WEBVTT 00:00:05.477 --> 00:00:08.113 I want you to open your Bibles if you would tonight 00:00:08.113 --> 00:00:15.599 to Ephesians 3. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:19.043 You certainly appreciate this more sure word of prophecy 00:00:19.043 --> 00:00:20.532 as much as I do, 00:00:20.532 --> 00:00:23.502 or you would not be here tonight. 00:00:23.502 --> 00:00:24.982 And with that said, 00:00:24.982 --> 00:00:28.482 I want to delve into one of Paul's prayers 00:00:28.482 --> 00:00:30.261 that he has recorded for us in the 00:00:30.261 --> 00:00:33.084 holy Scriptures for us tonight. 00:00:33.084 --> 00:00:35.759 I want you to look with me here at Ephesians 3. 00:00:35.759 --> 00:00:37.257 I'm just going to read the text 00:00:37.257 --> 00:00:42.045 from verse 14 through the end of the chapter. 00:00:42.045 --> 00:00:45.235 A rich epistle it is. 00:00:45.235 --> 00:00:48.345 And Paul bears his heart. 00:00:48.345 --> 00:00:50.775 Verse 14 00:00:50.775 --> 00:00:53.023 "For this reason, I bow my knees 00:00:53.023 --> 00:00:56.684 to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:00:56.684 --> 00:00:58.386 from whom the whole family 00:00:58.386 --> 00:01:00.930 in heaven and earth is named. 00:01:00.930 --> 00:01:02.386 That He would grant you 00:01:02.386 --> 00:01:05.626 according to the riches of His glory 00:01:05.626 --> 00:01:08.083 to be strengthened with might 00:01:08.083 --> 00:01:12.185 through His Spirit in the inner man, 00:01:12.185 --> 00:01:13.757 that Christ may dwell in your 00:01:13.757 --> 00:01:16.083 hearts through faith; 00:01:16.083 --> 00:01:20.999 that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 00:01:20.999 --> 00:01:24.571 may be able to comprehend with all the saints 00:01:24.571 --> 00:01:29.124 what is the width and length and depth and height 00:01:29.124 --> 00:01:30.892 and to know the love of Christ 00:01:30.892 --> 00:01:33.174 which passes knowledge, 00:01:33.174 --> 00:01:34.372 that you may be filled 00:01:34.372 --> 00:01:37.954 with all the fullness of God. 00:01:37.954 --> 00:01:39.542 Now to Him who is able to do 00:01:39.542 --> 00:01:41.601 exceedingly, abundantly 00:01:41.601 --> 00:01:44.946 above all that we could ask or think, 00:01:44.946 --> 00:01:48.401 according to the power that works in us, 00:01:48.401 --> 00:01:51.156 to Him be glory in the church 00:01:51.156 --> 00:01:54.583 by Christ Jesus to all generations 00:01:54.583 --> 00:01:58.462 forever and ever, Amen. 00:01:58.462 --> 00:02:02.205 Let's pray once again together. 00:02:02.205 --> 00:02:03.767 Father, You know how desparately 00:02:03.767 --> 00:02:08.053 we need a visitation from You, 00:02:08.053 --> 00:02:10.433 and when we look at this prayer, 00:02:10.433 --> 00:02:12.530 we see one of the most astounding 00:02:12.530 --> 00:02:16.608 implications is that this is really 00:02:16.608 --> 00:02:21.702 the essence of revival praying. 00:02:21.702 --> 00:02:25.682 This is what the church needs 00:02:25.682 --> 00:02:27.399 to bring it to a dimension 00:02:27.399 --> 00:02:30.215 of spiritual reality that sadly 00:02:30.215 --> 00:02:32.994 in most circles today has been 00:02:32.994 --> 00:02:35.479 long forgotten. 00:02:35.479 --> 00:02:36.906 We would ask tonight that 00:02:36.906 --> 00:02:39.400 You might draw near 00:02:39.400 --> 00:02:42.063 and speak to us. 00:02:42.063 --> 00:02:44.647 We know that our dependence 00:02:44.647 --> 00:02:48.062 must fall utterly upon You. 00:02:48.062 --> 00:02:49.982 There is nothing, 00:02:49.982 --> 00:02:51.688 even the best of men, 00:02:51.688 --> 00:02:56.286 could come and articulate Your truth tonight 00:02:56.286 --> 00:02:58.008 and perhaps we would be encouraged 00:02:58.008 --> 00:03:00.662 and intellectually stimulated, 00:03:00.662 --> 00:03:02.507 but our life would not experience 00:03:02.507 --> 00:03:05.665 an abiding, sustained change 00:03:05.665 --> 00:03:08.259 that would perpetuate Your glory, 00:03:08.259 --> 00:03:09.789 unless the Holy Spirit falls 00:03:09.789 --> 00:03:12.105 upon the place. 00:03:12.105 --> 00:03:13.265 So we would ask tonight 00:03:13.265 --> 00:03:16.961 that You would give us something 00:03:16.961 --> 00:03:19.429 that is experimental; 00:03:19.429 --> 00:03:24.566 that is profoundly full of reality; 00:03:24.566 --> 00:03:27.501 that Your people would be encouraged; 00:03:27.501 --> 00:03:29.200 that this would truly be a time 00:03:29.200 --> 00:03:33.347 of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 00:03:33.347 --> 00:03:35.701 Lord, we beg of You tonight, 00:03:35.701 --> 00:03:38.419 grant every lady, 00:03:38.419 --> 00:03:41.419 every man here, 00:03:41.419 --> 00:03:43.692 all the young people, 00:03:43.692 --> 00:03:46.191 a vision of Yourself, 00:03:46.191 --> 00:03:48.525 and such a work of Your Spirit, 00:03:48.525 --> 00:03:50.369 that would cause the truth 00:03:50.369 --> 00:03:53.260 to dance in our hearts. 00:03:53.260 --> 00:03:55.766 Please come tonight, 00:03:55.766 --> 00:03:58.208 and revive Your people. 00:03:58.208 --> 00:04:00.844 We ask in Christ's name, 00:04:00.844 --> 00:04:03.670 Amen. 00:04:03.670 --> 00:04:06.088 In the way of introduction here tonight, 00:04:06.088 --> 00:04:07.922 it is interesting that the preface 00:04:07.922 --> 00:04:10.720 of Paul's prayer for the Ephesians 00:04:10.720 --> 00:04:13.258 begins with a reason. 00:04:13.258 --> 00:04:15.092 He says, "for this reason," 00:04:15.092 --> 00:04:17.958 back in verse 14. 