Live to Honor God

Administering Grace – Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians 3:1-13

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."

Even though he was the prisoner of the Roman government Paul thought of himself as the prisoner of Christ (verse 1). In whatever situation he was in Paul considered himself to be there for the glory and purpose of God. Paul was God's prisoner by choice.

"The administration of God's grace that was given to me for you" (verse 2). God's grace given to Paul was the mission—which included the desire and ability—to spread the message of the gospel to the Gentiles. God has given all of us the mission of spreading His message of Good News to someone within our sphere of influence. Several years ago in a workshop someone presented the idea of "sphere of influence" to me. I had never heard of the phrase. The way they described it our sphere of influence (or circle of influence) includes all who we touch each day with our actions and / or words (written or spoken). For example my wife and daughter are in my circle of influence. Also, friends that I see frequently and other family members might be in my circle of influence. Other that might also be in my circle of influence are coworkers, employees or employer, people I might only see occasionally, like the teller at the bank I use on a regular basis or the checkout person at the convenience store where I stop to get coffee in the morning. These are all people that I come into contact with on a regular basis. They would all be in my sphere of influence. The more contact I have with them the closer they are to me in the center of the sphere.

My point is by living my life for Jesus and sharing that through words or actions around the people in my sphere of influence is a powerful way to share the Good News. I may never get the opportunity to talk in depth about my life or relationship with God but I can make it know through my life and words that I love God and my integrity will let others see that it's a good thing to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe. That is what sharing the Good News of Jesus is all about. I cannot make anyone believe it or receive it (only God can do that) but I do have control over delivering the message. God calls us to live a holy life (forgiven and saved and turned away from the things of sin) and this will be an example to those in our sphere of influence (family, friends, children, etc.).

Living the life is very important but sometimes we have to follow up that Christian example with the Words of the Good News of Jesus. This could simply be, when a neighbor asks how you are able to handle yourself so well in times of trouble you say: "God gives me the strength, I couldn't do it without him." What a powerful witness. Or maybe, someone at work says, "How can you smile all the time, especially with all these changes at work?" You respond, "Jesus put joy in my heart and that is why I can smile." God will use that seed planted in the life of someone seeking truth and they will come back to see and hear more about the source of your joy. Too many times, the opposite is true. People are turned away from Jesus because they know we are Christians and they see how we act... they don't want anything to do with a God that would cause us to act like that. I don't blame them. Over the centuries many people have misrepresented God to the world through violence and wickedness. The world sees the horrible things some Christians do and they will never come to church because of it. I think God is calling His children to a holy life... one that is acceptable to Him... that doesn't mean we will be perfect ( only Jesus was perfect ). That doesn't mean we will never hurt anyone. We make mistakes and we are human. But, God demands us to stand up and strive to live a life worthy of His calling. I am not talking about working our way into heaven... it can't be done. Jesus is the only way to heaven. I am talking about humbling yourself before God and loving your neighbor. True love will not backbite or gossip or murder or steal or commit adultery. God doesn't wash the filth and sin off of us so we can go get dirty all over again. God wants us to sin no more. When speaking to the woman caught in adultery Jesus said, "Then neither do I condemn you, ...Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11 NIV)

Go now and leave you life of sin... Some of you may be offended with this next statement so I wanted to warn you. I think too many of our churches stink with the foul smell of sin and wickedness. One is too many. But, I think there are more than one or two in our society. There are many churches who talk grace (when talking about them receiving grace) but act in judgment ( when referring to their neighbor's actions). Look again at what Jesus said in the verse in John, "...neither do I condemn you..."

If the Word of God in the flesh, who was present at the creation of the world and will judge all men one day, chose not to judge this women then surely you and I are supposed to show mercy to those around us. Jesus is our example of what God wants us to do.

I believe, sometimes, we do not administer the grace of God to those around us because we somehow don't see them worthy... but, we are not worthy either. Grace is God giving us the salvation and love we don't deserve. Mercy is God choosing not to give us the condemnation we do deserve.

