January 15, 2023
Sermon Series: Spirit-Filled Living Is Essential for Christians
Book of Ephesians
Sermon # 2: ALLOWING GOD TO TRANSFORM YOU
Ephesians 1:7-23
As you think about the Transformers’ Movies, how neat it would be if we could transform into something we would like to be. As we go into this New Year to be spirit filled, we need a transformation. Transforming is exactly what we need! What needs to happen is a transformation of the heart! If you really think about it, transformation is the theme of many stories we enjoy. The Hulk, Captain America, Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, X-Men, The Ugly Duckling & even Scrooge are all stories of a person truly changing. We are a people that enjoy seeing others change for the better. We want to see others find their way, so to speak, to be something that they only dream of. Whether that be a Cinderella who is a lowly house maid into a Princess, or a skinny weakling turn into Captain America, we enjoy seeing them change for the better. We cheer for them as they become what it is that they are not, we feel their pain as they deal with the adversity of being less than they want to be. BUT, we are not a people that embrace change when it comes to ourselves. Most of us know that there is something not quite right in our lives and so we strive to be “better,” to correct some behavior, or act a little nicer.
The problem is not our behavior, but we need a transforming experience. We need the Holy-Spirit on the inside of our hearts. In Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” (NKJV) This means that God will transform us into the persons He wants us to be. It’s a process that takes a lifetime, and it’s all part of the Spirit-filled life.
We don’t need an upgrade. We need transformation!
To receive understanding of how God transforms us into people who live Spirit-filled lives, let’s look at three movements.
I. REFOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN v. 7-10
God sees us not as we are but as we can be in Jesus Christ.
A. God has redeemed us----forgiven our sins.
The word translated redemption refers to deliverance from slavery. We were a slave to sin, but now set free because of what Jesus did on the cross!
B. God has given us wisdom and understanding.
1. Wisdom – means being able to see the world from God’s perspective.
2. Prudence – means the ability to see the right action in any situation.
3. Verse 8 basically means God has abundantly bestowed on us the ability to know, or understand, His will. Proverbs 9:10 amplify this truth, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (NKJV)
C. God has revealed the mystery of His will in us in verse 10. God wants all things in heaven and earth under the headship of Christ.
Allowing God to transform you into people who live Spirit-filled lives, remember to
1. Refocus on God’s plan
II. RECOGNIZE YOURSELF AS GOD’S PRECIOUS POSSESSION v. 11-18
A. God has given us an inheritance. He has chosen us.
1. Nothing could be better than to be given the greatest inheritance possible: that of being made the very heritage of God, the very possession of God.
2. The inheritance: That we might “be” that is, exist eternally.
3. Why: That we should praise His glory v. 12
4. How to receive the inheritance v. 13
a. By hearing the Word of God.
b. By trusting in Christ.
B. God has sealed us with the Holy Spirit v. 14.
1. He is the guarantee of our inheritance.
2. Why: His glory is to be praised.
Allowing God to transform you into people who live Spirit-filled
lives, remember to
1. Refocus on God’s plan
2. Recognize yourself as God’s precious Possession
III. RELY ON GOD’S POWER v. 19-23
Words cannot describe the awesome power of God!
A. The power that is available to believers v. 19.
1. Is a great power.
2. Is measured by God’s power in Christ’s exaltation.
B. The power that raised Christ from the dead v. 20
C. The power that took Christ to heaven & seated Him at God’s right-hand v. 20.
D. The power that exalted Christ above all creatures: In this age & in the next age v. 21
E. The power that exalted Christ as the Supreme Head of the church.
Therefore, we are the fulness of him that filleth all in all v. 23b. This means Christ fills and empowers believers, the church…...his body, because everything He wants to do on earth, He wants to do through us. That’s why we have what promise in Philippians 4:13?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”
Allowing God to transform you into people who live Spirit-filled lives, remember to
1. Refocus on God’s plan
2. Recognize yourself as God’s precious possession
3. Rely on God’s power
Responsive Reading: Ephesians 1:7-23