00:04:17.958 --> 00:04:19.595 Commentators, quite honestly, 00:04:19.595 --> 00:04:23.452 are divided upon what the reason is. 00:04:23.452 --> 00:04:25.107 There are some that believe that 00:04:25.107 --> 00:04:26.839 the reason is that Paul said, 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:29.361 "I'm held captive," is for preaching 00:04:29.361 --> 00:04:32.559 the Gospel and the benefits 00:04:32.559 --> 00:04:35.751 that it produces for the Gentiles. 00:04:35.751 --> 00:04:38.007 Other commentators believe that the reason 00:04:38.007 --> 00:04:39.740 speaks of the advantage 00:04:39.740 --> 00:04:41.002 that the Gospel affords 00:04:41.002 --> 00:04:43.528 those who are despairing. 00:04:43.528 --> 00:04:45.200 As Paul has weathered the storm, 00:04:45.200 --> 00:04:47.436 as he's endured persecution, 00:04:47.436 --> 00:04:49.640 he's drawing from the Gospel 00:04:49.640 --> 00:04:51.973 as a divine buoy to buoy him up 00:04:51.973 --> 00:04:55.377 in the midst of his adversities. 00:04:55.377 --> 00:04:57.302 Now, in the line of all that the Father 00:04:57.302 --> 00:04:59.263 of the Lord Jesus Christ has taken 00:04:59.263 --> 00:05:01.564 the initiative to accomplish 00:05:01.564 --> 00:05:04.212 both for Jew and Gentile. 00:05:04.212 --> 00:05:06.392 Paul is moved to drop to his knees 00:05:06.392 --> 00:05:08.771 as you read on. 00:05:08.771 --> 00:05:11.569 And pray that the benefits of the Gospel 00:05:11.569 --> 00:05:13.572 might be fully grasped by the saints 00:05:13.572 --> 00:05:15.446 at Ephesus. 00:05:15.446 --> 00:05:19.480 His posture in prayer, brethren, is no sham. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:22.599 It's not a hypocritical gesture. 00:05:22.599 --> 00:05:25.780 It is full of reality. 00:05:25.780 --> 00:05:28.758 He is in dead earnest here. 00:05:28.758 --> 00:05:31.149 As he expresses his heart in dropping 00:05:31.149 --> 00:05:34.214 before God and uttering a plea 00:05:34.214 --> 00:05:37.933 from the uttermost depths of his heart. 00:05:37.933 --> 00:05:39.643 The prayer here that he prays 00:05:39.643 --> 00:05:43.562 possesses both petition and praise. 00:05:43.562 --> 00:05:45.089 Paul requests that the Ephesians 00:05:45.089 --> 00:05:48.412 might be strengthened with might 00:05:48.412 --> 00:05:50.389 through the Spirit 00:05:50.389 --> 00:05:52.374 in the inner man. 00:05:52.374 --> 00:05:53.913 And then he goes on to express 00:05:53.913 --> 00:05:56.418 his benediction in prayer 00:05:56.418 --> 00:05:58.624 as he tells who is able to do 00:05:58.624 --> 00:06:00.255 exceedingly, abundantly above 00:06:00.255 --> 00:06:05.377 all that we could ever ask or think. 00:06:05.377 --> 00:06:07.315 This afternoon, we will only look at 00:06:07.315 --> 00:06:10.168 Paul's petition. 00:06:10.168 --> 00:06:13.022 You'll notice in verse 15 now, 00:06:13.022 --> 00:06:15.928 it reveals the impartiality of God 00:06:15.928 --> 00:06:17.793 as He is a Father 00:06:17.793 --> 00:06:20.946 both to Jew and to Gentile. 00:06:20.946 --> 00:06:22.930 From both groups, 00:06:22.930 --> 00:06:24.328 the Scripture here says 00:06:24.328 --> 00:06:26.120 He has called His elect 00:06:26.120 --> 00:06:29.385 and united them as the whole family 00:06:29.385 --> 00:06:31.808 in heaven and earth. 00:06:31.808 --> 00:06:33.869 Therefore, listen: 00:06:33.869 --> 00:06:36.812 the phrase refers to a common bond 00:06:36.812 --> 00:06:38.864 of all who have been reconciled 00:06:38.864 --> 00:06:41.440 with the Father through Christ. 00:06:41.440 --> 00:06:43.335 It does not refer to God giving 00:06:43.335 --> 00:06:47.614 each of His children individual names. 00:06:47.614 --> 00:06:52.310 Rather, it speaks of all God's children, 00:06:52.310 --> 00:06:54.627 whether Jew or Gentile. 00:06:54.627 --> 00:06:57.343 Whether they are in heaven or earth, 00:06:57.343 --> 00:06:59.842 being under the same Father, 00:06:59.842 --> 00:07:01.948 and in other words, He says 00:07:01.948 --> 00:07:05.192 that all are the same spiritual faith family 00:07:05.192 --> 00:07:10.637 that are under the name of the Lord God. 00:07:10.637 --> 00:07:13.492 Al Barnes made this statement: 00:07:13.492 --> 00:07:15.531 "The expression is taken from the 00:07:15.531 --> 00:07:17.698 custom in a family, 00:07:17.698 --> 00:07:19.362 where all bear the name of the 00:07:19.362 --> 00:07:21.045 head of the family 00:07:21.045 --> 00:07:22.359 and the meaning is that 00:07:22.359 --> 00:07:24.858 all in heaven and on earth 00:07:24.858 --> 00:07:27.391 are united under one Head 00:07:27.391 --> 00:07:32.135 and constitute one faith community." 00:07:32.135 --> 00:07:34.524 Now we're laying a foundation. 00:07:34.524 --> 00:07:36.992 Please bear with me for a moment. 00:07:36.992 --> 00:07:39.050 When you look at Paul's petition here, 00:07:39.050 --> 00:07:40.726 you might get the impression that 00:07:40.726 --> 00:07:42.918 he's asking multiple blessings 00:07:42.918 --> 00:07:45.523 for the Ephesians. 00:07:45.523 --> 00:07:47.839 But it's interesting, 00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:51.344 he's only petitioning God for one thing: 00:07:51.344 --> 00:07:54.397 that they might be strengthened with might 00:07:54.397 --> 00:07:57.959 through the Spirit, in the inner man. 00:07:57.959 --> 00:08:00.608 The petition is that the inner man 00:08:00.608 --> 00:08:03.206 of every believer would be quickened 00:08:03.206 --> 00:08:07.043 to grasp this request. 00:08:07.043 --> 00:08:09.611 The saints in Ephesus. 00:08:09.611 --> 00:08:13.231 That they would encounter four 00:08:13.231 --> 00:08:15.900 spiritual entities. 