Bible Reading: Eph 1:1-21 Ex 33:12-23

Introduction

One of the songs, certainly, at our 10.30am service that we have learned and enjoyed over the last few months has been “Christ is enough for me” and so – on that basis – how can it be that we could ever ask for more?

Firstly, we are never saying that we don’t already have enough. We are certainly not saying that everything that Jesus has done for us isn’t enough! What we are asking for, and therefore what we are exploring this week, is a deeper, richer, and wider understanding of what Jesus achieved for us on the cross (and in the empty tomb) through the revelation that is only available to us by being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at this through a scriptural lens, and jump into our series on Heroes of Faith. Moses was a man who was chosen, protected and set aside by God. But when we read his story, he wasn’t content with the accompanying presence of God. He wanted more. He wasn’t even happy with the audible voice and dialogue with God. More than this, he asked for more. He petitioned God for more. Writing in “Burden for Revival” Martin Lloyd-Jones describes Moses’ encounter with God: “Moses made a request, God said, “Yes.” “More,” said Moses. “Right,” said God. “More,” said Moses.”

If we are to meet the challenge to burn brighter, we have to answer the question of how much of God’s Spirit we are happy to journey with? I’m not sure about you, but in Moses’ situation I think I would have stopped asking for more of God after the first go. I’d have missed the audible voice, the dialogue and physical manifestation of God’s glory. Why? Because I decided I didn’t need more of God. Because I never stopped to ask for more. Because I never take seriously that God wants to fill the tank, and yet I am happy to make do with the low fuel indicator going off.

Clearly, there is more…

Let’s look together at how Paul opens the eyes of the Ephesian Christian’s to the more of God. He wants them to know it first, unlike other letters Paul is writing to Ephesians to encourage them – rather than responding to a crisis. He says hello, and then he is straight into this business of more. Don’t think that what you have, is all there is. Let’s look at the structure, before we look at the message of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians.

1. He first looks back in praise. (1:3-14). Before he lifts their eyes to the future in prayer, he sets their gaze to their past in praise. He reminds them that they are:

a. Blessed with every spiritual blessing (v3)

b. Chosen (v4)

c. Predestined to be adopted (v5)

d. Blessed in the beloved (v6)

e. Redeemed through the blood (v7)

f. Lavished with grace (v8)

g. Had the mystery of God’s will made known to them (v9)

h. Received an inheritance (v11)

i. Been sealed with the Holy Spirit who guarantees their inheritance (v13)

j. All this only in Christ (vv 4, 6-7, 9-11, 13); all this to His praise and glory (vv 6, 12, 14)

1. We could stop there. There is enough to be lost forever in wonder, awe and praise. But Paul goes on (v15) “for this reason.” Because of all of that, there is more.

a. Paul’s prayer for more is framed by Jesus (v15)

b. He is the focus and the content of more (v20-22)

1. This ‘more’ is claimed in prayer (v17-18)

2. It is conveyed by the Spirit (vv 13, 17, 20)

3. The ‘more’ is for everyone (1:1)

The reason, and journey, to more… (taken from Col 1:9-11)

· Knowing God (…the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to fully know Him…)

Paul knows that the Ephesians have the Gospels and the Old Testament scriptures. I