somewhere that you are praying for on a regular basis…
Gaius is Beloved which --- means Special or preferred above others… There is something unique about their relationship… the second love is the word means to having loving concern…
John is a mentor and teach of Gaius the elder of the church...Paul commends Gaius for living out the Gospel in a real way… through showing hospitality to the stranger and itinerant missionaries that came through. In this short note… He say keep up the good work.... Those short words of affirmation go along way… This church is amazing at giving encouragement and affirmation.. John uses the word love twice in one verse.. Gaius is Beloved which --- means Special or preferred above others… There is something unique about their relationship… the second love is the word means to having loving concern…
John knows that true concern need to reflected in our ones prayer life… Do you have anyone on a list somewhere that you are praying for on a regular basis…
John knew that good Outcomes in life don’t come by affirmations but by prayer… John Prays for His Wholeness...
John is a mentor or coach to Gaius the elder of the church and he is giving him encouragement...
His letter is simply keep up the good work…
John also knows that the Outcomes of life don’t just happen by wishful thinking but through the power of prayer..
of life don’t just happen by wishful thinking but through the power of prayer. Every major revival can be attributed to prayer… Spurgeon would take visitor through his church and in the basement was the prayer room — this is the engine… of the church...
Prayer needs to be more than an after thought… Prayer is the way that we abide in Christ.. it is the supply line for our faith… and life line of our Church… If we abandon prayer we have abandoned our spiritual stations…
John Prays for His Wholeness...
Notice that John uses the word love twice in one verse.. Gaius is Beloved which --- means Special or preferred above others… There is something unique about their relationship… the second love is the word means to having loving concern… John is concerned about his personal well being… His prayer is for His wholeness… Carries with it the idea of completeness or Shalom… something that has been restored or healed is made whole…
John is concerned about his personal well being… His prayer is for His wholeness… Carries with it the idea of moving from incompleteness to completeness … something that was broken has been restored or healed is made whole…
s.
Notice that John uses the word love twice in one verse.. Gaius is Beloved which --- means Special or preferred above others… There is something unique about their relationship… the second love is the word means to having loving concern… John is concerned about his personal well being… His prayer is for His wholeness… Carries with it the idea of completeness or Shalom… something that has been restored or healed is made whole…
John is interested both in the physical and the spiritual health of Gaius. John was like Jesus: he never forgot that people have bodies as well as souls and that they matter, too.
God is interested in us walking in TRUTH… in Wholeness and Wellness… is Shalom — peace of walking with God...
vrs He calls Gaius Beloved again…
When we love someone we are concerned for their whole person…
Paul is building up and encouraging Guias… commending him for faithfulness.. well done for loving well… well done for being faithful and walking in truth… Gauil on the other hand is encouraging missionaries and strangers.... demonstrating hospitality.... Our affection is infectious… when we love us with god’s love… we set them up fioir success..
This is one of those verse that has been misunderstood because it has been wrongly interpreted.... In Africa there are movements that preach a wealth, health and prosperity kind of Gospel.. and wealth becomes the sign of God’s favor… it is big in countries like Ghana see prosperity as a Mark of God’s Blessing...
This is one of those verse that has been misunderstood because it has been wrongly interpreted.... In Africa there are movements that preach a wealth, health and prosperity kind of Gospel.. and wealth becomes the sign of God’s favor… it is big in countries like Ghana see prosperity as a Mark of God’s Blessing...
Mark of Blessing...
This verse in 3 John is a proof text for this kind of gospel.. But … in Context you will see that God is interested in us walking in TRUTH… in Wholeness and Wellness… is Shalom — peace of walking with God...
John prayer is a prayer for prays for three specific areas..
that God wants you to be Prosperous instead of God wants you to be whole and Well
Whose commitment to Jesus Christ is not partial but total
There is Big difference…
Whose life (personal and professional, private and public, domestic and social) has been laid on [the] altar as a living sacrifice.
Whose life (personal and professional, private and public, domestic and social) has been laid on [the] altar as a living sacrifice.
John prayer is a prayer for Wholeness.. He prays for three specific areas..
His plans would go Well.
The old adage “Fail to plan, plan to fail” is so true..
The old adage “Fail to plan, plan to fail” is so true..
ons allowing God to direct his path each day.
Often we make plans and then we want God to endorse our plans… John brings together these two areas of our lives Prayer and Planning - We often separate these two processes.... we plan and we pray.. John puts them in the same basket… Our agenda and Prayer go together…
Often we make plans and then we want God to endorse our plans… John brings together these two areas of our lives Prayer and Planning - We often separate these two processes.... we plan and we pray.. John puts them in the same basket… Our agenda and Prayer go together…
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
John prays for positive outcomes… Some of our worries and stressed need to become prayer concerns… Positive outcomes are going to keep you humble and on the pathway of truth..
2. Prays for his health..
He prays for his physical well-being. Specifically, he prays, that you may enjoy good health.
The word here literally means to be in a state of good health… opposed to being sick.
Jesus said in
‘people who are well do not need a doctor, but (only) those who are sick’
Health is one of our greatest resourcs....
John prays for positive life circumstances.
Life is complicated. It is now, and it was back then.
How many times has our health hindered us from doing something because we were sick? Hindered us from going somewhere? Hindering from serving somewhere? Our health can have huge impact.... Jesus ministry included the physical world… feeding the poor, healing the sick and diseased.... raising the dead… providing wine for a wedding.... We need to pray for the sick --- we need to pray for health....
We need to give thanks to God for the Health that we have… We need to appreciate the health we have, give God thanks for it, and seek to sustain it and use it for good...
We need to give thank God for the Health that we have… We need to appreciate the health we have, give God thanks for it, and seek to sustain it and use it for good...
appreciate the health we have, give God thanks for it, and seek to sustain it and use it for good

