Signup for Weekly Newsletter Are we truly living out our faith, or are we just accumulating knowledge without genuine action? Join us on "The Takeaway" as Pastor Harry Behrens delves into the profound significance of praying for God to equip the church for ministry, drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23. We discuss Paul's gratitude for the faith of the Ephesians and reflect on the necessity of embodying our beliefs through authentic actions. With a thought-provoking examination of modern churches, Pastor Behrens challenges us to evaluate whether we practice what we preach and maintain genuine connections with our faith communities.
In this episode, we also explore the divine role in leading us to faith, as underscored by the power that raised Christ from the dead, which is now at work within believers. Highlighting the importance of belonging to a unified body of Christ, Pastor Behrens emphasizes active participation in a Bible-teaching, God-fearing church. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 10:24-25, we discuss the gifts and roles each believer brings to the table, encouraging listeners to embrace their God-given purpose. Tune in to discover how you can foster genuine relationships and authentically live out your faith within your community.
Signup for Weekly Newsletter Are we truly living out our faith, or are we just accumulating knowledge without genuine action? Join us on "The Takeaway" as Pastor Harry Behrens delves into the profound significance of praying for God to equip the church for ministry, drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23. We discuss Paul's gratitude for the faith of the Ephesians and reflect on the necessity of embodying our beliefs through authentic actions. With a thought-provoking examination of modern churches, Pastor Behrens challenges us to evaluate whether we practice what we preach and maintain genuine connections with our faith communities.
In this episode, we also explore the divine role in leading us to faith, as underscored by the power that raised Christ from the dead, which is now at work within believers. Highlighting the importance of belonging to a unified body of Christ, Pastor Behrens emphasizes active participation in a Bible-teaching, God-fearing church. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and Hebrews 10:24-25, we discuss the gifts and roles each believer brings to the table, encouraging listeners to embrace their God-given purpose. Tune in to discover how you can foster genuine relationships and authentically live out your faith within your community.
Hello, welcome back to the Takeaway. I'm your host, pastor Harry Behrens, and in today's episode we are going to discuss the importance of praying for God to equip the church for effective ministry as we explore Ephesians, chapter 1, verses 15 to 23. In our previous episode, we talked about the purpose of God choosing us. We saw that each of us has a specific and meaningful purpose given to us by God, predetermined before the foundations of the world. Being chosen by the one true God and being told that we are a treasure to Him, valuable beyond measure, should bring us great joy. Now, continuing with that thought, paul gives thanks for God's elect and asks Him to supply us with all wisdom, understanding and power from the Holy Spirit, so that we would know what God has in store for us and that we would live a life that glorifies him. Now, starting at Ephesians, chapter 1, verses 15.
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Their faith wasn't just a motto or a sign hung outside a building to explain who they were or who they hope to be. Have you noticed how many churches have names like faith, hope or love in their titles? It seems that these names are chosen not to reflect who they are, but who they aspire to be. They want the world to know that they are a church striving after these ideals. The problem is that often these churches don't fully embody the qualities represented in their names. There is usually little evidence of these qualities beyond a hope that they exist. They create programs and teach about these qualities as if they will automatically produce the life they seek. The leaders often try to guide others on a path they have not yet submitted to themselves.
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Unless we live according to God's will, we cannot grow beyond our current state. For example, if you aspire to become a doctor and enroll in medical school to learn everything about the profession, you will soon realize that the vastness of medical knowledge means that you can never know everything. This is why doctors specialize in different fields. However, if you believe you must know everything before becoming a doctor, you will never leave school and never put your knowledge into practice, thus never achieving your goal. As Christians, we should immediately start putting into practice what we know, no matter how little that knowledge is. This is the way to show that we are true believers. We practice what we preach or, in this case, what we know. Then we can continue to learn and grow, or, as I like to say, we learn on the job.
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The problem is that many believers in the church feel they don't know enough to start taking action and they end up being people who seek knowledge for its own sake, never becoming what they had hoped to be. 2 Timothy 3.7 says they are always learning and never able to arrive at the knowledge of the truth. They never arrive at the truth because they never apply what they have learned. Instead, we are told that these individuals have a different problem 2 Timothy 3.1-6. But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty, for people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable slanders without self-control, brutal but not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people, for among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at the knowledge of the truth. Wow, that was really eye-opening. How many people do you know who go to church on Sundays and seem to have it all together but never really actually go out into the world to spread the message of Christ. Many only talk about Jesus when someone else brings it up, but then quickly steer the conversation back to worldly matters. We all know these people.
