May 1, 2011
Evening Service

Paul has began to summarize some of the spiritual blessings we enjoy in Christ

• Chosen-for the purpose of living a holy and blameless life; representing our Savior well
• Adoption-given a new identity; wiping away our past; securing our inheritance

 

Eph 1:7  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,

 

Redemption-deliverance in some translations, meaning the ransom paid for the release of a prisoner (the blood of Christ)

·         Christ paid the price for our sins on Calvary granting us forgiveness

·         He paid a debt we could have never paid becoming our Redeemer

Heb 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.

 

Eph 1:8  which He caused to abound toward us in all wisdom and understanding;

 

            Wisdom-Knowledge of precious things, coming to grips with eternal questions about life, death, God, man, time and eternity.

·         Having the big picture

·         Pro 9:10  The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

·         Jam 1:5  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and with no reproach, and it shall be given to him.

 

Understanding-prudence, knowledge of human affairs, ability to meet and solve practical problems

·         Common sense

·         Pro 14:8  The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

·         Pro 14:15  The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.

God blesses us with both of these to aid us in our journey towards Him

 

 Eph 1:9-10  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 fullness 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:

• Mystery revealed-a sacred secret, something that was previously concealed from us (Gentiles)
• The revelation is that everything will come together at the end falling under the authority of Christ (unity)
• All divisions will be wiped away and we all will finally be united together as one in Christ
• What will be our part in this to play?

 

 

 

 

 

Eph 1:11-14  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.  (13)  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.

• “We” have obtained-Jews-who first were chosen to be the avenue that God used to first bring the news of a coming messiah (performing their part) and be his ancestry
• Verse 13 now uses “you” trusted-Gentiles-
• “Our” inheritance he brings the two groups back into unity

 

Verse 13 speaks of us being sealed with the Hoy Spirit

·         Any package or message was always sealed with a special seal that signified who the sender was

·         The Holy Spirit is God’s seal upon us that not only shows us His will, but enables us to do it

Verse 14 reveals the Holy Spirit also to be earnest or guarantee or proof that the full balance is will be paid

·         Earnest money paid down on a house

·         It is our proof that God has far greater things are coming –heaven

·         Christ will redeem us as a purchased item into His possession

 

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

We have seen the spiritual blessings-chosen, adopted, redeemed, wisdom and understanding are all given to us.  We also know God is sincere in that He has given us His Spirit to guide and direct us to Him.