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Brandon KlotzExpository Preaching

Exercise 1: Structural Diagram

Name: Brandon Klotz Text: Ephesians 3:16-21

Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand the structure of this text He inspired.

Identify the main clause or clauses in the passage. (A main clause will contain a subject, verb, and usually a direct object or a predicate.)

Place the main clause in the left margin of the structural diagram section below.

Place focusing words and phrases under or over the word they focus and then draw lines connecting them to the word they focus.

This will place main ideas to the left margin, with supporting ideas falling to the right below them.

Place any words before the first main clause above it, with lines connecting them to the word they focus.

Any series of equal ideas should be lined up vertically.

Put italicized words in (parentheses).

Place connective words in [brackets].

In the Rhetorical Functions section identify the logical relationship that each subordinated line has to the word/phrase it supports. See the next page for of a list of the most common structural relationships.

Rhetorical Functions

Vs

Structural Diagram

See Bibleworks Diagram for Eph. 3:16-21

16 ,

17 , ,

18 ,

19 , .

20 ,

21 , . (Eph 3:16-21 BGT)

Preaching Holiness

Exercise 2: Immediate Observations

Name: Brandon Klotz Text: Ephesians 3:16-21

Before you begin, take time to tell the Holy Spirit that you need his illumination to understand what He has inspired. Ask Him for his help in doing this exercise.

Verse Number and Phrase

Relationship of Text Ideas

Watch for

-Comparisons

-Contrasts

-Conditional statements-Correlative structure

-Reasons

-Purpose

-Results

The Significant Words

Watch for

-Theological themes

-Figurative language

-Repetition

-Cross-references

Rhetorical Functions

Watch for

-Assertions

-Commands

-Admonitions

-Promises

-Causes

-Means

-Agency

Writing Sentence Summaries

Watch for

-Use each theological theme.

-Write simple and direct statements.

-Show relationships between various ideas.

Vs. 1

Vs. 2

Exercise 3: Commentary Research

Name: _______________________

Text: ________________________

ME 206Expository Preaching

Directions

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to ask the right questions about the text and understand the commentaries as you read them.

2. Work through each verse in your passage and write down all the questions you think of. Your questions will guide your research.

3. Read no fewer than Ten commentaries on your text.

4. Put a check mark by each of the required commentaries that you actually used.

5. Arrange the material you glean from the commentaries by the verses of your text. Do not arrange the material by commentary.

6. Put the authors last name and the page number in the commentary from which you took the material you write down.

5. As you read the commentaries, look for the following specific items:

a. the answers to the questions you asked about the text,

b. any observations the commentator makes about the text that you did not make, and

c. any suggestions the commentator make for applying the text.

Questions to Ask in Research

Investigative: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Interpretative: Cross-References? Context? Literary genre? Purpose? Tone and Style? Implications? Significance?

Verse Phrase

Research Questions and Commentary Notes

Of the things Paul prays for, how many does he think that God will do outright for you?

Answer:

The New American Commentary series (not available)

The Beacon Bible Commentary series

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary series

The NIV Commentary series

The Bible Speaks Today Commentary series

The John MacArthur Commentary series

The Expositors Bible Commentary series

The New International Commentary on the NT Commentary series

The Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition Commentary series

Adam Clarke Commentary

Holman Commentary

Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Zondervan)

Baker Exegetical Commentary

ME 206Preaching Holiness

Ephesians

The city of Ephesus was the leading city of the richest region of the Roman empire. With a population of about 250,000 people, only Rome and Alexandria were larger. Ephesus served as the Roman provincial capital of Asia Minor and was a prosperous commercial center. As the principal port for Asia Minor, merchant and cargo vessels from all over the Mediterranean docked there to unload passengers and goods as well as to transport products from Asia Minor to Rome and throughout the empire. The first-century writer Strabo called Ephesus the greatest commercial center in Asia this side of the Taurus river.

The city was cosmopolitan and multiethnic. In addition to the indigenous Anatolian peoples of Ionia, Lydia, Phrygia, Caria, and Mysia, Ephesus was home to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman settlers. There was also a strong Jewish community in the city since Seleucid times (3d century B.C.). It appears that the Jews of the city had a fairly cordial relationship with the civic officials and the local populace since there is no evidence of the kind of ethnic strife that rocked Alexandria and Rome. According to Josephus, they had been granted freedom to practice their religion according to their own traditions.

Coming to Christ from a background of animism, goddess worship, magical practices, and a variety of other religions, these people need a more extensive grounding in the gospel and its implications for life. Paul writes the letter to support the Ephesian leadership in addressing a variety of concerns. Three issues in particular surface as the most prominent:

1.) When these people turned to Christ and joined the community, their fear of evil spirits and demonic powers did not vanish. They would have been greatly tempted to hold onto some of their household idols and their magical texts in spite of the precedent set by the original believers of Ephesus in the historic book burning episode. These dear believers need reassurance as to the preeminence of Christ in relationship to other spiritual forces and their own access to the power of God for resisting the hostile powers.

2.) Because of their immoral preChristian lifestyle, they need help and admonishment in cultivating a lifestyle consistent with their salvation in Christ a lifestyle free from drunkenness, sexual immorality, lying, stealing, bitterness, and many other vices.

3.) With a large influx of Gentiles into the Ephesian house churches, a situation was created for a heightening of tensions between Gentiles and Jews. Not only was there already a natural tension between Jews and Gentiles, but Gentile converts often lacked an appreciation for the Jewish heritage of their new faith. (ZIBBC)

Letter Profile:

sent to the church in Ephesus. Not one church building but the total collection of Christians in the city.

Probably delivered by Tychicus, a friend and colaborer of the apostle Paul.

May not have been delivered exclusively to church in Ephesus but may have been circulated among other churches also.

Paul stresses the Christians spiritual blessings in Christ and the need to live a lifestyle that reflects those spiritual blessings.

Author Profile Paul the Apostle

Jewish-born in Tarsus, near the Lebanese border in modern Turkey.

Roman citizen.

Prominent, highly educated Jewish religious leader (Pharisee).

Dramatically converted to Christianity, A.D. 35.

Primary apostle to the Gentiles, tireless missionary.

Imprisoned in Rome, A.D. 67, during Neros reign.

Died in prison, A.D. 68.

City Profile Ephesus

Population estimated at 300,000.

Capital city of the Roman province of Asia, in modern Turkey.

Center of the worship of pagan goddess Diana. The temple of Diana was one of the wonders of the ancient world.

A beautiful city, very sophisticated, wealthy, and pagan. (HNTC)

Temple of Diana

Length: 425 feet

Breadth: 220

Supported by 127 pillars (each pillar 60 ft. high)

220 years in being completed.

Outline

I. Prescript (1:1-2)

II. The New Humanity a Divine Creation (1:3-3:21)

1. Introductory Eulogia (1:3-14)

a. Praise for Election and Adoption (1:3-6)

b. Praise for Redemption and Final Reconciliation

c. Praise for the Assurance of the Believers Heritage

2. Introductory thanksgiving and intercessory prayer (1:15-23)

a. Thanks for the Readers Faith and Love and Prayer for Their Increase in Knowledge (1:15-19)

b. Gods Mighty Strength Shown in the Raising of Christ (1:20-23)

3. The Saving Grace of God (2:1-10)

a. New Life in Christ (2:1-7)

b. Gods New Creation (2:8-10)

4. The Incorporation of the Gentiles (2:11-22)

a. Their Former Plight (2:11-12)

b. Their Present Access (2:13-18)

c. Their membership in the House of God (2:19-22)

5. Intercessory Prayer Resumed (3:1)

6. The Mystery of Christ

a. Pauls Stewardship (3:2-7)

b. The Eternal Purpose (3:8-13)

7. Intercessory Prayer concluded (3:14-19)

8. Doxology (3:20-21)

III. The New Humanity in Earthly Life (4:1-6:20)

1. Exhortation to Unity (4:1-3)

2. Confession of Faith (4:4-6)

3 Provision for Spiritual Health and Growth (4:7-16)

4. Christian Conduct (4:17-5:20)

a. The Old Man and the New (4:17-24)

b. Negative and Positive Precepts (4:25-32)

c. The Imitation of God (5:1-2)

d. From Darkness to Light (5:3-14)

e. Be Filled with the Spirit (5:15-20)

5. Be Subject (5:21-6:9)

a. Mutual Submission (5:21)

b. Wives and Husbands (5:22-33)

c. Children and Parents (6:1-4)

d. Slaves and Masters (6:5-9)

6. Be Strong in the Lord (6:10-17)

7. Watch and Pray (6:18-20)

IV. Letter-Closing (6:21-24)

1. Personal Notes (6:21-22)

2. Final Benediction (6:23-24)

Chapters 1-2

Chapter 3

Paul begins to relate to these Asia Minor believers how he has been praying for them, but he abruptly digresses and explains the nature of his ministry as an apostle.

3:1 For the first time in this letter, Paul makes explicit reference to the fact that he is incarcerated. He was arrested and is awaiting trial

because of his ministry for the cause of Christ. (ZIBBC)

Before he actually got into the body of his prayer, he interrupted himself and launched into a parenthetical discussion of the great mystery of both Jews and Gentiles being united as one in Christ. His explanation lasts through verse 13, after which he resumes his original prayer begun in verse 1. (HNTC)

3:3 Paul is not speaking of a different letter, but what he has already written up to this point. (ZIBBC)

Vs. 14 21

Paul now resumes his prayer request for the Ephesians. He tells these dear believers that he has been praying for a profound realization of the power of God in their lives. This request builds on what he prayed in chapter 1, where the focus was more on gaining an awareness of Gods great power available to them. He concludes his prayer with a beautiful doxology an ascription of praise to God. (ZIBBC)

Spiritually mature believers (trusters emphasis mine), strengthened by the Holy Spirit, comprehend Gods love and are filled with the fullness of God. (HNTC)

Pauls prayer requests:

1.) Paul prays for spiritual power for the strengthening of the Church.