He prays for his physical well-being. Specifically, he prays, that you may enjoy good health. Before we make “health” comments, it is worth noting that one may have good health, but fail to respect and enjoy that good health. We would be well advised to consciously appreciate the health we have, give God thanks for it, and seek to sustain it and use it for good.

Why does God want you healthy? You will be able to continue to be faithful --
We would be well advised to consciously appreciate the health we have, give God thanks for it, and seek to sustain it and use it for good
3. He Prays that they would prosper as their Soul Prospered
Message says.. that Paul prayed ...

John says it in a way as to suggest that throughout life’s issues, we need to determine whether our soul is getting along well. The term soul is sometimes used

“that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!”
John prays for his friend’s soul. John says it in a way as to suggest that throughout life’s issues, we need to determine whether our soul is getting along well..
John prays for his friend’s soul. John says it in a way as to suggest that throughout life’s issues, we need to determine whether our soul is getting along well. The term soul is sometimes used
John prays for his friend’s soulJohn says it in a way as to suggest that throughout life’s issues, we need to determine whether our soul is getting along well. The term soul is sometimes used

John prays for positive life circumstances. Life is complicated. It is now, and it was back then. John is showing great balance in his friendship with Gaius. He is letting him know that the church concerns are not his only concerns as they relate to Gaius. All believers need to be careful about expectations that lead to unhealthy over-commitment. The same advice is good for those in full-time ministry. We must establish balance in our lives that allows us to attend to body, mind, soul, and relationships of value, so that all may go well with [us].

