Wealth, Walk And Warfare
Of The Christian
A Study In The Book Of Ephesians
Introduction – Ephesians 1:1-3
Background of the Letter:
Ephesus:
One of the FIVE MAJOR CITIES in the Roman Empire - along with Rome, Corinth, Antioch, and Alexandria.
A commercial, political, and religious CENTER for all of Asia Minor.
Famous for the Temple of ARTEMIS - It was distinguished for its amphitheater, which was the largest in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. Fights of wild beasts and of men with beasts were exhibited here.
The Church in Ephesus:
Established in A.D. 53 by PAUL on his 2nd missionary journey.
Paul later returned and stayed THREE YEARS and taught with great effectiveness.
Paul wrote this letter from PRISON in Rome and sent it with a messenger named Tychicus to the church in Ephesus.
Theme and Purpose of the Letter:
Possibly written with a WIDER READERSHIP in mind.
Not written to counteract heresy or to confront any specific problem, rather it is a letter of ENCOURAGEMENT.
Written to strengthen believers by explaining the NATURE AND PURPOSE of his people; the church.
Paul shows us The WEALTH, The WALK AND The WARFARE of the Christian
Key Verses:
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of “Hetty Green” known as “America’s Greatest Miser.”
She died in 1916 and left an estate worth over $100 million.
Yet, it is said that…
She at oatmeal cold, because it cost to heat it
Her son’s leg was amputated because she delayed too long looking for a free clinic
It sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
For someone who had such great assets, to go through life miserable. She lived the life of a pauper, when great wealth was available to her.
The same could be said of many Christians today…
For us who are “In Christ” (1:3) – we have countless spiritual blessings.
Yet… so many of these blessing go unused
Our goal is that we would understand what Paul wrote about in Ephesians 1:18…
Ephesians 1:18 (ESV) 18 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,
Written: 60 A.D.
Ephesians 1:1 (ESV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesian believers and all Christians to give them in-depth teaching about how to nurture and maintain the unity of the church.
He wanted to put this important information in written form because he was in prison for preaching the Good News and could not visit the churches himself.
“Paul” –
from the Latin word small. This was his Gentile name. His Hebrew name was “Saul.”
Hebrew parents often gave Gentile names as well as Jewish names to their children.
He was formerly “Saul of Tarsus” – a persecutor of the church – Acts 9:1-2
“an apostle” –
“one sent.” Because of the nature of this epistle – the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to introduce himself as an apostle.
Phillips Translation – “messenger… by God’s choice.” He states in Galatians 1:1 that His apostleship was not his own choosing.
Paul became an apostle to the Gentiles in Acts 9:15.
He knew it was by the grace of God that he had been called – Ephesians 3:8a
His charge from God – “to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” – Ephesians 3:8b
“by the will of God” –
everything we do – MUST be done by the will of God.
“To the saints who are in Ephesus” –
saints - gr. Hagios – “consecrated ones.”
What they call you says a lot about how they feel about you.
ILLUS: At the end of World War I, Herbert Hoover, later to become President of the United States, led the allied relief efforts in Europe. He kept hundreds of thousands from starving, and a new word entered the Finnish language. In Finland, to "hoover" means "to be kind, to help." If someone coined a word from your name, what would it be?
NEWPAPER AD: Lost one dog with brown hair and several bald spots. Hobbles on right leg due to being broken in auto accident. Left hip hurt, right eye missing, left ear bitten off in dog fight, answers to the name LUCKY.
We may not feel like a saint – BUT THAT IS HOW GOD VIEWS YOU.
A saint isn’t:
A football player from New Orleans,
A dead person who is canonized by the Catholic church(above reproach and responsible for at least two miracles).
IN THE BIBLE a Saint is a living, breathing follower of Jesus Christ.
A SAINT literally means ‘set apart one, holy one’. It is a description not based on what we have done but on who Christ has made us to be because of what He has done.
