Rooted in Christ: Living the Ephesian Way

The Gospel According to Heaven

READ (EPHESIANS 1:1-14)

Ephesus - metropolitan and eclectic city. Paul went during 3rd missionary journey. (Acts 19) Years later, written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome.

Paul is not writing to offer correction to this church.

1-3 - The Gospel Story, therefore… , 4 - 6 - Our Story

Paul wrote to empower and equip the believers.

This passage reveals God’s nature and explains who he is.

“The most important question you ever ask or answer is not, ‘What do you love?’ or, ‘ Who do you love?’ The far better question is, ‘Who loves you?’ That’s at the very heart of the gospel.” - J.T. English

“saints” - saved and sanctified by the gospel, “faith” - enabled to walk in Jesus.

3 - 14 is one sentence in Greek. A doxology.

A short hymn or statement of praise, typically directed towards God, and often used in Christian worship services

Trinitarianism - The doctrine of the love of God.

1. God’s redemption from the past to the future.

“Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

God has already done everything for believers.

“In Christ” - One act in history secured forgiveness for all.

There is oneness in Christ and the church.

Christians receive ALL spiritual benefit from Jesus who exists in the Heavenly places.

“Chosen” “Predestined” - Before creation

Paul is overwhelmed by this.

“In love”

Not meant to tease our mind, but to call forth glorious praise.

We cannot go back and find a reality when God did not exist before mankind. He chose all who call upon the name of Jesus.

Oil Pit - Danny “You are turning God’s blessing into a sad story.”

“We love because he first loved us.” - (1 John 4:19)

We could not choose salvation until God knew us and opened the door first.

God has always displayed a firm grip on our redemption.

2. God’s redemption made us children.

God set his affection on mankind through his son.

We are children by the blood of Christ, forgiven in our sins, provided all of God’s blessings.

God loves his children.

Loved with a love that cannot be comprehended.

“Mystery of his will”

God’s grace to mankind.

Christ is the secret of divine purpose.

The cosmic Lord came from God to mankind and is now exalted.

Jesus bound heaven and earth in unity.

This truth is revealed to the church.

We must imagine the heavenly places on the other side of earth.

The gospel opens our understanding so we can live for Heaven above earth.

3. God’s redemption unites all Christians into the Church.

Jews and Gentiles received this letter.

“12 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - (Gen. 12:1-3)

“8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - (Hebrews 11:8-10)

“Word of truth” - The gospel

This gospel unites all people under one truth.

Israel - Enslaved by other nations, saved by God, and led to promised land.

Christians - Enslaved by sin, saved by the blood of Christ, and led to the New Kingdom.

Assurances

Israel - Covenants

Christians - Holy Spirit

Down payment for salvation. Will be completed at the ressurection.

The fact of the gospel is the source of our praise.