Introduction: Do certain people “REFRESH” you? Philemon was one who was a REFRESHER instead of a DEPRESSER. 

How did he REFRESH the saints?

1. He was Vision – Minded for the SAINTS! (Philemon 1:7) – “…the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

2. He was a JOY – GIVER! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

3. He was an ENCOURAGER! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

The word “consolation” is παράκλησις,(par-ak’-lay-sis), which means a calling to one’s aid, encouragement, or a comfort. 

Are you an encourager?

Conclusion: Will you be a REFRESHER? The saints in the world need it!

Introduction: Don’t let anyone steal your crown! By the way, be diligently praying and serving that you may receive a crown. John writes to encourage the believers in Philadelphia to hold on to their crown.

1. Why? Because some will try to take your Crown! (Rev 3:11) – “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

We were made to be OVERCOMERS! Did you notice that all of the Churches (7) listed in Rev 2 -3 are encouraged to OVERCOME! Do you know how? The answer is because Jesus is an OVERCOMER (John 16:33; 1John 5:4,5). 

Conclusion: Our Lord reminds us and these Churches that the New Jerusalem is our final destination. Therefore, Hold On!

Hold On to your Crown – Rewards!!

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

1. The words “till we all come” is καταντάω: (kat-an-tah’-o), which means to come down to, to reach. It can mean to arrive at, reach (my destination). 

This next part has significant meaning because of the context in which it is used… “come down (descend) by inheritance to an heir.” This is spoken to the Church of Ephesus and us today. Are you rejoicing over your inheritance?

2. The word “unity” is ἑνότης, (hen-ot-ace’). It means to adjure in oneness. There is a difference in Unity & Union.

If you tie two tomcats tails together and throw them over a clothes line, you’ve got UNION. But you sure don’t have UNITY!

3. The word “perfect” is τέλειος, (tel’-i-os). By definition, it means having reached its end, or complete in all its parts. It has to do with being full grown, or of full age. In this context, it is used especially of the completeness of Christian character. Disagreements, misunderstandings, and offenses must be forgiven.

Are you full grown? Do you desire to preserve the unity of the Church?

Introduction: Do you know your spiritual gift(s)?

When Jesus died and arose, He then ascended into heaven for the purpose of sending His Spirit to empower every believer. This passage reveals this truth. Why not stop and thank God for not only His gift of salvation, but also for His gifts for service!

1. When gifts are given – Resurrection Power with Gifts! (Eph 4:8) – “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

Although we have some talents that have been developed thru the years, a spiritual gift is different than a human talent. It is an ability whose power source comes from the Holy Spirit. Other gifts are mentioned in Romans chapter twelve. Do you know your gifts? 

2. What gifts were given! (Eph 4:11) – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

Here is what this Pastor refers to as “Ministry Driven Gifts”! The “Motivational Gifts” are listed elsewhere. Did you acknowledge that our Great and Mighty God set it up this way? Why? Because He deserves the glory!

3. Why gifts were given! (Eph 4:12) – “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The word “perfecting” is καταρτισμός, (kat-ar-tis-mos’). By definition, it means a preparing, or an equipping. It can mean a bringing to a condition of fitness. Praise the Lord! He is bringing us into a condition of usefulness. In other words, He is making us more useable to serve Him. 

Conclusion: Are you exercising the gift that was given unto you? Just like a muscle, if it is neglected, then it becomes useless. If we don’t use it, we lose it! So use it!!

1. By Renewing the mind! (Rom 12:1,2) – ” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 

It is fought and won in the battle on the mind. How is your mindset? Does it need changing?

2. By Releasing the hurt! (Eph 4:31) – “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

Hold on or let go? Which one?

3. By Refreshing the heart! (Eph 4:32) – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Thank God for His forgiveness! Never get over it!!

4. By Restoring the Grace! (Heb 12:15) – “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

God’s GRACE is available, abounding and amazing! However, it can be failed as the text says. Grace can be in place!

Introduction: Romans chapter six is loaded with truth! Herein lies the key to living the abundant life.

While being led by the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul articulates the process of overcoming thru Jesus Christ. Because of His death, burial and resurrection believers can experience a new-found power available to flesh out the New Life in Christ. 

This is possible by the de-thronement of SELF and en-thronement of the Spirit.

Note:

1. Crucified with Christ! (Rom 6:6) – “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

This truth is experienced thru faith. Humanly speaking, it does not make sense. But come to think of it, neither does being forgiven of our sins thru the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, unless you believe by faith.