00:08:15.900 --> 00:08:18.143 These are blessed things. 00:08:18.143 --> 00:08:22.886 Namely, that Christ would dwell in their hearts. 00:08:22.886 --> 00:08:26.872 That they would be rooted and grounded in love. 00:08:26.872 --> 00:08:31.210 And that they might know the love of Christ 00:08:31.210 --> 00:08:34.110 that surpasses intellect. 00:08:34.110 --> 00:08:36.491 That they might know it in their heart, 00:08:36.491 --> 00:08:38.351 this spiritual reality, 00:08:38.351 --> 00:08:40.793 and then a total domination of God 00:08:40.793 --> 00:08:43.826 in all of life. 00:08:43.826 --> 00:08:46.394 We'll come back to that in a moment. 00:08:46.394 --> 00:08:48.218 But you'll note, brethren, 00:08:48.218 --> 00:08:51.373 that while Paul never uses the term "revival," 00:08:51.373 --> 00:08:55.445 he is describing the nature of one. 00:08:55.445 --> 00:08:57.791 For these four things, 00:08:57.791 --> 00:09:01.335 they are the result of being strengthened with might 00:09:01.335 --> 00:09:04.722 by God's Spirit, are characteristic 00:09:04.722 --> 00:09:07.998 of global awakenings in the history 00:09:07.998 --> 00:09:09.638 of the church. 00:09:09.638 --> 00:09:12.274 For example, you see that he mentions 00:09:12.274 --> 00:09:15.074 a greater dimension of love, 00:09:15.074 --> 00:09:17.297 both in love for others 00:09:17.297 --> 00:09:21.684 and the Father's love for us. 00:09:21.684 --> 00:09:24.519 Often in church history, 00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:26.346 great times of revival, 00:09:26.346 --> 00:09:29.039 times of spiritual awakening 00:09:29.039 --> 00:09:32.669 are described as showers or 00:09:32.669 --> 00:09:35.168 torrents of love. 00:09:35.168 --> 00:09:36.980 Love for God. 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:39.178 Love for the saints. 00:09:39.178 --> 00:09:41.600 Love for the unregenerate. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:46.170 It's characterized by showers of love. 00:09:46.170 --> 00:09:48.164 So with that said tonight, 00:09:48.164 --> 00:09:51.267 let me share with you three things. 00:09:51.267 --> 00:09:52.828 First of all, 00:09:52.828 --> 00:10:00.246 the desperate need for effectual prayer. 00:10:00.246 --> 00:10:02.651 Paul is in earnest, 00:10:02.651 --> 00:10:05.064 in Ephesians 3:14, 00:10:05.064 --> 00:10:07.821 "For this reason, I bow my knees 00:10:07.821 --> 00:10:10.341 to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," 00:10:10.341 --> 00:10:11.761 and then verse 16, 00:10:11.761 --> 00:10:14.712 "that He would grant you..." 00:10:14.712 --> 00:10:16.913 Now, brothers and sisters, 00:10:16.913 --> 00:10:18.836 I remind you that the apostle 00:10:18.836 --> 00:10:23.602 was a praying man. 00:10:23.602 --> 00:10:25.361 He was a living epistle 00:10:25.361 --> 00:10:28.331 of intercessory prayer. 00:10:28.331 --> 00:10:30.626 He was aware that he had written to them 00:10:30.626 --> 00:10:32.490 and prayed for them, 00:10:32.490 --> 00:10:35.859 that his prayer would not be in vain, 00:10:35.859 --> 00:10:38.223 because he depended on the Holy Spirit 00:10:38.223 --> 00:10:40.797 to strengthen them to lay hold of 00:10:40.797 --> 00:10:43.668 these glorious realities. 00:10:43.668 --> 00:10:45.403 But he prayed. 00:10:45.403 --> 00:10:48.587 Spurgeon said that prayer is the rope 00:10:48.587 --> 00:10:52.822 that rings the bell in the ear of God. 00:10:52.822 --> 00:10:55.156 Someone defined intercession years ago 00:10:55.156 --> 00:10:57.402 as a ballistic missile that can be launched 00:10:57.402 --> 00:10:58.723 from a launching pad 00:10:58.723 --> 00:11:00.323 no larger than a place to kneel, 00:11:00.323 --> 00:11:02.244 travel at the speed of thought, 00:11:02.244 --> 00:11:05.903 land precisely on target thousands of miles away, 00:11:05.903 --> 00:11:08.438 and there is no defense against it. 00:11:08.438 --> 00:11:11.268 It's prayer. 00:11:11.268 --> 00:11:14.006 Are you a praying person? 00:11:14.006 --> 00:11:16.483 Are you a praying man? 00:11:16.483 --> 00:11:19.379 Now here's something that's interesting. 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:22.151 With all of his credentials, 00:11:22.151 --> 00:11:23.707 with all of his ministerial 00:11:23.707 --> 00:11:26.228 and spiritual pedigree, 00:11:26.228 --> 00:11:29.448 Paul knew that that was not sufficient 00:11:29.448 --> 00:11:33.390 to bring about a work of God. 00:11:33.390 --> 00:11:37.373 He cast himself upon God in prayer. 00:11:37.373 --> 00:11:39.281 Here's a thought: 00:11:39.281 --> 00:11:41.528 Do we pray? 00:11:41.528 --> 00:11:43.313 Do we know anything of our own 00:11:43.313 --> 00:11:45.436 utter weakness? 00:11:45.436 --> 00:11:47.699 Is our prayerless an acknowledgement 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:49.369 that we are too dependent 00:11:49.369 --> 00:11:52.192 on ourselves? 00:11:52.192 --> 00:11:54.073 Let me remind you 00:11:54.073 --> 00:11:57.646 that prayer is the language of the poor, 00:11:57.646 --> 00:12:00.036 the poverty stricken. 00:12:00.036 --> 00:12:02.520 And those who posture themselves 00:12:02.520 --> 00:12:04.442 as beggars, 00:12:04.442 --> 00:12:07.702 win the heart of God in prayer. 00:12:07.702 --> 00:12:09.853 You see, Paul prayed, 00:12:09.853 --> 00:12:12.093 and he prayed often. 00:12:12.093 --> 00:12:15.478 You find his ongoing pleas 00:12:15.478 --> 00:12:18.391 for the Ephesian saints are revealed 00:12:18.391 --> 00:12:22.624 in this epistle alone. 00:12:22.624 --> 00:12:25.233 Consider how he often prays. 