Ephesians Study

English Standard Version Ephesians 1:17

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,

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Author

In Paul’s other letters, the closing section greets many individuals. The end of Ephesians, however, refers only to one individual, Tychicus (6:21–24). In addition, Paul states that he has “heard” of the addressees’ faith—which seems odd since, according to Acts, Paul spent at least two years at Ephesus (Eph 1:15; Acts 19:10; Bratcher and Nida, Handbook on Ephesians, 1). Certain expressions in Ephesians, such as “spiritual blessing” (εὐλογίᾳ πνευματικῇ, eulogia pneumatikē; 1:3) and “Father of glory” (πατὴρ τῆς δόξης, patēr tēs doxēs; 1:17) appear nowhere else in Paul’s letters. Some interpreters have observed in Ephesians structural, thematic, lexical, and grammatical dependence on Colossians (Lincoln, Ephesians, xlvii-lvii). This suggests that Ephesians might be the work of someone trying to mimic Paul’s writing style and theology, in order to present the letter as the work of the apostle himself. Ernest Best concludes that “Ephesians is probably post-Pauline, written by a disciple of Paul and standing within the Pauline tradition” (Best, “Ephesians: Two Types of Existence,” 39

Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” Genesis 2:9 “9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. δύναμις

δύναμις, εως, ἡ (Hom.+; loanw. in rabb.) gener. ‘capability’, with emphasis on function.

① potential for functioning in some way, power, might, strength, force, capability

ⓐ general, λαμβάνειν δ. receive power Ac 1:8 (cp. Epict. 1, 6, 28; 4, 1, 109; Tat. 16, 1 δραστικωτέρας δ.); ἰδίᾳ δ. by one’s own capability 3:12. Of kings τὴν δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν αὐτῶν τῷ θηρίῳ διδόασιν Rv 17:13 (cp. Just., A I, 17, 3 βασιλικῆς δ.).—Of God’s power (Nicol. Dam.: 90 Fgm. 66, 33 Jac. θεῶν δ., Diod S 1, 20, 6 τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν δύναμιν of Osiris’ function as benefactor to humanity; 5, 71, 6; 27, 12, 1; 34 + 35 Fgm. 28, 3; Dio Chrys. 11 [12], 70, 75; 84; 23 [40], 36; Herm. Wr. 14, 9 ὁ θεὸς … , ἡ [ᾧ v.l.] πᾶσα δύναμις τοῦ ποιεῖν πάντα; PGM 4, 641; 7, 582; 12, 250;

54  God’s grace does not come to people who morally outperform others, but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior. Timothy Keller The Reason for God (2008)

Timothy Keller

Secure in His Promise: The Guarantee of God

Bible Passage: Ephesians 1–3

Summary: In Ephesians chapters 1 to 3, the Apostle Paul outlines the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers, emphasizing God's grand plan of redemption through Christ. He focuses on our identity in Christ, the mystery of the Gospel, and the assurance of His promises, reinforcing that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the depth of their identity in Christ and the security they have through the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to embrace their role in God’s family, live out their faith confidently, and share the hope of the Gospel with others amidst life's uncertainties.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God has provided us with a profound assurance in our faith through the Holy Spirit, which serves as a guarantee of our eternal inheritance. This assurance should empower us to live purposeful lives for Christ and to be emboldened in our mission as His followers.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is the fulfillment of God's promises. Ephesians 1–3 highlights how through Christ, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who seals them, enabling them to partake in the divine inheritance. This links back to the Old Testament promises of God's faithfulness and presence with His people.

Big Idea: Believers are guaranteed their inheritance in Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith with confidence and assurance.

Recommended Study: In preparing your sermon with Logos, consider examining the historical and cultural context of Ephesians to understand better how Paul's audience would perceive God's guarantees. Focus on the nuances of the Greek terms used for 'seal' and 'guarantee' to grasp their implications in the text. Also, exploring commentaries on the interrelationship of the three chapters can deepen your insights into the theological themes Paul addresses.

1. Sealed with Spiritual Security

Ephesians 1:1-14

You could emphasize how God guarantees our inheritance through sealing us with the Holy Spirit, providing deep assurance of our ultimate destiny. This section reveals that believers are chosen, redeemed, and sealed through Christ. Highlight the significance of the Holy Spirit as the promise of our inheritance. Explore how this divine assurance empowers us to live confidently and securely in our identity, knowing we are part of God's family, regardless of life's uncertainties.

2. Secure in Grace-filled Transformation

Ephesians 1:15-2:10

Perhaps focus on the believer's transformation from death to life, emphasizing God's grace and redemption. Paul illustrates how we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. Discuss how understanding this powerful transformation and divine workmanship encourages believers to live out their faith purposefully, embracing their new identity in Christ. Reflect on the assurance that we are God's masterpiece, created for good works, prepared for us in advance.

3. Secure in United Identity

Ephesians 2:11-3:6

Maybe highlight how Christ breaks down barriers, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body—the church. This unity underscores God's promise to bring inheritance to all nations. Emphasize how this unity in Christ encourages believers to live as one, embracing diversity within the church. Explore how this assurance of unity and shared inheritance compels us to share the hope of the Gospel across cultural and societal divides, reflecting the mystery of the Gospel revealed through Christ.

4. Secure in Indwelling Power

Ephesians 3:7-21

You could focus on the mystery and power of the Gospel being revealed through the church. In this passage, Paul prays for believers to grasp the infinite dimensions of Christ's love. Delve into how experiencing this abundant love strengthens believers to be bold and confident in their faith. Encourage the audience to rely on God's power at work within them, assured that God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine, according to His promises.