I Will not take long on explaining this post, since it is so lengthy already. Several months ago, I started a bible study on one Friday evening of the month for those who wanted to sink deeper into God's Word. At first, I thought I would study on Ephesians 6 concerning the armor of God, but after some time God shifted my focus to studying to all of Ephesians. This post is a compilation of all the studies we have had on Ephesians chapter 1. One thing that I will change for our future studies on Ephesians 2-6 is that, Lord willing, I will end every lesson with an applicable question. This, to my chagrin, has not been the case for this series. However, I have certainly tried to build a solid understanding by encouraging the reader to study other supportive passages as well. Please understand that every lesson will have a short summary of the previous lesson, since they were sent out in weekly/bi-weekly increments. If done once a week, this series should last for about 3 months. God bless and may you see and understand, “what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power (1:19).”
Pilgrim's Progress – A Study on Ephesians
Saturday, October 27th
Please read this Introduction paper to Ephesians from
The Complete Word Study New Testament with Greek Parallel
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE EPHESIANS
“Ephesus was the capital of the chief province of Asia. It was located about one miles from the Aegean Sea. The temple of Diana (Artemis) was important to the commerce of the city because the Mediterranean world considered it to be such a sacred and impeccable institution, that it became the chief banking establishment in all of Asia Minor. The great number of pilgrims that came to worship at the temple also bolstered the economy in Ephesus. In fact, the population is believed to have exceeded a quarter million.
Paul came to Ephesus during his second missionary journey with Aquila and Priscilla but journeyed on to Jerusalem by himself not long afterward (Acts 18:18-21). On his next missionary journey, Paul spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 19). He had so much influence on the people there that the craftsman who manufactured silver shrines for Diana incited a riot against him, concerned that his trade would become obsolete (Acts 19:24-29). As a result, Paul left Ephesus, traveling to Macedonia (Acts 20:1). Upon a return trip to Jerusalem, he requested that the elders of the Ephesian congregation meet with him at Miletus, a city located thirty-five miles to the north, so that he could bid them his last farewell (Acts 20:16-38).
The words “at Ephesus” (Eph. 1:1) do not appear in several important Greek manuscripts. Consequently, many believe that this letter was not originally sent to the congregation at Ephesus but was meant to be a letter that would be circulated to the many gentile churches in Asia. This would explain why he would completely omit any personal greetings to believers with whom he had spent three years (Acts 19). Scholars believe that it eventually became known as the Epistle to the Ephesians because the church in Ephesus would have been the mother church from which the letter would have been distributed to the other churches in Asia.
The book of Ephesians was probably written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome (ca. A.D. 60-64) about the same time that he wrote Colossians and Philemon. The content of the Book of Ephesians is very similar to that of Colossians; both stress doctrine and gibe instruction in practical Christian duties. Once difference between them, however, is that Colossians portrays Christ as the head of the Church, while Ephesians goes on to display Jesus as the ascended, glorified Christ. Also, in Colossians Paul attacks the gnostic heresy; but in Ephesians, Paul examines the splendor of Christ in glory.
The major theme of this letter is that the Church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22, 23, 2:15, 16). Paul also metaphorically spoke of the Church as a building of which Christ is the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20-22) and compared the Church to a bride while will soon be united with Christ (Eph. 5:21-33). The key idea is that a body has individual parts that must operate as a unit. God's plan is to bring all believers together (Ephesians 1:10) with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22, 23).”
William Gurnall- “Paul was Nero's prisoner, but Nero was much more God's. And while God had work for Paul, he found him friends both in court and prison. Let persecutors send the saints to prison, God can provide a keeper (guardian) for their turn.” (Pg. 1)
Watchman Nee - “Of all of Paul's epistles, it is in Ephesians that we find the highest spiritual truths concerning the Christian life.” (Pg. 11)
A Panoramic view of Chapter 1
I. THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS (1-3, 7-8)
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOR (4-12)
III. THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT (13-14)
IV. THE PRAYER OF THE SAINT (PAUL) (15-18)
V. THE POWER OF THE SAVIOR (19-23)
WG - “...an unstable heart is weak as water, it cannot excel in courage.” (Pg. 17)
We must have confidence in the power of Christ and our redeemed position as saints, rejoicing in the wonderful, spiritual blessings of God.
