Ephesians 4:7–10

7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives. And He gave gifts to men.” 9(Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) Focused Thinking: (Eph 4:7–10) What is Paul addressing in verses 7–8? Eph 4:1–6 discussed the unity of the church (1 Co 12:12–13). Eph 4:7–8 discusses the diversity within the church (1 Co 12:4–11, 14–20). What gifts did Christ give the church? He gave gifted people to local churches (Eph 4:11–12). He gave gifts to people (Ro 12:4–8; 1 Co 12:4–11). When did He give gifts to the church? 8When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives and He gave gifts to men. Each believer...

Ephesians 4:1–6

1Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Focused Thinking: (Eph 4:1–3) What does Paul implore us to do? I…implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, What is the significance of the word “walk”? I want to grow faster than a “walk” but that gets me in trouble more times than not. It is hard to have a relationship when you are running. It is hard to talk when you are running. It is hard to hold hands when you are running. Personal...

Classroom Session 2: Applying Scripture

Take a step into the classroom to get a more in depth look at what it means to have a priority time. Chris Conlee shares how he has learned to apply Scripture and apply it to his own life.

My Priority Time: Amanda Harris

Ephesians 3:20–21

20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Personal Application: What are God’s dreams for Highpoint? I believe the answer to this question is found in the verses God used to speak this church into existence. Exodus 3:11–12 11But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” 12And He said, “Certainly I will be with you and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who has sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.” I know that every church is a church of freedom, but I believe that freedom is uniquely in the DNA of Highpoint. This church is providing freedom from sin. This church is providing freedom from church...

Ephesians 3:20–21

20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Focused Thinking: What is God able to do through us? 20…far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, What is the key here? We need to ask according to God’s desires instead of our desires. We need to ask according to God’s will instead of our will. We need to ask according to God’s Word instead of our word. John 15:7 If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. Our abiding determines our asking. How? 20b…according to the power that works within us, This power works in us as we abide in Him through the Word and prayer. This power works in us as we abide in Him through fellowship with other believers. This power works in us as we abide...

Ephesians 3:14–19

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Focused Thinking: When do I see and experience “the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge?” My understanding of Christ surpasses knowledge when I see: answered prayer. someone saved. someone baptized. someone be generous. someone serve. worship through music. a video of someone’s faith story. My understanding of Christ surpasses knowledge when I experience God through...

Getting Started: Three Keys to Establishing a Consistent Priority Time

I remember when Clyde Cranford first taught me how to have a priority time. He started with the basics and just asked me to spend at least twenty minutes a day with God through the Bible and prayer. It was a simple and straightforward requirement that anybody should have been able to honor. Unfortunately, it took six months to establish consistency in my priority time. Clyde never emphasized consistency for legalistic reasons; he emphasized consistency because he knew, apart from Jesus Christ, I could do nothing. He knew that if I wasn’t abiding in Christ, then I couldn’t bear fruit, more fruit and much fruit. The first key to establishing a consistent priority time is humbly asking God to give you the desire and ability. The truths of John 15:1–11 were foundational for me. I had to humble myself and admit that I couldn’t even spend twenty unhurried minutes with God in His Word and prayer by my own determination and discipline....

Ephesians 3:14–19

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Focused Thinking: What is the reason that causes Paul to bow his knees before the Father? The mystery of Christ is the reason. The Gentiles are fellow heirs. The Gentiles are fellow members of the body. The Gentiles are fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The Gentiles and Jewish believers are “one new man” (Eph 2:15). What does Paul pray for? 16that...

Ephesians 3:11–13

11This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Focused Thinking: What was accomplished in Christ? The inclusion of Jews and Gentiles in one body. What is our privilege in Christ? …we have bold and confident access through faith in Him. The more I know God’s Word, the bolder and more confident I am in my faith. Faith isn’t “blind faith.” Faith is confident trust that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. What is Paul’s request? Don’t be discouraged by my sufferings for you. His suffering was for our gain and glory. Personal Application: The Word of God strengthens my faith in Jesus. The Word of God gives me more boldness and confidence to approach Jesus. The Word of...