Redemption - May 16, 2021

PRAY FIRST

Redemption Message

Introduction Read Ephesians 1:7-23

Story – She had gone down in history as “America’s Greatest Miser,” yet when she died in 1916, Hetty” Green left an estate valued at over $100 million. She ate cold oatmeal because it cost to heat it. Her son had to suffer a leg amputation because she delayed so long in looking for a free clinic that his case became incurable. She was wealthy, yet she chose to live like a pauper.

Weird? Definitely! Crazy? Possibly—but nobody could prove it. She was so foolish that she hurried her own death by bringing on an attack of apoplexy or stroke while arguing about the value of drinking skimmed milk! But Hetty Green is an illustration of too many Christian believers today. We have limitless wealth at our disposal, and yet we live like paupers. It was to this kind of Christian Paul wrote the epistle to the Ephesians.

Do you ever drift away from God's rich blessings and not realize it? I do, and so did the Church at Ephesus!

The great espistle letter of Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ but who continue to live as beggars.

We ask the question here, why did they remain in Spiritual poverty? Because they remained unaware and forgot what their true wealth was.

I would submit that no Christian has to live like a Spiritual beggar when God offers Spiritual blessings beyond all imagination.

To move from poverty to prosperity, we must first read and meditate on what God's Word says.

We are the children of God, Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise with a guarantee of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). Secondly, we must begin to live by Faith. There is no other way to live as a Child of Christ.

Let’s Talk about this Epistle, shall we?

The Epistle was written in such a way that it makes helpful for all other churches in Asia.

THE importance of Ephesians is that our understands is that this little Epistle packs a considerable amount of God's power in the six chapters.

The writing of this letter was about 28 years after Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. AD 60-61.

The narrative setting has Paul as the human author, and we know God is the Divine author; this is considered a Prison Epistle.

He writes from Rome, describing Ephesus which is the largest of the seven churches we see listed in Revelations.

Ephesus was a thriving coastal city at that time, and I believe Paul knew many of the people in the Church there because he visited it three times, more than any other Church.

EPHESIANS Chapter 1 has a threefold perspective of redemption beginning with the pre-historical ("before the foundation of the world," Eph 1:4) and God's predestinated plan (Eph 1:5) and moving through the historical ("his blood," Eph 1:7) to the future ("inheritance," Eph 1:14) and the guarantee by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.

God's work of reconciliation is accomplished through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:20–23). THE chapter concludes with Paul's prayer, in which he describes how God's plan for redemption is worked out in the life of the believer.

PAUL urges his readers to live a Christian life in accordance with God's new work in Christ by striving for unity, reconciliation, and holiness.

THE distinctiveness of this Christ-rooted approach to life—points to be from God and testifies to Him for His Glory.

We, as believers, are to see ourselves both individually and corporately in Christ.

AND we as believers should live in unity together within our multi-social communities.

Our most powerful testimony that we can give, is to show God is present in our lives by our walk with Him.

"This is needed today more than ever to be a great example especially for us today." Think about our children? What are they seeing?

1. His Redemption Achieve through Jesus Christ v.7-10

We know that God redeemed two events in the Old Testament demonstrate God’s redemption of Israel:

1. Redemption from Egypt

2. Redemption from Exile

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his Grace.

A. The Ransom of Our Sins was Paid.

"1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's". We are free from the slavery to sin. as Romans 6 tells us. If we were slaves we would be poor. But you, me we are rich! Amen

1) Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace. Eph. 1:7 (In whom means who? Is Jesus) we have redemption. Through his blood, the forgiveness of sins (Forgiveness the noun áphesis almost always means "forgiveness," or carried away and usually of sins) according to the riches of His Grace.

What is Redemption? The Lexham Bible Dictionary staes it this way. The release of people, animals, or property from bondage through the payment of a price. To purchase and buying back or to release and set free.

Illustration During Pauls day—there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire, and often they were bought and sold like a piece of furniture.

We know that God redeemed two events in the OT by demonstrating God’s redemption of Israel:

1. Redemption from Egypt.

2. Redemption from Exile.

3. In the NT redemption is demonstrated by God's ransoming (payment) for believers through the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Amen

a) How can we know He Redeems us from death?

The Bible tells us to look in.

Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.