WN – “Every Christian must begin his spiritual life from the place of rest.” (Pg. 11)
We must realize that God has “made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ch. 2:6a) The first step in victory is knowing our position in Christ and through and that foremost we must rest in His power.
BE SURE TO STUDY EPHESIANS 1:1-14
1. In verse 3, what do you believe Paul means by “spiritual blessings”?
2. What was the purpose in Christ from “the foundation of the world”?
3. What does the “dispensation of the fulness of times” refer to?
- Paul writes of the Holy Spirit as our “the earnest of our inheritance.” What is the full implication of this truth? (Also, try to find how this would apply in New Testament times)
Ephesians study 2
I. THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS
a. ABUNDANCE – Manifested in the Life and Fruits of the Spirit (1-3)
Read verses 1-3 and meditate on them. Write down some key words in these verses that stick out to you.
FE: Grace, Peace ect.
Read Malachi 3:8-10
Many preachers use this verse for the message on tithing. Though it can be used to bring more understanding of our call to give for the kingdom, we must also realize the wonderful truth that through faith in Jesus Christ, God has opened to us the “windows” of heaven and lavishly poured out His blessings on His children.
What do you think the spiritual blessings Paul has mentioned are?
Read Acts 1:1-8, Acts 2:14-18, and 1 Corinthians 1:1-4
Perhaps, the “spiritual blessings” are not scattered, separate blessings, but all are bound up in One Marvelous Promise. The promise of the _________ __________ (Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 1:13)
Simply think this and I leave you with this story. A few weeks ago, Stephanie asked me whether I had ever heard of a certain sermon illustration and what I thought of it. I am stating it from memory, so please forgive me if I leave some details out, but the illustration goes like this:
There once was a man who died and went to heaven. As he marveled at the beauty all around him, he saw an angel motioning to him to follow. The angel showed him these big warehouses all lined up. Upon inquiry, the angel told him that those warehouses were full of missed blessings from people who did not “go the extra mile” in their faith, but held back some of their time and hoarded earthly treasures. The angel then takes the man to a large warehouse with his own name on it.
The illustration is to get people to think about how they give on earth. Her question to me was, “what are the missed blessings?” Of course, some preachers have used this illustration to reveal how people have missed out on being blessed financially and materially. I will now briefly explain what I told my wife.
1) Obviously, there are no such warehouses. Everything we heap up and invest in on earth will be tried by fire. It is not going to be “Look what you could have had,” simply, “What do you have left?”
2) I believe God desires to bless His children monetarily, but not in the way we believe He “should.” God’s blessings go far beyond the earthly and temporal. We are called to be content with such things as we have and we are only promised that we would be cared for with “food and raiment.”
3) If anything, the blessings that are in the “warehouse” are found in Galatians 5:22-23. Yes, the place is simply filled with the fruits of the Spirit. To see the spiritual blessings we have is to acknowledge the Spirit of the living Christ indwelling in me. We will never look back and say, “Oh man! I could have been blessed with a new car!” No. This is foolish. What most certainly can happen is that one day we look back and say, “Oh my Lord, I could have had the blessing of peace ever increasing my life. I could have had the fruit of temperance growing in my actions. Oh, more than anything! I could have had more of Jesus and less of me!”
The Spiritual Blessings that we have received are ultimately found in the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ living within us. This is one of our glorious Positions as Saints: Abundance.
Pilgrim's Progress: Ephesians study 3
I. THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS
Last study we looked at the very first facet in regards to the position of the saints, which is...
a. ABUNDANCE (Ephesians 1:1-3)
We can rejoice in the great fact that when you repent of your sins and receive the life of Jesus in your heart, every sin, every dark stain is washed away by the precious blood of Jesus. What is even more wonderful, yet many Christians have failed to realize, is that not only are we a new creation, but in Christ we have received innumerable blessings. As we have already studied over, such blessings are found within the promise of the Holy Spirit and the abundance of spiritual fruit that He seeks to manifest in our lives.
Now we go onto our next point
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
b. ADOPTION
Read
Romans 8:9-16, Galatians 4:1-7
- According to Paul, in Galatians, what was one of the purposes for Christ's first coming?