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Paul told Timothy that these were deceitful individuals who were not genuine in their faith. Despite their outward appearance, they are everywhere driven by selfish motives and taking advantage of others. Instead, we should live out our faith as Paul instructed the Ephesians, which was the very reason he gave thanks for them. Their genuineness came from their actions, not just their knowledge. Ephesians 1.16. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Now, do we pray for each other by name, or do we simply pray about our problems and everything we need help with? Do we even take time to give thanks for all that God is doing in and through us, as we should take time to give thanks for all that God is doing in and through us, as we should?
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Paul first recognized their faith. Then he gave thanks for it. This should be the same for us and for those around us who are living genuine lives of faith. We are to uphold them in prayer by name, giving thanks for them constantly, as they are God's workmanship and we benefit from that. These people pray for us, encourage us, help us, teach us and love us unconditionally. Do you pray for them? Do you even have these kinds of people in your life? If not, you might want to reevaluate the individuals you spend time with.
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Acts 20, 36-38, and when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all, and there was much weeping on the part of elders while they prayed for him. They all knew that this would be their final farewell and the emotions ran deep. The bond between Paul and the church in Ephesus was incredibly strong, and the thought of leaving them was unbearable for Paul. He cared for them deeply and knew that returning to Ephesus would make it nearly impossible for him to leave again. This is why he arranged to meet the elders in Miletus before embarking on his journey to Jerusalem.
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Paul's profound love for the church in Ephesus serves as a powerful example of the kind of love and connection we should strive for in our own relationships Now. Do we feel genuine empathy for one another when someone departs? Do we truly show love and support for our pastors, or do we simply expect them to be the sole source of love and care. As J Vernon McGee once stated, the measure of a church is in how well they demonstrate love and support for their pastor. Here is a powerful reminder of the importance of love within a church community. Does your church love well? If not, why?
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My wife and I embarked on a new journey three years ago by starting a home church. Following nearly 20 years of ministry, the love and support we have found within this small group of individuals are unparalleled. We are deeply involved in each other's lives, offering prayers and care whenever needed. The love and unity within our group is truly exceptional and unlike anything I have experienced elsewhere. This is the kind of love and support we should all strive for within our church families. However, it's disheartening that we live in a society dominated by megachurches that often feel more like entertainment venues than intimate family gatherings. While concerts can be uplifting for collective worship and spreading the message of faith, it's the intimate family gatherings that provide the nurturing and support needed to thrive. This is how Jesus intended for his church to function a community where individuals are known and loved, rather than a place where you remain a stranger in a crowd.
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Moving on to Ephesians, chapter 1, verses 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. J Vernon McGee again said the Father planned it, jesus paid for it and the Spirit protects it. The triune God, consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, operates collectively as one unified entity. Each member of the Godhead has a distinct role and purpose within the church, working in harmony for the benefit of believers. It is truly awe-inspiring to consider that God orchestrates all things for His ultimate good, enabling us to lead meaningful and impactful lives that bring honor to Him. From the very outset, the Father intended to reveal His glory through the church. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem and sanctify the church, while the Holy Spirit empowers believers to emulate Christ's love, ultimately bringing glory to the Father. Through this divine process, we find unity in him and our source of joy is derived from his presence.
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John 17, 20-21,. Do not ask for these only, but also for those who believe in me. The idea that we are one in Jesus just as he is in the Father is truly mind-blowing. It's a concept that we should continuously ponder and seek to comprehend. This is where our ultimate joy lies, concealed within him. Colossians 3, 3-4. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
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Moving on to Ephesians 1.18. The phrase that we may know refers to a form of understanding that comes from the heart. That we may know refers to a form of understanding that comes from the heart rather than being purely intellectual in nature Romans 10, 9-10. Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
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You don't come to believe in God through your own competence or unique abilities. Instead, it is God who removes the veil from your heart, allowing you to see what has been there all along Ephesians 1, 19-20 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. The immeasurable power that raised Christ from the dead is also at work within you. If this power was able to raise Christ, it is certainly capable of raising us as well, as long as we have faith in him. Moreover, we are not only raised up with him, but we are also seated with him in the heavenly realm. All because of the incredible power of God and his boundless grace towards us. Ephesians 2, 4-6,. But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace, you have been saved and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is not something we have earned or deserve, but rather it is a reflection of God's immeasurable greatness. Ultimately, all of this is done so that God may be glorified through the praise that emanates from us.
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Again, moving on to Ephesians 1.21. Jesus is and will always be the only name above all names. Ephesians 1.22. Jesus is the head of the church, guiding and working through it. When we carry out good deeds that honor God, it is not ourselves but Jesus who is working within us. John 14, 26. 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.
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Ephesians 1.23,. Which is his body, the fullness of him, who fills all in all. Remember this the church is the body of Christ and it is to be the full expression of Christ. We are the physical manifestation of Jesus in this world until he returns. This is how the church functions, not as separate individuals, but as a unified entity, just as we are unified in him. If you believe that the Christian life is meant to be lived in isolation, then you are mistaken. Hebrews 10, 24-25.
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And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. We need to surround ourselves with faithful, loving, encouraging and, above all else, bible-believing, god-fearing Christians. This is part of God's plan and Jesus paid a high price for it. When we try to go it alone, we grieve him. Ephesians 4.30. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Each of us is a part of a larger body meant to work together. Imagine cutting off your ear so that you couldn't hear, or cutting off your foot so you couldn't walk. That's what happens when we try to go solo in the body of Christ. We need to stop worrying about what others are or aren't doing and focus on being what we are called to be and encouraging others to do the same.
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Saying I believe in God but not in the church is a sad and disgraceful statement. The church is part of the Father's plan, paid for by Jesus' blood and empowered by His Spirit to glorify God. Living within the design of the church brings life, excitement, joy and satisfaction, leading to praise that glorifies the One who paid for us. All of this is made possible by the empowering spirit of God who lives in us. 1 Corinthians 12, 12-20. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ, for in one spirit we were all baptized into one body, jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and all were made to drink of one spirit. For the body does not consist of one member, but of many, if the foot should say because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, because I am not an eye, do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, god arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be as it is? There are many parts, yet one body.
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Take some time today to reflect on your role within the body of Christ. Recognize that you are an essential part and have a specific purpose within the body. It's important to be actively involved in a Bible-teaching, god-fearing church where good leaders will guide and equip you for the Christian life. If you find that your current leaders are not providing the necessary support, seek out leaders who are dedicated to equipping and nurturing the members of the church. Remember, leaders are a blessing from God to the church and their role is to equip and serve the members of the church. Remember, leaders are a blessing from God to the church and their role is to equip and serve the congregation.
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Ephesians 4, 11-16,. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind and doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him, who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Let's pray, father, god, thank you so much for this message today. We thank you for your word, god, thank you so much for this message today. We thank you for your word, father. We thank you for the plan of salvation, of redemption, for your promises that you have seated us on high with Christ Jesus in the heavenly places. Jesus, thank you for paying the ultimate price with your blood. Thank you for indwelling us with your Holy Spirit and empowering us to overcome the sins in our flesh and in this lost world, to overcome the temptations, the trials and tribulations that are laid before us, that our faith may be refined and that we may grow. Father, I pray for our listeners today that their hearts would be stirred to become part of a church that teaches your word, every part of it, god, and that they would apply their gifts to help the saints grow, that they would realize that their lives are not their own, that you paid a great price for them to be part of a family that they should be a part of, where they could be equipped and they could be loved and they can pour out that which you have given them onto others. Father, we love you and we thank you in Jesus' name, amen. I want to thank you for joining us today and I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you have a better understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know him.
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In our next episode, we're going to transition from discussing God's plan of salvation to what he has saved us from in chapter 2 of Ephesians. Throughout Paul's letter, he uses strong language such as death, election, adoption and enslavement to emphasize his point. As we will discover, we were spiritually dead in our sins and completely powerless. Our desires before being adopted into God's kingdom revolved around pursuing the passions of our flesh. Paul began his letter by asserting that God is in control, and now he will further illustrate that we were completely out of control. There was nothing we could do to save ourselves. Just as dead men cannot bring themselves back to life, we were unable to choose our own salvation. Understanding our sinful state allows us to humble ourselves and genuinely repent, as it opens our eyes to the truth.
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