Job 5:20 In famine, He shall redeem thee from death: And in war from the power of the sword.

Job 19:25-26 For I know that my Redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: v.26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Hos 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

b) How did Jesus Christ model redemption while on earth?

Mt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mk 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

c) How was Redemption Achieve?

This is always through Jesus Christ. Redemption is always through His blood, i.e., through the death of Christ.

"Colossians 1:14 says it this way, In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins."

What are the results of redemption?

In relation to sins, redemption includes forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) and thus becomes the basis for justification (Romans 3:24).

In relation to law, redemption provides freedom and release.

Because the Redeemer came under the law, those who believe can be redeemed from its curse and received as sons.

Concerning ethics, redemption by its very nature means that the one redeemed owes something to the one who redeemed him.

Although God's emphasis to the believer is the appeal to be His slave, it is nevertheless a reasonable requirement by the very nature of redemption.

Sin brings death. Paul traced both physical and spiritual death to sin. (In Romans 5:14, "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14")

From Adam to Moses, the reign of physical death to include those who had not sinned in the same manner as Adam proves that all sinned in Adam. (For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. v.22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

In the same passage, Paul wrote of the sentence of spiritual death passing upon all men through Adam (Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so, death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12).

The proof that all are separated from God by spiritual death is the universal slavery of man to sin (Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16) (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23).

Sin causes corruption of our character. Because man is a sinner, he sins. The primary character is affected to the extent that none seeks God, or does what can make him acceptable to God (What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. v.10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: v.11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. v.12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:9-12).

· Such character produces corrupted conduct, which exhibits corrupting, deceitful, uncharitable, blasphemous words, and murderous, oppressive, quarrelsome, impious deeds (v. Their feet are swift to shed blood: v.16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: v.17 And the way of peace have they not known v.18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:15-18).

Sin-affected creation(For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. v.19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. v.20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. v.22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. V.23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. V.24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? V.25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience, wait for it. Romans 8:18-25).

· In speaking of the expectation of us Christians, Paul somewhat incidentally remarked that creation awaits release from bondage to which it was subjected unwillingly. God was obliged to subject the earth to ineffectiveness because of the sin of Adam. Since the fallen man lost the dominion, he had initially been given over the earth, and the earth had to be cursed so that fallen man would not be left living on unfallen earth. Thus unwillingly, because of man's sin, the earth was put in subjection.

Sin is the reason Christ had to die. In all of Paul's Epistles, there is repeated emphasis on the truth that Christ died because of sin. (Romans 8:2–3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 3:9; Colossians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 1 Timothy 2:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:14).

· In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace. Eph. 1:7

What is Grace? It is God's unmerited favor, made known through Jesus Christ, and expressed supremely in the redemption and complete forgiveness of sinners through Faith in Jesus Christ.

How can we know God's promise of Grace that has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ?

Ephesians 1:3-8 (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: v.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: v.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, v.6 To the praise of the glory of his Grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. v.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his Grace; v.8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 1:3-8.)

3. What does the Bible say about His Holiness?

· Isa 47:4 As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, The Holy One of Israel.

· Isa 48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, Which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

· Isa 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; The LORD of hosts is his name; And thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

B. Eph. 1:8-9 Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:

The mystery was not something mysterious by something unknown.

It means a sacred secret, once hidden but now is revealed to God’s people. We are part of God’s inner circle. We are able to share in the secret that God will one day unite everything in Christ.

(Rom. 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began).

The mystery spoken of here in context is not that Gentiles would be blessed, but Jews and Gentiles would be equal heirs in the body of Christ. In God’s eternal program.

(Eph. 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel):

This was unknown in OT prophecy but was revealed by the NT apostles and prophets.

(Eph. 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His Holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit)

C. Eph. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

I believe this is the dispensation of the fulness of times and is an example of God’s plan, the arrangement, and the millennial kingdom.

Gather together in one all things in Christ is an example that Christ will bring everything into harmony.

(Col. 1:16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him:)

Illustration References: Psalm 139:6; Isaiah 55:8–9

Since it is God we are speaking of, you do not understand it. If you could understand it, it would not be God.

