Sunday January 18, 2026

Sermon Title: The Transforming Power of Grace

Scripture: (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Series Big Idea: God unites and transforms believers in Christ’s Church 

Sermon Big Idea: Through Christ's victorious inheritance, God's sovereign grace reshapes those who believe

Introduction: 

Many believers feel spiritually inadequate or question the real impact of God's grace in their lives. Paul writes to reassure the church that God's sovereign grace addresses these uncertainties and transforms us, beginning by stirring grateful, earnest prayer.

Grace Inspires Earnest Prayer (1:15–16): 

Paul is moved to continual thanksgiving and intercession, not by crisis but by reports of faith and love among believers. God's grace prompts a disciplined habit of prayer, motivated by His ongoing work in the lives of His people.

Grace Opens Spiritual Eyes (1:17–19): 

Paul prays that God would enlighten the "eyes of the heart," allowing believers to grasp the hope of their calling, their inheritance in Christ, and the power at work within them. This spiritual perception is not earned by human effort, but is graciously given by the Holy Spirit.

Grace Unleashes Resurrection Power (1:20–23): 

The same power that raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him is actively at work in all who believe, enabling victorious Christian living. Through union with Christ, the church is filled and empowered to live out His authority and resurrection life in the world.

Conclusion: 

God’s grace is an active, transforming power that moves us to prayer, grants us spiritual insight, and enables us to live in Christ’s resurrection victory. Let us treasure grace not as a passive gift, but as God’s power reshaping our daily lives which is evidence of Christ at work within His church.

Ephesians 1:15-23 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *Book by Book Summaries *Key Verses *Life Applications *Life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.

Mangum, Douglas, editor. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Lexham Press, 2020.

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