So, Paul was sent to administer the grace of God to the gentiles. Who are you called to share the grace of God with, either through words or actions? The mystery Paul speaks of through the next several verses is simply that God chose to save all of us: Jews and gentiles and to bring us together under one Head - Jesus. God is merciful and loving beyond all we could ever hope for or imagine. He has opened the door for all who were previously outcasts to come into His fold. We have the opportunity to enjoy His favor, and not only that but to be fellow heirs with His chosen people—Israel.

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power" (verse 7). Being the servant of God is the gift of God to a faithful follower. Someday, I long to hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant." I receive the gift of service and the joy of the Lord that goes along with it. God does not give you gifts so you can sit back and say, "I am so talented." He gave us gifts, whatever they may be, to share the love of God with those around us, whether saved or not. Through the gifts working through our lives people will come to know Jesus, and this not because of anything we do but because of the grace and mercy of God. All we have to do is be obedient.

"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (verse 8). God was able to use Paul because of his humble servant attitude. But, this was not always the case. When he was Saul he was not very humble. God had to awaken him with something dramatic on the road to Damascus. God wants us to humble ourselves so we become useful in his service. Take a look at a parable of Jesus that illustrates what I'm talking about—Luke 14:7-11.

"When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

I think it is interesting in this passage that Jesus tells us about the people and their response to each other. Jesus wants us to see who exalted themselves and who humbled themselves. What does Jesus see when He looks at you? I invite you to be a humble and useful vessel for God.

I want you to notice a couple of consistent themes of Paul's throughout this letter to the Ephesians—unity and warfare. You may be thinking how is unity part of this passage? Well, let me show you. Unity is when we humble ourselves and do God's purpose for our lives—then He will put us where He wants us to be and we will be united with those around us who are also serving where God put them. Division comes when people exalt themselves over another person or group and are not willing to humble themselves. Humility helps us accept our place in the body of Christ and do the work he has called us to do.

This passage is all about spiritual warfare also. If you will remember in chapter 6 of this very book Paul spells out the various articles of the Armor of God. One that is sometimes overlooked is "feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace." To administer the grace of God to your wife, husband, daughter, son, neighbor, boss, or friend is spiritual warfare in it's own way. Think how Satan must cringe when you stand firm in the faith and tell your coworker that you can smile everyday because Jesus put joy in your heart. Take my word for it, Satan hates it and will do anything he can to stop it. To me, that is all the more reason to do it.

Let me climb on my soapbox for a moment. Let us humble ourselves and live a holy life and strive to rid ourselves of the ways of the world. Let us stand up for Jesus and make it known that we will not stand for the depravity that is so prevalent in our world today. Let's join together and come against evil...first in our own lives and then in society and then let's take the world for Jesus.

May God's grace be so evident in your life that people around you will be blessed by the overflow.

Tim

 

Daily Confession

I would like to share something that has helped me quite a bit over the last 15 years. As I have matured and gained knowledge about how and why I do the things I do I came to realize that I do better with some structure—some boundaries or guidelines to help me stay on track. I don't mean rules and rituals that have to be followed but an outline to provide a little structure for my prayer time. If I don't have this I will easily get distracted and neglect my prayer, meditation, or even Bible reading and study. I also include some positive and encouraging statements that are based on Biblical truths.

Once you have decided on any routine it is easy to fall into a feeling of obligation and legalism. This was something I struggled with off and on over the years. As I said before, I need some routine and structure but it can come around and be a source of struggle if you begin to see it as a requirement for favor or salvation. I do believe, for me, that God wants me to have a routine since it helps me stay focused but I also know that my salvation is not based on whether I follow a routine or any other ritual. Jesus paid the price so I don't have to follow a legalistic path to righteousness. Being obedient to God does directly affect my intimacy with God. So, for me there is a balance…I try to follow the routine that God has shown me according to what he knows is best for me but I also realize the routine itself doesn't save me, it is merely a tool to help me grow in my walk with Jesus.

