I just jotted down these quick notes and thought maybe you could make something out of them for your congregation.
In the text, Jesus is referred to a "Alpha and Omega." In our vernacular this would be A to Z. We might say that Jesus has it covered, that He is the answer - period. This is something we want the rest of the world to know. A to Z in what way? I. Jesus is the A to Z in victorious living. Look at His experience on the Mt. of temptation Matthew 4. II. Jesus is the A to Z in truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." He is the truth about God. Refer to Hebrews 1:1-3 III. Jesus is the A to Z in faith. Jesus teaches us to live by unseen realities: Hebrews 11:1 The most important things in life are spiritual -- unseen.... IV. Jesus is the A to Z in love. "No one ever cared for me like Jesus...." Think of what He did in love for us. V. Jesus is the A to Z in power. He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit. VI. Jesus is the A to Z in peace. John 16:33 Question: Is Jesus the A to Z in your life?
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(This is the second sermon on the Christian walk in Ephesians)
Last week we looked at "the walk of the past" in Ephesians 2:2, and "the working walk" in ephesians 2:8-10. Tonight we turn to Ephesians 4:1-3 where we find "the worthy walk." I. Verse 1 - We are encouraged to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." A. "Vocation" means that we have all been called to work, or works, for the Lord. B. There are things that we are supposed to be doing in the church and in the community. II. Verse 2 - We are told how we are to take this worthy walk. A. "With all lowliness." As in all things we are serve humbly before God and people. B. "(with all) meekness. Meekness is not weakness. It is controlled strength, like a broken horse, for example. C. "with longsuffering" This literally means to suffer long, to serve in spite of what we have to overcome. D. "forbearing one another in love." In love we overlook the personallity differences, etc. and get along for the sake of Christ and of the work that He has called us to do together. III. Verse 3 - Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. A. "Endeavering" means to work at it. B. "to keep the unity of the Spirit." This means that if we stick with verses 1 and 2, we will keep unity in spite of differences, and will disagree like Christians not heathens. C. "in the bond of peace" This speaks for itself. There will be peace if we work together humbly in a spirit of peace. Is your walk with Jesus a "worthy walk"? It is important for it to be. Who is not for peace? Indeed, we want peace in ourselves, among ourselves and in the world. But peace is an elusive gift of God that appears to be bypassing many people today. What we need is a Biblical perspective of peace, which is real peace.
I. Verse 27a - Real peace is from heaven. "My peace I give unto thee..." A. Real peace is a product of faith. 1. It is the peace of faith that Jesus left with us and gives to us. 2. John 14:1 and Romans 5:1-2, speak of peace that comes through faith. B. Real peace here has its roots in heaven. 1. John 14:2-3 speaks to this. 2. There is great peace in knowing that what is going on in this life is not all that there is. C. Real peace is based upon the coming of Jesus. II. Verse 27b - Real peace is not given by this world. "Not as the world gives..." A. The world tries to give peace by ignoring sin and guilt, which the bible teaches as root causes of a lack of peace in the human heart. B. The world passes off peace as the mere lack of conflict. C. The world's peace depends on what people can do, not on what God can do. 1. Peace does not come from self-help, psychiatry, etc. 2. This might come as surprise to politicians, but real peace does not come from negotiation. III. Verse 27c - Real peace is inside of us. "Let not your heart be troubled......" A. It is peace of heart, mind and soul. This peace begins with salvation through Christ, it deepens with prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and ultimately manifests itself outwardly. B. It is peace in spite of outer circumstances. (John 16:33) C. It is peace that transcends fear. "neither let it be afraid." Bottom line: We have peace in Jesus and we can have all of His peace that we want. It is peace with God, others and ourselves. |
All of these materials are free of charge. There is no copyright on them and you are free to use them as you see fit. I am happy to be of assitance to you in your preaching/teaching minstry.
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