Ephesians 4 shows us that following Jesus is not behaviour modification — it’s transformation. In this message, Jess walks us through Paul’s vision of what it means to be truly new in Christ: not patched-up, not improved, but remade from the inside out.

We explore:

Why Paul sounds so strong about “the Gentiles”
What hardening of the heart looks and feels like
How sin slowly desensitises us to God’s voice
Why holiness isn’t legalism, but living from our new identity
Three places transformation shows up: speech, emotions, and actions
How to respond when conviction lands and the Spirit taps you on the shoulder

This is a pastoral and practical message calling the church to sensitivity to the Spirit, unity, holiness, and genuine transformation.

TIMESTAMPS

 00:00 – Intro + Context of Ephesians
 00:43 – A Kingdom Vision for the Church
 02:36 – From Vision to Practice
 03:05 – The Confronting Part: Why Paul Sounds Harsh
 04:27 – What Sin Really Is: Hard Hearts & Self-Reliance
 06:21 – How Sin Callouses Us
 07:58 – Sin Is Never Neutral
 08:48 – Paul Is Writing to Believers
 09:50 – The New Life in Christ
 10:57 – Taking Off the Old Self
 12:27 – Why Behaviour Change Isn’t Enough
 14:51 – Identity Shift in Christ
 15:58 – What Does New Life Look Like?
 16:43 – The “Therefore”: Speech, Anger, Work
 18:00 – Speech: A New Way of Talking
 19:55 – Emotions: A New Way of Responding
 21:13 – Anger & the Genesis Pattern
 23:46 – Holding On vs Letting Go
 24:23 – Work & Generosity — Kingdom Economics
 26:39 – Speech, Emotions, Actions Again
 27:20 – Unwholesome vs Building Words
 28:20 – Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
 29:26 – Forgive as God Forgave You
 29:47 – Follow God’s Example
 31:01 – Walk in Love
 31:43 – Identity Before Actions
 32:38 – Mirror Moment: Old Self or New Self?
 33:37 – Where You Might Need to Respond
 34:25 – This Is Not Behaviour Modification
 35:29 – The Gospel Invitation
 36:04 – Ministry Time + Prayer

KEY PASSAGE

Ephesians 4:17–5:2

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS

 "Put off your old self…"
 "Be made new in the attitude of your minds…"
 "Put on the new self, created to be like God…"
 "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit…"
 "Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other…"
 "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Where has your heart become calloused or desensitised?
What “old clothes” are you still wearing?
How is your speech reflecting (or contradicting) Christ?

This week Dave shares a hilariously chaotic playgroup coffee-cart story that turns into something deeper: calling, unity, and grace from Ephesians 4:1–16. Why every person’s contribution matters, how to guard unity, and what the fivefold gifts are for. Communion, community, and a practical invitation to “just do your part.”

Themed Sections

1) Calling Is For Everyone (Not Just “Ministry People”)

• Universal call to Christ and a specific call for each person.
• Your vocation can be holy: builders, receptionists, doctors, business owners.
• Live worthy of the call you’ve received.

2) Humble, Gentle, Patient: The Way We Walk

• Passion creates friction; love bears with difference.
• Practical unity habits: pause, pray, slow down before reacting.

3) One Body, One Spirit: Fight for Unity

• Unity requires effort; rows can feel like “spectator church” but we’re a circle in Christ.
• Communion reminds us we share one cup and one loaf.

4) Grace Gifts, Not Merit Badges

• Gifts are grace, not wages.
• Psalm 68 → Exodus → Christ’s ascension: the presence once in the tabernacle now fills His people.

5) The Fivefold (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers)

• These are people given to equip the church for works of service.
• Maturity goal: unity, knowledge of the Son, discernment against hype and half-truths.

6) Just Do Your Part

• Every part matters; without you, something’s missing.
• Don’t copy someone else’s gift; bring your own.

Discussion Points (bullet list for listeners/groups)

• What signs of “calling” have you noticed in your current season?
• Where do you feel friction with others’ passions? How can you “bear with” in love?
• Which unity habit (humility, gentleness, patience) is hardest right now?
• Do you know your primary way of building up the body? What’s one next step?
• Where are you vulnerable to online spiritual “noise”? How can community help you discern?

