: Paul contrasts the condition of believers and unbelievers in the word-this week we will focus on the state or condition of humanity apart from Christ - unbelievers
: Perseverance is yet another way and means by which we grow and mature spiritually-believers are to stand strong, firm, persevere , not give up in the midst of pushback and the difficulties of life
continuing on our miniseries "Ways and Means by Which We Grow and Mature as Believers" -we grow and mature as believers by learning to control our thoughts and speech
We will begin looking at the ways and means by which we as believers grow and mature spiritually-this week...the primary way and means...the Word of God-there is a direct correlation between the level with which believers are thoroughly famil
: Eph. 4:1-6 emphasises the importance of relationships n the church and how we are to treat one another-it is a powerful deterrent to Satan's schemes and a powerful witness for Christ when we treat one another according to this admonishment
: to live a life worthy of our calling we are to "be gentle"-it's somewhat different than our understanding of the english word gently-this word means "power under control" :restrained"
last week Paul begged the Ephesian believers to live up to their calling-this week he begins detailing what that entails-first thing is a proper understanding of who we are
: now that you know your position and who you are in Chris (Eph. 1-3)-now that you know the high calling of God in Christ...live lives worthy of that position...of that person who you are...of that calling
Lofty words from Paul depicting the deep intimate relationship of love between God and His people as he continues to pray for the Ephesians...that they will experience the "fullness of Christ as a reality in their lives.
the power of God indwells all believers-Paul prays for the believers at Ephesus that they would experience the fullness of God's power in their livesClosing Application - corporate altar call...I will pray the prayer of Paul over those who re