PART 3…Paul’s Prayers – Suggested reading – Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians…
The apostle Paul flags up the blessing of discipleship in radical terms by our standards while praying. Ephesians 3:19 “that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” This is not a mystical or abstract statement but a practical reality. God has made a way for all disciples to live into His fullness.
Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus. “That we become rooted and established in love.” [1] Aware of the multi-dimensions of God’s extravagant, sacrificial and unconditional love for us. Paul continues to pray, “To grasp the dimensions of God’s love for us.” And, to know this same life-changing love experientially. [2]
Disciples. Followers. Apprentices of Jesus have an inbuilt awareness of this Way, because the Way is a Person! Paul once again reminds us. “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ.” [3] Let’s reflect on that statement for a while! It is transforming.
As we follow the Way, Jesus builds His Church as He declared He would. This work of building is a work of God’s Spirit within each one of us. It is an unseen work of the Spirit changing and transforming our lives and as a result His image and likeness is reflected in the community of God’s people. This is God’s true purpose for which we can be deeply thankful.
JESUS IS CENTRAL
Again, Paul helps us in our own praying. “We have not stopped praying for you, and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” [4] And we soon realise why Paul prays like this. In verse 10, “That you may live a life worthy of the Lord…………….and may please Him in every way……………bearing fruit in every good work………..growing in the knowledge of God.” Praying seems to be the real place where God shapes who we are to become.
The Church that Jesus is building is not ‘our church’ but His and only His. “And He is the head of the body, the Church.” [5] I would argue that our primary calling is not about ‘going to church’ but rather being church that counts. There is a vast difference!
FINDING A WAY FORWARD
Have we not been called to a unity of the Spirit? To living by faith….to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches?
If we are to “keep in step with the Spirit” by hearing and responding to His prompting, then surely that is the best way to maintain freshness in our relationship with Jesus. Every follower of Jesus can ‘hear God‘ for themselves. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice!” [6]
BREAKING THE MOULD
It is important for us, as believers to be vigilant and aware when there is an undue emphasis upon organisational structure. This habitual action keeps our dependence upon church leaders. When this dependence continues it tends to produce staleness in us which is in contrast to God’s dynamic, life-giving presence amongst His community, the Church.
If our gathering together has become overly formal, locked in to tradition and shaped by frequent sameness and predictability then we must break the mould and throw away the template. The human body has trillions of cells each working and functioning. And when cells malfunction, the body acts with healing power to restore the problem. Why should the body of Christ be any different?
These changes will require a fresh hearing of the Spirit. And an acknowledgement that Jesus is in the process of building His Church. Let us pray for a new wave of radical responsiveness, confident obedience, sharpened discernment and clear seeing amongst God’s people.
[1] Ephesians 3:17 NIV
[2] Ephesians 3:18 “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.“
[3] Colossians 2:9 NIV
[4] Colossians 1:9 ff NIV
[5] Colossians 1`;18 NIV
[6] John 10:27 NIV
***OUR LATEST BOOK CALLED, ‘CONVERSATIONS’ [link] IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON***