How We Are Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Introduction:
1. We read about Paul's work in Ephesus in Acts 18-19. 2. Later, Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus and to those who are faithful in the Lord (Ephesians 1:1). 3. Paul's letter includes a beautiful prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21). 4. This prayer includes a number of special requests, one of which is that the Lord's people be rooted and grounded in love (vs.17b). 5. This morning we covered passages that explain WHY we are to be rooted and grounded in love. 6. This evening we are examining passages that show HOW we fulfill this request. Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST BE REMINDED OF WHAT IS INVOLVED IN "BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED"
A. According to: 1. Colossians 2:6-7, "being rooted" involves "being established" 2. Colossians 1:23, "being grounded" involves "being settled." B. These verses explain that "being rooted and grounded in love" is "being established and settled in love." C. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. 7 RESPONSIBILITIES THAT EXPLAIN HOW WE ARE ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE
A. First, we are to do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14). B. Second, love is to be the motivation for our service (Galatians 5:13-14). C. Third, love is to be found in the home. 1. Husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25-28). 2. Wives are to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4). D. Fourth, we must think on things that are "lovely" (Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 23:7). E. Fifth, we are to "let brotherly love continue" (Hebrews 13:1). F. Sixth, we are to "love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Peter 1:22). G. Seventh, our love is to be active (1 John 3:18). Conclusion:
1. Today we have examined the special request that the apostle Paul made on behalf of Christians in Ephesians 3:17b. 2. We have covered passages that: a. explain why we must fulfill this request b. show how we fulfill this request. 3. Let us notice from Ephesians 3:17-19 how "being rooted and grounded in love" relates to "knowing Christ and His love."