00:12:25.233 --> 00:12:29.885 He prayed for them in Ephesians 1:16-23 00:12:29.885 --> 00:12:31.676 when he asked God to give them 00:12:31.676 --> 00:12:34.750 the Spirit of wisdom and revelation 00:12:34.750 --> 00:12:36.597 for their spiritual advantage 00:12:36.597 --> 00:12:38.435 and knowing what the hope 00:12:38.435 --> 00:12:39.780 of their calling was, 00:12:39.780 --> 00:12:41.159 the riches of the glory 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:42.526 of the inheritance, 00:12:42.526 --> 00:12:44.415 and the exceeding riches or 00:12:44.415 --> 00:12:46.155 greatness of His power 00:12:46.155 --> 00:12:48.135 toward them. 00:12:48.135 --> 00:12:49.453 Now listen, 00:12:49.453 --> 00:12:52.019 listen for a moment, 00:12:52.019 --> 00:12:55.418 he also prays here in Ephesians 3 00:12:55.418 --> 00:12:58.079 for their understanding. 00:12:58.079 --> 00:13:00.268 Through that understanding, 00:13:00.268 --> 00:13:02.740 there would be a divine enablement 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:05.201 wrought by the Holy Spirit, 00:13:05.201 --> 00:13:06.412 whereby they might be 00:13:06.412 --> 00:13:09.273 strengthened with might. 00:13:09.273 --> 00:13:11.384 And he's praying and believing God 00:13:11.384 --> 00:13:12.919 that they might grasp these 00:13:12.919 --> 00:13:15.562 glorious benefits, 00:13:15.562 --> 00:13:18.242 which are fourfold as a result 00:13:18.242 --> 00:13:20.008 of being strengthened, 00:13:20.008 --> 00:13:23.231 enabled by the Spirit. 00:13:23.231 --> 00:13:25.119 He prays again you find 00:13:25.119 --> 00:13:29.784 in Ephesians 6:18 for the saints. 00:13:29.784 --> 00:13:32.500 When he tells them that he's praying always 00:13:32.500 --> 00:13:35.454 with all prayer and supplication 00:13:35.454 --> 00:13:38.303 for all the saints. 00:13:38.303 --> 00:13:40.661 Brothers and sisters, 00:13:40.661 --> 00:13:46.651 we don't put on the whole armor of God 00:13:46.651 --> 00:13:49.834 just to overcome evil. 00:13:49.834 --> 00:13:51.730 We don't put on the whole armor of God 00:13:51.730 --> 00:13:54.204 to obtain some prized object 00:13:54.204 --> 00:13:57.276 that we're believing God for. 00:13:57.276 --> 00:13:59.938 That's a part of it. 00:13:59.938 --> 00:14:01.838 But you find in the context, 00:14:01.838 --> 00:14:03.123 the purpose of putting on 00:14:03.123 --> 00:14:04.826 the whole armor of God 00:14:04.826 --> 00:14:07.404 is to pray. 00:14:07.404 --> 00:14:11.741 To supplicate in prayer. 00:14:11.741 --> 00:14:14.192 This is the thing 00:14:14.192 --> 00:14:16.039 that we should underscore. 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:18.565 Listen, Paul prayed. 00:14:18.565 --> 00:14:20.799 He prayed because he recognized 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:24.060 his inability to effect change. 00:14:24.060 --> 00:14:25.589 And he prayed faithfully because 00:14:25.589 --> 00:14:28.711 he continued to be consciously aware 00:14:28.711 --> 00:14:32.394 of his own helplessness. 00:14:32.394 --> 00:14:34.905 You see, we pray by virtue 00:14:34.905 --> 00:14:37.645 of the fact that we recognize in some measure 00:14:37.645 --> 00:14:41.811 our utter helplessness before God. 00:14:41.811 --> 00:14:43.704 But the spiritually proud, 00:14:43.704 --> 00:14:46.012 the self-sufficient, 00:14:46.012 --> 00:14:49.399 find it very difficult to maintain continuity 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:52.006 when it comes to pleading before 00:14:52.006 --> 00:14:54.079 the throne of God. 00:14:54.079 --> 00:14:55.686 Paul prayed. 00:14:55.686 --> 00:14:59.246 He prayed earnestly for the Spirit. 00:14:59.246 --> 00:15:02.210 Listen, 00:15:02.210 --> 00:15:04.823 while we might not like to hear it, 00:15:04.823 --> 00:15:07.960 this I believe in our hour 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:11.110 is a tribute to self-sufficiency. 00:15:11.110 --> 00:15:13.514 Our own prayerlessness. 00:15:13.514 --> 00:15:16.051 Do you pray? 00:15:16.051 --> 00:15:19.035 Can you continue in prayer? 00:15:19.035 --> 00:15:20.274 Do you know anything 00:15:20.274 --> 00:15:24.375 of the prayer of importunity? 00:15:24.375 --> 00:15:26.395 Perhaps God many times uses 00:15:26.395 --> 00:15:27.827 the very ministry of prayer 00:15:27.827 --> 00:15:31.994 to wean us off of our own self 00:15:31.994 --> 00:15:34.831 and independence of Him in ministry. 00:15:34.831 --> 00:15:36.152 But there's a second thing 00:15:36.152 --> 00:15:38.201 I want you to see in the text. 00:15:38.201 --> 00:15:42.555 And that is in chapter 3:16. 00:15:42.555 --> 00:15:48.019 And that is the need of the Spirit's enablement. 00:15:48.019 --> 00:15:49.543 The Spirit's enablement. 00:15:49.543 --> 00:15:52.767 Notice once again the phrase, 00:15:52.767 --> 00:15:56.118 "to be strengthened with might 00:15:56.118 --> 00:16:01.514 through His Spirit." 00:16:01.514 --> 00:16:03.447 It's interesting. 00:16:03.447 --> 00:16:05.692 Throughout Paul's epistles, 00:16:05.692 --> 00:16:08.206 the churches and individuals 00:16:08.206 --> 00:16:10.852 he uses such phrases as, 00:16:10.852 --> 00:16:12.797 "by the Spirit," 00:16:12.797 --> 00:16:14.861 "through the Spirit," 00:16:14.861 --> 00:16:17.136 "in the Spirit." 00:16:17.136 --> 00:16:20.811 Do we know this type of prayer? 00:16:20.811 --> 00:16:25.640 To be utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit? 00:16:25.640 --> 00:16:28.887 He's dependent on the Father for his petitions, 00:16:28.887 --> 00:16:31.568 but he relies on the Holy Spirit 00:16:31.568 --> 00:16:33.945 to quicken those petitions in the hearts 00:16:33.945 --> 00:16:35.834 of his people. 