Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "The Ability of God"
Podcast Information
- Title: Renewing Your Mind
- Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
- Episode: The Ability of God
- Release Date: May 9, 2025
- Host: Nathan W. Bingham
- Guest Speaker: H.B. Charles Jr., Pastor and Teacher of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida
Introduction to the Episode
In the May 9, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, titled "The Ability of God", host Nathan W. Bingham welcomes listeners to the Friday edition of the podcast. The episode features a profound teaching by H.B. Charles Jr., focusing on Ephesians 3:20-21, a beloved doxology that encapsulates the limitless power and glory of God. This session is part of Charles Jr.'s eight-part series, "Blessings and Benedictions and Doxologies in Scripture," aimed at deepening believers' understanding of prayer and praise.
Exploring Ephesians 3:20-21
H.B. Charles Jr. begins by presenting his favorite doxology from Ephesians 3:20-21:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
(00:00)
Charles Jr. elaborates on this passage, highlighting its placement within Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. He explains that the doxology serves as a powerful conclusion to Paul's petition for understanding and strength among believers, emphasizing that all effective prayer is God-centered.
Key Points:
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Structure of Paul's Prayer:
- Invocation (Ephesians 3:14-15): Paul bows his knees before the Father, acknowledging Him as the source of every family in heaven and on earth.
- Petition (Ephesians 3:16): Requesting strength through God's Spirit in believers' inner beings.
- Result (Ephesians 3:17-19): Desiring that Christ dwells in believers' hearts through faith and that they comprehend the breadth and depth of God's love.
- Doxology (Ephesians 3:20-21): Praising God who can do more than we ask or think.
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God’s Omnipotence:
- Charles Jr. underscores that the doxology reveals God's omnipotence—His ability to do far more than we can imagine.
- He cites Jeremiah 32:27 and Luke 1:37 to illustrate God's limitless power and ability to accomplish His intentions.
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Purpose of Prayer:
- Prayer is not just about making requests but about glorifying God.
- Psalm 50:15 is referenced to show that the ultimate purpose of prayer is to glorify God, not merely to receive answers.
- Charles Jr. emphasizes that believers should end their prayers with praise, acknowledging God's ability even before receiving answers.
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God’s Power Within Us:
- The doxology also highlights the indwelling power of God within believers, enabling them to live faithfully.
- Romans 8:9 is mentioned to affirm that the Holy Spirit resides in believers, providing the strength needed to follow God's will.
Notable Quotes:
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“Prayer works because of the sovereign power, the omnipotent power of Almighty God.”
(01:32) – H.B. Charles Jr. -
“The purpose of prayer is the glory of God.”
(H.B. Charles Jr. elaborating on Psalm 50:15)
Doxologies and Benedictions Explained
Nathan W. Bingham engages Charles Jr. by asking him to unpack the terms benediction and doxology for listeners less familiar with these concepts.
H.B. Charles Jr. defines:
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Benediction: A statement of blessing, announcing God's favor upon His people. For example, the Aaronic Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 is used to affirm God's comprehensive care over all aspects of life.
“The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance unto you and grant you his peace.”
(30:09) – H.B. Charles Jr. -
Doxology: A declaration of praise to God, often found in profound theological contexts within Paul's epistles. These are expressions of exaltation and recognition of God's greatness.
Application and Encouragement for Believers
Charles Jr. encourages listeners to memorize benedictions and doxologies as a means of internalizing God's promises and maintaining a heart of worship. He introduces the concept of a "faith pocket," suggesting that these scriptures serve as spiritual refuges during life's storms.
Practical Steps:
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Memorization: Charles Jr. shares his personal method of memorizing scripture through slow, meditative repetition to ensure it is rooted in the heart, not just the mind.
“For me, all scripture memorization just happens slowly. It is meditating, lingering phrase by phrase by phrase.”
(32:31) – H.B. Charles Jr. -
Application in Worship: Incorporating benedictions and doxologies into personal and corporate prayer life to foster dependence on God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
The Dual Focus on Church and Christ
A significant theme in the doxology is the dual focus on the Church and Christ Jesus as platforms for God's glory. Charles Jr. points out that:
- The Church serves as a vessel for manifesting God's glory to the world.
- Christ Jesus embodies God's glory through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.
Scriptural Insights:
- John 1:14: Illustrates Jesus as the embodiment of God's glory.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6: Emphasizes God's light shining in believers' hearts to reveal His glory through Christ.
Notable Quote:
“The purpose of prayer is the glory of God... the priority must be to Christ.”
(28:35) – H.B. Charles Jr.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with Nathan W. Bingham reflecting on the encouragement derived from answered prayers and the profound truth of God's ability to exceed our expectations. He invites listeners to engage with Charles Jr.'s teaching series to deepen their understanding of biblical passages related to prayer and praise.
Encouragement to Listeners:
- Engage with the Series: Whether personally or in a group, the series offers a deep, biblical exploration of prayer and praise.
- Memorize and Meditate: Embrace the practice of memorizing key scriptures to strengthen faith and dependence on God.
- Live in Praise: Recognize that the ultimate goal of prayer is to glorify God, aligning personal desires with His divine will.
Final Quote:
“Amen means so be it. It's true. Right on. So aren't you glad he doesn't say now to him who is able?... No, God is able Amen. Amen indeed.”
(H.B. Charles Jr. concluding the doxology)
Additional Information:
Listeners are encouraged to support the Renewing Your Mind ministry through donations, which provide access to valuable teaching series and help keep the content free for a global audience. Upcoming topics, including expansions on Reformed theology by R.C. Sproul, promise continued enrichment for believers seeking deeper theological understanding.
Quotes and Attributions:
- “Prayer works because of the sovereign power, the omnipotent power of Almighty God.” – H.B. Charles Jr. [01:32]
- “The purpose of prayer is the glory of God.” – H.B. Charles Jr. [Within explanation of Psalm 50:15]
- “For me, all scripture memorization just happens slowly. It is meditating, lingering phrase by phrase by phrase.” – H.B. Charles Jr. [32:31]
- “The purpose of prayer is the glory of God... the priority must be to Christ.” – H.B. Charles Jr. [28:35]
This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a rich exploration of God's limitless ability and the ultimate purpose of prayer—to glorify Him. Through biblical exposition and practical application, H.B. Charles Jr. provides listeners with profound insights to deepen their faith and enhance their prayer lives.