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The Prayer that Defines and Directs the Christian Life – Part 12

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Ephesians 3:14-19

2.  He is the Gentle and Humble Christ: 2 Cor. 10:1, Gal. 5:22-23, Luke 5:1-11

 –  In His invitation to desperate sinners: Matthew 11:28-30

a.  He invites us to Himself: Matt. 11:28

b.  His character draws us to receive His invitation: Matt. 11:29

–  In the handling of His people: Matthew 12:15-2

a.  Christ’s Shepherd role: Ps. 23

b.  Christ’s Priestly role: Heb. 4:14-16

Climbing the Prayer Ladder of Ephesians 3:14-19

Step # 1 – Strengthening of the believer’s new inner life in Christ.

Ephesians 3:16 – that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

Step # 2 – Strengthened for the abiding sense of Christ’s presence

Ephesians 3:17 – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love

Step # 3 – Resulting in a life of vital and stable Christianity

Ephesians 3:17b – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love.

Step # 4 – Leading to greater experiences of Christ’s love

Ephesians 3:18-19 – may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Step # 5 – Arriving at the height of Christian experience

Ephesians 3:19 – may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.