00:16:35.834 --> 00:16:38.512 In Ephesians alone, you see 00:16:38.512 --> 00:16:41.409 the apostle's great consciousness 00:16:41.409 --> 00:16:43.618 of the Holy Spirit. 00:16:43.618 --> 00:16:47.697 For example, back in Ephesians 2:22, 00:16:47.697 --> 00:16:49.849 there he's speaking of the church, 00:16:49.849 --> 00:16:51.416 he says it's built together 00:16:51.416 --> 00:16:57.486 for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 00:16:57.486 --> 00:17:00.511 Ephesians 3:5 00:17:00.511 --> 00:17:03.295 He speaks of a revelation that comes 00:17:03.295 --> 00:17:05.509 by the Spirit to His holy 00:17:05.509 --> 00:17:08.418 apostles and prophets. 00:17:08.418 --> 00:17:11.298 In Ephesians 3:16, 00:17:11.298 --> 00:17:12.974 there is our text, 00:17:12.974 --> 00:17:14.843 to be strengthened with might 00:17:14.843 --> 00:17:18.248 by His Spirit in the inner man. 00:17:18.248 --> 00:17:20.727 Ephesians 4:3 00:17:20.727 --> 00:17:23.539 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:28.655 in the bond of peace. 00:17:28.655 --> 00:17:31.479 Look at Ephesians 6:17. 00:17:31.479 --> 00:17:34.571 There he speaks of the sword of the Spirit, 00:17:34.571 --> 00:17:37.675 which is the Word of God. 00:17:37.675 --> 00:17:39.553 And then the very next verse, 00:17:39.553 --> 00:17:41.767 verse 18, praying always with all 00:17:41.767 --> 00:17:47.127 prayer and supplication in the Spirit. 00:17:47.127 --> 00:17:49.447 I ask you tonight, friend, 00:17:49.447 --> 00:17:50.715 do you have an ongoing 00:17:50.715 --> 00:17:54.332 dependence upon the Holy Spirit? 00:17:54.332 --> 00:17:57.004 You say, well, I believe that I do. 00:17:57.004 --> 00:17:58.948 But once again, to reiterate 00:17:58.948 --> 00:18:01.541 what we've already covered. 00:18:01.541 --> 00:18:05.229 Is it reflected in prayer? 00:18:05.229 --> 00:18:07.720 Are you seeking Him because you know 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:11.398 that there is nothing that you could engineer? 00:18:11.398 --> 00:18:14.499 Nothing that you could mentally concoct 00:18:14.499 --> 00:18:16.553 that could really change the course 00:18:16.553 --> 00:18:19.687 of someone's life? 00:18:19.687 --> 00:18:21.603 God does all that He can to wean us, 00:18:21.603 --> 00:18:24.289 once again, off ourself to make us 00:18:24.289 --> 00:18:28.090 earnestly dependent upon the Holy Spirit. 00:18:28.090 --> 00:18:30.288 Listen to this. 00:18:30.288 --> 00:18:32.670 It was Ravenhill years ago who said 00:18:32.670 --> 00:18:35.564 God does not answer prayer; 00:18:35.564 --> 00:18:38.691 He answers desperate prayer. 00:18:38.691 --> 00:18:40.417 Do we know anything of the dimension 00:18:40.417 --> 00:18:43.271 of prayer of this sort? 00:18:43.271 --> 00:18:47.079 To be dead earnest in prayer. 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:48.873 The point I want to make 00:18:48.873 --> 00:18:50.403 is how desparately we need to be 00:18:50.403 --> 00:18:52.031 consciously aware 00:18:52.031 --> 00:18:53.426 of the Holy Spirit 00:18:53.426 --> 00:18:56.864 to make the things of the Gospel real 00:18:56.864 --> 00:18:58.727 to people. 00:18:58.727 --> 00:19:01.224 Real to those who are unconverted. 00:19:01.224 --> 00:19:03.156 And alive in the hearts of those 00:19:03.156 --> 00:19:06.333 who do know the Savior. 00:19:06.333 --> 00:19:10.899 Have you ever heard someone make this statement? 00:19:10.899 --> 00:19:14.910 Describing the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:14.910 --> 00:19:17.705 It's hard to explain. 00:19:17.705 --> 00:19:19.893 I have a difficult time articulating 00:19:19.893 --> 00:19:22.411 exactly what I sensed. 00:19:22.411 --> 00:19:25.474 What I sensed God through a manifestation 00:19:25.474 --> 00:19:28.657 of His presence was accomplishing. 00:19:28.657 --> 00:19:30.537 Spurgeon talked about at times 00:19:30.537 --> 00:19:32.220 how there were words that 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:34.621 came from his mouth in preaching, 00:19:34.621 --> 00:19:38.730 that he did not direct. 00:19:38.730 --> 00:19:41.063 It was like they came impulsively. 00:19:41.063 --> 00:19:42.491 I've heard people talk about 00:19:42.491 --> 00:19:44.263 the sanctifying work of the Spirit. 00:19:44.263 --> 00:19:45.665 Or how He began to move 00:19:45.665 --> 00:19:47.566 in answer to prayer. 00:19:47.566 --> 00:19:49.359 And the bottom line is, 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:54.104 well, I'll try, but I just really can't explain it. 00:19:54.104 --> 00:19:55.410 You know, perhaps, we need 00:19:55.410 --> 00:19:58.237 that kind of religion today. 00:19:58.237 --> 00:20:00.219 A religion that we cannot explain 00:20:00.219 --> 00:20:03.611 in human terms. 00:20:03.611 --> 00:20:05.159 Well, here is the major thrust 00:20:05.159 --> 00:20:07.538 and implication of the message tonight. 00:20:07.538 --> 00:20:09.522 If you would, look at a third thing 00:20:09.522 --> 00:20:11.577 with me in the text. 00:20:11.577 --> 00:20:14.099 And that is the desparate need 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:18.790 of experimental reality. 00:20:18.790 --> 00:20:22.335 He says back in Ephesians 3:17-19 00:20:22.335 --> 00:20:24.451 that there are four things that will be 00:20:24.451 --> 00:20:27.299 the consequence of being strengthened 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:29.590 with might by the Spirit 00:20:29.590 --> 00:20:32.608 in the inner man. 00:20:32.608 --> 00:20:37.143 The first thing notes in verse 17, 00:20:37.143 --> 00:20:43.039 that Christ may dwell in your hearts 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:46.409 through faith. 