2.) Paul prays for the spiritual permanence of the believers.

3.) Paul prays for the spiritual provision of the Church.

4.) Paul prays for the spiritual perception of the Church.

5.) Paul prays for the spiritual plenitude or fullness. (Wesl. B. Comm.)

I like to think of the apostles petition as a staircase by which he climbs higher and higher in his aspiration for his readers. His prayer-staircase has four steps, whose key words are strength, love, knowledge, and fulness. More precisely, he prays first that they may be strengthened by the indwelling of Christ through his Spirit; secondly that they may be rooted and grounded in love; thirdly that they may know Christs love in all its dimensions, although it is beyond knowledge; and fourthly that they may be filled right up to the very fullness of God. (Bible Speaks Today)

This passage can be divided into three parts.

1.) First, homage to God is declared (vv. 14-15).

2.) Second, his prayer for the Ephesians is expressed, namely, that they might genuinely know and experience Christs

love and consequently demonstrate it toward each other (vv. 16-19).

3.) Third, praise to God is given, ascribing to him glory throughout all generations (vv. 20-21). (Baker)

This first prayer is for believers to know their power; the second is for them to use it. (MacArthur)

In this great prayer of entreaty to God and exhortation to His children, Paul prays specifically for the inner strength of the Spirit, for the indwelling of Christ in the believers heart, for incomprehensible love to permeate their lives, for them to have Gods own fullness, and for Gods glory thereby to be manifested and proclaimed. Each element builds on the previous ones, making a grand progression of enablement. (MacArthur)

For this reason

1. Christ makes us spiritually alive in Him (2:5),

2. We are His workmanship (v. 10),

3. no longer strangers and aliens, but . . . fellow citizens with the saints, and are of Gods household (v. 19)

4. built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (v. 20),

5. are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (v. 22).

- For this reason, therefore (that our new identity makes us the dwelling place of God), Paul prays for the Ephesians to use the

power that their great status in Christ provides. Because Gods power is in those believers, Paul prays that God would enable them to employ the fullness of that power. Because believers are the habitation of the triune, all-powerful God of the universe, Paul prays that their unlimited energy from Him would be manifested. (MacArthur)

3:14 the kneeling posture represents humility and reverent worship in contrast to the common practice of standing to pray. (HNTC)

That he would grant you You can expect nothing from him but as a free gift through Christ Jesus; let this be the ruling sentiment of your hearts when you pray to God. (Adam Clarke)

According to the riches of his glory According to the measure of His eternal fullness; (Adam Clarke)

To be strengthened with might

By His spirit By the sovereign energy of the Holy Ghost. This fountain of spiritual energy can alone supply the spiritual strength which is necessary for this spiritual work and conflict. (Adam Clarke)

In the inner man in the soul. (Adam C. is dichotomous) (Adam Clarke)

the inner person is the heart or mind of the believer whereas the outer person is the physical body that is wasting away. (Baker)

3:15 This Father is the Father of all fathers, for every family in heaven and on earth derives its existence and its family name from the Father. Certainly such a powerful, creative Father can hear and answer the prayers about to be uttered. (HNTC)

Martin reminds us that the Fatherhood of God is not a mere metaphor drawn from human relationships. The very opposite is the caseThe archetype of all fatherhood is seen in the Godhead, and all other fatherhoods are derived from Him.

W.G.M. Martin (Beacon)

3:16 The emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the agent for dispensing Gods power stands in rather stark contrast to the religious climate of the area. The power of God comes to his people by means of a relationship a union with the exalted Christ and with the Holy Spirit residing in each believer. Paul knows very well that believers cannot resist these overwhelmingly powerful evil influences in their own strength. (ZIBBC)

To be strengthened with might by his Spirit is a divinely given experience. (Beacon)

Here Paul prays to the Father that they be strengthened by the Spirit with the result that Christ be deeply rooted in the lives of the believers through faith. (Baker)

The prayer has four requests which build on each other, or which flow out of each other. The first request is for inner spiritual strength. (HNTC)

According to the riches of His glory - Like a Heavenly Fort Knox, whose capacity knows no limits, God gives us strength in keeping with his glorious riches. (MacArthur)

We should take the Dative dynamei not as strengthened with power but in an adverbial sense of measure or degree strengthened mightily. (Expositors)

Inner being another way of referring to the heart. (ZIBBC)

May be viewed as the locus of the indwelling Spirit. (NICNT)

Inner spiritual strength results from a personal submission to the transforming work of Gods Spirit (cf. Ro 12:1-2) (Holman)

3:17 Christ dwelling in their hearts by faith These people have already received Christ into their lives. Paul is therefore not praying that they will become Christians, but that they will grow in their Christian lives. He prays that Christ will increasingly manifest his reign over every area of their lives and push back the footholds that evil has maintained.

an alternative is that it is a contemplative result or the previous infinitive that he may grant you to be strengthened in the inner person so that, being strengthened, Christ may dwell in your hearts. (Baker)

Being rooted and established in love Paul mixes metaphors here by combining an agricultural image (a plant taking root) with a construction image (a foundation laid for a building). The net result is an emphasis on love as the primary feature of the Christian life and experience. He subsequently prays, with irony, that believers will come to know something that cannot be fully known the incredible love of Christ. Love was not a virtue that characterized the workings of the gods and goddesses in the various cults of Asia Minor. (ZIBBC)

In both cases the unseen cause of their stability will be the same: love. Love is to be the soil in which their life is to be rooted; love is to be the foundation on which their life is built (The Bible Speaks Today).

