Ephesians # 12 Eph 3-7 thru 3-17
We’re still on the book of Ephesians, so let’s pick up right where we left off last week.
I. EPH 3:7-8
A. It’s interesting here that Paul refers to himself as “Less than the least of all saints.”
1. In 1 sense, we need to see ourselves in this same light.
a. Knowing that we are a servant of all.
b. Paul said in (PHIL 2:3) “Let each esteem other better than themselves.”
2. Something that comes along with this is to know that in our own selves, we are nothing.
a. This is the only way to have the Power of God working in us and through us.
B. The other side to that coin is that we need to know who we are in Christ.
1. We are the head and not the tail, Above only and not beneath, that we are joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ.
a. The Bible even calls us kings, but that’s who we are in Christ.
C. EPH 3:9
1. Again Paul refers back to the “Mystery” which has been hid in God from the beginning of the world until now (the Church age).
2. EPH 3:10
a. I like the NIV translation a little better for this V.
b. The NIV says, (Ephesians 3:10) “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” NIV
i. To understand what Paul is saying here, you need to understand what Paul means by “Heavenly Realms.” [KJV says, heavenly places] The Greek is actually “Heavenlies.”
c. Look at EPH 6:12
i. The words here “High places” comes from the same Greek word meaning “Heavenlies.”
ii. In this V it clearly tells us that this Heavenly Realm is the place of Satan’s authority.
3. In (2COR 12:2) Paul talks about 3 heavens.
a. In the Word of God we see the 3 different heavens or HEAVENLIES, 1 being the place of God throne, the 2nd being the place where the stars are, and 3rd the place where Satan is.
b. Now go back to EPH 3:10
i. God has chosen you and I to reveal the Wisdom of God to every demonic principality and power.
ii. God has chosen man to be above every demonic principalities and power of this world.
c. Without Christ we are defeated by Satan, but with Christ, Satan is under our feet.
i. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Says, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.” KJV
II. EPH 3:11-12
A. In (V 11) it tells us that God had a plan, really it’s the whole plan of redemption, which would include salvation and all the promises of God.
1. This plan was accomplished in the Lord Jesus Christ about 2000 years ago.
a. (EPH 3:10-11) From the NIV translation words it this way, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
b. Jesus has finished the work.
2. In (V 12) Paul tells us that we have ACCESS to the Father by faith.
a. Again the NIV translation says, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
b. The KJV says that we have this ACCESS to the Father by the faith of Him. (Of Jesus)
i. Even our faith is not our own.
ii. The Bible tells us that God has given to every man the measure of faith.
c. Now we have to use our faith to gain access to the Father.
i. You approach the Father by faith, faith in the finished work of Jesus.
B. EPH 3:13
1. Paul is saying that he is going through some tribulation because of his imprisonment, But he’s telling them, “Don’t let that cause you to become discouraged, despondent, or even grow weary.”
a. Because of this time that he is in prison, they’re receiving the Word of God, which is there GLORY.
b. God has a way of turning a curse into blessings if we’ll trust Him.
2. EPH 3:14
a. Paul is leading up to a prayer here. His 1st statement “For this cause,” refers back to you and I, as Gentiles, receiving the Gospel and salvation.
i. So he’s saying “Because you and I are receiving the Word of God, I bow my knee to the Father.”
b. The next few word, “of our Lord Jesus Christ,” do not appear in the original text.
i. It’s true that God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, but Jesus is not the subject here. You and I are.
ii. We are named after the Father, along with all of His family.
iii. We’re of the Family of God.
C. EPH 3:15
1. The family in heaven is named after the Father, and the family on earth is also named after the Father.
a. If you were to die, you don’t leave 1 family and join another. We’re all 1 family.
2. EPH 3:16
a. The word “Strengthened” in this V means “Overcoming Strength.”
i. Then Paul uses the word “Might” which is the Greek word “Dunamis” which is “the Power of God.”
b. What Paul is saying here is that it’s God’s will that you have an Overcoming Strength in the Inner Man, which comes from the Power of the HS.
i. God wants us to be OVERCOMERS, Overcoming sin, Overcoming the enemy and even Overcoming situations, but how are we going to get this Overcoming Power to live a victorious life?
ii. You already have this Overcoming Power, because the HS lives within you.
iii. But you put this Power in operation by FAITH.
3. EPH 3:17
a. In this V Paul is dealing with a foundation.
b. Jesus dwells (or is a home I our hearts), but you need roots that are grounded (or Established) that will keep the house from falling over.
i. What we need to be rooted and grounded in is Love.
4. Faith worketh by love.
a. Fear in the opposite of faith.
i. You can’t operate in faith and have fear in your heart. They nullify each other.
ii. What is it that keeps fear away?
b. John said in (1 JOHN 4:18) “But perfect love casteth out fear.” KJV
i. That’s why faith and love go hand in hand.
ii. Love keeps fear away, and lets faith operate.
Ephesians #12 Eph 3:7-3:17.docx
WOLCC Thurs. 5/9/96