So, gradually, over the years, I learned the importance of confessing Bible passages, my personal mission statement, and positive statements according to God's purpose for my life.  I would like to share what I have done as an example and share how it has impacted my life. I have seen the evidence of the work of confession in bringing about change in my life, including a closer walk with God.  

I am not saying you should do any of the specific things I do. I share this as an example that works for me. I do believe a daily confession can change your spiritual walk for the better.  I am sharing what I do as a sample of what is possible, but, the possibilities are endless.  You need to do and say what seems right to you.  A couple of guidelines are:  Does it line up with the Word of God?  Does it fit with the desires God has put in my heart?

Here is the summary of my preferred routine throughout the day. I usually try to do things in order as listed here but I try to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead me throughout the day's routine. Also, some days are filled with other activities that limit what I do. Rather than beat myself up over it if I am not able to do everything in my routine I do what I can.

I try to start the day with my daily confession and then spend some time in Bible reading and study. Part of my routine is to follow my plan to read the Bible in a year, so I try to read several chapters every day.

My daily confession has 3 basic parts:

1. My personal mission statement.

2. Putting on the Armor of God.

3. Reading Bible verses and statements that encourage and strengthen me.

My practice has usually been to read these out loud from a sheet that I keep in my Bible.

Personal Mission Statement – about 15 years God began giving me this personal mission statement through my prayer and Bible study and meditation. The phrase in quotation marks is the exact words that I believe God revealed to me for my mission statement.

1. "Remain devoted to God above all else" – a little obvious, but an important reminder since idolatry comes in many forms

2. "Attack Satan" – Spiritual warfare in whatever form God leads

3. "Preach and teach the Gospel" – share the message to individuals, groups, crowds whenever possible

4. "Heal the sick" – healing comes in many forms through counseling and therapy and miracles – they are all the work of the Holy Spirit

5. "Allow God's anointing" – let God do through me whatever he wants to do without me getting in the way

Putting on the Armor of God as found in Ephesians 6:10-20 (I read over the different parts of armor and since I am a visual person I imagine putting each on as I read.)

1.  I put on the Belt of Truth – the truths of God holds everything together and in place.

2. I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness—righteousness of God protects me from the fatal blow.

3. I prepare my feet with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace—always ready to do God's work and share the gospel.

4. I take up the Shield of Faith to protect me from the fiery darts of the enemy—my faith in God and who God is protects me from all the enemy can throw at me.

5. I wear the Helmet of Salvation—my knowledge of my salvation protects my mind from the enemy's attacks.

6. I carry the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God—the Word of God is our weapon for offense and defense.

7. I pray in the Spirit on all occasions—I need to stay in contact with my commanding office.

Bible verses and personal statements (some are quotes from Bible, some are paraphrases from Bible, some are my statements about me). I have used all of these, but not necessarily at the same time.