The isolated Christian can indeed know something of the love of Jesus. But his grasp of it is bound to be limited by his limited experience. It needs the whole people of God to understand the whole love of God, all the saints together(The Bible Speaks Today).

This leads to the second request, deep faith. This is more than resident faith that comes with salvation. This is Christs being at home in ones heart. (HNTC)

Paul, having considered the Church at Ephesus completely formed, as to every external thing, prays that God may come down and dwell in it. And as there could be no indwelling of god but by Christ, and no indwelling of Christ by faith, he prays that they may have such faith in Christ, as shall keep them in constant possession of his love and presence. (Adam Clarke)

it is not to be taken as describing another and higher blessing, but a further explanation of the previous experience of v. 16. (Beacon)

With all the saints this comprehension comes only in the context of the community.

3:18 The love of Christ is not in the Greek text. (ZIBBC)

We need foundations for our experiences and relationships. We cant handle life unless we are assured that God loves us and has accepted us, that we are dear to him. When we know this, then we know who we are. Then we have a sense of well-being. Love gives us that. This sense of identity and being loved gives us the ability to relate to others, so we can comprehend with all the saints the magnitude of the love of God. Knowing Gods love is not an individual accomplishment. It occurs only in the loving context of the church and involves the whole church, not isolated individuals. (HNTC)

be able this is the only place it occurs in the NT. (Baker)

The one article (to) with the four words indicates that, although they are distinct, they are to be treated as one. Without being dogmatic, it seems that the third interpretation is best, namely, that the four dimensions refer to the love of Christ. The context itself is about Christ who dwells deeply in believers hearts (v. 17) and believers who are to know the love of Christ (v. 19). Verse 19 explains the parts of verse 18. The special dimensions fit well with the agricultural and architectural figures in verse 17 where they refer to the love in which believers are rooted and grounded. Ultimately, this love is the love of Christ as Paul develops this passage. Abbott has expressed it well when he writes: The four words seem intended to indicate, not so much the thoroughness of the comprehension as the vastness of the thing to be comprehended. Furthermore, as with the previous interpretation, Rom. 8:39 could be used for support because the height and depth is used in connection with the love of Christ. This love of Christ is enormous to comprehend as the next verse indicates. (Baker)

When someone asked the famed jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong to explain jazz, he replied, Man, if Ive got to explain it, you aint got it. (MacArthur)

The world cannot comprehend the great love that Christ gives because it cannot understand Christ.

Attraction

Worldly love is based on attraction and therefore lasts only as long as the attraction.

Christs love is based on His own nature and therefore lasts forever.

Time of love

Worldly love lasts until it is offended or rebuffed.

Christs love lasts despite every offense and every rebuff.

Motivation for love

Worldly love loves for what it can get.

Christs love loves for what it can give.

What is incomprehensible to the world is to be normal living for the child of God. (MacArthur)

3:19 to know that which surpasses knowledge

To speak of knowing something that surpasses knowledge is to be deliberately paradoxical; but however much one comes to know of the love of Christ, there is always more to know: it is inexhaustible. (NICNT)

Many have labored to reconcile this seeming contradiction. If we take the verb in a sense in which it is frequently used in the New Testament, to approve, acknowledge, or acknowledge with approbation, and to signify comprehension, then the difficulty will be partly removed: That ye may acknowledge, approve, and publicly acknowledge, that love of God which surpasseth knowledge. (Adam Clarke)

it seems simplest to consider that to comprehend the love of Christ is beyond the capability of any human being. The very fact that Christs love expressed itself in his willingness to die on behalf of sinners is in itself beyond ones comprehension. The reality of Christs love is overwhelming to all believers, from the point of conversion and continuing as growth in the knowledge of Christ progresses. No matter how much knowledge we have of Christ and his work, his love surpasses that knowledge. The more we know of his love, the more we are amazed by it. Paul is not denegrating knowledge, for it is greatly emphasized in this epistle (1:9, 17, 18; 3:3-5, 9; 4:13; 5:17). He even requests it in this very prayer (vv. 18, 19a), but here he wishes to stress Christs love as that which is beyond human comprehension. (Baker)

That you might be filled with all the fullness of God Among all the great sayings in this prayer, this is the greatest. To be filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with all the fullness of God is still greater; but to be filled with all the fullness of God, utterly bewilders the sense and confounds the understanding. (Adam Clarke)

the Greek preposition is eis, which indicates that we are to be filled not with so much as unto the fullness of God. Gods fullness or perfection becomes the standard or level up to which we pray to be filled. (The Bible Speaks Today).