00:20:46.409 --> 00:20:52.102 Now brothers and sisters, listen. 00:20:52.102 --> 00:20:54.210 What Paul is saying in essence here 00:20:54.210 --> 00:21:00.364 is that you might know a felt Christ. 00:21:00.364 --> 00:21:05.089 A felt Christ. 00:21:05.089 --> 00:21:07.546 When the Spirit of God takes the field 00:21:07.546 --> 00:21:10.290 in genuine awakening, 00:21:10.290 --> 00:21:17.122 Jesus becomes real. 00:21:17.122 --> 00:21:21.678 There is no greater fulfillment. 00:21:21.678 --> 00:21:23.646 Listen. 00:21:23.646 --> 00:21:25.218 You will notice the word 00:21:25.218 --> 00:21:27.606 that refers to something previous 00:21:27.606 --> 00:21:29.007 when he says that Christ may 00:21:29.007 --> 00:21:31.398 dwell in your hearts through faith. 00:21:31.398 --> 00:21:33.309 Something previous that has occurred, 00:21:33.309 --> 00:21:36.464 once again, connected with the fulfillment 00:21:36.464 --> 00:21:38.262 of this petition that they're 00:21:38.262 --> 00:21:41.239 strengthened by the Spirit. 00:21:41.239 --> 00:21:43.279 The matter that the word points to 00:21:43.279 --> 00:21:44.843 is His work. 00:21:44.843 --> 00:21:46.728 The Spirit's work. 00:21:46.728 --> 00:21:49.306 He makes Christ real. 00:21:49.306 --> 00:21:51.472 It is marvelous, brethren. 00:21:51.472 --> 00:21:53.288 A very marvelous thing 00:21:53.288 --> 00:21:55.273 when the Spirit of God comes 00:21:55.273 --> 00:21:57.584 and makes one keenly aware 00:21:57.584 --> 00:22:06.014 that Jesus is in the midst. 00:22:06.014 --> 00:22:09.621 What we're looking at here in this first point, 00:22:09.621 --> 00:22:12.106 a felt Christ, 00:22:12.106 --> 00:22:16.545 and the other three glorious entities 00:22:16.545 --> 00:22:21.620 is radically subjective. 00:22:21.620 --> 00:22:25.322 And I would say in passing tonight, friend, 00:22:25.322 --> 00:22:28.796 I'm all for the intellect. 00:22:28.796 --> 00:22:33.246 I'm all for sharpening our minds. 00:22:33.246 --> 00:22:38.400 Accruing a greater theological understanding. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:44.746 But we cannot afford for it to stop there. 00:22:44.746 --> 00:22:50.218 Does your theology make your heart dance? 00:22:50.218 --> 00:22:55.366 Does it move you to obedience? 00:22:55.366 --> 00:23:00.266 Do you know anything of a felt Christ? 00:23:00.266 --> 00:23:03.110 Is the reward of earnest prayer 00:23:03.110 --> 00:23:10.898 in utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit? 00:23:10.898 --> 00:23:13.793 Interestingly, know that we have the 00:23:13.793 --> 00:23:16.518 person of Jesus resident within 00:23:16.518 --> 00:23:19.363 in the person of the Holy Spirit. 00:23:19.363 --> 00:23:21.683 But what does Paul refer to when he says 00:23:21.683 --> 00:23:26.043 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith? 00:23:26.043 --> 00:23:27.254 Listen. 00:23:27.254 --> 00:23:30.715 He is speaking of a Spirit-wrought awareness 00:23:30.715 --> 00:23:34.224 which entails an enlivening of our faith 00:23:34.224 --> 00:23:37.592 that we might lay hold of the reality 00:23:37.592 --> 00:23:40.925 of the Christ that is about us. 00:23:40.925 --> 00:23:43.573 This is revival. 00:23:43.573 --> 00:23:45.412 This is revival. 00:23:45.412 --> 00:23:49.826 It is the manifestation of His glory. 00:23:49.826 --> 00:23:52.019 Secondly, look at another thing 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:55.715 that this strengthening of the Spirit produces. 00:23:55.715 --> 00:23:59.705 That you being rooted and grounded 00:23:59.705 --> 00:24:01.815 in love. 00:24:01.815 --> 00:24:04.343 In essence, what Paul is saying, 00:24:04.343 --> 00:24:07.351 that there is an unchanging posture 00:24:07.351 --> 00:24:13.077 of love in your life that you will encounter. 00:24:13.077 --> 00:24:14.649 Now, it's interesting here, 00:24:14.649 --> 00:24:17.090 the phrase makes no qualification. 00:24:17.090 --> 00:24:22.568 It's not just speaking of our love for God. 00:24:22.568 --> 00:24:25.052 But rather, I believe that it addresses 00:24:25.052 --> 00:24:29.237 every relationship in our lives. 00:24:29.237 --> 00:24:31.009 Our love for sinners. 00:24:31.009 --> 00:24:33.390 Our love for saints. 00:24:33.390 --> 00:24:36.553 Our love in the face of hostility. 00:24:36.553 --> 00:24:38.809 Even people, perhaps, that we have 00:24:38.809 --> 00:24:43.952 some measure of contempt or aversion for. 00:24:43.952 --> 00:24:46.446 Don't miss the point. 00:24:46.446 --> 00:24:48.291 When the Spirit strengthens, friend, 00:24:48.291 --> 00:24:49.505 all of a sudden, 00:24:49.505 --> 00:24:52.901 these issues that have divided you and somebody else 00:24:52.901 --> 00:24:57.150 begin to fade away in the light of eternity. 00:24:57.150 --> 00:25:00.437 You become so rooted and grounded in love, 00:25:00.437 --> 00:25:03.006 your love doesn't vacillate on the basis 00:25:03.006 --> 00:25:08.157 of how people treat you. 00:25:08.157 --> 00:25:10.278 Even when there is no tangible sense 00:25:10.278 --> 00:25:11.818 of the presence of God, 00:25:11.818 --> 00:25:14.480 you still love Him. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:18.501 And it's nothing short of fervant 00:25:18.501 --> 00:25:20.964 when the Spirit comes. 