• I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I am saved.
• "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).  
• I am in Christ.  I am a NEW CREATURE!  Old things have passed away and all things have become new.
• I have new life--everlasting life!
• I have been delivered out of the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of My Lord, Jesus.  
• My name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
• I have power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over ALL THE POWER of the enemy: AND NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT ME (Luke 10:19)
• I have power over all demons to cast them out.  I can lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.  
• I am more than a conqueror through Jesus.  
• I can do all things through Jesus (Philippians 4:13.     
• "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his BENEFITS--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalm 103, first few verses).    
• My sins are forgiven.  
• I receive healing in Jesus' name.  
• My life is preserved and strong in God.  
• I am crowned with His mercy.
• I confess that I am not afraid.
• Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL.  
• I fear not, for YOU ARE WITH ME.  
• I am not dismayed, for you are my God.  
• You are helping me.  
• You are giving me strength.  
• You are upholding me with the right hand of your righteousness.
• For God hath not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  
• I have the power of the Holy Spirit working in me.  
• I have the spirit of love in me.  
• The blood of the Lamb is over me.  
• The Lord goes before me.  
• The angel of the Lord camps around me.  
• Underneath me are the everlasting arms of God.  
• Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23).  
• FEAR HAS NO PLACE IN MY LIFE.
• I confess that this is a good day.
• I am filled with the love of God today.  
• I am filled with the joy of the Lord today.  
• I am filled with the peace of God today.  
• I am filled with the wisdom of God today.  
• I am filled with the Holy Spirit today.  
• I confess that today I will help someone find the grace and mercy of God.  
• I will rejoice today that heaven is my home.  
• I will rejoice today that all of my family are coming into the fold of the Lord.
• This is my confession.  I boldly say it aloud in the name of the Lord Jesus, and God my Father.  
• I thank you, Father, in Jesus' name that I have what I say.  
• The Lord's promises are true.
• My confession rises before you based on your word.  
• Jesus is the high priest of my confession.  He makes it good today.  
• God is working out HIS purpose in my life.  
• Every day He teaches me more and draws me closer to Him.  
• My love for the Lord grows daily and my desire to sin decreases each day.  
• Satan is defeated in my life.  
• Satan is defeated in my ministry.  
• Satan is defeated in my family.  
• Satan is defeated in my finances.  
• Satan is defeated in my thoughts.  
• Satan has no authority in any area of my life and he is bound by the power of the blood of Jesus, my Savior, and in the name of Jesus.
• My ministry is successful in all ways.  
• God has anointed me and is using me to preach, teach, heal, and lead in worship.  Praise the Lord.       
• I confess that the Bible is the Word of God.  I have what it says I have.  I am what it says I am.  I can do what it says I can do.  I am one of God's anointed servants.  I have been set apart for service.  God is using me for His purpose.
• God is in control of my family.  
• God is in control of my life.  
• God is in control of my ministry.  
• God is in control of my finances.  
• God is in control of my health.  
• God is in control of my strength.  
• God is in control of my future.  
• God is in control of my thoughts.  
• I trust God to take good care of me.

As you can see there is a lot here.  Even though it is a daily confession I have learned not to get bogged down in the legalism of "having to do this every day" but I do try to do it every day. On some days I especially need the power of this daily routine.  I encourage you to pick and choose what seems right to you.  

By the way, I challenge you to match each statement in the above confession with a Bible passage.  I have given you a few and many will be quite familiar to you but there are some that might be a challenge to you.  

Please don't get bogged down in legalistic observation of this daily confession.  

Don't forget confession is good for the soul.

Blessings

Tim

Paul's Prayer for Christians – Ephesians 1:15-23

Ephesians 1:15-23 NIV  "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, {16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. {17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. {18} I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, {19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, {20} which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, {21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. {22} And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, {23} which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

Paul's prayer for Christian believers.

In verse 15, Paul begins a beautiful prayer.  He begins by saying, in essence, "now that I have told you who you are in Jesus, I will tell you my desire and prayer for you."  Paul states that the faith and love of the people in Ephesus has first of all, prompted him to give thanks to God for them (verse 16). 

When was the last time you lifted up your heart and voice in thanksgiving to God for the actions, prompted by faith and love, of a fellow believer?  If it was more than 24 hours, it has been too long.  The Holy Spirit has shown me something regarding intercessory prayer.  In my pride and ignorance I would frequently go to God in prayer with the purpose of interceding for someone regarding whatever I thought their problem was.  God showed me that I was not interceding for them but, rather, I was trying to tell God what to do for them, and this according to my wisdom. The Holy Spirit dealt with me on this and I clearly heard him say if I want to be an intercessor I need to let Him lead me through the intercession.  Basically, I have learned to go into my prayers for others with no preconceived idea of what they need.  As I have done this my prayer life has blossomed through the power of the Spirit and I have grown in my love and relationship with my Lord.  Also, my level of compassion, concern, and empathy for the people I lift up in prayer has increased.  It is very much like I am feeling the love God has for the person rather than the smaller amount of love Tim is able to have for the person. 