He (Paul) prays that his readers may be given the strength of the Spirit and the ruling presence of Christ, the rooting of their lives in love, the knowledge of Christs love in all its dimensions, and the fullness of God himself. These are bold petitions. Climbers of this staircase become short of breath, even a little giddy. But Paul does not leave us in suspense. (The Bible Speaks Today).

We notice now that the apostles four petitions are sandwiched between two references to God. In verses 14-16 he is the Father of the whole family and possesses infinite riches in glory; in verses 20 and 21 he is the one who works powerfully within us. Such a God can answer prayer. (The Bible Speaks Today).

1.) He is able to do or to work,

2.) He is able to do what we ask, (for he hears and answers prayer)

3.) He is able to do what we ask or think

4.) He is able to do all that we ask or think,

5.) He is able to do more than all that we ask or think,

6.) He is able to do much more than all that we ask or think,

7.) He is able to do very much more, or far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. (The Bible Speaks Today).

Briefly, Pauls prayer for the Ephesians is that god would strengthen them in the inner person, resulting in Christ effectively dwelling in them for the purpose that they, having been rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all the saints the wonders of Christs love, resulting in their experiential knowledge of Christs love that surpasses all knowledge for the final purpose of being filled up with Gods moral character which reflects Gods character.

Pauls first prayer for the Ephesians (1:15-23) was offered in order that they might know God and his power. His second prayer, in the present context, is a plea for them to comprehend Christs love which, in turn, would cause them to love their fellow saints. This prayer is the climax of his discussion on the unification of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, thus, becoming one new person. Paul desired that what was true positionally would be true experientially in the lives of the Ephesian believers. This experiential knowledge of Christs love is not only for individual believers but it is to be applied to the corporate unity. Unity of Jewish and Gentile believers is evidence of Gods power. A divided church, instead of being a sign of Gods conquering power in Christ, reflects the negative message of a victory by the forces of evil. The body of believers is to experience Christs love. (Baker)

3:20 To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine In an emotive outburst of praise at the conclusion of the prayer, Paul once again highlights the superabundance of Gods power. The overt emphasis on the enabling power of God here and throughout the letter likely comes to expression because Paul is addressing a group of believers on the nature of the Christian life in light of the continuing presence and hostility of the evil principalities and powers. This is a deep concern for Christians in Ephesus and Asia Minor because of the widespread influence of magic, the mysteries of underworld deities, and astrology. (ZIBBC)

To add anything more would be inappropriate, except the doxologyTo Him be the glory. (The Bible Speaks Today).

Has Paul sought too much from God for his fellow-believers praying that they may be filled up to the level of the divine fullness? They might think so as they heard this letter read aloud, but Paul reassures them: it is impossible to ask God for too much. His capacity for giving far exceeds his peoples capacity for asking or even imagining. (NICNT)

In his prayer Paul has not asked for small things; he has requested of God that Christians be illuminated, strengthened, and filled by the Spirit.

In the event that anybody, wondering whether Pauls request has been too expansive, should ask whether God can really grant to his people this fullness, Paul answers in no uncertain terms: Yes, he can! Nothing limits Gods ability. (Expositors)

3:21 throughout all ages, world without end

Can be rendered from generation to generation evermore (NEB). This linkage of synonym and repetition is the apostles way of emphasizing the eternity of praise. (Beacon)

How long will God receive this glory? Forever! Paul concludes the doxology with a complex and unique prepositional phrase that reads, literally, to all the generations of the ages of the ages. Amen. . . .Again, the point is an unending passage of time into the future. This praise to God will know no limits: as far as time and eternity take us forever god receives the glory he deserves. Gods glory never ends. Amen! With this solemn final word, Paul exclaims, This is true!

Chapters 4-6

Exercise 4: Textual Idea Statement

Before you begin, acknowledge to the Holy Spirit that you are completely dependent upon His enablement to identify properly the texts main idea and ask Him for his help on this exercise.

The textual idea statement is a one-sentence statement of the original authors intended message to his original audience. The textual idea statement must answer the questions, Why is this text here? and What is its intended message?

1. Theological Themes. List all the theological themes from the text. This will help you identify the passages main topic.

1. Strengthened with might

2. Christs dwelling

3. faith

4. rooted and grounded in love

5. know the love of Christ

6. Fullness of God

7. power

8. glory

9.

2. Contextual Fit. Examine the passages context (what comes before and after the passage), and answer the following two questions:

a. What is the writers progression of thought?

The writer has described human experience progressively. It is as if he is giving a stair step description of what happens in a believers life. So essentially Paul is asking that god would strengthen them in the inner person, resulting in Christ effectively dwelling in them for the purpose that they, having been rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all the saints the wonders of Christs love, resulting in their experiential knowledge of Christs love that surpasses all knowledge for the final purpose of being filled up with Gods moral character which reflects Gods character.

b. How does this passage fit into that sequence of ideas?

