091 Ephesians: Realized Potential

Has anyone ever told you that you have unrealized potential? Maybe it was in athletics or academics, or the arts. But for those in the family of God, you have the potential to make an impact for the Kingdom. Indeed, YOU can be a world-changer.

We are reminded of this potential in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

You are God’s “work of art.”  And God has plans for you uniquely, plans prepared in advance.   

Paul begins to unpack how we can realize that potential in a prayer he offers in Eph. 3:14-21.

1.     We will realize our potential when we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit’s power.

You don’t have to ask for the Holy Spirit to enter you. His presence is part of the gift of salvation. However, it’s one thing to possess the Holy Spirit – it’s another thing to access the Holy Spirit.

·      This is a function of presentation.

“Lord, I can’t be what you want me to be and I can’t do what you call me to do without Your Spirit freshly empowering me.  So I humbly yet confidently come to you yet again asking for this grace for another day.” 

What might happen if you would pray that for yourself and your loved ones?

2.     We will realize our potential when we are rooted in Christ’s love.

Paul prays that we will experience the strength and stability that come from Christ’s love.

When you begin to grasp this love, all fear is cast out. And, because of that, I can pray great prayers and dream great dreams.  

·      This is a function of reflection.

I need to regularly reflect on the love that God has not simply for the world at large, but for each individual. Jesus loves me! 

3.     We will realize our potential when we are filled with God’s fullness.

To be filled up to God’s fullness means to be totally dominated by His character – His goodness, His graciousness, His kindness, His mercy – with nothing left of your old way of life. 

It also means you are filled with His passion, His vision, His desires, His Kingdom.  

·      This is a function of submission. 

“Lord, I bow before You, asking that your ways become my ways…that your will becomes my will.  As I empty myself of myself, fill me with Yourself.” 

What might God be able to do through you if He is given that freedom in you?

Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Originally recorded on February 28, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.