2. How many times is the word “children” mentioned in Ephesians?
3. Why do you believe it is so important for Christians to realize and be assured of their “spiritual adoption” to the Heavenly Father?
I leave you with this thought
John 19:25-27 states, “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
The time was at hand, when Christ would cry out it is finished and commit His spirit to the Father. Where the sin of the world and the condemnation of the law would be blotted out by His own blood. Where the greatest tragedy would in fact become the greatest triumph. Yet, just before His death, He tells the disciple, John to take Mary and care for her as his own mother. Some would say that this was a simple, kind gesture because Mary did not have Joseph and Jesus was dying; however, it is easy to forget that she had other relatives around and even another son. Why?
Perhaps, in the midst of all the suffering, Jesus was revealing the glorious truth that through His death, He will make every believer part of ONE family, ONE body. John could call Mary his mother not just because Jesus told Him to, but because they were adopted into the family of God! They were spiritually united as mother, son – brother, sister in Christ.
Ephesians study 4
In our last two studies, we looked at Ephesians 1:1-5
These verses reveal two facets regarding THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS
- ABUNDANCEWe have been blessed through the Spirit of God with “all spiritual blessings”
- ADOPTIONWe have been purchased by the blood of Christ and adopted as children of GodNow let us look at verses 6-86 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
The final aspect regarding THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS in chapter 1 is...
- ADORED
Notice what Adam Clarke wrote regarding verse 6
“Wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved—This translation of εν ᾑ εχαριτωσεν ἡμας εν τῳ Ηγαπημενῳ is not clear; with which he has graciously favored us through the Beloved, is at once more literal and more intelligible. Whitby, Macknight, and Wakefield translate the passage in nearly the same way. In the Beloved must certainly mean in Christ, who is termed God's beloved Son”
Matthew 3:17. —Adam Clarke's Commentary
The greek word of “accepted” means to be HIGHLY FAVOURED. Indeed, you can declare with joy that you are not only a saint and a son/daughter, but that you are a BELOVED saint and son/daughter!
Take a guess what book in Bible uses the word “beloved” the most. Hint- It comes after one book about the vanity of life.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
1. Read Romans 8:29-39 and
2. Is it imperative that believers hold to and daily reflect upon the fact of being “beloved” of God in Christ? If so, explain why?
3. Read 1 John 4:11. What can stir up a believer to display and spread compassion to others?
4. At times, when you read the New Testament, try to circle or underline the word “BELOVED” in regards to Christians.
The answer to the statement just before the four points above was Song of Solomon. It mentions “beloved” well over 25 times.
May each day our heart and mind grasp and rejoice in the truth that
“I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. (Song of Solomon 7:10)”
STUDY 5
A couple weeks ago we finished the first point of the Ephesians outline for chapter one. Here it is in its entirety.
- THE POSITION OF THE SAINTS (Ephesians 1:1-6)
a. ABUNDANCE
b. ADOPTION
c. ADORED
Now we move onto...
- THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOR (Vs. 4-12)
Ephesians 1:4 states, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.”
a. BLAMELESS BRIDE
This Christmastime we reflect on the birth of Christ, and more than this, we rejoice in WHY He came. If you were to ask several different people why Jesus came to earth, the answers you get might not be exact but they will probably follow one main point: He came to save us. While this is true, we must never forget that Salvation is only the doorway to true Sanctification and Service. In verse 4, it is at once clear that Christ's purpose, “before the foundation of the world”, is that we would be righteous and blameless.
- Read 2 Peter 2:9-12 and write down 3 descriptions regarding Christians in this verse. Also, read Revelation 21:1-2.
- Why is it imperative for believers to grasp the full implications of Christ's coming?
- Find at least three NT passages that magnify the believer's purpose to live “blameless”.
STUDY 6
We have been dealing with the second point in Ephesians chapter 1 which is
- THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOR
First, under this point was
a. A BLAMELESS BRIDE
We must never settle for the world's philosophy that point of all life is to make oneself happy. This mindset can easily spill over into the thinking of many Christians and cause them to believe that Jesus came to earth, suffered and died, and rose again, simply to make man happy. It is not our happiness that God desires most, but our HOLINESS. Is there joy and satisfaction in following the Lord? Most certainly, but it is a joy that is found in loving and knowing Him and growing more into the image of Christ, not in gratifying our fleshly wants.