It is interesting – ALL Christians (young or old/ were called saints in the New Testament – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Illustration… About a man who died in town who was very crooked and evil. He was also a womanizer and not like very well in town. His brother, who was just as wicked, went to a church in town and told the pastor that he would give $50,000.00 to the church – the only condition being that in the funeral the pastor would refer to him as a saint.
The pastor… not wanting to turn down this offer down said he would do it. When it came time for the funeral… The Pastor went on to talk about this man and didn’t hold anything back. He told him that everyone just how wicked this man was. But he ended it this way… “But when you compare him to his brother… he was a real saint.”
“faithful” – gr. Pistoi – people who were loyal to Christ.
“Faithful followers of Christ Jesus”—what a great reputation! This label would be an honor for any believer.
That is, they trusted in Christ for their salvation – Ephesians 1:13.
They were also trustworthy in another sense, because of their stand for truth…
Revelation 2:1-3 (ESV) 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
Revelation 2:6 (ESV) 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
How Do I Cultivate Faithfulness?
2 Kings 12:15 (NKJV) 15 Moreover they did not require an account from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to be paid to workmen, for they dealt faithfully.
Daniel 6:4 (ESV) 4 Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.
I cultivate faithfulness by being HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY.
I cultivate faithfulness by obeying GOD’S WORD.
I cultivate faithfulness by keeping my PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS.
Why Should I Be Faithful?
Faithfulness brings a GOOD REPUTATION AND TRUST from others.
Proverbs 3:3-4 (ESV) 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
God chooses to accomplish GREAT DEEDS through faithful people.
Ruth 4:11 (ESV) 11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem,
Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
Is God Faithful? God’s Promise Of Faithfulness
Psalm 89:5 (ESV) 5 Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV) 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV) 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV) 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
When other people are unfaithful to us, we remain faithful. Otherwise, we become as faithless as they are.
God’s Promise Of Faithfulness
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
What would it take for others to characterize you as a faithful follower of Christ Jesus?
Ephesians 1:1 (ESV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
When he wrote Ephesians, Paul was under house arrest in Rome (see Acts 28:16ff). Though a prisoner, he was free to have visitors and write letters.
There were a lot of Jews who took up their residence in this city, and it here the seeds of the gospel were sown immediately after Pentecost (Acts 2:9; 6:9).
The apostle John, according to tradition, spent many years in Ephesus, where he died and was buried.
THE WEALTH OF THE CHRISTIAN
Ephesians 1:2 (ESV) 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This was the conventional greeting of the day.
“Grace” – gr. “charis” - appears 13x’s – unmerited favor.
“peace” – gr. “eirene” – an inner tranquility, undisturbed by external circumstances.
Colossians 3:15-16 (ESV) 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
Three Important Parts In This Verse:
We have: 1- The Blessor –
2- The Blessed – us
3- The Blessing – “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
“Blessed” – gr. “eulogetos” – well word. Basically… we say well words about God.
1. The Blessor - GOD AND FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 8:6 (ESV) 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV) 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
2. The Blessed - US
Remember what the Lord’s prayer says – OUR Father
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV) 8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
I am so glad that God is the perfect Father to us (even when our earthly Father’s have failed us).
Notice who the blessed are? It is us! YOU AND I!
There are two keys here that will help us to identify whether we qualify or not to be recipients of these blessings.
First off – notice that it says “OUR Lord Jesus Christ.”
Is Jesus YOUR Lord and Savior today?
Secondly, notice that He is blessing “US.” The us is a very distinctive group of people. They are the “saints at Ephesus.” (V.1)
Remember… a saint is one who is set apart for God - The saints to whom he wrote were especially “Faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Because of this… you and I are the blessed ones.
2. The Blessed - US
Notice now what the blessing is. It is spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
This is not a future blessing. The Bible says “Who has blessed us.” It is ours to receive right now.
God has given these things to us right now.
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
WARNING: We are talking about SPIRITUAL blessings and not material and financial health and wealth things.
Those may come as God blesses us but we have already in the bank all we need in a spiritual sense.
This means that in Christ we have all the benefits of knowing God—being chosen for salvation, being adopted as his children, forgiveness, insight, the gifts of the Spirit, power to do God’s will, the hope of living forever with Christ.
