Mary's Favorite - Pt 1

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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, 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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 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. (Ephesians 1:16-21 ESV).

Several times through the years I have had a Sunday when I had the opportunity to preach one of my “sugar sticks.” These are those sermons that every preacher has tucked away in their repertoire that they have either preached many times, or they are most familiar with through past study and preparation. They are the easiest ones to pull out at the last minute, dust off and freshen up a bit, and deliver with the least amount of effort or concern. My sugar sticks are the ones that have made it to a list I call “Mary’s Favorites.” I can assure you this list is very short. You know, “there’s always room for improvement” and all of that. However, our reading today is the foundation for her most favorite. And, it shouldn’t be a surprise; it is one of the favorites of many believers. After all, this letter of grace is the foundational treatise for the Apostle Paul’s declaration of hope to every believer. In the next few days we are going to explore the true riches of the “immeasurable” greatness of His power toward us. Today I merely want you to really understand the word the apostle uses for “immeasurable.” It is huperballon, a present active participle used only five times in the New Testament. It can be more accurately translated as “the exceeding greatness” of his power. To the enlightened eyes of the believer the greatness of God's power is even more "surpassing." It is simply “beyond.” We know a little about “beyond” in our area of Texas. Especially where we live, we have a bit of an advantage in that we live in the country without the interference of other house or buildings to block the horizon. And, there certainly aren’t very many trees to block the view. Sometimes it seems as if you can see forever. It is not unusual for me to sit on the deck and look either to the east or west to see Ft. Worth or Weatherford. Both are miles away and yet the skyline is clearly visible. It is “beyond” the normal line of sight one might imagine. That kind of power is given to us through the resurrection. That kind of power is overcoming; that kind of power is always victorious! So, here we begin. I pray you will be encouraged!