The Second Purpose of Christ's coming was to redeem and raise up
b. A PRAISING PEOPLE
In verses 6, 12, and 14 of chapter 1, you will read the phrase “to the praise of the glory of His grace” and “to the praise of His glory (KJV).” God says in Isaiah 43:21, “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.” This is our call as believers in Christ! He is worthy of all our praise now and forevermore!
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1. Read Philippians 2:14-15. How does a living out praise and thanksgiving correlate with and complement a pure (blameless) testimony ?
2. Read Hebrews 13:15. Why, in this passage, is praise stated as a “sacrifice”? Are there other passages that reveal the full meaning of this verse?
3. Read Acts 16:14-40. Simply write what can be learned in this passage regarding a life of praise.
May our daily prayer be as David desired,
Psalms 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
STUDY 7
For these several weeks, we have been studying the second point of the outline in chapter 1, which is made up of three sub points...
- THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOR
The first sub-point was
a. A BLAMELESS BRIDE
The Second Purpose of Christ's coming was to redeem and raise up
b. A PRAISING PEOPLE
Finally, the last point in the passage regarding Christ's purpose in coming and to earth, dying on a cross, and rising again in victory is for a
c. A GLORIOUS GATHERING
You may wonder what this means. Indeed, this aspect of Christ's purpose entails all of creation and it is such a marvelous, but also mystifying truth.
Ephesians 1:1 states Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
FOR THE PHRASE “He might gather together in one”, the greek word used here - ἀνακεφαλαιόω anakephalaioō- literally means, to sum up, to recapitulate, as an speaker does at the close of his discourse. It is from κεφαλή kephalē meaning the head; or κεφάλαιον kephalaion, the sum, the chief thing, the main point. Albert Barnes writes, “In the New Testament, the word means to collect under one head, or to comprehend several things under one....In the passage before us, it means that God would sum up, or comprehend all things in heaven and earth through the Christian dispensation; he would make one empire, under one head, with common feelings, and under the same laws. The reference is to the unity which will hereafter exist in the kingdom of God, when all his friends on earth and in heaven shall be united, and all shall have a common head....Sin has produced disorder not not only in “mind,” but in “matter.” The world is disarranged. The effects of transgression are seen everywhere; and the object of the plan of redemption is to put things on their pristine footing, and restore them as they were at first. Everything is, therefore, put under the Lord Jesus, and all things are to be brought under his control, so as to constitute one vast harmonious empire.”
The implications of verse 10 is...
*SUBJECTION to PERFECTION
Read Philippians 3
1. In this chapter, though the believer will not reach some “perfect” state while he lives (vs. 12), what should be his goal and walk of life?
2. What does verse 21 reveal about the purpose of Christ and the believer's perfection?
3. Does Philippians 3:21 correlate with Ephesians 1:10?
*ALL ENCOMPASSING to EXCLUSIVELY EXALTING
4. Read 1 Corinthians 15
5. What does the phrase “death is swallowed up in victory” refer to?
6. What do verses 25-28 reveal regarding why everything will be subject under Christ?
In short,
- One day all life, all things will be subject under Christ that He might gloriously fashion and make all thing NEW!!!! After all, through Jesus, the heavens and earth were made. He is the WORD OF GOD and at the start of the creation account in Genesis, the scripture reads, “And God SAID...”
- One day everything, even death itself will be “swallowed up” in subjection to Christ and in this, Jesus will yield it all back to God that He might be “all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).”
Upon studying this last point of The Purpose of The Savior, there is far too much here to just simply glance over these scriptures and quickly answer the questions. MEDITATE ON THIS AND REJOICE IN GOD'S HIGHER WAYS.
STUDY 8
Several weeks ago, we finished the second point in our Ephesians chapter 1 outline which was...
- THE PURPOSE OF THE SAVIOR
a. A BLAMELESS BRIDE
b. A PRAISING PEOPLE
c. A GLORIOUS GATHERING
We now move onto the third point which is...
- THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT (13-14)Ephesians 1:13 states, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
What Paul first teaches in this chapter regarding the Holy Spirit is that He is our....
a. SEAL OF REDEMPTION
This gives the idea of a “stamp of approval.”
Jameison Fausset Brown Commentary describes the “Sealing” of the Spirit in this way:
Sealed — as God’s confirmed children, by the Holy Spirit as the seal (Act_19:1-6; Rom_8:16, Rom_8:23; 1Jo_3:24; see on 2Co_1:22). A seal impressed on a document gives undoubted validity to the contract in it (Joh_3:33; Joh_6:27; compare 2Co_3:3). So the sense of “the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost” (Rom_5:5), and the sense of adoption given through the Spirit at regeneration (Rom_8:15, Rom_8:16), assure believers of God’s good will to them. The Spirit, like a seal, impresses on the soul at regeneration the image of our Father. The “sealing” by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all. The witnessing to our hearts that we are the children of God, and heirs (Eph_1:11), is the Spirit’s present testimony, the “earnest of the (coming) inheritance” (Rom_8:16-18).
Albert Barnes states, “The word used here (from σφραγίζω sphragizō) means to seal up; to close and make fast with a seal, or signet; as, e. g., books, letters, etc. that they may not be read. It is also used in the sense of setting a mark on anything, or a seal, to denote that it is genuine, authentic, confirmed, or approved, as when a deed, compact, or agreement is sealed. it is thus made sure; and is confirmed or established. Hence, it is applied to persons, as denoting that they are approved, as in Rev_7:3; “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”
The Sealing of the Spirit reveals that we are.....
*CHILDREN OF GOD
- Read Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6
Satan is described as the “accuser of the brethren”. Praise God that no matter how much the devil seeks to criticize, disgrace, and destroy our standing in Christ, the Holy Spirit bears witness and testifies that we ARE adopted into the family of God!
The Sealing of the Spirit reveals that we are to be....
*LIGHTS IN THIS WORLD
- What is one ultimate requisite to receiving the Holy Spirit? Read verse 13 again.
- Can an unsaved individual understand God's Truth or claim to know what God's will is in certain matters? Read 1 Corinthians 2:14.
- Read Acts 1-2. What happened when the Holy Spirit “came upon” the disciples?
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
A HEART SEALED BY THE SPIRIT'S LIFE IS ALSO A HEART THAT SEEKS THE SALVATION OF THE LOST
Lastly, what Paul teaches in verse 13-14 of chapter 1 concerning the Holy Spirit is that He is our....
b. SECURE INHERITANCE
The word “earnest” that Paul uses is descriptive of a pledge. It literally is a mathematical term for a DOWN PAYMENT. If you know anything about banking, then you should have some idea as to what Paul was teaching. We're not in heaven yet, we haven't wandered on any streets of gold, received a marvelous crown, or at any time slept in a mansion of glory. Nope. But praise God that here on earth, while we anticipate the coming of Christ and the glories of heaven, we have been given the HOLY SPIRIT! He is our....
*(DDD) DIRECT DIVINE DEPOSIT
Vines Word Studies describes this teaching as: Only here, 2Co_5:5, and Eph_1:14. It means caution-money, deposited by a purchaser in pledge of full payment. Not the foretaste or pledge of the Spirit, but the Spirit Himself in pledge of the fulfillment of the promises. By a common Greek usage the words are in apposition: the earnest which is the Spirit.
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 1:20-24
Though trials may increase in our lives and life and days grow darker, Praise the Lord that His Spirit is more than enough! I wonder, does our daily attitude reveal that we have the divine treasure of the Spirit in our hearts?
Nothing more, nothing less.
No materials we need possess.
Of these we are most content
Only fruit from His Spirit
and the nearness of His presence.
Finally, and meaning no irreverence, the Holy Spirit is our....
*(CEI) CONTINUAL EARNED INTEREST
What do I mean by this? Just as the Spirit is like a deposit in our lives, so he like interest that increases as time goes on. He is actively working in us that we might bear fruit for the kingdom of God. He gives our lives the unction and power to labor. As we are yielded to the Spirit and He works in our hearts, we increase “fruit that will last for eternity.” Paul said to the believer's in Phillipi, “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philippians 4:17).”