Our lives will prosper when we are walking and abiding in the truth…
Some Christians emphasize love at the expense of truth; others emphasize truth at the expense of love. John was careful to keep love and truth in the right balance… both love and truth are verbs
Jesus said “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing … even greater things than these” (). The truth is in what the followers of Jesus are doing through obeying
Opening Up 2 and 3 John Chapter 1: What Is Truth? (2 John 1; 3 John 1)

Some Christians emphasize love at the expense of truth; others emphasize truth at the expense of love. John was careful to keep love and truth in the right balance

The love of parents causes them to desire that their children have it better than they. They want them to excel in every way. It causes grief and pain to see their children struggle and suffer, while it brings sheer delight to see them succeed and thrive. Christian parents feel that way about the faith and spiritual health of their children. Pastors feel that way about their parishioners and those whom they have led toward Christ. Teachers often feel that way about their pupils. Coaches feel that way about those on their teams. Maybe every Christian would do well to consider a handful of “younger” Christians in the congregation as their “children” in the faith.

illustration - When we walk in the truth we invite wholeness… both physically and spiritually.
On June 28, 1782, entering his eightieth year, John Wesley wrote, “Blessed be God, my time is not labour and sorrow. I find no more pain or bodily infirmities than at five-and-twenty. This I still impute:
implementation
1. to the power of God, filling me for what he calls me to do,
2. to my still travelling four or five thousand miles a year,
3. to my sleeping night or day, whenever I want it,
4. to my rising at a set hour, and
5. to my constant preaching, particularly in the morning.”
Source: John Wesley, Diary (Epworth, 1938).
ingression - When we balance love and truth it is going affect our influence and impact. We see this in the book of Ephesians.
ingression -
Paul had heard of the reputation of this Church - He had heard of their faith and also of their love towards one another… They are growing spiritually in every area of their Christian walk…
inspiration
Ephesians 1:15–23 ESV
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15–20 ESV
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 1:15–23 ESV
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Eph 1:15-
interconnection
T/s John teaches us about our Coach the Holy Spirit.. The first lesson is that...1. The Holy Spirit will lead us into Wholeness.

2. The Holy Spirit Illuminates what is True

instruction
Paul is thrilled with their spiritual state, both in its vertical (faith in Jesus) and horizontal (love for the saints) aspects. One of the greatest signs of health in a Church is that people are loving on each other…and this moves Paul to prayer - Again Paul is ceaseless in offering up his prayers for these believers…
Again Paul is ceaseless in offering up his prayers for these believers… He points to the Father… God of our Lord Jesus Christ… He is the God of Glory.... Spender… He has every attribute that you can think of — He love… His prayer is the God of Glory and Splender… would give you a spirit of Wisdom, Revelation, and knowledge… Some commentators are divided on the meaning of Spirit here… whether it speaking of breathe as in an attitude or the Holy Spirit…
and this moves Paul to prayer Again Paul is ceaseless in offering up his prayers for these believers…
He prays for illumination.. That light would be turned on… The prophet Isaiah talked about a great light that was going to shine in the land of
and this moves Paul to prayer Again Paul is ceaseless in offering up his prayers for these believers…
Zebulin… Jesus said he was the light of the world.... Christians are to be salt and light in the world…
He points to the Father… God of our Lord Jesus Christ… He is the God of Glory.... Spender… He has every attribute that you can think of — He love… His prayer is the God of Glory and Splender… would give you a spirit of Wisdom, Revelation, and knowledge… Some commentators are divided on the meaning of Spirit here… whether it speaking of breathe as in an attitude or the Holy Spirit…
He points to the Father… God of our Lord Jesus Christ… He is the God of Glory.... Spender… He has every attribute that you can think of — He love… His prayer is the God of Glory and Splender… would give you a spirit of Wisdom, Revelation, and knowledge… Some commentators are divided on the meaning of Spirit here… whether it speaking of breathe as in an attitude or the Holy Spirit…
This is what the HS does is he turns on the light..