Reflection

Calling isn’t a platform; it’s a posture. The cup you hand a tired parent, the quiet prayer you pray, the conversation you risk—these are holy when done in love. Unity isn’t automatic; we fight for it by walking slowly with one another under the headship of Christ.

Key Scriptures

• Ephesians 4:1–16
• Psalm 68:18 (background to Paul’s quote)
• Exodus 33–40 (tabernacle presence as foreshadow)

Timestamped Outline / Chapters

• 00:00 – Cold open: coffee, chaos, and remembering names
• 03:16 – Why keep doing it? Calling vs preference
• 04:10 – Ephesians shifts: from grace received to grace lived (4–6)
• 05:37 – “Live worthy of the calling” (calling is for everyone)
• 06:46 – Humble, gentle, patient: practical unity habits
• 09:23 – Faithfulness over time: the hidden power of showing up
• 10:46 – Make every effort: fighting for unity
• 12:57 – Communion: one cup, one loaf, one body
• 15:04 – Grace gifts: given, not earned
• 16:16 – Psalm 68 → Exodus → Christ’s ascension (why gifts flow)
• 18:46 – The fivefold: equipping, not elevating
• 20:31 – Example: evangelism gift at work
• 22:06 – Every part matters: stop spectating
• 23:15 – Maturity and discernment in a noisy age
• 24:31 – Christ is the head; follow Him first
• 26:15 – “As each part does its work”: what’s your next step?

Notable Quotes (pull-quotes for socials)

• “Calling isn’t a platform; it’s a posture.”
• “Unity is not automatic; it’s fought for.”
• “Gifts are grace, not wages.”
• “When you do your part, the whole church grows.”
• “Christ is the head—we’re the body. Act like it.”

This week at Living Temple Church, we explore Ephesians 3:1-13—a powerful passage revealing the mystery of God’s plan to unite all people in Christ. Through vivid illustration and heartfelt teaching, we see how Jesus breaks down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, making us one family, one body, and one people filled with His Spirit.

Join us as we unpack Paul’s revelation of grace, the Church’s calling to reveal God’s wisdom to the world, and the freedom and confidence we now have to approach God. Whether you’re new to faith or deep in the journey, this message will help you grasp the boundless love of Christ and live out your calling with purpose.

Overview

Ephesians 3 reveals the breathtaking mystery of God’s redemptive plan—how through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles are brought together as one people. Jess unpacks Paul’s words with practical illustrations and interactive teaching that bring ancient truth into everyday life.

Key Themes

• The Mystery Revealed: God’s plan hidden for generations is now made known through Christ—He unites all people under His grace.
• From Division to Unity: Humanity was once divided by sin, but Jesus reconciles us to God and to one another.
• Our Identity in Christ: We are no longer defined by heritage or failure, but by our new identity as children of God.
• The Role of the Church: The Church exists to display the manifold wisdom of God to the world and the spiritual realms.
• Confidence in God’s Presence: Because of Jesus, we can approach the Father freely—with boldness, not fear.
• Suffering and Glory: Like Paul, we can find purpose in hardship, knowing our struggles serve God’s greater story.

Illustrations & Insights

• The visual demonstration of Jews and Gentiles joining hands in Christ reminds us that reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel.
• Paul’s transformation—from persecutor to preacher—shows how grace redefines purpose.
• “In Christ” is not just a phrase—it’s a position of authority, identity, and intimacy with God.

Takeaways

1. You are no longer distant—God has brought you near through Christ.
2. The Church is called to reveal God’s love in a divided world.
3. You carry Christ’s authority wherever you go.
4. Unity in Christ is both a gift and a calling—live it out daily.

In this message, Dave unpacks Ephesians 2 exploring faith, peace, and belonging. Drawing from his travels to Israel and Gallipoli, Dave explores what it means to draw near to God—not through geography or heritage, but through Jesus.

Whether you’ve ever felt distant from God, divided from others, or unsure where you fit, this message reminds us that Christ has torn down every wall of separation. He Himself is our peace.

