The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians 6OCT

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Awesome lunch last week! Might need to make a habit of that…

Memory Verse, eph 2:8-9, anyone have it?

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Scriptures for today on whiteboard

Eph 1:15-23

Col 1:9

Prov 1:7

Prov 3:13-15

Act 26:18

2 Cor 4:6

Ps 110:1-2

Rom 12:4-8

1 Cor 12:26-27

Last week

Finished off opening benediction

The Father’s gracious purpose (v3-6)

The Son’s climactic, redemptive accomplishment (7-10)

The Spirit’s down payment (lytron) in the new creation (11-14)

This week, v15-23, Paul gives a report on his prayer for the Ephesian Christians, to close the opening chapter

PRAY (ask someone)

A Report on Prayer - Wisdom and Insight

Upcoming textual structure

Report on Prayer - Wisdom and Insight (v15–23)

When and how (v15–16)

Objects of Paul’s prayer (v17–18b)

Content of the insight (v18c–19)

Expansion on Christ’s exaltation in power (v20–21)

Christ’s position and the church (v22–23)

***Readers: 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-23

Ephesians 1:15–23 (ESV)

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.

When and how (v15-16)

Ephesians 1:15–16 ESV

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,

“heard”

Not a casual “oh, I heard in passing”, but — evidence of their faith worked out by love toward the “saints”

Who are the saints?

Christians, the whole church, Jew and Gentile

**** faith<—>love connection Jason preached on last week.

How did he hear? Tychicus perhaps? <eph 6:21>

“do not cease”

negated first person present indicative verb

implies: he’s not stopping something he’s already doing

He’s praying for the Ephesians already

Remember: he lived there for years! It’s been 5-10yrs hence, but his heart is still with them.

What follows in v17-23 explains the content of Paul’s prayers

Objects of this prayer (v17-18b)

Ephesians 1:17–18 (ESV)

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,

Trinity present, more on this in a minute, but…

What is Paul praying for? What is he asking for them to receive?

bestows “wisdom and revelation in the [full (LSB)] knowledge of Him”

>>> Readers for all three, then advance slide

Colossians 1:9 “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,”

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 3:13–15 “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Ephesians 1:17–18 ESV

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,

Christ’s humanity emphasized

“God of our Lord JC”, v3 “God and Father of our Lord JC”

Secondary reason = some indication of belief in pagan manifestations of Artemis in the temple. FALSE.

Primary reason for emphasis = exclusive human mediation, only path to the Father.

God is no longer known as just the God of Isaac/Israel/Abraham, but as “God of our L JC”

Not a national God, but God over all nations, who may come through the incarnate Son

v18

like the way the LSB organizes it…reference it

Eyes of the heart…odd phrase, what is Paul talking about?

To receive the Spirit of wisdom means to see with the heart.

no understanding = internal darkness // wisdom = internal light

Internal light gives light to the “eyes of the heart”, the interface between the soul, the inner man, and the world, so that

he or she may SEE and UNDERSTAND the world around them correctly (ps24:1 IS the CORRECT understanding…)

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”

>>> Readers for Acts and 2Cor…

Acts 26:18 “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Baugh quote

Ephesians Commentary

The impact of “enlightenment” Paul wishes for his audience is a little diminished in the modern world. Today we rarely experience life without street lamps or even the ambient light of a city affecting even rural areas. In Paul’s day, where torches or bonfires were the biggest lights available, normal illumination was provided by the tiny, flickering flames of lamps. Deep darkness was the norm at night. In such a world Paul prays that God would cast his piercing spotlight for the Ephesians’ mind’s eyes and then would rise the messianic morning star in their hearts

And what’s the first thing we get with illuminated “heart eyes”??

Hope!

Ephesians 1:17–18 ESV

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,

What’s hope?

First of 3 items that the believer “knows” after the HS illuminates us and gives us wisdom and revelation

18c- hopw, 18d- riches of inheritance, 19-power toward us who believe

But hope…

Ephesians 4:4 “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—”

Not “hope” in the sense of how we use the word now (a desire with zero expectation of it actually happening)

BUT, a promise made by God that CAN NOT fail.

Calling determined before time began, enacted by the Son, secured+applied+sealed by the Spirit. Done deal!

Content of the insight prayed for (18c-19)

Ephesians 1:18–19 (ESV)

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

After hope, we get…

Riches

We’ve talked about the dual nature of inheritance

Our’s: eternal blessings in heave alongside our spiritual brother, Jesus

God’s: we are the inheritance, the body, given to Christ to love, care for, redeem, shepherd, and to proclaim His name

Finally, after climactically building here, we get POWER!