00:25:20.964 --> 00:25:23.144 You see, friend, the point is, 00:25:23.144 --> 00:25:25.660 to be rooted and grounded in love 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:27.713 means that it does not fluctuate 00:25:27.713 --> 00:25:29.585 or change or vacillate 00:25:29.585 --> 00:25:31.597 depending on our circumstances. 00:25:31.597 --> 00:25:33.505 We still love God, 00:25:33.505 --> 00:25:36.356 even when we don't sense His presence. 00:25:36.356 --> 00:25:38.001 Even when we're struggling to get 00:25:38.001 --> 00:25:39.737 anything out of the Word, 00:25:39.737 --> 00:25:41.413 or we're having a difficult time 00:25:41.413 --> 00:25:43.020 connecting in prayer. 00:25:43.020 --> 00:25:46.867 We still love Him. 00:25:46.867 --> 00:25:50.907 And we still love our enemies. 00:25:50.907 --> 00:25:53.461 And we love the most undesirable people 00:25:53.461 --> 00:25:54.936 in our churches. 00:25:54.936 --> 00:25:55.696 Why? 00:25:55.696 --> 00:25:57.873 Because we've been rooted and grounded 00:25:57.873 --> 00:26:00.335 in love through the strengthening work 00:26:00.335 --> 00:26:02.264 of the Holy Spirit. 00:26:02.264 --> 00:26:05.827 You see that? 00:26:05.827 --> 00:26:08.983 The idea here is that the grace of love 00:26:08.983 --> 00:26:12.004 has been so firmly planted in our hearts 00:26:12.004 --> 00:26:14.388 that it affords a dimension of love 00:26:14.388 --> 00:26:16.951 that extends to all relationships, 00:26:16.951 --> 00:26:20.497 not just to God, but all. 00:26:20.497 --> 00:26:25.027 So here's a third thing. 00:26:25.027 --> 00:26:26.675 Paul said that they might be 00:26:26.675 --> 00:26:28.620 strengthened with might by the Spirit. 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:30.987 In verse 18, that they may be able 00:26:30.987 --> 00:26:33.306 to comprehend with all the saints 00:26:33.306 --> 00:26:39.289 what is the width, and length, and depth, and height 00:26:39.289 --> 00:26:42.543 in reference to the love of God. 00:26:42.543 --> 00:26:45.512 To know the love of Christ 00:26:45.512 --> 00:26:49.166 which passes knowledge. 00:26:49.166 --> 00:26:50.679 It's interesting the phrase, 00:26:50.679 --> 00:26:53.833 "to know the love of Christ." 00:26:53.833 --> 00:26:55.767 The Greek word means to 00:26:55.767 --> 00:26:58.891 perceptibly feel. 00:26:58.891 --> 00:27:02.876 I feel it. 00:27:02.876 --> 00:27:04.403 And when he says, 00:27:04.403 --> 00:27:06.142 to know the love of Christ 00:27:06.142 --> 00:27:08.431 which passes knowledge, 00:27:08.431 --> 00:27:10.083 it's the picture of something 00:27:10.083 --> 00:27:15.161 being thrown beyond intellect. 00:27:15.161 --> 00:27:20.096 This, my friend, is not cerebral. 00:27:20.096 --> 00:27:22.998 This is not mental. 00:27:22.998 --> 00:27:28.739 This, once again, is radically subjective. 00:27:28.739 --> 00:27:31.145 When He comes, 00:27:31.145 --> 00:27:33.138 when He answers this prayer 00:27:33.138 --> 00:27:35.858 to be strengthened with might, 00:27:35.858 --> 00:27:37.531 I tell you, friend, 00:27:37.531 --> 00:27:44.398 you begin to feel the love of Christ. 00:27:44.398 --> 00:27:46.197 It's hard to measure 00:27:46.197 --> 00:27:47.928 the depth. 00:27:47.928 --> 00:27:49.727 You can't take it all in. 00:27:49.727 --> 00:27:52.713 It's an overwhelming thing. 00:27:52.713 --> 00:27:54.136 The word comprehend here 00:27:54.136 --> 00:27:56.375 means to spiritually perceive 00:27:56.375 --> 00:27:59.442 or grasp a dimension of Christ's love 00:27:59.442 --> 00:28:03.409 that surpasses what you know mentally. 00:28:03.409 --> 00:28:04.836 Listen. 00:28:04.836 --> 00:28:06.875 Matthew Henry said it best 00:28:06.875 --> 00:28:10.718 in a very simple, very succinct way. 00:28:10.718 --> 00:28:15.459 Where Christ dwells, He swells. 00:28:15.459 --> 00:28:17.795 He swells. 00:28:17.795 --> 00:28:21.050 And where Christ's love for us dwells, 00:28:21.050 --> 00:28:23.711 suddenly when the Spirit strengthens us, 00:28:23.711 --> 00:28:26.502 it swells. 00:28:26.502 --> 00:28:29.355 It's like an ocean to swim in. 00:28:29.355 --> 00:28:31.622 You think these songs on the love of God 00:28:31.622 --> 00:28:35.627 were written out of pure intellect? 00:28:35.627 --> 00:28:38.981 The deep, deep love of Jesus? 00:28:38.981 --> 00:28:45.859 These people encountered something. 00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:47.931 He was underscoring that the vastness 00:28:47.931 --> 00:28:49.670 of such an infinite love 00:28:49.670 --> 00:28:54.546 is explored by faith and by the Spirit's work. 00:28:54.546 --> 00:28:56.445 But then finally, 00:28:56.445 --> 00:28:58.784 there's a fourth glorious reality here 00:28:58.784 --> 00:29:01.015 that's the product of the strengthening 00:29:01.015 --> 00:29:02.733 work of the Holy Spirit. 00:29:02.733 --> 00:29:05.393 And that is that you might be filled with 00:29:05.393 --> 00:29:08.752 all the fullness of God. 00:29:08.752 --> 00:29:10.051 This is very interesting. 00:29:10.051 --> 00:29:10.892 Listen. 00:29:10.892 --> 00:29:12.542 The reality is that the Ephesians 00:29:12.542 --> 00:29:14.671 and each of us might know 00:29:14.671 --> 00:29:19.170 the riches of His person; 00:29:19.170 --> 00:29:21.000 the person of God. 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:22.945 Think about it with me. 00:29:22.945 --> 00:29:24.765 To think that God took the initiative 00:29:24.765 --> 00:29:26.589 to send His Son to the world 00:29:26.589 --> 00:29:28.031 to not only redeem us, 00:29:28.031 --> 00:29:30.338 but to give us the fullness of Himself, 00:29:30.338 --> 00:29:37.293 friend, is almost indescribable. 