“The Bible without the Holy Spirit is a sun-dial by moonlight” (D. L. Moody).709

He points to the Father… God of our Lord Jesus Christ… He is the God of Glory.... Spender…
We don’t have the full picture… we have a scetch of him through his attributes.
He has every attribute that you can think of — He love… His prayer is the God of Glory and Splender… would give you a spirit of Wisdom, Revelation, and knowledge… Some commentators are divided on the meaning of Spirit here… whether it speaking of breathe as in an attitude or the Holy Spirit…
It’s my opinion that he is referring to the HS.. Because the Spirit of God is the instrument of wisdom and illumination in Scripture… ..
In , Paul tells us that “God revealed [His Word] through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.” The Holy Spirit alone is competent to reveal God’s truth, for only He can search the “depths” of God. Since He Himself is God, He is omniscient and knows the mind of God perfectly.
In , Paul affirmed that “God revealed [His Word] through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.” The Holy Spirit alone is competent to reveal God’s truth, for only He can search the “depths” of God. Since He Himself is God, He is omniscient and knows the mind of God perfectlyThe Spirit opens the eyes of the heart… the spirit Gives Revelation… When we approach the word of God… we don’t come to it like we come to a novel or a book… We come with the presence of the Holy Spirit and we are to ask the HS the author of Scripture to open up the scriptures.… You see..
The Spirit opens the eyes of the heart… the spirit Gives Revelation… When we approach the word of God… we don’t come to it like we come to a novel or a book… We come with the presence of the Holy Spirit and we are to ask the HS the author of Scripture to open up the scriptures.… You see..
The Spirit opens the eyes of the heart… the spirit Gives Revelation… When we approach the word of God… we don’t come to it like we come to a novel or a book… We come with the presence of the Holy Spirit and we are to ask the HS the author of Scripture to open up the scriptures.… You see..
Paul remind us that that throughout the ages the most valuable knowledge doesn’t come form academic study but through experiencing God…The purpose of the Spirit’s illumination is an increase “in the knowledge of him.”
The goal of all Spirit-given wisdom and enlightenment is to know God, as Paul writes in : “I want to know Christ.” To know God is both to know about him and to come to know him experientially as Father and God. This includes obedience and worship, as well as mental awareness.
It is the Spirit that opens up the
“the eyes of your heart” and gives a “Spirit of revelation.” So the Spirits role is to reveal to minds will all that God has for us.
What the Spirit Shows us...
e
The Hope of our Calling
What the Spirit Shows us...
Glorious Inheritance in the saints
The Hope of our Calling
The Greatness of His power…towards us! Who have believed
Glorious Inheritance in the saints
Our eyes be opened
The Greatness of His power…towards us! Who have believed
It is according to the working (energeian, “energetic power,” from which comes the Eng. “energy”) of the might (kratous, “power that overcomes resistance,” as in Christ’s miracles; this word is used only of God, never of believers) of God’s inherent strength (ischyos) which He providesThis is spiritual insight into the things of God.
Our eyes be opened
This is spiritual insight into the things of God.
towards his resurrection and Glorification...
towards his resurrection and Glorification...
Christ is seated in a place of Reigning… Far Above all rule…authority power and Dominion
Above every name
Christ is seated in a place of Reigning… Far Above all rule…authority power and Dominion
Not only in this age but the age to Com
Above every name
He has put every thing under his feet
Not only in this age but the age to Come
He has put every thing under his feet
illustration --- The crisis we see in our world today is not revelation but illumination… We have truth revealed to us...
A Technology Crisis
We do not have in the world any kind of power shortage. There’s no power crisis. We really have a technology crisis. If we only had the technology to capture the power in lightning, I submit that the power companies would have so much power they would be paying us to take it off their hands. There is no shortage of power. The power that is resident in the lightning that hits the earth would power the entire world easily. There’s a technology crisis. We don’t have the technology to capture lightning bolts.
CM328 Preaching the Psalms A Technology Crisis

A Technology Crisis

I often say to students that we do not have in the world any kind of power shortage. There’s no power crisis. We really have a technology crisis. If we only had the technology to capture the power in lightning, I submit that the power companies would have so much power they would be paying us to take it off their hands. There is no shortage of power. The power that is resident in the lightning that hits the earth would power the entire world easily. There’s a technology crisis. We don’t have the technology to capture lightning bolts.