Main Scripture: Ephesians 2:11–22

Key Themes:

• Proximity to God: Many seek closeness through holy places or rituals, but true closeness is found through Jesus.
• Divided Worlds: From the four quarters of Jerusalem to modern divisions, humanity still builds walls that Jesus came to destroy.
• The Power of the Cross: Christ’s death and resurrection bring reconciliation between God and humanity — and between one another.
• Peace in Chaos: Real peace isn’t about escaping conflict but finding inner shalom through Christ.
• Our Identity: No longer foreigners or strangers, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom and members of His household.
• The Living Temple: God’s dwelling place isn’t a building in Jerusalem — it’s within His people through the Holy Spirit.

Takeaway:
Jesus is no longer in Jerusalem — He’s alive in you. The dividing wall is gone. The invitation today is simple: come close.

This message explores why daily engagement with Scripture matters for every follower of Jesus. Starting with a personal story of receiving a first Bible in rural WA about twenty years ago, we look honestly at how long it can take to form a daily habit, what gets in the way, and how God still uses small, consistent steps to transform us.

Across three movements, we consider how reading the Bible daily:

1. deepens our relationship with God
2. renews our inner life with resilience, peace, and discernment
3. equips us to love one another with timely encouragement from God’s Word

You’ll hear practical habit tips (including “No screens before Scripture”), an evidence-based behaviour change framework (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation), and Scriptures that have anchored faith through miscarriages, work challenges, and life transitions.

If you’re new to the Bible, dyslexic, or simply out of rhythm, this talk is for you. Start small, try seven days, and watch what God does.

• Romans 5:2–5 — Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope
• Jeremiah 29:11 — “I know the plans I have for you...”
• Ephesians 6 — The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit

Thanks so much Jo for preaching so well! Especially since it's your first time ever!

Episode Summary

In this message, Jess unpacks Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesians 1:15–23. She explores why Paul gives thanks for the believers’ faith and love, and why he cannot stop praying for them. Jess highlights the heart of Paul’s prayer—that we would know God more deeply, grasp the hope we have in Him, embrace the riches of His inheritance, and walk in the power that raised Christ from the dead. Along the way, she shares personal stories, theological insights, and practical encouragement for prayer, reminding us that knowing God is not just about head knowledge but relationship, revelation, and transformation.

Podcast Notes (Time-Coded)

00:00:00 – 00:00:22
Jess opens with excitement about the passage, beginning from verse 15 of Ephesians 1. She invites listeners to open their Bibles or follow on screen, then begins with prayer—asking that God’s Word would reveal who He is and who we are in Him.

00:00:22 – 00:01:47
Jess prays that God’s words would shape and mould us, and reminds us that verses 3–14 (covered last week) were originally one long sentence in Greek—full of rich truths that can feel overwhelming, like a child’s breathless story about a birthday party. She encourages the church to keep digging into the richness of Scripture.

00:01:47 – 00:05:25
Paul’s thanksgiving: ever since hearing of the believers’ faith in Jesus and love for others, he has not stopped giving thanks or praying for them. Jess introduces the theme of prayer and acknowledges that many Christians feel differently about prayer—some with joy, some with guilt, others with confusion.

00:05:25 – 00:11:16
Jess explains that Paul’s motivation to pray comes from recognising God’s blessings already given. Paul prays not out of guilt but gratitude and expectation. She emphasises that Paul’s focus is on knowing God more deeply—not just knowing about Him, but truly knowing Him in relationship.

00:11:16 – 00:15:29
Illustrations: Jess shares a story about overhearing people talk about her and Dave at Bible college, noting the difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them. She compares this to our relationship with God—reminding listeners that we can know Scripture but still miss relationship with Him.

00:15:29 – 00:17:13
Jess reflects on marriage as an analogy: even after 22 years with Dave, there are still surprises. If that’s true in human relationships, how much more with God? Paul prays that we would grow in wisdom and revelation to continually know God better.

00:17:13 – 00:21:18
Paul’s prayer continues: that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to know (1) the hope of our calling, (2) the riches of God’s inheritance, and (3) His incomparably great power for believers. Jess contrasts hopelessness in the world with the abundant hope in Christ.

00:21:18 – 00:24:48
Story: Jess shares a powerful moment after childbirth when she felt utterly powerless, unable to reach her baby or call for help. She relates this to times we all feel powerless, reminding us that in Christ we are not powerless—God gives us spiritual authority and strength.

