I’m In!

Be Faithful IN Jesus.

As a pastoral intern over 20 years ago, I taught the 7-8 grade boys class each week and Ephesians was one of the books I taught. This is a book that impacted my spiritual formation early on in my Christian life and ministry.

“In” is found 16 times in first 14 verses. 23 times in the chapter. 11 times “in” is referring to believers “in Jesus/Christ/Him”. Check out Chapter 1 “In’s.”

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (A. Greeting (vv. 1–2))

SUPPORTING IDEA: Spiritual blessings rest on the will of God to provide grace and peace to his people.

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: New Testament ( A. Salutation. 1:1-2)

In Christ Jesus. An important phrase in this epistle. No matter what the geographical location of the saints, their real position in God’s sight is in Christ Jesus. They have been put into a vital union with him so that they are identified with him (cf. Jn 14:20).

Exploring Ephesians & Philippians: An Expository Commentary (Part 1: Introduction (Ephesians 1:1–2))

The city of Ephesus was large and important in Paul’s day. It had a population of some 350,000 people. Centrally located on the western coast of Asia Minor, Ephesus was positioned midway between two continents. Here east met west. Here oriental luxury, extravagance, and sensuality met occidental enterprise, discipline, and ambition. Here sensual oriental religion blended with lofty and progressive Greek culture and firm, but on the whole fair, Roman government. Here crowds of government officials, Roman soldiers, and Jewish businessmen rubbed shoulders with Eastern pilgrims flocking into Ephesus to worship at the notorious temple of Artemis.The city was famous for the great arterial Roman road that linked it with the world, for its markets and warehouses, and for its administrative buildings and schools. But above all Ephesus was famous for its temple of Diana (Artemis). Heralded as one of the wonders of the world, it was the sacred shrine of the repulsively ugly image of the mother goddess Artemis—an image reputed to have descended from the sky. In that temple worshipers enacted the licentious rites characteristic of many Eastern religions.

Here are some Diana/Artimus idols and location where Paul preached in Ephesus.

“If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 1 Corinthians 15:32

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:” (2 Corinthians 1:8)

Paul, wrote this letter to the people to whom he lived and ministered for around 3 years. Acts 20 described his life there. This is where he taught Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter One: Saints Alive! (Ephesians 1:1–3))

About the year 53, Paul first ministered in Ephesus but did not remain there (Acts 18:19–21). Two years later, while on his third journey, Paul stayed in Ephesus for at least two years and saw that whole vast area evangelized (Acts 19:1–20). During these years, he founded a strong church in the city...

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter One: Saints Alive! (Ephesians 1:1–3))

It was nearly ten years later when Paul wrote to his beloved friends in Ephesus.

This letter is one of the Prison Epistles as Paul is in House Arrest in Rome waiting to see Emperor Nero. Paul is older and his traveling days are over.

Paul sent Timothy to the church, recommending Timothy to be their pastor. Later on in the life of the Apostle John, it is believed he was a pastor here too, while writing his NT books: John, 1-3 John and Revelation (in Exile not far from Ephesus, on the Island of Patmos). Imagine being in this church with this pastoral staff!

This is an encouraging letter with no specific people or sins, or church issues called out.

This is a cyclical letter intended for the Ephesians and from this Asian capitol “All the faithful In Christ Jesus.”

The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (Author and Themes)

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a short masterpiece, a mature expression of his theology and its implications for the Christian life.

He writes to the “Saints” not only the Christians in Ephesus, but a letter for all times.

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (ἅγιος)

Saints = set apart for God, to be exclusively his;

If you are a born again follower of Jesus, you are a SAINT. You are IN Jesus Christ.

Be Faithful IN Jesus.

We live in a culture where faith in God, the Scriptures, and truth are assaulted everyday.

The temptation to not be faithful is constantly there. False gods, fake news, and faulty thinking are battles we are in.

Some fall from faithfulness with devastating effects.

Recently a pastor friend I have known for over 20 years was unfaithful to his wedding vows. He committed adultery and lost his family, his ministry, and his reputation. Unfaithfulness has devastating consequences. Can someone find healing and restoration? Absolutely. There are always consequences that will not change however.

6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths (Faith that Works)

The only thing that can defeat the faith God has given you … is you. You must use your faith, exercise your faith, engage your faith. Until it is pressed into service, faith is only potential. To use the old exercise cliche, you must “use it or lose it!”

Be Faithful IN Jesus!

How Can I Be Faithful IN Jesus?

3 things you need to know and live by:

The Will of God Impacts Others.