- Read 1 John 2:20, 1 John 4:13, Galatians 5:18-26. What does Galatians 5 reveal regarding the work of the Spirit and the walk of a Christian?
STUDY 9
A couple weeks ago, we dealt with third point of chapter one in Ephesians which was THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT. We now will look at the fourth point found in verses 15-19
IV. THE PRAYER OF THE SAINT (PAUL)
Verses 15-19 record Paul's prayer over the believer's at Ephesus. We do well to study such a petition, striving to emulate it in the way we pray for fellow believers. The first sub-point is....
a. ENCOURAGEMENT
Notice in verses 15-16, Paul says, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” Here Paul was praising them for their steadfastness and compassion as believers. He sought to encourage them to stay strong in the work of God, revealing that his joy came from their faithfulness to the Lord. Paul rejoiced over two areas in their Christian walk in which they yielded much fruit
*He rejoiced over their Faith
*He rejoiced over their Love
The scriptures teach that “without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)” In the same way, without love anything done in life has no true “profit (1 Corinthians 13:3).” A Firm Faith and an Abounding Love are two qualities that we ourselves must strive for and seek to instill in other believers.
1. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3 &3 John 1:1-4
2. What gave Paul and John great joy? In honesty, what or who gives you the most joy in life?
3. Read Luke 21:30-36 & Matthew 28:18-20
4. Did Jesus command us to just tell others about salvation?
4. Would the world be the same as it is today, if the cares and satisfactions of believers came from the growing faith of others?
5. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. What does verse 18 reveal about putting on the armor of God?
STUDY 10
We are focusing now on the fourth point in Ephesians chapter one, which is....
IV. THE PRAYER OF THE SAINT (PAUL)
What was studied last week was the sub-point...
a. ENCOURAGEMENT (15-16)
Paul rejoiced in the believers at Ephesus, praising them for their faithfulness and love. In verses 15-16, he encouraged them to remain steadfast and reminded them of his heartfelt prayers for them.
We now move onto the next sub-point which is...
b. ENLIGHTENMENT
Paul writes in verses 17-18, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”
Paul desired for the eyes of their hearts to be opened to the marvelous blessings freely given in Christ and to the glorious promises God had in store for them. Last night, as I was letting Daisy in (my dog), I glanced over at what should have been the church building and saw nothing. No building, no trees, no church van. Why? Because all around me was a thick fog that caused everything to be hidden. This happens so often in our Christian walk. We tend to allow the fog of this world to blur our spiritual vision to the call and promises of God. My prayer for all of us is that we would fully understand our calling as believers in Christ. Notice that Paul prayed for an increase in understanding in two areas.
*The Hope of His Calling for us
1. Read 2 Peter 1:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-9, and 1 Peter 2:18-25.
2. There are many other scriptures that deal with a believers call, but what do these passages reveal about our call as Christians?
3. Re-read 2 Peter 1:3-4. In this verse, what glorious promise can we rejoice in regarding the hope of our calling? Here's a hint...Does God just simply tell us what to do in life or is there more to it?
*The Glory of His Inheritance to us
4. Read Philippians 3:20-21. What do verses 20-21 reveal about our “hope” as believers?
5. Read 1 Peter 1:1-5 what do verses 1-5 reveal about the inheritance of the saints? How does Peter describe our promised inheritance?
STUDY 11
We have already focused on two sub-points regarding
IV. THE PRAYER OF THE SAINT (PAUL) (Ephesians 1:15-19)
Which were...
a. ENCOURAGEMENT (15-16) – Paul praises the Christians for their faith and love and reveals to them that he is also continually praying for their steadfastness and courage in Christ.
b. ENLIGHTENMENT (17-18) – Paul goes on to pray for their increase in GOD'S WISDOM and THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST and that their eyes of faith would be opened to 1) THE HOPE OF THEIR CALLING IN CHRIST and 2) THE RICHES OF THEIR INHERITANCE IN CHRIST
We now finish this final point with the third sub-point which is...
c. EMPOWERMENT
Look again in verse 17-19, particularly verse 19:
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Paul's final prayer was that the believers would understand the active and abundant power of God that works in their own hearts and lives. It is so crucial that a Christian realizes and relies fully in God's power for daily living! Paul terms it the “exceeding greatness” of His power. The greek word for exceeding literally means to “far surpass, throw beyond.” There is great power and than there is GOD'S POWER and it far surpasses anything we can ever imagine! That Amplified translates it as this:
“...the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe...”
