Sermon Notes - Hearing God in This Miraculous Moment

Hearing God in This Miraculous Moment, Ephesians 3:20-21
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended November 15, 2009

God speaks through His miraculous works. Psalms 145 tells us to meditate on His works. He always says something about Himself, His purposes and His ways.

1. We should never doubt His ability – Ephesians 3:20

“….to Him who is able…” – He is able. 2 Corinthians 9:8, Hebrews 7:25, Jude 1:24.

In these verses Paul had just finished praying. That prayer is connected to this doxology of verses 20 and 21. It is as if these verses are the foundation on which this prayer is built. If God isn’t able then why pray? Our hope is based on His ability. The minute you doubt His ability you lose hope.

Matthew 8:10 tells us of one of only two times that Jesus marveled. The centurion tells Jesus that there is no need to come to his house. The centurion tells Jesus that all He has to do is say the word. The centurion had a big view of the ability and authority of God, therefore Jesus marveled.

There is never a reason to doubt the ability of God. His ability to work exceeds my ability to ask, think or imagine.

2. We should never neglect to ask – Ephesians 3:20

The assumption is that we are asking and thinking. Asking demonstrates our inability and God’s ability. Ask specifically so you can see how much He goes beyond. It is impossible to ask too much.

3. Never forget His avenues – Ephesians 3:20

“…according to…” – the way in which God works. He does it through His power, His people and His church.

Power - Earlier, in Ephesians 1:18-23 Paul shows us objective evidence of His power – the resurrection of Christ. God’s power controls even death. This is power! For a believer death never wins.

People – He works through His people. Acts 1:8 tells us what He does through us, with His power. He doesn’t do it without us. He can but He chooses to do it through us. He does it through us when we give our money, our time, etc.

Church – In Ephesians 1:22 we see the importance of the church. There is nothing more powerful than the unified surrender of His people. The church can be an unstoppable force.

4. Never neglect to acknowledge – Ephesians 3:21

Paul piles on the superlatives here. He must be acknowledged every step of the way. He can stop it as quickly as He gave it. It is for the glory of God. Pride will stop the power. If it is for anyone else’s glory than God’s then it will stop.