5.2.32 7.8.2018 Ephesians 1.1-6 ID Please

Have you ever had an identity crisis?

▾ Start:

Have you ever had an identity crisis? One difficulty is that our identity is not merely individual. You and I are a matrix of relations, social interactions, cultural assumptions, prejudices, superstitions, and expectations. An identity crisis involves a short-circuit of one or all of those parts of the web. Empire exerts pressure on all of those strands in the web. In Ephesus the strands of spirituality, nationality, economics, culture, politics; everything was subject to the reality that was Rome.

Have you ever had an identity crisis?

• Entice: Have you ever had an identity crisis? One difficulty is that our identity is not merely individual. You and I are a matrix of relations, social interactions, cultural

One difficulty with “Identity Crises” is that our identity is not merely individual. You and I are a matrix of relations, social interactions, cultural assumptions, prejudices, superstitions, and expectations. An identity crisis involves a short-circuit of one or all of those parts of the web. Empire exerts pressure on all of those strands in the web. In Ephesus the strands of spirituality, nationality, economics, culture, politics; everything was subject to the reality that was Rome.

Engage: Do you think that the minefields of 21c USA are any less lethal that in 1c Asia Minor? We face many of the same issues. And ask many of the same questions. What is my place in society? What is the relationship between money and personal freedom? (the paradox of why rich people commit suicide). How does culture try to mold me after it's will…and how do I avoid it? And of course the ultimate question-how can I have a vibrant, lasting, authentic relationship with God?

assumptions, prejudices, superstitions, and expectations. An identity crisis involves a short-circuit of one or all of those parts of the web. Empire exerts pressure on

all of those strands in the web. In Ephesus the strands of spirituality, nationality, economics, culture, politics; everything was subject to the reality that was Rome.

• Engage: Do you think that the minefields of 21c USA are any less lethal that in 1c Asia minor? We face many of the same issues. What is my place in society? What

Expand: Ephesians is all about overcoming the pressure of Empire to remain loyal to Jesus and effective in His service. It all begins with a clear sense of identity. Now, when we study the Bible we try and single out important words. And you know I like to go all polysyllabic on you…but the most important word in Ephesians, beginning today in the first 6 verses is in (ἐν) one little ol' preposition linking us to Jesus, to the Father, and to one another.

is the relationship between money and personal freedom? (the paradox of why rich people commit suicide). How does culture try to mold me after it's will…and

how do I avoid it? And of course the ultimate question-how can I have a vibrant, lasting, authentic relationship with God?

Ephesians 6:1–6 ESV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Ephesians 1:1–6 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Ephesians 6:1–6 ESV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

• Expand: Ephesians is all about overcoming the pressure of Empire to remain loyal to Jesus and effective in His service. It all begins with a clear sense of identity.

Now, when we study the Bible we try and single out important words. And you know I like to go all polysyllabic on you…but the most important word in Ephesians,

Excite: God initiated an eternal relationship with you. From before time began He decided that those who love, follow, obey, and serve the Son would become fully naturalized sons and daughters of His eternal empire. He has chose to be responsible for our identity in His Son.

Excite: God initiated an eternal relationship with you. From before time began He decided that those who love, follow, obey, and serve the Son would become fully naturalized sons and daughters of His eternal empire. He has chose to be responsible for our identity in His Son.

beginning today in the first 6 verses is in (ἐν) one little ol' preposition linking us to Jesus, to the Father, and to one another.

• Excite: God had initiated an eternal relationship with you. From before time began He decided that those who love, follow, obey, and serve the Son would become

Explore:

fully naturalized sons and daughters of His eternal empire. He has chose to be responsible for our identity in His Son.

Our identity is rooted in Gods action on our behalf.

• Explore: Our identity is rooted in recognizing Gods action on our behalf.

Explain: Today's text discusses three specific actions God has taken on our behalf.

• Explain: Today's text discusses three specific actions God has taken on our behalf.

1 We are Selected . 1-2

1 vv. We are Selected . 1-2

▾ 1 vv. We are Selected . 1-2

1.1 Vocation...

1.1 Paul: Apostle, by the Will of God.

• 1.1 Paul: Apostle, by the Will of God.

Paul: Apostle, by the Will of God.

1.2 Location...

• 1.2 Ephesians: Saints, Faithful,

Ephesians: Saints, Faithful,

1.3 Validation.

Grace and Peace

2 We are Chosen. 3-4

▾ 2 vv. We are Chosen. 3-4

2.1 This choice is Relational.

• 2.1 This choice and it's benefits are Relational.

2.2 This choice is Eternal.

• 2.2 This choice of God's people being blessed in God's Son is Eternal.

Eternal in intent...God's people being blessed in God's Son

Eternal in scope…before creation beyond consummation.

2.3 This choice is purposeful.

• 2.3 This choice is purposeful.

▾ 3 vv. We are Adopted. 5-6

3 We are Adopted. 5-6

• 3.1 Because God willed it. 5

3.1 Because God willed it. 5

• 3.2 Bringing God praise 6a

3.2 Bringing God praise 6a

• 3.3 Blessing us in the Beloved. 6b

3.3 Blessing us in the Beloved. 6b

▾ Shut Down:

Adopted by the Emperor

•

In Rome adoption was widely practiced. The adopted child was often specifically selected, chosen, and adopted to be the heir and to be the most favored son.

What was true in Rome is even more true of those who have been selected, chosen, and adopted by the Emperor of eternity. When Caesar adopted, only one adopted son could inherit. Not just could, but often to inherit..

In Jesus, all who believe, all who obey, all who follow inherit equally the riches of the Kingdom. All who wear the name of Christ are favored sons, favored daughters-favored children of the Emperor of Eternity.

Do you have your ID ready?