The Worship of the BelieverDR. GERARD H. RUFF

Emptied for Worship (3:2-4)

oDispensation- from the Greek "oikonomia" combines two words "House" and "law" basic meaning is "household law". A time God emphasizes a particular aspect of His purpose. Here it's Grace. Grace for the House and Grace for the Process.oMystery- The Church, Jews were baffled by the idea. People following a self proclaimed King. Not knowing he was sent from God. Ultimately saying Crucify him. People are still baffled.

Emptied for worship (3:5-6) Verse 3:5- Revealed by the Spirit to Apostles and Prophets

Verse3:6 The Mystery: God invited the gentile (you and I) to the table. What was only reserved for Royalty. He broke all Jewish law to get us there. People with no future now with robes reserved and a seat a the Kings table. The Mystery

Emptied for Worship (3:7-9)

oVerse 7 Grace (Gods Favor), Effective work of His Power (He can I can't, he does I don't, he will I won't )oVerse 8 Recognition (the less) humilityoVerse 8 Unsearchable Riches- bringing the depth of the mines revelation. Like diamonds are minedoVerse 9 Paul further uncovers the hidden mystery- God (Creator) uses the same word to create in us Life.

Emptied to Worship (3:10)oVerse 10 NOW- God reveals things progressively, the Proceeding Word. He reveals in seasons and dispensations.oTiming is everything, for such a time as this, in the fullness of time, in the last days (times) I shall pour out my Spirit…God doesn't reveal your future until it's (TIME) NOW Faith Is…oGOD uses his Chuch as the standard against Sin.

Emptied to Worship (3:11-13)oVerse 11 According to the ETERNAL purpose- God sent Christ to destroy the work of Satan and Death, He'll and the Grave are defeated.oVerse 12 Boldness, Access, Confidence through Faith in HimoVerse 13 Paul says Don't lose heart when it looks and feel tough…we all must bare our Cross pay our dues

Emptied to Worship (3:14-18)oVerse 14 A reason to Bow your Heart… It's FINISHEDoVerse 15 The Holy Convocation- We Worship with an eternal host and eternal purpose. Angels, Saints of the Ages, Cloud of witnesses. It's bigger than our generation, songs, denomination, theology. oVerse 16 His purpose is to strengthen our Inner Man oVerses 17-18 Rooted and Grounded in Love, knowledge that grows with the Church. Worshippers Together!

Emptied to Worship(3:19-oVerse 19- People have not been taught "The Love of God". Judgement, Chastisement, Obey, His Will…Why?oPeople are wounded, broken, hopeless, abused, abandoned, emotionally deprived. The Church said you're Welcome here. oMost people don't know their Father or true love.oOur Songs, Dancing, Hymns, prayer meetings may only cover the hurt if we don't show them the Love of God!

Emptied to Worship (3:20-21) Verse 20 NOW UNTO HIM WHO IS ABLE…oExceedinglyoAbundantly According To the Power! oAboveoAllVerse 21 AMEN!!!

The Worship of the BelieverDR. GERARD H. RUFF