Because we have an intimate relationship with Christ, we can enjoy these blessings now.
THE SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS (RICHES) – NOT IN NOTES
They come from “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”
As we will study later, they come to us a result of the “riches” of . . .
God’s GRACE - Ep 1:7
Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
God’s GLORY - Ep 1:18
Ephesians 1:18 (ESV) 18 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
God’s MERCY - Ep 2:7
Ephesians 2:7 (ESV) 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
James 1:17 (ESV) 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
“heavenly places” - The “heavenly places” means that these blessings are eternal, not temporal.
This occurs 5 x’s in Ephesians - nowhere else in the Bible.
The blessings come from Christ’s spiritual realm, not the earthly realm of the goddess Artemis.
I don’t believe that this blessing is just a future place in heaven but I believe that this indicates that wherever Christ is… this is where the blessings of the Lord will be!
“In Christ” – can be found 10 x’s in verses 3-13 of this chapter.
The preposition “in” is used approximately 120 x’s in the book of Ephesians.
In these two words we have the whole thought of Ephesians.Our blessings, Our wealth, etc. are deposited totally in Christ.
What does it mean to be “In Christ?”
Primarily it means a change of position. Before… we were without Christ and in the world. Now we have changed position and are in Christ.
Secondly… it means a difference in possessions. In Adam, we possessed only a sinful nature. Now, in Christ, we possess a divine nature that comes from Christ.
Basically…
IN CHRIST
Denotes our position – where He is, we are
Defines our privileges – what He is, we are
Describes our possession – what He has, we share
Determines our practice – what He does, we do.
Our Purpose, Destiny and Design Are Fulfilled in christ
Chosen
Ephesians 1:4-6 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Redeemed
Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
Sealed
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV) 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Ephesians 1:4-6 - Blessings Involving The Father
Wealth, Walk And Warfare
Of The Christian
Blessings Involving The Father
Ephesians 1:4-6
Review…
Ephesians 1:1-3 (ESV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
Last week we shared the background of why Ephesians was written and to who it was written to.
We also spent some time talking about the words “faithful” and the words “in v.3 – “in Christ” – (the word “in” is used 119x’s in this book alone.
We said last week that the “theme of Ephesians” is “THE BELIEVERS RICHES IN CHRIST.”
After a brief salutation in vv. 1-2, Paul immediately begins in 1:3 by praising God for the blessings, (or riches) we have in Christ.
This week we are going to look more into the BLESSING that come our way that involve our HEAVENLY FATHER.
Today, we will be in vv. 4-6. Actually – vv. 4-14 are one sentence in the Greek. It is the longest sentence in th Bible. It is doxology. There are THREE PARTS to this “doxology” – verses 4-14. A doxology is a hymn of praise to God.
This doxology describes our wealth that we have in Christ. There are 8 things that we will study over the next 3 weeks.
Blessings Involving The Father – vv. 4-6 (which we will study today)
Blessings involving the Son – vv. 7-12
Blessings Involving the Holy Spirit – vv. 13-14
Ephesians 1:4-6 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
BLESSINGS INVOLVING THE FATHER – Ephesians 1:4-6
CHOSEN By God (1:4)
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Defining The Term “CHOSEN”... The Greek means to “pick out or choose for one’s self”
God CHOSE you.
How many remember playing sports and two captains would pick teams? How many remember not being picked?
Here’s the thing… God LOVED you so much that He gave us His Son. It is His desire that we all give our hearts to Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
I love the fact that God loves and chooses us – EVEN THOUGH WE ARE UNWORTHY/ UNDERSERVING.
God paid a big price to let us be a free moral agent – to be able to think and choose for ourselves. We’re not robots – forced to do something that we can’t control.
God controls the universe but gives man his freedom of choice.
Isaiah 55:8 (ESV) 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Think about that: WE ARE HIS CHOSEN ONES.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Matthew 22:14 (ESV) 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Revelation 17:14 (ESV) 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
John 15:16 (ESV) 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
The TIME Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
“before the foundation of the world” - Before the world was ever created, God made His “choice.” It is the Bible word “ELECTION.”