Engineers in the room, how do we define “power”?

Power = Work / Time, or how much energy is transferred-expended in a fixed amount of time (J/s, ft-lb/s, Nm/s, etc.)

Increase the numerator or decrease the denominator, the more power you get.

Jesus on the cross

The work of sin atonement for all called by God from all time, accomplished in a snapshot of time

BIG numerator, small denominator = MASSIVE display of power

Sky darkened, the earth itself trembled and rocks broke in two, the veil was torn in two

Then, Jesus, the God Man, exercised His power over death…

Expansion on Christ’s exaltation in power (v20-21)

Ephesians 1:20–21 ESV

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.

The Resurrection and Ascension

POWER of the HS of Christ

that defeated death, created Jesus’ resurrected body, carried the Son of God in the clouds to heaven in the ascension, seated Jesus at the right hand of the Father

Revelation 5:1–10 ESV

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

The SAME power that did all of that…dwells within the heart of every believer!!!

Guarantee of salvation, sealed, branded ownership by God, labeled as adopted sons and daughters, inheritance secured

Christ’s position and the Church (v22-23)

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

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.

right hand + under foot…

>>>Reader>>>

Psalm 110:1–2 (ESV)

The Lord says to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your enemies your footstool.”

The Lord sends forth from Zion

your mighty scepter.

Rule in the midst of your enemies!

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

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.

“...gave him as head over all things to the church…”

“gave…over”: didomi, ~bestow upon, grant, appoint

“head”: elsewhere, used literally (ex: crown of thorns on his head)

Here… as King >> connection to church as “body”

“which is his body” // church = body

We describe the church like this all the time, don’t we?? Kinda a weird phrase, right?

What do we mean by it?

>>> Readers for Romans and 1 Cor

Romans 12:4–8 ESV

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:26–27 ESV

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Ephesians 1:22–23 ESV

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.

This metaphor is unique to Paul (no clear pulls from OT)

It works, though: the human body needs all it’s organs, all it’s subsystems, to function for the whole to function

The organs have to do their own, God-designed, jobs, and do them well

Compensation

Kidneys can cover blood filtering duties if the liver isn’t functioning properly

But this strains the kidneys and can cause other problems!

We need a head (brain, central nervous system) to captain the ship

connect this concept to the members of the church

EVERY BELIEVER is a VITAL piece of the church, Christ’s body

Christ-ruled, elder led, deacon served, congregation-ally accountable

“the fullness of him who fills all in all”

Can someone help us put some handles on this statement? What is Paul saying here?

Omnipresence of God

Simultaneous presences in…

v20-21, exalted to the heavenly places, above all rules/authorities/powers/dominions, and…

in the body, His body, the Church, HERE AND NOW (by the Spirit) (Yogi says the following verse…)

Romans 8:11 ESV

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

And bring in v1:10…

***Flip to John, highlight 1:1-4, and then 14-16

Christ is the head, and like the nervous system in our bodies, fills and directs all members of the ONE body

There are many churches, but one Church

Directed to have unity in Christ in the one true gospel

Not called to uniformity across different regions/cultures/practices/denominations, abolishing all distinctives

As long as the parts are abiding in Christ individually, genuinely, are distinctives contribute to the fullness of the body!

Ephesians 3:17–19 ESV

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

“all the saints”…the fullness of God comes when “all the saints” comprehend together the HxLxD of the love of Christ!

So, give your faithful, believing Presbyterian friend a hug this week and contemplate the riches of your inheritance in Christ as children of God, together!

Closing

As we close this majestic opening to the letter, let’s remember this…

Ephesians Application and Devotional Implications

Paul will not withhold any exhortation to holy living as the epistle continues, but he knows that sustained and greater holiness in love arises out of deeper knowledge of the gospel of God’s lavish gifts of hope, redemption, and powerful salvation rather than endlessly bludgeoning Christians with demands for fulfilling the law’s duties.

Paul WILL get to clear application of what a Christian walk looks like, but

He gives Chapter 1 to the Ephesians, and to us, to motivate us.

As we…

move forward in the letter

encounter troubles in our personal lives,

as sin is exposed in our own hearts,

come to one another in accountability and encouragement

May the Spirit turn our minds back to Ephesians 1 and know the riches we have been given in Christ Jesus, and may our eyes be fixed upon Him amid the storms that assail us.

PRAY

See you next week!

Ephesians 2:1-10

Deliverance from Death to Life in Christ (2:1–10)

The old life in death (2:1–3)

Even while dead, believers are made alive in Christ’s life (2:4–7)

Expansion on this new life as a divine work leading to new obedience (2:8–10)