2. Raised with Christ! (Rom 6:11) – “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Being Dead to sin but Alive unto God is the door that opens to the abundant life in Christ. Again, this can only be experienced by the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Does this make sense? Spiritually? Of course, much more could be written but space will not allow. 

3. Overcoming thru Christ! (Rom 6:12-13) – “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

It all depends on who is in control… the Holy Spirit or unholy Self. Honestly, it boils down to submission.

Conclusion: Discover the Power! Unbelievable. But achievable.

Is this life all there is? For the Christian, absolutely not! Because Jesus Christ arose from the dead, death is not the end. Our confidence comes from the Bible. Numerous passages allude to this truth. One such Scripture can be found in 1 Corinthians Chapter 15.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1Cor 15:20).

Did you notice the word “firstfruits”? What does it mean? It is the word “ἀπαρχή. In the context of this resurrection chapter it refers to the only One who would literally die but come back to life again. And by the way, this means He would never die again. He would be the first of many who “slept”.

The word “slept” is κοιμάομαι (koy-mah’-o), which means the sleep of death.

These verses along with others reveal that not only does a person go to heaven at the moment of death, but he or she will also be raised bodily from the grave at the coming of Jesus Christ in the rapture.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thess 4:16, 17).

Introduction: Do you have eternal life in Christ? Do you have that BLESSED ASSURANCE? How can we know for certain?

Several ways can be listed:

1. Job said! (Job 19:25) – “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

“Thru it all”…..Job learned to trust in Jesus! Have we?

2. John wrote! (John 11:25,26) – “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

Mary, Martha and Lazarus witnessed and believed the words of Jesus. Will we?

3. Jesus affirmed! (Rev 1:18) – “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Jesus Christ is the One and Only! The devil is the only one who doesn’t have the keys to his own house!!

4. Thomas revealed! (John 20:28) – “Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

He went from “doubting to shouting”! We have more to shout about than pout about!

5. Paul explain! (1Cor 15:3,4) – “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Jesus is alive!

Conclusion: The resurrection of the past shows Jesus died but arose from the grave conquering death, hell, sin, and the grave. But Jesus’ resurrection life in the present enables every believer to be empowered to flesh out the Christian life. And yet, Jesus Christ’s promise to return gives all who put their faith and trust in Him to have HOPE & ASSURANCE!

Introduction: Do you know your ABC’s? How about making good relationships? Fixing failures with family and friends can be challenging.

Check out the following:

1. A- Affirmation! (Eph 4:1) – “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”

* The word “beseech” is παρακαλέω, which can mean to summon, to invite, or to entreat. It can mean to beg, or to admonish, and actually can mean to comfort, encourage, or to console.

*The word “worthy” is ἀξίως: (ax-ee’-oce), which means in a manner worthy of. Also the word used in this context can mean “equal weight”.

In other words, Paul was inspired to encourage the believers in Ephesus – and today – to walk worthy of their calling to salvation but also in their process of sanctification with other believers in the Church. 

2. B- Behavior Modification! (Eph 4:2) – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”

Humility is the opposite of pride. A “Know it all” attitude of pride can create disunity instead of unity.  

Do you feel prideful in your relationships?

3. C- Communication! (Eph 4:2,15) – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longs uffering, forbearing one another in love……But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

Here is the key – not compromising, but speaking the truth in love.

4. D- Dedication! (Eph 4:3) – “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

The word “endeavoring” is σπουδάζω: (spoo-dad’-zo), which means to give diligence, or to hasten. It can mean to be eager, or zealous.

Do you make every effort to be diligent in keeping unity?

5. E- Examination! (Eph 4:2) – “With all lowliness and meekness, with longs uffering, forbearing one another in love.”

The word “forbearing” is ἀνέχομαι (an-ekh’-om-ahee). It means to hold up, or to bear with. Interesting. Huh? This word has to do with having patience. 

Needless to say, this is a great word that can only be accomplished thru the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Conclusion: How are you doing to keep the unity with your family and friends? How about your Church family?

1. Where do we get this resurrection power?
2. How can we activate it?
3. Who needs it?

First, we get this power thru the Holy Spirit.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Of course, this was written to those early believers who were needing extraordinary enablement since Jesus had ascended. However, it is applicable to every believer today. Jesus promised to send His Spirit (John 14,15,16).

Conclusion: Who needs this resurrection power? The answer is every Christian. Otherwise, we operate in the flesh and do not produce any lasting fruit. But when appropriated, this “New Life” in Christ takes on a whole new meaning and fulfillment.

So enjoy His Resurrection Power!