This passage is the beginning of the application stage (end of ch. 3 and chs 4-6). However, this passage is the logical result of the facts and truths propounded in chapter 2. The position and identity of the believers has been given in Ch. 2 and then the results/response to that position is given in this short prayer (vs. 16-21). It is as if the machine that all believers have has been described in chapter 2, but the prayer of ch. 3 describes how much power it really has and what it can do.

3. Identify the historical setting of the original writing of the text:

a. Author, writer, or main character (narratives): Paul _________________________________

b. Audience or secondary characters (narratives): A circuit of churches in Asia Minor ______

c. Tone or purpose of the text: Prayer and teaching for/of the Ephesians

d. Occasion, situation, or circumstances requiring the text: The Ephesians lack of filling

e. Literary features, genre: Epistolary (possible rhetorical)____________________________________________

4. Passages Rhetorical Function. What is the primary rhetorical function of the passage? What is the author trying to do to his audienceto inform, to command, to exhort, to teach, to plead, to warn, to rebuke, to promise, to comfort, to encourage them? See McDill, p. 30 for review of rhetorical functions

Prayer Paul is praying that God will continue to work in the lives of the believers of Ephesus.

Instruction The believers lacked knowledge on how to be filled up to all the fullness of God.

5. Plain Meaning. What is the plain and obvious meaning of the text. I.e., what would you tell a child this text is about?

About growing to be more like God._____________________________________________________

6. Passages Main Topic. Distill the plain and obvious meaning of the text down to the one word or phrase that best identifies the main topic of the text?

Growth

7. Main Topics Focus. How does the author focus the main topic? Write the word or phrase that best identifies the focus of the dominant theme or main topic.

For Children of God_________________________

8. Textual Idea Statement. Combine the main topic and its focus in a one-sentence statement in the form [Original Author] wrote/spoke to [Original Audience] to [rhetorical function] them [main topic + focus].

Paul wrote to the Ephesians to teach them about growth for every child of God.

9. Checkup: Does your textual idea statement clearly answer the questions Why is this text here? and What is its intended message? If not, what is it missing?

Everything is accounted for________________________________________________________________

Exercise 5: Title & Sermon Idea Statement

As you answer each numbered question, ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to think clearly and summarize accurately the meaning of His inspired text. Do your work in conscious dependence upon the Spirit.

The purpose of this exercise is to construct an interpretive bridge for bringing the truth of the passage to expression in the sermon.

1. Using your main topic and topic focus, write a working title for your emerging sermon.

Petitionary Dissection

2. Based on the textual idea statement from the previous exercise, write the sermon idea statement by replacing the original human author with God and the original audience with the modern audience (us/you).

God wrote to you to teach you about growing as His child.

3. Write a purpose statement that expresses the response(s) God wants your audience to make to the truth of this passage. Your purpose statement should reflect the same purpose(s) for which the original text was written.

God wants you to grow as His child to be filled up to all His fullness.

Exercise 6: Interrogative, Transition, and Division Statements

Begin by thanking the Holy Spirit for what he has been teaching you and ask Him to continue to reveal His truth to you through this exercise.

Sermon divisions are the sections of the sermon where the main treatment of the sermon idea is presented. The division statements express one subordinate concept each and divide the sermon idea logically.

1. Interrogative: Write the interrogative by restating the sermon idea as a question. Choose one (or at the most two) of the following words to frame your question: who, what, when, where, why, how. Your interrogative should reflect your answer to the question, What question(s) does this passage answer?

What does this growth entail?

Checkup: Is there anything in this passage that isnt directly related to my question? If there is, then your question isnt broad enough, or perhaps you need a second question.

2. Transition: Write the transition statement to your sermon. Your transition should connect the interrogative to the sermon. For example, Rom. 12:1-2: Paul identifies 3 steps we must take to live lives of consecrated transformation.

Lets look together at what Paul views as growth for every child of God.

Sermon Divisions

3. Identifying Predicates: List by each verse reference what the author says about this topic, i.e., his predicates. The authors predicates develop and flow from his main topic. After listing the predicates, identify the journalists question that each predicate answers: what? when? where? why? who? how?

I. Homage

II. Prayer

i. Strengthening with Power (Vs. 16)

ii. Comprehending Christs Love (Vs. 1)

iii. Knowing Christs Love (Vs. 2)

iv. Filling of Gods Fullness (Vs. 2)

III. Doxology

4. Creating Divisions: Option 1: Group together the predicates that answer the same journalists question. Using your grouped predicates as a guide, write your sermon divisions. This option rearranges the text according to what makes logical sense to you. Option 2: Group the primary thought divisions in the text by grouping together the verses that relate to the same idea (e.g., vv. 1-3, 4-6, 7-11). Identify the key word that expresses the idea of each though division.

