Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 19:8-29 - An Introduction

Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 18-19: An Introduction

Introduction

A family walked into their local bookstore in search of a new book for their daughter to read while driving to their vacation spot. As the family walks into the bookstore, the young daughter is not a baby anymore. She is a big girl and can read. She scans the shelves, reading the sections of the bookstore. Her attention is caught by the sing that reads “Classics”. She sprints over to the section of books to find the cutest book that begins with “Once upon a time”. As she inspects the books before her, she is met with waves of drab beige, light tan, dark tan, brown, and more brown. There is nothing fun in this section! Until she sees makes eye contact with the big fat pig staring at her from the cover of one of the books. She reads the words on the cover, “”The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.” She is so happy, she grabs the book and runs to tell her mom. She has seen the movie but hasn’t read the book. She can’t wait to read the Jungle Book during the car ride.

Sermon in a sentence: I must understand God’s Word to apply God’s Word.

What is it? (Ephesians 1:1-2)

The Bible is God’s Word.

Children’s catechism question 15- Who wrote the bible? Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit.

It is a letter.

The Bible is not a book for the world to merely adopt some moralism!

It is a letter to believers so they can grow in sanctification.

Who is it to? (Acts 18-19)

It is first to the churches in Ephesus.

Read Acts 18:18-19 and Acts 18:24-25

Paul went to Ephesus on a missionary journey.

He worked with Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos (1 Cor 1), Timothy, and others.

Read Acts 19:8-10.

He was there for about 3 years.

God blessed Paul’s ministry with miracles and many believers.

Read Acts 19:17-20.

The Ephesians were so full of witchcraft and spiritual darkness.

It was part of their everyday life.

Read Acts 19:23-28.

Artemis’ temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the world at it’s time.

People from all over Asia would make pilgrimages to this temple to worship and make sacrifices.

This epistle is also for all Christians.

This letter is written to the saints who are faithful in Christ!

The indicative statement (we are saints and faithful in Christ) should be a word to ourselves.

Conclusion

In LOTR, Boromir is fatally wounded by arrows. Aragorn arrives to speak to him as he quickly fades. In this moving scene Boromir confesses his attempt to steal the ring from Frodo. Aragorn assures him that Frodo and the Ring are not outside of their reach and on the way to Mordor. Boromir tells Aragorn that hope is lost. The world of man will fall. Aragorn replies, “I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you: I will not let the White City fall. Nor our people fail.” Boromir replies, “Our people? Our people. I would have followed you my brother, my captain, my King.” Reminding Boromir who they were, they were brothers, made him realize their was no need for hostility. Reminding Boromir who he was gave him the resolve to fight under his king.

Application

This week, remind yourself that you are holy faithful in Christ.

Set a timer during the day to remind yourself.

Say it to yourself in the morning before going to work.

Each day, remind yourself who you are in Christ!

Family Discussion Questions

What was the point of the text? The sermon?

How does that point me to Christ?

How am I going to apply that to my life?