00:24:48 – 00:27:13
Jess highlights the resurrection power of God—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to the church. This power is not for small requests alone but for partnering with God’s mission of restoration and blessing in the world.

00:27:13 – 00:30:16
She challenges listeners to pray bold prayers of faith, not just for ourselves but for others, and to see ourselves as the church called to bring God’s hope and power into the world. Jess closes by inviting the church to pray Paul’s prayer over one another and then respond in worship.

In this message, we open Ephesians 1:3–14 and tackle the big question everyone loves to argue about: did God choose us, or did we choose Him? Rather than getting stuck in camps, we step back to the context of Paul’s soaring introduction — grace, peace, every spiritual blessing in Christ — and see how Scripture holds together both divine initiative and human response without contradiction.

With a simple ice-cream analogy, a look at Greek vs Hebrew ways of thinking, and a fresh meditation on being “in Christ,” this talk invites you to rest in what God has already secured: redemption, adoption, holiness, and the Spirit’s seal. If you’ve wrestled with predestination, free will, or just wondered why you don’t feel much peace, this will help you shift from debate to doxology.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3 embracing–14.

Key themes:

• Grace and peace as God’s opening word
• “Every spiritual blessing in Christ”
• Predestination and free will held together in Scripture
• Adoption, redemption, and the Spirit as our guarantee
• Living from rest as part of Christ’s body

Call to action:
 If you’re not yet trusting Jesus, this is an invitation to receive His gracious gift. If you are, step out of anxiety and into the blessings already yours in Christ.

Main Idea

Jesus offers us something far greater than anything the world can give: an unshakable kingdom. Don’t trade eternal blessing for temporary satisfaction.

Outline

1. Hebrews in Context
   • Written to believers, rich with Old Testament imagery.
   • God is relational and has gone to great lengths to reconcile us.
   • Humanity’s history with God: He is faithful; we are fickle.
   • All history points forward to Jesus.
2. Esau’s Mistake (vv. 14–17)
   • Traded his inheritance for a bowl of stew.
   • Chose the immediate over the eternal.
   • Warning to us: Don’t sacrifice long-term blessing for short-term relief.
3. From Sinai to Zion (vv. 18–24)
   • Sinai: God’s holiness revealed in fire, storm, and separation.
   • Only the pure could approach — most stayed away.
   • Zion: In Christ, we have full access to God’s presence.
   • His holiness hasn’t changed; our standing has.
4. An Unshakable Kingdom (vv. 25–29)
   • God will shake all that can be shaken.
   • His kingdom remains unshakable.
   • Our response: thankfulness, worship, reverence.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is better than any shortcut the world offers.
• Don’t settle for a “bowl of stew” when God has promised a banquet.
• Live with eyes fixed on the eternal, not the temporary.
• Worship with gratitude because you belong to an unshakable kingdom.

Reflection Questions

1. What “instant gratification” temptations threaten to pull your focus from God’s promises?
2. How does knowing you’re part of an unshakable kingdom change your daily priorities?
3. In what ways can you “throw off everything that hinders” this week?

Communion Reflection

Through Christ’s sacrifice, we can approach God with clean hands and a pure heart. Communion is a tangible reminder of the cost — His body broken and His blood shed for us. As you partake, reflect on His grace, receive His forgiveness, and extend that forgiveness to others.

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 12:1-11, Habakkuk 3:17-18, John 16:33

This sermon, rooted in Hebrews 12:1-11, encourages believers to persevere through life’s challenges by keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Drawing from the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11, the speaker emphasizes that these ordinary people, flawed like us, were used by God for His glory, offering encouragement to persevere in faith. The passage calls believers to “throw off” sin and hindrances, running the race of faith with perseverance, much like a marathon runner who trains diligently to endure.

The central theme is fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, providing a model for enduring suffering and opposition (John 16:33). The sermon uses analogies like running a marathon or cycling, where focus determines direction—looking at obstacles leads to crashing, while focusing on Jesus keeps believers on course. Distractions, hardships, or sin can entangle, but meditating on Jesus’ love and truth prevents sinking into despair, as illustrated by Peter’s struggle on the water.

