JBS 2023 (2)

Ephesians Wk 2

Ephesians 1:5–6 NKJV

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

I. Adopted into God’s Family according to God’s will and purpose.

A. Grace is God’s work toward us, and not us choosing Him. Definition of Grace:God’s free favor to the undeserving.

B. God’s Purpose: His Redemptive Mission. see 2 Thes.2.13

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

Ephesians 1:7–10 NKJV

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

C. Redemption in Christ- Bought with a price 1 Cor.6.20

1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Timothy 2:6 NKJV

who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

1 Peter 1:18–19 (NKJV)

knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

The Cost of Salvation was Jesus’ Death

The Basis of Redemption is Grace, with a future Hope and Transformation.

II. A Holy Heritage [start here 01/25]

A. Who are the recipients of eternity? the people whom God has chosen and predestined. A new covenant, new people born again.

Question: Evidence of the Holy Spirit is working in you?

Ephesians 1:11–14 (NKJV)

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Are we growing in spiritual maturity?

An Inward change towards God and people. An outward transformation to bring light into a dark world. Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 NKJV

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

III. Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession.

The Power of Prayer is being connected with God.

illus. light switch is connected to power

We pray usually asking God to do something for us. What do we do for Him?

A. Paul Prayed for his friends to receive from God the spirit of wisdom & revelation in the knowledge of Him. To know and understand what is the Hope of His calling.

Ephesians 1:15–23 (NKJV)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which 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 principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

B. Paul had a sense of gratitude for believers in the church. He had received word about their faith in the areas of Asia Minor.

Paul was thankful for their faith & love.

Faith finds it’s focus in Christ, and expresses itself in love to others.

Prayers can be specific or general.

Pray for the specific sins in peoples lives that you know personally. Genuine love for their souls. Private Prayer is secret.