We were chosen “before the foundation of the world”
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV) 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
God made man to have fellowship with Him, but man focused on what is in it for himself and broke fellowship with God.
Think about what God has in mind before He created us and His world. Compare that with what we have in mind for the world and for ourselves.
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
“In Him” - The “Him” here obviously refers to Jesus Christ. One of the 119x’s that this preposition is used in Ephesians.
The OBJECTS Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Think about that – GOD CHOSE US! That’s HIS responsibility.
Now… it is up to us to to confirm that choosing.
2 Peter 1:10 (ESV) 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
But to understand this – you have to read 2 Peter 1:5-9
This is how you confirm your calling and election.
2 Peter 1:5-9 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Joshua 24:15 (ESV) 15 … choose this day whom you will serve, …. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Before God made the world means that He was thinking about us—planning for us – waiting for us to choose Him.
The PURPOSE Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4-5
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
God’s goal for us is that we would walk in HOLINESS and LOVE
Walk In HOLINESS – set apart for a special purpose.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV) 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Walk BLAMELESS - free from condemnation
What does that mean?
Genesis 17:1 (ESV) 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
The root Hebrew meaning of this word is to walk in “completeness.” It is to walk with God with nothing to hide. It is to be dedicated to God “fully” and “completely.”
Walk In LOVE – walking before God in “sphere” of love
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Walk As His SONS/ DAUGHTERS
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
- Predestined – “Having marked out the boundaries beforehand.”
- Adoptions as sons – fully His with all rights and privileges
This was adopted from Roman law.
An adopted person became a full member of the family.
He had all the same rights and privileges – as if he/she were actually blood born – even if they were a slave before.
Think about this.. We are sons/ children of God – joint-heirs with Jesus Christ
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
The destiny of every person that God has chosen is that they will become a member of His family as we are confirmed into the image of Christ.
John 1:11-12 (NIV) 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Since we’re not naturally born into God’s family the only way we can become part of that family is through adoption.
Romans 8:15-17 (ESV) 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
In other words – this whole idea “pleased” God. Think about that – God takes great pleasure in you. He wants more than you want for you to be in the center of God’s will.
ACCEPTED By God – Ephesians 1:6
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
DEFINING THE TERM “ACCEPTED”...It means to be “highly favored.”
Comes from the Greek word charitoo {khar-ee-to’-o}, and means...
a. To be highly favored
b. To peruse with grace, compass with favor
c. To honor with blessings
It is used in Lk 1:28 in reference to the virgin Mary (“highly favored one”). Like Mary, those in Christ are “highly favored” in God’s sight!
Salvation and all its benefits are the results of God’s grace (unmerited favor). BECAUSE OF THIS – HE DESERVES PRAISE!
Romans 3:24 (ESV) 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
The BASIS Upon Which Are Accepted.
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Vv. 1-4 tell us that being CHOSEN and ACCEPTED are because we are “in” Christ and it “by” Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 (NIV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Because we are “in Christ” that we are privileged to be “highly favored” by God and showered by His wonderful blessings.
How Does God Accept Us? By His GRACE
Say… I’m accepted.
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
It’s all about grace We’ll be studying more about grace down the road – but for right now, here are two aspects about God’s grace.
I don’t deserve it. It’s all about what Christ has done.
He has CHOSEN us.
He has ACCEPTED us.
When Paul wrote that God has freely given us His grace, he actually used a verb form of the word that is translated “grace” throughout the New Testament.
Perhaps the NLT best captures the meaning of this word with its translation: Ephesians 1:6 (NLT) 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
I like the translation “poured out”. It gives us the sense that God didn’t hold anything back when He gave us His grace.
It’s kind of like at the end of a football game when the winning team takes the Gatorade bucket and pours it over their coach. They don’t hold anything back. That’s the picture here of how God pours out His grace. And why does he pour out His grace on us? So that He can get the glory. That is really the essence of every spiritual blessing that we have in Jesus in the heavenlies.