The sermon also explores God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11), comparing it to a coach’s training regimen, which, though painful—like early morning runs or uncomfortable physical therapy—produces strength and growth. Unlike the random suffering of a fallen world, God’s discipline is intentional, rooted in love, aiming to cultivate righteousness and peace (Habakkuk 3:17-18). The speaker acknowledges the complexity of distinguishing between suffering from sin’s brokenness and divine discipline, but emphasizes that God uses both for His glory, even when the purpose is not immediately clear.

Quoting Habakkuk, the sermon encourages joy in God despite barren circumstances, trusting that He works all things for good. A hymn inspired by Hebrews, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” reinforces the call to focus on Christ, whose presence redeems suffering. The sermon concludes with a Spurgeon quote, urging believers never to cease looking to Jesus for life, guidance, and joy, and invites the congregation to worship with renewed focus on Him.

Key Points:

• Believers are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 11), encouraging perseverance in faith (Hebrews 12:1).
• Fixing eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, prevents entanglement in sin or despair (John 16:33).
• Life’s race requires discipline and training, akin to a marathon, to endure hardships (Hebrews 12:1-2).
• God’s discipline, though painful, is loving and purposeful, producing righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:5-11).
• Despite barren circumstances, believers can rejoice in God, trusting His greater plan (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
• Focusing on Jesus’ presence and truth, as in “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” empowers endurance through suffering.

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:35-40, John 16:33, Romans 8:18

Summary:

This sermon, centered on Hebrews 11:35-40, delves into the reality of suffering as an inherent part of the Christian life, both due to persecution for faith and the general brokenness of a fallen world. The speaker builds on previous discussions of Hebrews 11, where faith and hope were explored as a certain expectation in God’s promises, fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice, independent of human merit. Using the analogy of a rescue ring, the sermon emphasizes that while God’s faithfulness ensures salvation, choosing to place faith in Him often entails signing up for a life that may include persecution.

The sermon highlights the brutal experiences of believers in Hebrews 11, who faced torture, stoning, and being sawn in two, yet remained steadfast, hoping for a better resurrection. The speaker references contemporary persecution, such as the recent killing of evangelical preachers in Colombia, to underscore that suffering for faith persists today. Drawing from the Stockdale Paradox, the sermon contrasts fleeting, wishful hope with resilient faith that endures suffering by trusting in God’s greater purpose, even when promises remain unfulfilled in this life.

Addressing the philosophical challenge of why a good, all-powerful God allows evil, the speaker presents a logical defense: the existence of evil presupposes a moral law, which requires an objective moral lawgiver—God. This argument counters subjective morality, using examples like child sacrifice and historical atrocities to assert that objective moral standards are necessary to define good and evil. However, the sermon acknowledges that logical answers alone are insufficient for those in pain, emphasizing the need for a lived experience of God’s presence.

The concept of “antifragility” is introduced, likening spiritual growth through suffering to physical strengthening through exercise or trees growing stronger under wind pressure. The speaker cites James 1:2-4, encouraging believers to view trials as opportunities for growth, and John 16:33, where Jesus promises His presence amid tribulation. The name Emmanuel—“God with us”—is central, illustrating that God does not remove suffering but enters into it with believers, offering comfort through the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

The sermon concludes with a call to prioritize an intimate relationship with God, allowing suffering to draw believers closer to Him rather than push them away. Romans 8:18 reminds us that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory awaiting us. By embracing trials with faith, believers are refined toward perfection, as Hebrews 11:40 suggests, in a journey shared with the faithful who have gone before.

Key Points:

• Faith in God’s promises, fulfilled through Christ, equips believers to face persecution and suffering (Hebrews 11:35-40).
• The Stockdale Paradox illustrates that enduring suffering with resilient faith, not wishful hope, leads to spiritual strength.
• The existence of evil implies an objective moral law, pointing to God as the moral lawgiver, countering subjective morality.
• Suffering, like exercise or trees under pressure, fosters antifragility, strengthening believers for God’s purposes (James 1:2-4).
• Emmanuel, “God with us,” enters our suffering, offering the Holy Spirit’s comfort to endure trials (John 16:33).
• Believers are called to cultivate a relationship with God, allowing suffering to deepen faith and draw them closer to Him (Romans 8:18).