Teaching summary
In this sermon, the focus is on understanding the prayer in Ephesians chapter 1 and recognizing that everything believers need has already been given through Christ. The message emphasizes that faith comes through hearing and is activated by understanding God’s love. The speaker highlights that believers are already one with Christ, fully equipped, and not lacking anything. The teaching challenges traditional views by stressing that spiritual truths are not something to receive in the future, but realities already present within us.
Bible verses referenced
Galatians 3:2- "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Ephesians 1:3- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Ephesians 1:7-9- "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
Ephesians 1:17- "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
Ephesians 2:6- "And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
Romans 6:4-5- "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
Romans 8:32- "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
2 Peter 1:3- "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."
Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
1 Corinthians 6:17- "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."
1 John 4:17- "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
Isaiah 53:5- "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
2 Corinthians 8:9- "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Faith Comes by Hearing
- The Lord’s Prayer vs. Paul’s Prayer
- Testimony of Healing Through Love Revelation
- Faith Works Through Love
- The Ephesians 1 Prayer Explained
- Already Blessed: You Have Everything
- Filters for Reading the Word: I Am, I Have, I Can
- Union with Christ: The Core of Paul’s Gospel
- As Jesus Is, So Are We
- The Meaning of “Finished” at the Cross
- Sowing and Reaping Through Christ
- Becoming Rich Through Christ’s Poverty
- Identity in Christ: Holy and Blameless
Introduction: Faith Comes by Hearing
The sermon opens with a reminder from Galatians about how miracles are received—not through works of the law, but through hearing with faith. The speaker emphasizes that faith is not something we strive to produce, but something that is born as we hear about Jesus.
Galatians 3:2- "This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
Faith is described as something that can “hear,” and as Jesus is exalted, faith naturally rises within the believer. This faith is then something that can be used—believed, spoken, and manifested.
The Lord’s Prayer vs. Paul’s Prayer
The speaker contrasts the well-known Lord’s Prayer with Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1. While many can recite the Lord’s Prayer, very few are familiar with Paul’s prayer, which is described as a New Testament prayer.
This prayer becomes central to the message and is something the speaker and his wife have prayed for many years.
Testimony of Healing Through Love Revelation
A powerful testimony is shared about the speaker’s wife being healed from an incurable disease. The key point is that her healing did not come from striving, commanding, or trying harder in faith.
Instead, it came through a revelation of God’s love.
As she understood how deeply God loved her, something changed internally—and healing followed.
Faith Works Through Love
The connection between love and faith is emphasized using Galatians.
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
The speaker explains that when love is realized, faith becomes energized. This is presented as a foundational truth: understanding God’s love naturally activates faith.
The Ephesians 1 Prayer Explained
The focus shifts to Ephesians chapter 1, particularly verse 17.
Ephesians 1:17- "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
The speaker challenges the wording “may give,” suggesting that it should be understood as something already present within believers. He explains that the Greek word can also mean “spring forth,” indicating that wisdom and revelation rise from within.
Already Blessed: You Have Everything
The teaching emphasizes that believers already possess everything they need.
Ephesians 1:3- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Ephesians 1:7-9- "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
2 Peter 1:3- "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…"
The message is clear: nothing is lacking. Everything has already been given.
Filters for Reading the Word: I Am, I Have, I Can
The speaker introduces a framework for interpreting Scripture: “I am, I have, I can.”
Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Any interpretation that suggests a lack or inability is questioned. Believers are encouraged to read Scripture through the lens of completeness in Christ.
Union with Christ: The Core of Paul’s Gospel
The central theme of Paul’s gospel is identified as union with Christ.
Romans 6:4-5- "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death… we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
1 Corinthians 6:17- "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."
Believers are not separate from Christ—they are one with Him in death, burial, and resurrection.
As Jesus Is, So Are We
This truth is reinforced with a powerful verse.
1 John 4:17: "…because as he is, so are we in this world."
The speaker challenges listeners to truly believe this—not just intellectually, but as a lived reality. If Jesus is healed, whole, and righteous, then so are believers.
The Meaning of “Finished
The sermon explores the meaning of Jesus saying, “It is finished.” The speaker explains that this meant Jesus completed His part and entrusted everything to the Father.
He references prophetic scriptures like Isaiah 53.
Isaiah 53:5- "But he was wounded for our transgressions… and with his stripes we are healed."
The suffering of Christ is described in detail, emphasizing that everything humanity could ever face was dealt with at the cross.
Sowing and Reaping Through Christ
The concept of sowing and reaping is redefined. Instead of focusing on personal effort, the speaker explains that God sowed Jesus.
God sowed Him into death, poverty, sickness, and shame—and reaped resurrection, glory, and victory.
Believers now reap the benefits through faith.
Becoming Rich Through Christ’s Poverty
The message highlights Christ’s sacrifice in becoming poor.
2 Corinthians 8:9- "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
This is presented not only as spiritual truth but as encompassing every area of life.
Identity in Christ: Holy and Blameless
The sermon concludes with identity. Believers are called saints—holy and blameless. The speaker emphasizes that this is not something to strive for, but something already true.
This identity should shape how believers see themselves and live their lives.
We hope this article blessed you and helped you see more clearly who you are in Christ. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can understand the fullness of God’s love, grace, and provision already available to them.