Ephesians # 3 Eph 1-6 thru 1-13

   We’re going to continue on the Book of Ephesians. Last week we left off at (EPH 1:5) and I want to pick up from there, but before we do let’s just go over a brief review.

   I. EPH 1:2

    A. This a greeting of Paul’s that is very familiar. He often uses this in many of his letters.

     1. The thing to notice here is that, “Grace” always comes 1st then “Peace.”

       a. Before you can have peace in your life you have to understand the Grace of God.

         i. We are saved by Grace and not of works.

         ii. Sometimes we never have any Peace, because we don’t understand that the work is already done.

         iii. If you understand the Grace of God (meaning that you don’t have to do it yourself, the work is already done), then you can have peace.

     2. (2 PET 1:2) Says, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”

       a. According to what Peter said, “Grace and Peace can by multiplied to you.” But it only comes through a Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

       b. The more we get to know our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ the more Grace and Peace we’re going to have.

    B. Last time we said that (EPH 1:3 through 14) are all 1 sentence in the Greek. It’s all written in the past tense.

      1. They deal with what God did before the foundation of the world.

       a. All right let’s read EPH 1:3-5

       b. In (V 3) Paul tells us that we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

         i. Because we are in the family of God we are blessed with ALL spiritual blessings, as long as we are in Christ.

     2. In (V 4) it says that “God hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.”

       a. That literally means that God has “Called us out to be in Christ before the foundation of the World.”

         i. WHY?

       b. So that you could be Holy and without blame before Him.

    C. In (V 5) it tells us that God has predestinated us to be SONS of God.

     1. This is not talking about taking away our freedom of choice, but it’s referring to God making a choice on what to do with those that choose to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

       a. God could have made us equal to angels, or just servants of God, but God chose to make us SONS OF GOD.

   II. EPH 1:6

         A. In the 1st part of this V Paul says, “To the praise of the glory of his grace.” The ultimate purpose of God’s elect (you and I) are to be instruments of Praise.

               1. He goes on to say, “he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

                     a. The word “Accepted” that is only used 1 other time in the NT, and that’s in (Luke 1:28) where the angel says to Mary, “Thou that art highly favored.”

                           i. The word means “Accepted and blessed.”

                     b. Again we are “Accepted and Blessed in the beloved, in Jesus.”

               2. EPH 1:7

                           a. 1st of all the V starts off with “In whom,” which refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.

                                 i. In Christ we have redemption.

                                 ii. He goes on to say what redemption has brought us, the forgiveness of sins.

                           b. And how was this redemption and forgiveness of sin brought to us?

                                 i. Through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

                                 ii. The Blood of Jesus paid the price for all of our sins.

         B. EPH 1:8-10

               1. Remember that this is all 1 sentence. What Paul said in (V 7) goes along with what (V 8) says.

                     a. Because we have the forgiveness of sins and through God’s Grace we have been given wisdom and prudence.

                           i. True “Wisdom” is insight into God’s plan.

                           ii. And “Prudence” is “Understanding,” understanding God’s plan.

               2. In (V 9) Paul talks about a “the mystery of his will.”

                     a. In the Word of God a “Mystery” is a previously hidden truth now unveiled by God.”

                     b. What was “The mystery of his will?”

                           i. He said it has already been made known.

                           ii. The “Mystery” revealed is the “Will of God.”

                     c. What is His will? The plan of redemption.”

               3. In (V10) It says, “The dispensation of the fullness of times.”

                     a. If we were to just read this the 1st time we wouldn’t have any idea of what he’s talking about.

                     b. But “The dispensation of the fullness of times” is talking about the “Millennium,” where all things in Heaven and on Earth are going to come under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

                           i. That does not suggest that everyone will be saved; instead, sin will be removed and peace will be established.

   III. EPH 1:11-13

         A. In (V 12 and 13) the word “Trusted” is actually the word “Hoped” in the Greek.

               1. In other words, it says, “In whom ye also hoped, after that ye heard the word of truth.”

                     a. It doesn’t say that we had faith 1st, it says that we had “hope” 1st.

                     b. Then he goes on to say, “In whom (In Christ) also after that ye believed.”

               2. At the time when we believed, we were “Sealed with the HS of promise.”

                     a. Our salvation was sealed with the HS., which makes it sound like eternal security. (Once saved always saved)

                     b. Let me say it this way, “We are eternally security as long as we are eternally in Christ.

Ephesians # 3EPH 1:6-13.docx

WOLCC Thurs. 2/29/96