5. Checkup:

a. Do your divisions cover all the material in the text? If not, they are too focused or you need additional divisions.

b. Do your divisions all help explain the main idea of the text? If not, either you have the wrong main idea or you havent properly figured out how the parts of the text relate to the main idea.

c. Do your divisions clearly and easily reflect the idea of the section of the text they cover? If not, work on rewording the division to more clearly connect it to the content of the text.

Exercise 7: Developing your Divisions with Persuasive Elements

Here is where you begin to explain Gods words to men. Consider how much you need the Holy Spirits illuminationto guide you into the truth and guard you from error! Petition for His help in this holy task.

This exercise helps you develop the content of your sermon. This is the point where you begin to integrate the material you developed in exercises 1-3 into the body of your sermon. All sermon communication can be defined in terms of four persuasive elements: explanation, illustration, argumentation, and application. You will need to fill out 1 copy of this exercise for each division in your sermon.

1. Write the first division statement of your sermon.

a. Homage

2. Circle the word or two in your statement that carry the central concept of your idea. Write your core terms here.

NA (not applicable)___________________________________________________________________

3. Identify all the elements in the text that need explanation. E.g., words, concepts, figures of speech, background information, etc. Write down each item you intend to explain, then utilizing the your research in Ex. 3, write out your explanation in complete sentences just like you intend to say it in your sermon.

Father - This Father is the Father of all fathers, for every family in heaven and on earth derives its existence and its family name from the Father. Certainly such a powerful, creative Father can hear and answer the prayers about to be uttered

4. Identify the ideas in your explanations that need illustration. Illustration seeks to illuminate the idea through the use of imagery and narrative to appeal to the imagination of the hearer. Write out your illustrations fully.

Hard backed book

Pauls prayer in verses 14-21 is like a book: the front cover is like homage being paid to God. Paul is specifically stating that this is who God is. The second part of the book is the content. The content of the book is broken up into different chapters or requests. The last cover of the book is the doxology stating Gods ability which far surpasses anything we can even ask or think.

5. Identify the elements of your explanation that may need to be proved, i.e., argued for. Argumentation uses reason to show how an idea makes sense and to guide it around the rational barriers in the mind of the hearer. If the text says something that runs contrary to the way people normally think, you will need to provide biblical argumentation to support that point. If you are drawing a theological conclusion that is new to people, you will need to argue for the correctness of your conclusion. Write out your argumentation fully.

6. Application spells out the implications of the biblical idea and calls for change and action in a faith response. Write out the full text of the applications you intend to make in this division.




7. Write the second division statement of your sermon.

II. Prayer

i. Strengthening with Power (Vs. 16)

ii. Comprehending Christs Love (Vs. 1)

iii. Knowing Christs Love (Vs. 2)

iv. Filling of Gods Fulness (Vs. 2)



Be Strengthened aorist passive infinitive

Comprehend aorist middle infinitive

Know aorist active infinitive

Filled aorist passive subjunctive 2nd plural


Bulldozer that is not being used at a job sight. The boss comes along and shows the worker how to run it. In the same way, Children of God have much potential. Many dont know they have potential for growth, others know they have potential for growth but dont know what process to follow.

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13. Write the third division statement of your sermon.

III. Doxology



Gods ability: 1.) He is able to do or to work,

2.) He is able to do what we ask, (for he hears and answers prayer)

3.) He is able to do what we ask or think

4.) He is able to do all that we ask or think,

5.) He is able to do more than all that we ask or think,

6.) He is able to do much more than all that we ask or think,

7.) He is able to do very much more, or far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

Power that same power that raised Christ from the dead, that strengthens every believer and

Glory so as to promote the unique excellence of His character among men.


When bread is being made, the dough is put into a container. The end result is that the bread is perfectly formed to that container. Molds only work on that which is softer than it. What Paul is saying is, Be harder than the mold, and this will result in you not being conformed. The next question we have to answer is, How do we become harder than the mold. And that leads us into the

Book end this is how Paul sums up his prayer

Has Paul sought too much from God for his fellow-believers praying that they may be filled up to the level of the divine fullness? They might think so as they heard this letter read aloud, but Paul reassures them: it is impossible to ask God for too much. His capacity for giving far exceeds his peoples capacity for asking or even imagining.


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Exercises 8-9 may be used when needed. They are not required for Expository Preaching.

Exercise 10 Audience Needs

The Spirit of God inspired His word to meet real needs of real people. Humbly request His enablement to see the needs of the original audience as He saw them and then to see those same needs in contemporary society.

The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill in identifying the original audiences need that prompted the text and in identifying the modern audiences corresponding need.

Make sure sermon ideas are clear and well worded.

Think beyond the church to include experiences from the worlds your audience inhabits.

Remember the fallen condition of human nature.

Allow your own humanity to come through.

Address assumptions, symptoms, and consequences.

Express compassion and understanding for hearers.

1. Identify the needs/problems/issues of the original audience that the text explicitly addresses.

The original audience needed some information in order for them to know what the next growth-steps were as children of God. Paul is praying for them in this passage but it also gives us information about children of God.