00:29:37.293 --> 00:29:42.362 What does the text say? 00:29:42.362 --> 00:29:45.194 We're not only filled with God, 00:29:45.194 --> 00:29:47.453 but secondly, we're filled 00:29:47.453 --> 00:29:50.295 with the fullness of God. 00:29:50.295 --> 00:29:52.370 And thirdly, we're filled with 00:29:52.370 --> 00:29:58.078 all the fullness of God. 00:29:58.078 --> 00:30:02.408 Isn't that what you came to this meeting for? 00:30:02.408 --> 00:30:05.722 Isn't this what you desire? 00:30:05.722 --> 00:30:09.077 This is what I long for. 00:30:09.077 --> 00:30:10.818 I'm 63 years old, friend. 00:30:10.818 --> 00:30:17.427 I don't want to creep across the finish line. 00:30:17.427 --> 00:30:19.622 I'm seeking to preach out of the passion 00:30:19.622 --> 00:30:21.321 of wanting more. 00:30:21.321 --> 00:30:23.455 God, please, answer this prayer 00:30:23.455 --> 00:30:25.087 in my life. 00:30:25.087 --> 00:30:26.776 In the lives of our people. 00:30:26.776 --> 00:30:30.493 And in the lives of the church. 00:30:30.493 --> 00:30:32.021 That they might be filled with 00:30:32.021 --> 00:30:35.637 all Your fullness. 00:30:35.637 --> 00:30:37.025 Yes, Piper had it right. 00:30:37.025 --> 00:30:39.828 God is the Gospel. 00:30:39.828 --> 00:30:42.894 By virtue of giving forth His Son, 00:30:42.894 --> 00:30:45.026 He sought to give us Himself 00:30:45.026 --> 00:30:50.684 in all of His fullness. 00:30:50.684 --> 00:30:54.071 So, think with me. 00:30:54.071 --> 00:30:57.109 To think that the very God in whom we move 00:30:57.109 --> 00:30:59.831 and breathe and have our being, 00:30:59.831 --> 00:31:03.129 has given us such a promise, 00:31:03.129 --> 00:31:05.821 to be filled with all the fullness of God, 00:31:05.821 --> 00:31:09.012 ought to constrain us to pray. 00:31:09.012 --> 00:31:15.134 Paul says that we might be filled with God. 00:31:15.134 --> 00:31:19.223 Have you noticed in Paul's writings, 00:31:19.223 --> 00:31:22.350 it's a favorite expression? 00:31:22.350 --> 00:31:26.003 The fullness. Fullness. 00:31:26.003 --> 00:31:28.721 Talks about the fullness of the Gentiles. 00:31:28.721 --> 00:31:30.695 Romans 11:25 00:31:30.695 --> 00:31:33.885 The fullness of time. Galatians 4:4. 00:31:33.885 --> 00:31:36.013 The fullness of Him that filleth all in all; 00:31:36.013 --> 00:31:38.363 Ephesians 1:23 00:31:38.363 --> 00:31:41.645 And the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 00:31:41.645 --> 00:31:46.554 The fullness of the Godhead in Christ. Colossians 1:9 00:31:46.554 --> 00:31:49.325 And it means here 00:31:49.325 --> 00:31:52.792 and I quote Donald Barnes, 00:31:52.792 --> 00:31:54.858 "that you may have the richest..." 00:31:54.858 --> 00:31:57.223 Now this is great, listen to this. 00:31:57.223 --> 00:32:00.722 This will make your heart dance, ok? 00:32:00.722 --> 00:32:02.882 "But what the Greek implies here 00:32:02.882 --> 00:32:07.505 is that the rich measures of divine 00:32:07.505 --> 00:32:11.535 consolation and the very divine presence 00:32:11.535 --> 00:32:15.133 itself will be your lot." 00:32:15.133 --> 00:32:20.870 What a strengthening agent! 00:32:20.870 --> 00:32:23.176 "That you may partake of the entire 00:32:23.176 --> 00:32:26.067 enjoyment of God in the most ample measure 00:32:26.067 --> 00:32:31.117 in which He bestows His favors on His people." 00:32:31.117 --> 00:32:33.564 That's wonderful. 00:32:33.564 --> 00:32:36.496 That's wonderful. 00:32:36.496 --> 00:32:40.347 So, I conclude. 00:32:40.347 --> 00:32:41.586 I remind you again, 00:32:41.586 --> 00:32:44.680 which would be a very fitting reminder. 00:32:44.680 --> 00:32:47.098 That this is revival. 00:32:47.098 --> 00:32:51.228 This is real, genuine spiritual awakening. 00:32:51.228 --> 00:32:53.151 Now, I don't know what your position is 00:32:53.151 --> 00:32:56.888 on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 00:32:56.888 --> 00:32:58.509 Some people are cessationists, 00:32:58.509 --> 00:33:00.868 but if you are a cessationist here tonight, 00:33:00.868 --> 00:33:03.160 it doesn't mean that you don't believe 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:07.202 in the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:33:07.202 --> 00:33:12.572 He longs to enable His people, 00:33:12.572 --> 00:33:14.746 but we must ask. 00:33:14.746 --> 00:33:17.227 We must ask earnestly. 00:33:17.227 --> 00:33:19.230 In faith, 00:33:19.230 --> 00:33:23.301 for Him to come and give us this sense 00:33:23.301 --> 00:33:25.395 of a felt Christ, 00:33:25.395 --> 00:33:27.578 an unmoveable love, 00:33:27.578 --> 00:33:33.642 and all the fullness of God. 00:33:33.642 --> 00:33:36.136 That's my prayer. 00:33:36.136 --> 00:33:38.157 Would you join me now in prayer? 00:33:38.157 --> 00:33:39.885 Let's look to the Lord. 00:33:39.885 --> 00:33:46.319 Let's all stand to our feet. 00:33:46.319 --> 00:33:49.513 Let us let the benediction of this session 00:33:49.513 --> 00:33:52.016 be that just a few of you, 00:33:52.016 --> 00:33:53.720 men and women, 00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:55.006 as you feel led right now, 00:33:55.006 --> 00:33:56.346 maybe three or four, 00:33:56.346 --> 00:33:58.273 would you close this part of the meeting 00:33:58.273 --> 00:34:00.852 in prayer by asking God to come 00:34:00.852 --> 00:34:02.839 and by His Spirit, 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:05.110 strengthen us with might 00:34:05.110 --> 00:34:07.463 that we might know these realities 00:34:07.463 --> 00:34:10.510 in Ephesians 3.