Yes, we get a blessing and a benefit out of all of them. But their ultimate purpose is to bring glory back to the Giver of those blessings.
That’s because every one of those blessings is totally and completely dependent on God and not on our own efforts. We certainly don’t earn them or deserve them, so when we get them the only thing we can do is give glory to God for them. In a sense, this message this morning is primarily for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Forgiver and Master.
And when we understand just how blessed we are to have been chosen by God to be holy and blameless through Jesus Christ; when we realize that our destiny is to be part of God’s family and that God takes pleasure in that; when we comprehend that God has poured our all His grace into our lives; how can we help but humble ourselves before Him and give Him praise and glory! But maybe you’re here this morning and you’ve never made that decision. And maybe you’re asking this morning – “Am I one of God’s chosen?”
I believe that the very fact that you’re asking that question is evidence that God is drawing you to Himself. If that’s the case, please don’t leave here to day before talking to me or one of the elders.
Of The Christian
Blessings Involving The Father
Ephesians 1:4-6
Review…
Ephesians 1:1-3 (ESV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
Last week we shared the background of why Ephesians was written and to who it was written to.
We also spent some time talking about the words “faithful” and the words “in v.3 – “in Christ” – (the word “in” is used 119x’s in this book alone.
We said last week that the “theme of Ephesians” is “THE BELIEVERS RICHES IN CHRIST.”
After a brief salutation in vv. 1-2, Paul immediately begins in 1:3 by praising God for the blessings, (or riches) we have in Christ.
This week we are going to look more into the BLESSING that come our way that involve our HEAVENLY FATHER.
Today, we will be in vv. 4-6. Actually – vv. 4-14 are one sentence in the Greek. It is the longest sentence in th Bible. It is doxology. There are THREE PARTS to this “doxology” – verses 4-14. A doxology is a hymn of praise to God.
This doxology describes our wealth that we have in Christ. There are 8 things that we will study over the next 3 weeks.
Blessings Involving The Father – vv. 4-6 (which we will study today)
Blessings involving the Son – vv. 7-12
Blessings Involving the Holy Spirit – vv. 13-14
Ephesians 1:4-6 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
BLESSINGS INVOLVING THE FATHER – Ephesians 1:4-6
CHOSEN By God (1:4)
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Defining The Term “CHOSEN”... The Greek means to “pick out or choose for one’s self”
God CHOSE you.
How many remember playing sports and two captains would pick teams? How many remember not being picked?
Here’s the thing… God LOVED you so much that He gave us His Son. It is His desire that we all give our hearts to Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
I love the fact that God loves and chooses us – EVEN THOUGH WE ARE UNWORTHY/ UNDERSERVING.
God paid a big price to let us be a free moral agent – to be able to think and choose for ourselves. We’re not robots – forced to do something that we can’t control.
God controls the universe but gives man his freedom of choice.
Isaiah 55:8 (ESV) 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Think about that: WE ARE HIS CHOSEN ONES.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Matthew 22:14 (ESV) 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Revelation 17:14 (ESV) 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
John 15:16 (ESV) 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
The TIME Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
“before the foundation of the world” - Before the world was ever created, God made His “choice.” It is the Bible word “ELECTION.”
We were chosen “before the foundation of the world”
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV) 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
God made man to have fellowship with Him, but man focused on what is in it for himself and broke fellowship with God.
Think about what God has in mind before He created us and His world. Compare that with what we have in mind for the world and for ourselves.
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
“In Him” - The “Him” here obviously refers to Jesus Christ. One of the 119x’s that this preposition is used in Ephesians.
The OBJECTS Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Think about that – GOD CHOSE US! That’s HIS responsibility.
Now… it is up to us to to confirm that choosing.
2 Peter 1:10 (ESV) 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
But to understand this – you have to read 2 Peter 1:5-9
This is how you confirm your calling and election.
2 Peter 1:5-9 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Joshua 24:15 (ESV) 15 … choose this day whom you will serve, …. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Before God made the world means that He was thinking about us—planning for us – waiting for us to choose Him.