In verse 17, we will begin to see how Paul intercedes for the people in Ephesus.  "I keep asking...that God give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Him better." Paul is asking for God's knowledge to be made known in the lives of the believers in Ephesus through increasing their knowledge and revealing God's purpose to them supernaturally.  This is the desire of God for all of us.  Sometimes we are content with our imperfect understanding but we can have God's knowledge.  The catch is we must wait for God's timing.

The word Paul uses for wisdom in this verse is sophia which is human wisdom in spiritual things (insight into the true nature of things).  This is the joining of God's wisdom with our human understanding.  This is the power of God working through you and in you. A couple of other verses in the New Testament that have the word sophia for wisdom:

Luke 21:14-15 NIV [Jesus speaking] "But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. {15} For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict."

James 1:5 NIV "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

A different example of sophia is found in Exodus 28:3 NIV "Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest."

God's wisdom in us is an awesome thing no matter what form that wisdom takes.  Paul also prays for revelation which is the communication of the knowledge of God to the soul.  We often think of this as something that happens to the really holy people but the truth is God reveals his knowledge to us all. Paul's purpose for asking for wisdom and knowledge is that they may know God more.  What a wonderful thing.  That is the desire of my heart-to know God more.  Through the wisdom of God in our lives we come to know the nature of God and marvel in His mercy.  Knowing God more is the essence of living a spiritual life.  Living a spiritual life has two sides: 1) Loving and living in the gracious Savior of the world and 2) fighting the good fight against the evil, spiritual forces.  This wisdom from God not only draws us closer to God it also equips us for battle with our foe.

The word Paul uses for "know" denotes a full knowledge in which Paul wants us to know to the point that we are powerfully influenced by the knowledge (i.e., knowledge that changes our life).  Being in the presence of God changes us.  You have probably heard the saying knowledge is power.  That is very true.  In this case it is God's knowledge and also God's power.

Verses 18 and 19 continue Paul's prayer for his fellow believers.  He says, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, {19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength..."  Let's look at what he says closer:

"Eyes of your heart enlightened to know." I love this phrase.  It is important that our heart,  which represents our faith, sees and understands the knowledge of God in our life.  Without faith the knowledge is without power to work in our lives. This is an important key in the success of our growth in God and our battle against the spiritual forces of evil.  The writer of Hebrews (11:6) tells us "...without faith it is impossible to please God..." That is why the eyes of our heart must be enlightened.

Paul continues, "...eyes of your heart my be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you..."  Not only do we need the knowledge of God to know Him more but we need to know the "hope to which he has called us."  He has called us first and foremost to salvation through the blood of Jesus which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  He also calls us to his purpose for our lives-remember, Paul mentions predestination several times earlier in the chapter.  He calls us to fight against the powers of Hell, well, actually, he calls us to be victorious over the powers of Hell.  (Remember, Jesus has already won the victory.)  I don't know what the hope of his calling is for you, but, I do know that God can and will reveal this to you as you seek Him above all things.The second thing he mentions in verses 18 and 19 that need our faith to be strengthened is "that you may know...the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."  Notice that he does not say "riches of his glorious inheritance for the saints."  That would make more sense on the surface, but I have learned God has a purpose for the way things are phrased in His Word.  If the word "for" had been there it would have implied something that was coming in the future.  Instead, the word used is "in" which implies something that is already there.  In fact, our inheritance has been in us since we became a "new creation" in Jesus.  We have the inheritance already and it is a rich inheritance. The third thing Paul mentions is "is incomparably great power for us who believe."  He goes on to say, "that power is like the working of his mighty strength..."  Since I have the inheritance I have the power that goes along with it.  I do not have to wait for the inheritance or the power-they are mine in Jesus. 

Going on, Paul compares the power of God working in our lives through the Holy Spirit with the power "which [God] exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come" (verses 20 and 21).