2. Identify the human issues that the author addresses in the text by implication. Example questions to help identify implicit needs: What needs do the explicit needs necessarily imply? How do the explicit needs relate implicitly to the need to love God and others? What faith-related need to the text imply the audience has?

3. Briefly identify the various kinds of persons whose needs/problems/issues this text addresses. Use the following categories to describe them: Not sure what kinds of persons this text addresses.

His symptoms of the trouble he is experiencing:

His underlying assumptions about the issue:

Some of the consequences in his experience:

How he feels at this point:

ME 206Expository Preaching

Exercise 11: Preaching for Faith

Empowering and sustaining faith is the work of the Holy Spirit. Acknowledge your dependence upon the Spirit to work in your listeners hearts. Ask for His help to use your sermon to inform and strengthen their faith.

This assignment involves planning the design of your sermon as an appeal for faith. Complete the exercise with the following steps.

1. Identify in the text the ideas about God that would help people see that He is trustworthy. These may be directly presented or only implied.

Gods Character Chapter 2 God sacrificed out of love for those on the wrong side of the wall.

Gods Capabilities God is capable of doing exceedingly abundantly above all that one could ask or think.

Gods Intentions God intends to build every believer up into a holy temple with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.

Gods Record God has helped people through this process in the past, he wants to in the present, and he will

2. Identify the theological assumptions behind the statements in the text. Every instruction, interpretation, or application has its foundation in the person of God. The imperative is based on the indicative. Write down the statement in the text followed by the theological assumption behind it.

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3. Write your Sermon idea here as you have stated it. Test it for its faith appeal.Sermon Idea:

Is it indicative in mood?

Does it present a faith principle?

Does it use faith language?

Does it give the hearer assurance?

Is it essentially theological?

Does it claim the credibility of God?

4. Check each division statement by the same tests. How does it measure up to the faith aim?






Does it claim the credibility of God?

5. Examine development throughout and check it for balance in dealing with the barriers to faith.

Do you help them see the truth they need to believe?

Have you covered each step in the process of coming to understand the truth?

Have you have given them specific directions for how to engage their faith?

6. Analyze the introduction and conclusion segments for their faith appeal.






Does it claim the credibility of God

Exercise 12: Planning Oral Presentation: Introduction & Conclusion

Before you begin, acknowledge your need of the Spirits help to craft an introduction and conclusion to this messagethat He will be pleased to use and empower for the glory of God the Father.

This exercise aims to sharpen your skill in developing the introduction and conclusion of your sermon. Every public speech, including a sermon, needs to gain the audiences attention, identify the reason they need to hear the speech, provide a solution for the audiences need (satisfaction), help the audience visualize their need being met, and then call the audience to respond (action). The introduction and conclusion address 4 of the 5 stages of the motivated sequence for public addresses: attention, need, visualization, and action.

Introduction

1. Attention. Write out the full text you intend to use to gain your audiences attention. Your goal is to hook your audiences attention and pique their interest in what you have to say.

The duck that thought it was a dog. (Imprint)

2. Need. Based on your analysis of the need addressed in the text (Exercise 10), craft 1 or 2 sentences that identify the need your sermon addresses. Questions often help spotlight the audiences need.

Every child needs to understand who their parents are and to understand what is expected of them since they are a part of their particular family. So Gods children need to understand who He is and what it means to be a part of His family.

Conclusion

1. Visualization. Visualization will usually take the form of an illustrative story or a description of how to do what you are calling them to do. What it will look like if your audience puts into practice the solution your sermon has offered to their need? This is the so what section of your sermon. Write out fully what you intend to say to so the audience can visualize the truth in action.

2. Call to Action. All truth has practical consequences. The purpose of every sermon should be greater than mere understanding. What action(s) are you calling the audience to engage in? This is the now what section of your sermon. Write out fully your call to action.

Now how does this message apply? First, you and I have to understand where we are at. What step of the journey we are in. Then we have to examine our desires and see if we want to take the next step. I would like to give you some options to help you think about where you are at. You have to be honest and ask yourself where you stand in life. It is possible that as I described this book or prayer that Paul said that you realized that you were in the prequel to this edition? That you dont understand what it means to be a child of God? Perhaps your life is supposed to be in this book because you have already read and applied the first edition. Now that you are in book two however, you still have to apply to everyday life what you know. Or perhaps you already know the potential you have as a child of God, and you are applying this edition to your life and simply need encouragement.

3. Appeal. Merely calling for action without giving the audience an opportunity to respond is inadequate. You should end your call to action with an appeal for some kind of response: a show of hands in commitment, participation in a prayer of repentance or consecration, kneeling in prayer, movement to a prayer room or to an altar. Write out the full text of your appeal.

As you stand, with all heads bowed and eyes closed, how many of you would quickly slip up a hand showing that you desire to be a child of God? How many would raise a hand acknowledging that they are working on following and trusting Jesus? How many by and upraised hand would acknowledge that you are not being filled up to all the fullness of God but want to and will take steps to do that. Thank you for those. If any of you have any questions after the service. I would be happy to talk with you. Lets bow together in a word of prayer out of to God.

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