01 - Its all about Jesus

Announcements:

July 4th - at Norman’s: continental breakfast provided, enter through Barber Park side and into their property (SVCC is rain location)

July 11th - back in the building at SVCC

July 11th at 6pm community group at Louise Grammer’s home: From Surviving to thriving

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Series Introduction

Why this series?

Background on Ephesians:

Acts 19:19 (ESV) *Paul in Ephesus*

And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Ephesians 1:1–3 (ESV)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Opening Story/Illustration:

Going out for Andrea’s birthday to Korean BBQ but it was all about Kayla

Today’s main point:

It’s all about Jesus - Praise to God for what He has done for us through Jesus

Transition: Let us now look at Paul’s PRAISE for what Jesus has accomplished for us!

Jesus Christ: our election (vv. 4-6)

Ephesians 1:4–6 (ESV)

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

“in Him”

Background for choosing/predestine is in the choosing of Abraham

N.T. Wright: The Jewish people are the people of God according to the flesh (see Romans 9-12; Romans 10:16; video mark: 36:51).

Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Romans 8:29 (ESV)

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

All are elected by being united with Christ through faith.

MAIN POINT: To be chosen in Christ is to be conformed to the image of Christ and to reflect His Character

Jesus Christ: our liberation (vv. 7-10)

Ephesians 1:7–10 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

“in Him”

Background: Israel’s being redeemed (i.e. freed from being slaves in Egypt)

“making known” is the working out of the purposes of God in human history

Jesus Christ: our hope (vv. 11-12)

Ephesians 1:11–12 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

“in Him”

Background: Israel was led from slavery in Egypt to possess their inheritance in the Promised Land

God’s will can be disobeyed while his purposes cannot be frustrated

Jesus Christ: our sealing with the Spirit (vv. 13-14)

Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV)

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

“in Him”

Believed!!

Background: Israel believed the Holy Spirit would be a marker of the last days

The Holy Spirit brings with him glimpses of the glory yet to come

A guarantee is like a downpayment of what’s to come

“inheritance” portion in his people and what God’s reserved for them (see v. 18)

Conclusion:

Praise God for the blessings he has given you through Jesus and for the inheritance that you will receive someday in full.

Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters (The Inheritance and the Spirit (Ephesians 1:11–14))

God has taken the initiative; God has done what was necessary, at great cost to himself, to buy us back from the slavery of sin; God has given us the spirit as a sign and foretaste of the whole renewed cosmos which awaits us as our inheritance. Discovering that you are to receive an inheritance like that should change your whole life.

What difference does knowing you are to receive God’s inheritance in full make in your life?

How can you not join in the hymn of praise?

Translation Notes

ἐν Χριστός means “in Christ”

αὐτός and ὦ means “him”

Bibliography

Arnold, Clinton E. “Ephesians, Letter to The.” Edited by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Barth, Karl. The Epistle to the Ephesians. Edited by R. David Nelson. Translated by Ross M. Wright. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Wright, Tom. Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004.

Wright, Tom, and Lin Johnson. Ephesians: 11 Studies for Individuals or Groups. For Everyone Bible Study Guides. London: SPCK, 2009.

Wright, Tom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aewGFwNldzw