Calling on God - Part 7
The sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for the fullness of God and experiencing His power and presence in our lives.
This sermon focuses on the profound prayer of St. Paul for believers to be filled with the fullness of God, despite their past idolatry and weaknesses. It challenges the congregation to seek the transformative power of God's fullness in their lives, asking for faith, cleansing, sanctification, and the ability to reflect Jesus to the world.
Full Transcript
I'm sorry, I can't do any justice to this scripture. Here, St. Paul is praying that we should explore the length and height and depth of God's love. That we might be, you might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Friends, what is this prayer? It seems like a preposterous prayer. Is this the prayer of a sane person? That you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Is this what Calvary transfers to a wretch like me? Can I believe this? Can the fullness of God ever dwell in a pygmy like me? But that is the prayer of St. Paul.
For these people who were once idolatrous people. Would everybody who worshipped idols at some time or another stand up? Quick, no time, no time. Will such a prayer mean anything to you? Lord, I worshipped snakes, I worshipped idols.
Now I am praying that the fullness of Jesus and of God should dwell in me. Let us pray. Let us tell God.
Oh God, can the fullness of God dwell in a wretch like me? If Elijah got two portions of Elijah's power, my inner man is so weak. It is a diseased inner man. I am weak and tottering.
Oh, shall I ask you now? Oh limitless Savior, I am not asking for money. I am asking for faith. Give me the fullness that is in Jesus.
Cleanse me wholly. Sanctify my thoughts. Take away my fear.
Wash me in your blood. Give me your fullness, oh gracious and merciful Father. Let me show you to the world.
This materialistic, covetous, evil world. Let me show the beauty of Jesus. Write it on my countenance.
Write it in every action of mine. What injustice we are doing to you. Forgive us Lord.
Cleanse us Lord. Why did you call us out of the world and out of idolatry? Have a little ping pong. Oh Lord, forgive us.
Cleanse us. You are able to give us more than we ask or think. Our thinking is so small.
Our faith is so small. Oh please, forgive us. Lord, you are the one that gives more than we can ask.
Give us Christ. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- The Prayer of St. Paul
- The Challenge of this Prayer
- The Power of Prayer
- The Result of Prayer
- Being cleansed and sanctified
- Showing the beauty of Jesus to the world
Key Quotes
“That we might be, you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Joshua Daniel
“Oh God, can the fullness of God dwell in a wretch like me?” — Joshua Daniel
“Give me the fullness that is in Jesus.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- We should pray for the fullness of God to dwell in us, and ask for faith to experience His power and presence.
- We should seek to be cleansed and sanctified by God's love and power, and to show His beauty to the world.
- We should recognize that God's power is not limited by our weaknesses, and that He can do far more than we can ask or think.