In the same way, on a spiritual level, we have no power shortage. We have the power of God in us. We have not only the power of these marvelous thunderstorms, but as Paul says in Eph 1, we have the power of God that raised Christ from the dead in us. We don’t have to go anywhere to get it. It’s already within us. It’s in our inner being. The problem is not a lack of power. The problem is a technology crisis. The technology crisis is a lack of faith—a lack of faith to access the power of God that is readily available to us that we might use that power in a way to be channels of bringing God’s kingdom, that through us His kingdom might come and that His will might be done on earth as it is in heaven.

In the same way, on a spiritual level, we ha
The problem is a technology crisis. The technology crisis is a lack of faith—a lack of faith to access the power of God that is readily available to us that we might use that power in a way to be channels of bringing God’s kingdom, that through us His kingdom might come and that His will might be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The Hope of our Calling
Glorious Inheritance in the saints
The Greatness of His power…towards us! Who have believed
It is according to the working (energeian, “energetic power,” from which comes the Eng. “energy”) of the might (kratous, “power that overcomes resistance,” as in Christ’s miracles; this word is used only of God, never of believers) of God’s inherent strength (ischyos) which He providesThis is spiritual insight into the things of God.
Our eyes be opened
towards his resurrection and Glorification...
Christ is seated in a place of Reigning… Far Above all rule…authority power and Dominion
Above every name
Not only in this age but the age to Com
He has put every thing under his feet
implementation
The problem is a technology crisis. The technology crisis is a lack of faith—a lack of faith to access the power of God that is readily available to us that we might use that power in a way to be channels of bringing God’s kingdom, that through us His kingdom might come and that His will might be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The Hope of our Calling
Glorious Inheritance in the saints
The Greatness of His power…towards us! Who have believed
It is according to the working (energeian, “energetic power,” from which comes the Eng. “energy”) of the might (kratous, “power that overcomes resistance,” as in Christ’s miracles; this word is used only of God, never of believers) of God’s inherent strength (ischyos) which He providesThis is spiritual insight into the things of God.
Our eyes be opened
Our eyes be opened
towards his resurrection and Glorification...
Christ is seated in a place of Reigning… Far Above all rule…authority power and Dominion
Above every name
Not only in this age but the age to Com
He has put every thing under his feet
ingression
ingression
In Ephesian Chapter we have another Prayer of Pauls…
inspiration]
Ephesians 3:14–19 ESV
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Eph 3:14-
interconnection
T/s John teaches us about our Coach the Holy Spirit.. The first lesson is that...1. The Holy Spirit will lead us into Wholeness.
2. The Holy Spirit Illuminates what is True