The PURPOSE Of This Choice – Ephesians 1:4-5
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV) 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
God’s goal for us is that we would walk in HOLINESS and LOVE
Walk In HOLINESS – set apart for a special purpose.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV) 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Walk BLAMELESS - free from condemnation
What does that mean?
Genesis 17:1 (ESV) 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
The root Hebrew meaning of this word is to walk in “completeness.” It is to walk with God with nothing to hide. It is to be dedicated to God “fully” and “completely.”
Walk In LOVE – walking before God in “sphere” of love
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Walk As His SONS/ DAUGHTERS
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
- Predestined – “Having marked out the boundaries beforehand.”
- Adoptions as sons – fully His with all rights and privileges
This was adopted from Roman law.
An adopted person became a full member of the family.
He had all the same rights and privileges – as if he/she were actually blood born – even if they were a slave before.
Think about this.. We are sons/ children of God – joint-heirs with Jesus Christ
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
The destiny of every person that God has chosen is that they will become a member of His family as we are confirmed into the image of Christ.
John 1:11-12 (NIV) 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
Since we’re not naturally born into God’s family the only way we can become part of that family is through adoption.
Romans 8:15-17 (ESV) 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV) 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
In other words – this whole idea “pleased” God. Think about that – God takes great pleasure in you. He wants more than you want for you to be in the center of God’s will.
ACCEPTED By God – Ephesians 1:6
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
DEFINING THE TERM “ACCEPTED”...It means to be “highly favored.”
Comes from the Greek word charitoo {khar-ee-to’-o}, and means...
a. To be highly favored
b. To peruse with grace, compass with favor
c. To honor with blessings
It is used in Lk 1:28 in reference to the virgin Mary (“highly favored one”). Like Mary, those in Christ are “highly favored” in God’s sight!
Salvation and all its benefits are the results of God’s grace (unmerited favor). BECAUSE OF THIS – HE DESERVES PRAISE!
Romans 3:24 (ESV) 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
The BASIS Upon Which Are Accepted.
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Vv. 1-4 tell us that being CHOSEN and ACCEPTED are because we are “in” Christ and it “by” Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 (NIV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Because we are “in Christ” that we are privileged to be “highly favored” by God and showered by His wonderful blessings.
How Does God Accept Us? By His GRACE
Say… I’m accepted.
Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
It’s all about grace We’ll be studying more about grace down the road – but for right now, here are two aspects about God’s grace.
I don’t deserve it. It’s all about what Christ has done.
He has CHOSEN us.
He has ACCEPTED us.
When Paul wrote that God has freely given us His grace, he actually used a verb form of the word that is translated “grace” throughout the New Testament.
Perhaps the NLT best captures the meaning of this word with its translation: Ephesians 1:6 (NLT) 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
I like the translation “poured out”. It gives us the sense that God didn’t hold anything back when He gave us His grace.
It’s kind of like at the end of a football game when the winning team takes the Gatorade bucket and pours it over their coach. They don’t hold anything back. That’s the picture here of how God pours out His grace. And why does he pour out His grace on us? So that He can get the glory. That is really the essence of every spiritual blessing that we have in Jesus in the heavenlies.
Yes, we get a blessing and a benefit out of all of them. But their ultimate purpose is to bring glory back to the Giver of those blessings.
That’s because every one of those blessings is totally and completely dependent on God and not on our own efforts. We certainly don’t earn them or deserve them, so when we get them the only thing we can do is give glory to God for them. In a sense, this message this morning is primarily for those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Forgiver and Master.
And when we understand just how blessed we are to have been chosen by God to be holy and blameless through Jesus Christ; when we realize that our destiny is to be part of God’s family and that God takes pleasure in that; when we comprehend that God has poured our all His grace into our lives; how can we help but humble ourselves before Him and give Him praise and glory! But maybe you’re here this morning and you’ve never made that decision. And maybe you’re asking this morning – “Am I one of God’s chosen?”
I believe that the very fact that you’re asking that question is evidence that God is drawing you to Himself. If that’s the case, please don’t leave here to day before talking to me or one of the elders.
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