January 20, 2008 Summit AM

The Power Of Positive Talking

Introduction

A. Text - Eph.1:15-2:10

B. Been discussing the victorious church

            1. Choosing to be victorious

            2. Learning to deal with adversity

            3. Today – exercising the power of our proclamation – positive talk

C. Context of text

            1. Paul reveals his prayers for the church – spiritual needs

                        a. Grow in wisdom & knowledge of God – His Son Jesus

                        b. Eyes of heart enlightened – spiritually enlightened (see with spirit)

            2. Paul knows there is a power available to all believers

                        a. Not just for a chosen few

Had some spiritual experience – 2nd blessing

Supposed additional working of grace

                        b. All the spiritual blessings in heavenly realms are for all believers

                        c. Problem – many are not aware of them – availability

            3. Later in book discusses what allow selves to speak – Eph.4:29

                        a. No unwholesome speech

                        b. Speak only that which edifies – builds up

                        c. Why? Power of positive talking

D. Pray

 

I. Victorious People Don’t Whine & Complain

            A. Whining never accomplished anything

                        1. Truth - Our society makes people feel like helpless victims

                                    a. Focus on therapy & understanding rather than responsibility

                                    b. Our national anthem is becoming “The whine”

                                    c. Act like we have a life-long insurance from misfortune as well

as a release from any personal responsibility

                                    d. Always somebody or something else to blame

                        2. If we don’t expect to win – we never will

                                    a. Negative talking limits our potential

                                    b. Believe we going to fail – can’t do it  = will fail

                                    c. Our negativity & whining becomes a self-filling prophecy

            B. Paul wanted the church to be victorious

                        1. To experience fully all the blessings God had to offer

                        2. To fully accomplish God’s will on earth – all be saved

                        3. His part in equation = teach; encourage & continually pray

 

II. The Surpassing Greatness Of God’s Power Toward Believers

            A. Examine text – Eph.1:19

                        1. 4 Greek synonyms emphasize greatness of that power

                                    a. Power = dunamis = dynamite

                                    b. Working – energia = energizing force that empowers

                                    c. Strength – kratos = dominion & authority

                                    d. Might – ichus = endowed (gifted) power of ability

                        2. Not praying for power to be given to believers

                                    a. Praying for an awareness of the power they possess

                                    b. Because we are in Christ – power that is already available

                                    c. What we have to do is believe

                                                1) James 1:5 – wisdom of God for believers

                                                2) Mk.11:22-24 – already have what ask

            B. Examples of that power

                        1. Power to evangelize & witness for Jesus – Rom.1:15,16

                                    a. All we need do is speak the word – not go void

                                    b. Rom.10:17 – faith comes by hearing the word

                        2. The power to endure suffering – 2 Cor.4:7-18

                                    a. Demonstrates power is from God

                                    b. Hard pressed but not destroyed

                        3. The power to deal with any & all temptation – 1 Cor.10:13

                                    a. God protects us – allow be too strong

                                    b. Way of escape = word – Ps.119

                                    c. Reason need get serious about the word – meditate

                        4. The power over sin – Rom.6:1-7

                                    a. Rom.6:12 – recon selves dead to sin

                                    b. A decision & commitment – not be my master

                        5. The power to know & do God’s will – Phil.2:12,13

                                    a. Our responsibility – work out salvation

                                    b. God is at work in us – Rom.12:2 – transformed; renew mind

                        6. The power over Satan – Rev.12:10-12

                                    a. Blood of the lamb

                                    b. Word of their testimony – James 4:7

                                    c. Not fear death

                        7. The power over the fear of death – Heb.2:15

a. Death’s sting is gone - 1 Cor.15

b. Confident we will be with the Lord – Phil.1:21

 

III. Remember - The Battle Is Not Ours It’s God’s

            A. 2 Chron.20:15-17

                        1.Great enemy has come against Israel

                        2. King gathered all the people – cried out to God

                        3. God assures all – He is in control

                        4. As march forth – enemy destroys it’s self

            B. Church has been promised victory – Mt.16

                        1. Eph.3:20 – God is at work in church – nothing impossible

                        2. We must believe & speak positively – Eph.4:29

                                    a. Helpful; constructive; uplifting

                                    b. According to the need

                                    c. That we may give grace to those who hear (unmerited favor)

                                    d. Lk.4:22 – people awed by Jesus’ gracious words