3. The Holy Spirit Expands your Experience of God.

instruction
Philosophy says, “Know thyself,” whereas Christianity says, “Know God through Jesus Christ.”
There is something to self awareness… but God awareness is even more important.. the more we spend time with the Holy Spirit the more we know Jesus and the more we know Jesus the greater insight we have into the father…
Philosophy says, “Know thyself,” whereas Christianity says, “Know God through Jesus Christ.” There is something to self awareness… but God awareness is even more important.. the more we spend time with the Holy Spirit the more we know Jesus and the more we know Jesus the greater insight we have into the father…
The Holy Spirit is going to expand our view of God…
We have to spend time with the Holy Spirit our Coach...
Paul approaches prayer on his knees… There is a posture to prayer…there are three postures that we see in prayer in the Bible… We see people standing in prayer, Jesus in the garden of Gathsemene fell forward and prayed the if possible the cup of suffering be removed… then we find kneeling… Posture is about your approach to God...
Paul Bows his knee before the Father… before the creator of every family on earth is named… Often we approach prayer like navy seal team we want to get in and we want to get out… We don’t get the sense that Paul is rushing… He is abiding in prayer.... Paul sees the riches and glory that is in Christ..
The Greek word doxa, often translated as “glory,” refers to the splendor of God’s manifested presence. This glory expresses the greatness of God, probably with reference to His attributes revealed
and his petition is that we will get a revelation of our inheritance in Christ… He comes before the father of whom every family is named..
Pauls petition is that we will get a revelation of our inheritance in Christ… He comes before the father of whom every family is named..
In the ancient Near East, naming something amounted to bringing it into existence, giving it identity, and exercising authority over it. Since all creation derives its name from the Father, He is both its source and its ruler..
Paul prays that believers will Experience the power of God.. He prays that we would be
Strengthen with power in the inner man.
God’s power working in the inner man… The Holy Spirit has renewable power - infinite supply of power… I want to talk to our Seniors just for a second… You are amazing example to us that are following after you… In the last six years --- I have been ministered to encouraged… by this group… and we have been blessed as a church… This verse in Ephesians gives us much hope… as we get older we begin to wonder about our usefulness..
Power is
Dr Crandall who mentored us students in Bible College… He seemed old to me 20 years ago… but he is still firing on all eight cylinders… he is nearly 90 years old and is Still preaching at Time Square David Wilkensons Church… nearly 90 years old… I’ll never forget him telling us student that as Pastor we never retire we only Re-fire....
Still preaching at Time Square David Wilkensons Church… nearly 90 years old… As Christians we never retire we refire...
we assume maybe because our physical bodies are getting older…and intellectual growth may slow down…
Pauls second letter to the 2 Corrinthians 4:16 — Even though outward man is perishing the inner man is being renewed day by day
--- Even though young men faint and fall that those who wait on the the Lord will renew their strength...
“He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak”
Paul prays that we would be Strengthened in the Inner man.. That it is not our power but God’s power.... God’s ability… supernatural power that is working...
.
God is not only at work in us, He is continuously (or, if you prefer, “perpetually”) at work in us.
We know this from the tense of the verb in verse 13. Tenses are really important in the New Testament. The tense of the verb “works” is the present continuous tense, which just means that this is something God is doing all the time. He never ceases, either day or night (). God knows no “age of retirement,” so He is as active in us when we are eighty as when we were eighteen.
Paul Prays that we will..
2. Experience Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith.
2. That
We need the HS to expand the experience with God… but it is not just an experience… Our experience is always grounded in Truth… If we have the word with out the spirit we are going to dry up… If we have the spirit without the word we are going to blow up… but if we have the spirit and the word we will grow up.
in love…
Not flimsy Emotional Faith — Paul say being Rooted and Ground in love… Paul uses these two metaphors—one agricultural (“rooted”) and the other architectural (“established”)—as a reminder of the stability that Christ provides...
Buildings are not completed in an instant, nor do buildings build themselves; they are constructed by conscious planning and work.
Paul uses these two metaphors—one agricultural (“rooted”) and the other architectural (“established”)—as a reminder of the stability that Christ provides
We need to experience Christ… but it is always grounded in love…
Grounded experience comes with Comprehension
Comprehend with all the saints… knowledge of God’s wisdom and God’s love…that is found in Salvation… We are given four Dimensions of Love and wisdom of God...
length - wisdom and love of God…
There is Breadth — wisdom and love..
hight - wisdom and love of God
depth… wisdom and love of God
The Message Chapter 3

take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God

The goal is to Experience the fulness of Christ…
He approaches prayer on his knees… Bows his knee before the Father… before the creator of every family on earth is named.
knowledge… but the goal is to know the love of Christ that Surpassed knowledge… Why?
but the goal is to know the love of Christ that Surpassed knowledge… Why?
So that you will be filled with the fullness of God....
Ephesians 3:19 ESV
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now the NAS versions says...

