NOTES: Visions & Dreams, Part 2
Visions & Dreams, week 2- Posture of the Heart
Text: Eph. 1:15-22
Date: Sunday June 11, 2023
Ephesians 1:15–22 (ESV) 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Let’s Connect:
God is speaking, and he can communicate any way he chooses.
Text Explained:
“15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know..”
The posture of the heart is essential to greater wisdom and revelation of the Spirit.
That posture is— faith in Jesus & love for one another.
Scripture is sufficient to tell us everything we need to know for faith and practice.
God has spoken fully and finally through his Word and ultimately, through Jesus His Son, but he continues to illuminate his word to us.
Many times in very personal ways—tailored to our circumstances and experiences,
as well as to our collective experience as part of the Body of Christ.
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened…
Let Paul’s prayer be answered in your life!
Let’s Relate:
Common questions:
How do we know if this is from God?
How do I interpret visions and dreams?
How do I apply them to my life?
I Thessalonians 5:19-21,19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Do not quench:
Do not despise:
Test everything (1 John 4:1-3)
1. God doesn’t lie (Numbers 23:19)
2. Recognize our fallibility (perspective)
3. Ask questions
- Does it glorify God?
- Is it consistent with Scripture and life of Jesus?
- Does it build my/others faith?
- Is it symbolic or literal?
- How does this make me feel? (investigate what I was experiencing—peace/fear/urgency)
4. Interpret and apply within spiritual community (Hebrews 13:17)
Hold fast what is good:
Story of Paul and Agabus (Acts 21):
ILL: Augustine of Hippo— (the mother’s dream changed the way she prayed—from desperation to assurance)
Our Challenge:
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Together, keeping the posture of out heart— faith in Jesus & love for one another.