Life Together Pt. IV

To us & Through us

Ephesians 1:19–23 ESV

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

What Paul is saying about Jesus, he is also saying to us.

Christ is raised (alive)

Died in our place, in space and time, raised from the dead figuratively, physically, bodily, to defeat Satan, Sin, and Death.

Christ is seated

Raised him from the dead- being seated. Right hand of God as our resurrected King, enthroned. His mission is accomplished. Earthly mission accomplished, heavenly ministry still in motion. It is finished. Metaphor- analogy to the place of power, honor, and victory. He has authority.

in the heavenly- not simply earthly blessings, but heavenly blessings. Both and beyond. Physical reality, but beyond that is the unseen realm. Blessings extending to both.

Far above- Not simply spatially, but by the place of authority. Authority figures in your life: Parents, teachers, Pastor’s, coaches, etc. God is FAR above. Authority over now and to come. John 3:30-33. Two ages. In between- over the ages. This age, bringing the age to come in part, and final age. This age, and the age to come.

Christ is ruler.

All things under his feet. He is not simply the power, but over him. Psalm 110. We are always under authority, stewards of God’s authority. They are not in charge, they are under the one who is in charge. Stewards of that authority- far below the one who is far above.

Psalm 8:3-9 All that is big, and all that is small. Oh LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Conformed to the image of Christ.

Psalm 110:1-2

Gen 1:26-28 Image of God, be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Reign over it, serve it. Dominion over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the heavens.

Christ is Head

a. image of the body.

Christ fills all in all

a. Filling the earth with his rule and reign extended into every nook and cranny.

Question:

How does his presence help give power to prayer?

Father’s Love (1 John 3:1)

Jesus prayer (Rom 8:34)

Spirit’s reassurance (1 John 3:18-22)

Pray Scripture for yourself and others (Eph 1:15-23)