filled up to all the fullness of God

illustration
When you fall in love with someone you want to know everything about that person… What is their favorite color is?… what their favorite foods are.... what they enjoy doing? what they laugh at? You are curious about that person… That is what drives us to the Bible… we want to know more about God… and the more of his word the more knowledge we have of his attributes… But it is not enough… There is the sense of knowing and be known by someone… It’s when you have been with someone long enough that you finish each others sentences… You enjoy being with that person… there is the sense of being with God… sense of Abiding… The Bible tells us that two become one flesh..
But at the deeper level there is
implementation
How do we develop this kind of relationship with God… Getting to know the person of the Holy Spirit...
Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is a comforter and advocate (), empowers believers (), illuminates the hearts of believers (), and convicts believers (). The Holy Spirit instructs (), lifts up Jesus (), and gives good gifts ().
We need to consistently ask the Lord to allow the Holy Spirit to be mirrored in our lives.
ingression
inspiration
interconnection

Alone with God The Reason

The Pony Express was a private express company that carried mail by an organized relay of horseback riders. The eastern end was St. Joseph, Missouri, and the western terminal was in Sacramento, California. The cost of sending a letter by Pony Express was $2.50 an ounce. If the weather and horses held out and the Indians held off, that letter would complete the entire two-thousand-mile journey in a speedy ten days, as did the report of Lincoln’s inaugural address.

It may surprise you that the Pony Express was only in operation from April 3, 1860 to November 18, 1861—just seventeen months. When the telegraph line was completed between the two cities, the service was no longer needed.

Being a rider for the Pony Express was a tough job. You were expected to ride seventy-five to one hundred miles a day, changing horses every fifteen to twenty-five miles. Other than the mail, the only baggage you carried contained a few provisions, including a kit of flour, cornmeal, and bacon. In case of danger, you also had a medical pack of turpentine, borax, and cream of tartar. In order to travel light and to increase speed of mobility during Indian attacks, the men always rode in shirt-sleeves, even during the fierce winter weather.

How would you recruit volunteers for this hazardous job? An 1860 San Francisco newspaper printed this ad for the Pony Express: “WANTED: Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk daily. Orphans preferred.”

emploration...
Gordon McDonald in his book “Going the distance,” tells the story when he first ran track in prep school, his coach invited him to his home for dinner. After the meal, he pulled out a notebook with Gordons name on the the front cover. He turned to the back page, which bore the heading “June 1957”—three and a half years away. He said to,
“Gordon, these are the races I’m going to schedule you to run about four years from now. Here are the times you will achieve.”
Gordon looked at those times. They were light-years away from where I was as a runner. Then Coach began turning back the pages of that book, page by page, showing the forty-two months he had scheduled for workouts. These were the graduated, accelerated plans for my increasing skill on the track in the coming months.
God is at work in us..

What God chooses, He cleanses.

What God cleanses, He molds.

What God molds, He fills.

What God fills, He uses.

J. S. Baxter662

This morning sermon comes to us with a challenge… Paul prayer for the Church to know Christ in a fuller way… That we may know God’s power that is at work… That we might know the God who does more than we could ever imagine or expect… The God power…
Paul knew the importance of Prayer and the need for the Holy Spirit… When we spend time with God we are actually building up reserves… margins… or surplus..
Surplus means having more than enough, extra, over the top. Surplus is the space between yourself and your limit. When you reach the limit of your spiritual resources, you will begin to live from the place of your emotions. This is a sure way to burn out.
John 7:37–38 ESV
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ”
Life Changing Leadership 9. Leadership Teams Guard the Atmosphere

Surplus means having more than enough, extra, over the top. Surplus is the space between yourself and your limit. When you reach the limit of your spiritual resources, you will begin to lead out of emotions. This is a sure way to burn out. We lead as spiritual leaders, leading out of our spiritual overflow (see John 7:37-38).

Paul Knew that we can increase his surplus with more presence of the HS… Deeper praying...
The God of Elijah --- That when He prayed in the face of all the Baal worshippers… That God consumed His sacrifice...
There are some us that are sick and we need healing… Maybe we have forgotten that God is our healer.. He is the God who heals all of our diseases..
Doxology
Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eph
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