May 8, 2011
Evening Service

We are looking at the letter Paul wrote to the believers at the church of Ephesus.

• Teaching unity and explaining the mysteries of the faith to them and us.
• Summarized our spiritual blessing (benefits) we receive in Christ:  chosen, adopted redemption, wisdom, and understanding.
• God has sent His Spirit to us as a guarantee (or earnest) that He will fulfill all He says.

 

 Eph 1:15-23  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,  (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 fullness of him that filleth all in all.

 

Verses 15-16

·         Paul gives thanks for 2 traits the church possesses.  

1.       Strong faith (loyalty to Christ)-the church must follow Jesus’ commands and teach the Word without adding or subtracting from it.

 

2Ti 4:2-5  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  (5)  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

 

2.      Love for the saints (believers)-Jesus continually reminded the 12 to love one another.  Jesus even expanded that love to reach everyone.

 

Mat 22:36-40  Master, which is the great commandment in the Law?  (37)  Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  (38)  This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  (40)  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.

 

1Jo 4:21  And we have this commandment from Him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.

 

Mat 5:43-44  You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  (44)  But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you,

 

 

 

 

·         Having strong faith does not always lead to loving our neighbors:

o   Pharisees-contempt

o   Monks-solitude

o   Dark Ages Church-War

o   What about our church today?  Homosexuals, Muslims, Pro abortion supporters, our President, Osama bin Laden?

o   How is our attitude towards these?  Judgmental, or loving?

o   I Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter in the Bible. (Verse 8)  Love never fails.

 

 

·         Our love and devotion to Christ MUST go hand in hand with the love of all mankind.

 

Verse 17-20

·         Paul prays for the church to grow in certain areas:

1.        Wisdom- knowledge of the deep things of God (wants us to be a thinking people)

2.      Revelation-Continual revealing of Himself to us along our journey as we need it

a.      Professionals never stop studying (doctors)

b.      As God’s friend we continually deepen our relationship with Him.

3.      Enlightened-illuminate or open our eyes to:

a.      Hope of His calling-He has a purpose in mind for each of us & will help us to fulfill it

b.      Riches of His glory-We always have heaven to look forward to and “eye has not seen nor ear heard…………”

c.       Exceeding greatness of His power-showcased by the raising of Jesus from the dead and placed Him at God’s right hand.

Verse 21

·         There does not exist any being, power, principality, might or dominion in this age or past ages or ages to come that does not answer to the Authority of Jesus Christ.

·         He is Above ALL! Notice Paul uses the word “far above”, it is not even a close race.  That is the God I love and serve, not one with limitations or restrictions, but one who can do anything at anytime as long as He does not break His own word.

Verse 22-23

·         Another great mystery is now revealed to us; Christ is the head of the church and the church is His body.  We, the called out ones of God, are His hands and feet that He will use to complete His work here on earth.

·          

1Co 12:27  And you are the body of Christ, and members in part.

 

·         This is a theme we will continue to build on throughout this book of Ephesians.  Each of us being intricate in the workings of the church, doing our part fulfilling what God has planned for us.

·          I am the church.  We are the church. Together we walk on our journey to Him. 

 

·         Illustration from William Barkly commentary

 

Paul has informed us that we must keep our faith in God and love our brothers.

 

He wants us to grow in our wisdom & revelation and continue to be enlightened to what an AWESOME GOD we serve. 

 

Christ is the head of the church and He will use us to show the world His love for them.