Imprinted (pt 2)

CHURCH ON RANDALL PLACE SERMON NOTES: 5/18/08

“EXPLORING THE GRAND CANYON” A STUDY IN EPHESIANS

TODAY’S MESSAGE: “IMPRINTED” (Pt 2).  EPHESIANS 1:7-10

I.                   Introduction

a.       Today’s Trail: Who are you?

                                                              i.      We have been imprinted by many forces but what is our true identity?

b.      Review

                                                              i.      We are the recipients of every blessing available in the heavenlies.

                                                            ii.      The non-rejected

                                                          iii.      Adopted children of God.  Hence heirs.

c.       Overview

                                                              i.      The plan of God in redemption history laid out in vs. 3-14.

                                                            ii.      The grace freely bestowed upon us in the Beloved (6) is now elaborated in terms of the benefits we have in Him.

II.                Transfer of Ownership (7)

a.       In Him we have…what?

                                                              i.      Redemption (Benefit #1): To release, deliver, buy back, to free.

1.      In Jewish thought.

2.      In Roman thought.  More of a slave market image.

3.      Note that this redemption is “in Christ.”

a.       All of God’s blessings (v.3) come in the person of Jesus.

b.      Redemption…the forgiveness of sins will not be found anywhere but in the person and work of Christ.

4.      Bible states that this redemption frees us from both the penalty of in AND the power of sin (Romans 6)

a.       Redemption now places us under new ownership.

5.      Something that could not be done on our own.

                                                            ii.      Redemptions price

1.      Through His blood: Liberation is effected through the death of Christ.

2.      Exclusive: Only one form of payment accepted.

a.       The missing “and.”  

                                                                                                                                      i.      We can add nothing to the price paid.  The blood of Jesus is sufficient.  God does not need our help.

                                                                                                                                    ii.      To suggest otherwise is an insult to the One who made the payment.

                                                          iii.      The forgiveness of sins

1.      These are the fetters that bind us.  The cords that were loosed (redemption) by the blood of Christ.

a.       Much more to redemption but forgiveness of sins is singled out because it is foundational.  Until sin is dealt w/ man remains alienated.

2.      The primary problem of mankind, enslaved by sin.

a.       An offense or wrongdoing.

b.      A desire to go your own way, not God’s

3.      They are forgiven: sent away

a.       Paul wants believers to know that in Him all of your shameful, embarrassing deeds done against God are sent away through the blood of Jesus Christ

b.      Real life app.   Sin, conviction, confession > clean!.

                                                                                                                                      i.      But Satan is a liar. Whisperer. “You’re not even saved.”

                                                                                                                                    ii.      But salvation does not rest on sinless performance but the blood of the Lamb.

b.      According to the riches of His grace

                                                              i.      Lavished upon us. 

                                                            ii.      Not an excuse to sin (Romans 6:1-2)

III.             God has a Plan

a.       In all wisdom and insight.  What does it modify?

                                                              i.      Believers are able to grasp the divine purpose of the ages.

1.      We can understand God/man, righteousness/sin, heaven/hell

2.      We have sound judgment to govern our life.  When to stop/start, to curb our freedom for the sake of what God is doing

                                                            ii.      True wisdom and insight has made known to us what is “going on.” God has made known to us the mystery of His will.

b.      God has a plan and has the ability to carry it out.

c.       This plan is according to His kind intention

d.      This plan is according to His timetable

                                                              i.      In the fullness of time. God is never late

e.       This is the plan

                                                              i.      To bring everything together under Christ.

                                                            ii.      The world is in disharmony and disunity.  God is bringing everything together under Christ.

1.      The world thinks things are falling apart, the people of God know it is coming together.

                                                          iii.      Reconciling all things.  Putting things back the way they were, the way they are supposed to be.  Like before the rebellion.

f.       Application

                                                              i.      Knowing this we should bring all things under His Lordship

1.      Thoughts: this is where behavior begins.  Subject your thought life to the rule of Christ

2.      Priorities/Values: How do we manage what God has given us? Do we seek first His kingdom?

3.      Schedules: How do we use the time God has blessed us w/?

4.      Relationships: Do you have something against your brother? Have you been wronged?  Will you forgive?

IV.             Conclusion

a.       God has blessed us w/ every spiritual blessing

                                                              i.      He has placed us in union w/ Christ

1.      Purchased, set us free by the death of Christ that we might be free

2.      Revealed to us His plan for the ages that we might not lose hope in a world that seems to be falling apart.  So to encourage us to look up for our Redeemer draws near.