—Augustine, 4th century philosopher and theologian (354–430), in “Reflections,” Christianity Today (July 20, 2000)

2. His Redeeming from Death and Inheritance v.11-17

Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave:

Job 5:20 In famine, he shall redeem thee from death: And in war from the power of the sword.

Hos 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: Repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

The Riches of God's Inheritance (we saints are)

D. Eph. 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

We have obtained an inheritance and we are in His inheritance.

Predestination glorifies God. "To the praise of His glory" rings throughout the passage in Ephesians 1:1–12. The ultimate purpose of all of God's doings is the glorification of Himself. In such a belief is the only possible resolution of the problems of the doctrine, and with such a belief, one can only bow in worship and awe before the one who has devised that infinitely wise plan.

E. Eph. 1:12 That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.

His glory is the display of His character trusted in Christ—and hoped in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

F. Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.

The time of sealing coincides with the time of believing. He Sealed us with that Holy Spirit is a seal that indicates possession and security. The seal of authority. The presence of the Holy Spirit, the seal, is the believer's guarantee of the security of one's salvation.

The Holy Spirit is not temporary—He lives with us from the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and never leaves us. Neither sin nor anything else can cause the Lord to forsake us because His Spirit has sealed us in Him forever guaranteeing our relationship with Him for all eternity. How does that feel.

Illustration D.L. Moody used to pray, Lord save the elect—and then elect some more!

G. Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

In Paul’s day the meaning of earnest was the sense of a down payment or deposit—the presence of the Spirit of God's pledge that our salvation will be attained. We hear this term with a real estate agent talk about earnest money.

3 stages of redemption - We have been redeemed v.7, we are being redeemed Rom. 8:1-4, and we shall be redeemed through Faith, Spirit works, and Christ returns.

3. The Great Power of God Displayed v.18-23.

H. Eph. 1:18-19 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what the hope of His calling is, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, v.19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.

v.18 The eyes of understanding in context is your heart, and in Scripture, it is considered the very center and core of our lives. Paul prayed that believers would know:

There is a big difference between having the blessing of God and actually enjoying them. We experience the riches of the Lords grace by learning what blessings He has provided for us and then laying hold of them by faith.

The disciples continually marveled at the astounding miracles that the Lord performed (Matt 9:33) 21:20; Mark 4:41). However, the Lord’s greatest power was displayed at His resurrection when He triumphed over sin and death forever more.

Illustration The Christian life has unfolding moments, when we discover there is much more to God and his kingdom than we knew, much more to His purpose for us than we could imagined.

Abraham experienced that at age seventy-five, Moses at age eighty, the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus.

Again and again in the Bible, when God met people, He opened the doors of the Christain by His glorious power for them to know.

Illustration The atheist claims there is no God for us to know, and the agnostic states that if there is a God we cannot know Him.

I would submit that Paul has met God in person of Jesus Christ, and he knows that a man really cannot understand much of anything else without a knowledge of God.

Illustration God deals with us on the basis of our future, not our past.

Look what He told the cowardly Gideon, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Judges 6:12 Gideon did in fact become mighty.

I. Eph. 1:20 Which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places.

At His right hand is a figure for the place of honor and sovereign power. Ps. 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

J. Eph. 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come:

The principality, and power, and might, and dominion are words in rabbinic thought of the time, described different orders of angels.

K. Eph. 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church, v.23, Which is His body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The Church, which is His body, gives way to the universal Church to which every true believer belongs, regardless of local Church affiliation. It is a spiritual organism entered employing the baptism of the Spirit.

(1 Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit).

Christ is the risen Head of the Church (Eph. 5:24 Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be their husbands in everything).

Local Churches should be miniatures of the Body of Christ, though it is possible to have unbelieving members in local churches who are not, therefore, members of the body of Christ.

Application Closing

The Church’s and our true riches come from God, All of the riches come by God’s Grace, These riches are only the beginning Church!

The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators or our gas tanks. It is in our personal lives.

Will Paul’s prayer be answered in you life? Will you, starting today, to begin to know by experience God –God’s calling—God’s riches—and God’s power?

Paul wanted the Church in Ephesus know the great wealth and riches and the power of God; my prayer is the same for you.

With every act of redemption—every kind word, every selfless act, a healthy state of mind—we can deepen the personal footprint of the One who walked before us, ushering in his new kingdom with him.