1. Read 2 Kings 6:8-23. What was Elisha's prayer for his servant and does this correlate with Paul's prayer? If so, how?
2. Because of our faith in Christ, what does 1 Peter 1:5 reveal?
- Read 2 Corinthians 4 and pay close attention to verses 6-7. What is the “treasure” and the “earthern vessels” Paul is writing of?
- Finally read 2 Timothy 1:7-12. Do you believe there are Christians who have not claimed nor truly realized verse 7? How can we to face suffering?
STUDY 12
A few weeks ago we finished the fourth point of our Ephesians study in chapter 1 which was
- The Prayer of the Saint
This is found in verses 15-19
Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
We now move onto the fifth and final point of chapter 1 which is
- The Power of the Savior
This is found in verses 20-23 which states, “20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
For now pay particular attention to verses 20-21. The Power of Christ is “far above” any other power in the universe! It is...
a. Surpassing Power
No technological advancement of man, no mighty force in creation, no strength of hell can ever outmatch the authority of Jesus Christ! He has overcome hell and death and is seated at the Father's right hand. Verse 20 reveals that the mighty power of God was “wrought in Christ” when He rose from the dead. With Easter just around the corner, there will be plans and preparations made for friends and families. There will be activities to occupy children, special cantata's all across churches, and even a record attendance in many of the church Easter services. Yet, in the midst of the programs and scheduling, stop and rest and take time to meditate on the glorious power of Jesus.
*Power revealed by His resurrection
It is amazing that as you look deeper into the resurrection of Christ, you will see that every aspect of the Divine Trinity was involved in raising Him from the dead. Ephesians 1:19-20 reveals that God raised Christ, Jesus said in John 2:19 that He had power to raise Himself, and 1 Peter 3:18 states that the Holy Spirit “quickened” Christ from the dead. Regarding Christ's resurrection, Romans 6:4 states, “ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Understand that the resurrection of Jesus Christ effects our walk as believers here and now. Because the same power in which Christ rose from the dead is the same power that enables us and calls us to “walk in newness of life.” Think about it. The same Divine power that surpasses every principality and might is also working and flowing through the hearts of Christians. What the devil longs to do is to get us to take our eyes off of the present power of Jesus. To make us think that resurrection power was in the past and will only be manifested again when Christ returns. REALIZE THAT THE POWER OF CHRIST AFFECTS OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.
1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:17-25. What kind of preaching reveals the power of God?
2. Read Matthew 28:18-20. Because of Christ's glorious power what has He called us to do as His followers? What promise did He give to every gospel witness in verse 20?
3. Read Philippians 3:8-15. What power did Paul desire to “know” not by just the intellect of the mind, but by the experience of the soul?
STUDY 13
Last week we studied the last point of our outline in Ephesians chapter 1 which was...
- The Power of the Savior
Ephesians 1:20-23 states, “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
We looked closely at verses 20-21 which speak of Christ having…
a. Surpassing Power
Indeed, His power is “far above” any might of man or any force in the universe. Praise the Lord that through the power of Jesus, we can find the strength the overcome and the grace to help in times of great hardship! Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, “ For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Finally, we end THE POWER OF THE SAVIOR with the second sub-point which is...
b. Sovereign Power
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Not long after the resurrection of Christ, He ascended back to heaven in glory and power . He is seated at the Right Hand of the Father. Jesus gave His Spirit to fill every believing heart and the scriptures declare that, “...Because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7:24-26).”
1. Read John 1:1-17. Verse 10 reveals Jesus as the Creator of the world.
*Christ is Sovereign over Creation
2. What power, in verse 12, does Christ give to those who believe in Him?
3. Read Ephesians 5:22-27
*Christ is Sovereign over the Church
- Read Colossians 1:12-22. What do the statements “firstborn of every creature” and “firstborn from the dead” refer to regarding Jesus?
- What does verse 18 reveal about the purpose of Christ's death and resurrection?
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