CHRISTIAN'S PRIVILEGE PT 2

Apostle – one sent with orders to the saints, consecrated and set apart – we are called saints – we are called to be blameless, consecrated and set apart from the world by our words, thoughts and actions.

We also looked at the Spirituality aspects of verses 3-10 – that God is Blessed and blesses us, we are chosen to be holy, without blame and that salvation is for all people that God’s desire is for all people to be saved, but that road and path is unique and specific.

Today we finish Ephesians 1 by starting with verse 11 and going through verse 23

As we begin – let us Pray!

The Christian’s Privilege

Ephesians 1:11–23

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 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, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

III. THE SALVATION—vv. 11–14

1. Plan—vv. 11–12. We are saved to bring honor and glory unto God—not only to escape hell.

In Him – in Christ we have obtained an inheritance – why – remember v5 - he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

We are adopted as sons and daughters – as adopted – placed in the first son’s position – we get that inheritance – no longer is salvation just for the Jews – all people – the whole world – In Christ there is no longer Jew and Gentile

Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Use Christian and Elise as examples – now the inheritance is split by 5 not 3

Might be the praise of His glory – all of this is to bring praise and Glory to God – nothing about what we can do – but because of His love

His Grace

His Mercy

That should bring Him praise and Glory

2. Promise—v. 13. Salvation promised from the beginning of the world.

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,

ACTS 1:4-5 – And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

John 14:16-17– And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you

Your response to the Truth is what seals you or prevents you from being sealed.

Official government documents were sealed with the ring of the King – if there was no seal – it was not to be believed – it was a forgery – but the seal of the Holy Spirit – like the king’s seal on a document – indicates the authenticity and reliability of facts.

The seal of the Holy Spirit keeps believers “intact” like the seal on official documents – until Jesus returns.

It is this seal that is the mark of Salvation – not baptism but being sealed in the Holy Spirit – it is proof of God’s work in you – in the life of a believer

The Holy Spirit sealing you is God’s down payment into you – the full payment to be received when you are in His Presence.

3. Possession—v. 14. We now possess salvation. There is joy in serving Christ. However, after death, there is the hope of eternal life.

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The Seal of the Holy Spirit is the guarantee the promise that God will continue His commitment, His promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The seal marks us as His, but the Holy Spirit is more than a mark, a seal, it is the living presence of God to guide and direct us – to continue the work of Christ in us.

Inheritance is nothing that we worked for –

My parents will – my will –

Inheritance is a gift from the parents – gifts are unearned – we did not nor can we earn Heaven – it is through His Love His Grace that we obtain or acquire the inheritance God promises to us to those who Believe.

The seal sets us apart – indicating that we are God’s – we acquire an inheritance from Him because of our identity – not by name but belonging to God – His children – who can inherit from the Father.

IV. THE SAVIOUR—vv. 15–23

1. Praise—vv. 15–16. Paul filled with praise for the Christians, and prays for them.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

For this reason – remember that this letter by Paul is like no other letter – not for correction and instruction but thanks and building up of the body.

We are reminded that we must also give thanks –

During your prayer time – do you thank God the Father for –

Mike and Lorraine – worship

Kayla – who always decorates

Michele – while home schooling and athletics – always cleans the both buildings

Shirley – someone to love on the toddlers and extend God’s love to them

Chuck – keeping the grounds good and safe

Char and Autumn stepping up to help Nora

JB for stepping up to lead boys

Everyone who signs up for HiPlains ministry – (salad and side day, soup and bread day, chocolate overload day, nacho bar day, EOY BBQ and Ice cream social – easter egg hunt)

Everyone who helps with community clean ups and other ministries that the church supports

For this reason – I have heard

Faith

Love

Give thanks

Reminded to give thanks – never ceasing to give thanks –

ACTS acronym

2. Prayer—vv. 17–19. Prayer for thanks first then for wisdom. Prayer that their spiritual eyes may be opened, and that they may understand God’s power more fully.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Not only do we need knowledge of God but wisdom

Pray for God’s revelation of Him

Heart to be enlightened

Know the hope you are called to

His immeasurable greatness of power towards us

All according to His Work – His Will

Colossians 1:9-10 – And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

3. Power—vv. 20–23. Power which resurrected Christ from the dead. If this same power dwells in us, we will have extra power to live an overcoming Christian life.

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

God raised Jesus from the dead – He can do anything in your life – His power is immeasurable

This is where Salvation entered the World and Jesus became Savior – He is now seated at the Right Hand of the Father – the second most powerful place highest place of honor and a place of victory

His power covers every conceivable aspect of the world –

All rule

Authority

Power and dominion

Every name that is named and will be named

Now and yet to come

He is head over all to things to the church – the church – when Christ is at the center – the head of it and led by the Holy Spirit has the ability to overcome any and all challenges that the world throws its way – it is when the focus is taken off of Christ – not led by the Holy Spirit that the church falters

And finally – v 23 – which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all

God’s purpose of the church should be the full expression of Jesus Christ life, ministry, words, death and resurrection

Jesus being head should fill every aspect of the church

In Spiderman – uncle Ben tells Peter – with great power comes great responsibility –

I say with great and awesome privilege from God comes responsibility.

Many want privilege, but not responsibility.

We are responsible for maintaining Christ as the head, the focus, to work His workings led by Spirit – praying and thanking God for the saints that are currently working for His Church, His Kingdom

What is your responsibility as a sealed believer to the local church?

Let us Pray!

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