Strength Rooted in Love
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Reyn Cabinte & Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Our Father, we bow our knees in humility before you, acknowledging our weakness, and confessing our unsteady faith. We have not been rooted and grounded in love. We have not lived by the power of the Spirit. We have not believed that the love of Christ is as wide and long and deep as it really is. In our weakness, we have done what we ought not do, and we have failed to do what we should. We know that you are able to do far more than we think or ask. Forgive us our sins: the sins we remember, and the sins we do not even know we have committed. We thank you for Jesus who has done far more than we know. Rooted in his love, and setting our minds on the riches of your glory, grant us growth in the knowledge of your grace. Strengthen us in our inner being. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What makes you feel confident? What makes you feel vulnerable?
How can faith strengthen you? What kinds of beliefs make you stronger?
Are there teachings of the Bible that you think will make you weaker if you believe them?
What are you rooted and grounded in? What things are you drawing life from? Are they causing you to grow? Strengthening you? Causing problems?
How can you root yourself in love?
What about the love of God do you not understand? How can you grow in understanding? Are there things about God's love that you understand but have not internalized or aren't bringing change to your life? How can the knowledge of what God has shown you be more effective in your life?
Why is it hard to see beyond our present struggles and limitations? How can prayer help you connect with the broader realities of what God is doing?
How do people grow stronger in community? In what ways does love grow as we relate to others? Why is the church important for our inner strength?
How has Jesus loved you? What particulars bring you hope or joy?