When coaching 3rd base for our little league team, I had some base-runners that followed instructions and some who did not. One boy attempted to steal 3rd from second, but I did not tell him to come over. He was being goofy and was easily out. My arms were crossed. The head coach said: “You did not tell him to steal did you?” I did not - he made the lat out and the comeback we were making was over. Another boy in the playoffs refused to steal home -and he could have done it. Not following the coaches instruction impacted the team and the outcome of the game. That’s following the will of the coach. How about the will of God?

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (θέλημα)

Will = τὸ θέλειν, [i.e. the abstract act of willing, the subjective] will, choice:

Paul is performing the role of an apostle because it is the will of God for his life. God has a specific calling or role for each of us as well. We cannot be apostles, and not everyone has the same specific calling as others, but we have a purpose for being here today. Paul chose the will of God for his life and we can choose God’s will too.

Because Paul followed the will of God, these people heard the Gospel.

Because Paul followed the will of God, this church was started.

Because Paul followed the will of God, families turned from Idols to Jesus.

Others are impacted by your walk with God.

If you are following the Bible, you are a good example of the faith to others believers.

If you are living selfishly or not following the Bible, you are not a good example to others.

Siblings, classmates, co-workers and others are looking up to you.

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers)

Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers Effective Fathers are:• Committed to their children.• Know their children.• Are consistent in their attitudes and behavior.• Protect and Provide for their children.• Love their children’s mother.• Are active listeners to their children.• Spiritually equip their children. The Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers by Ken Canfield, Tyndale House, quoted in Lifeline, Summer 1997

Be Faithful IN Jesus!

How Can I Be Faithful IN Jesus?

3 things you need to know and live by:

The Will of God Impacts Other People.

2. Others are Still Faithful to Jesus.

Some have turned away from Christianity.

Some have turned away from fellow Christians.

Many are still faithful:

They love Jesus.

They love the Bible.

They love their church.

Sometimes I read what young adults are posting on social media. Many times the Christian ones are posting similar ideals as the lost ones. There is a lot of worldly thinking and even a lot of new age religious philosophy that “Christian” young adults are posting. SAD.

Then at other times, there are very good posts that exhibit Christ-like thinking and expectations for life.

Many of my preacher heroes and examples of faithfulness have gone on to Heaven. Evangelist Tom Farrell, Randy Carroll, Adrian Rogers. As I get older, I look over at preachers my age and younger. I am encouraged as I see young pastors who are rejecting religious tradition and embracing a Bible centeredness that is healthy and right.

Be Faithful IN Jesus!

How Can I Be Faithful IN Jesus?

3 things you need to know and live by:

The Will of God Impacts Other People.

Other People are Still Being Faithful to Jesus.

3. Grace and Peace Come from God.

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (A. Greeting (vv. 1–2))

Grace and peace represent a standard Christian greeting similar to our saying today, “How are you?” implying, “I hope you are fine.” It might come across more literally as, “I hope that the grace and peace of God may be yours.” The daily greeting is transformed into a godly greeting by the church’s use of grace and peace as qualities essential to the Christian life and by reference to their source in God and in his Son Jesus.

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: New Testament ( A. Salutation. 1:1-2)

Grace be to you, and peace. This same greeting is found in all of Paul’s epistles, though the word mercy is added in the Pastorals. Grace must always precede peace. The Greek word for grace, charis, is related to the common Greek greeting, chairein, but gives to the salutation a distinctively Christian emphasis. Peace is the usual Hebrew greeting. From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. The second from is not in the original. There is a very close connection here, which shows the identity of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in their essence.

God the Father and God the Son offers grace and peace.

These Christians are “In” Jesus. Salvation is by grace. Peace with God is through Jesus.

Ephesians 2:7–9 (KJV 1900)

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 5:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

These Christians are faithful saints.

They experienced and know grace and peace from Paul, and from other Christians.

This is a greeting but also an express way of living towards other people.

Do you have God’s Grace in your life and show it to others?

Do you have peace with God and the peace of God in your life? While the world is loving in fear, do you have peace?

Conclusion:

6,000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths (The Inaction of Faith)

Faith is not the way around pain, it is the way through pain. Faith doesn’t get rid of the opposition, it invites it over for dinner. Faith doesn’t give you the winning point at the last second, it ties the game and sends you into overtime. Faith doesn’t give you the solution, it forces you to find it. Faith doesn’t teach you at the moment, it teaches in retrospect. Faith doesn’t provide a net to fall into when your fingers are about to give way as you hang suspended over the cliff, faith gives your fingers the strength to hang on just a little longer.

Be Faithful IN Jesus.

3 things we need to know and live by to be faithful:

The Will of God Impacts Others.

Others are Still Faithful to Jesus.

Grace and Peace Come from God.

RESPONSE:

I want in! I want to be a Christian.

With God’s Grace, I will find God’s will for my life.

I will give thanks to God for and encourage other faithful Christians.

With God’s help, I will demonstrate grace and peace to others.