Here we see another reference to the heavenly realms.  There is no doubt in my mind that this little letter to the church in Ephesus is full of wisdom and knowledge related to spiritual warfare.  I am not just talking about the obvious verses in chapter 6 that refers to the Armor of God.  I believe the whole letter is about warfare in the heavenlies.  Our inheritance in a spiritual inheritance even though it also involves physical and emotional blessings it is, first of all, spiritual. 

In these two verses Paul reminds us that Jesus is "above all rule and authority, power and dominion."  This is not just in some areas but in all areas-in everything. 

In the last two verses of this chapter Paul reminds us where we get our authority in the spiritual realms.  "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (verses 22 and 23).  God put Jesus over everything-he is Lord of all. 

In summary, this second half of chapter 1 helps us know even better who we are in Jesus.  We have an inheritance that includes salvation and forgiveness and power and authority to defeat the evil forces of Hell.

Click here to read the post regarding the first half of Ephesians chapter 1.

May our Lord bless you richly as you live to honor him.

Tim

Every Spiritual Blessing in Jesus – Ephesians 1:1-14

Ephesians is a great book of the New Testament. I have always enjoyed teaching from Ephesians. I have decided to write one post a week that is more like a Bible study so I thought I would start with Ephesians and see how it goes. This is not meant to be a detailed, in-depth, verse by verse exposition of Ephesians. I do want to spend some time going through the chapters and sharing my thoughts. My prayer is you will find some encouragement and hear from God a message he has for you.

  Ephesians 1:1-14

  "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: {2} Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. {4} For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love {5} he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- {6} to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. {7} In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace {8} that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. {9} And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, {10} to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. {11} In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, {12} in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. {13} And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory."  (Scripture quotation from NIV)

  Like all of Paul's letters, this letter begins with an introduction saying who the letter is from and who it is to and a statement of blessings to the church in Ephesus.

  Verse 3 begins a description of the blessings we have in Jesus.  "Praise to God ... who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."  I think it is significant that Paul states God has blessed us in the heavenly realms.  This is especially significant when you read the end of the letter and then come back to this verse.  In the 6th chapter of Ephesians, the 12th verse, Paul tells us "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Did you catch the significance I was talking about?  Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but.....against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Paul begins to prepare us for this struggle by telling us that God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing.  This is yet one more example of how God has promised us we have victory over evil.  Since God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms and our fight is in the heavenly realms it makes sense that we are victorious in the heavenly realms in Jesus our Savior.  What an awesome way to begin a letter that is all about spiritual warfare, blessings, and unity.

Verse 4 tells us God chose us to be in Jesus before creation and wants us to be holy and blameless.  This is important for us to remember since Paul just told us about our spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms.  God chose us to be blessed and to fight the fight we have against our evil foe.  God did not choose us to be losers.  God has given us all the tools and blessings to be victorious.

In verse 5, Paul continues to tell us how we have been chosen by God to fulfill our mission.  In fact, Paul uses the phrase predestined.  Some shy away from this idea but God has his purpose for our lives--isn't that predestination?  God has predestined his desire for us to serve and worship him, to love him, and to share the message of his great love with our neighbors and friends. We are predestined for the blessings of salvation and eternal life in the presence of God's love. We are predestined to be victorious over sin, death, and the grave. This verse also reminds us that we have been adopted as sons.  We are not just friends--though being friends is great.  We are not even step-sons.  We are the real thing.  God loves us just like his son, Jesus.  This doesn't make sense to our human understanding--it doesn't have to make sense--it is God's pleasure and God's will.

Verse 6 tells of God's glorious grace which is given to us in Jesus.  Jesus is the key to all of our blessings, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  Jesus is the key to our victory for Jesus defeated sin through his death and he defeated death through his resurrection.

Verses 7 and 8 continue this theme, "we have redemption through the blood of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."   We have been redeemed through the blood of Jesus.  This is something we could not possibly do for ourselves. Jesus paid the ransom--the price was so high that no person would ever be able to pay the ransom.  The precious blood of Jesus was more than enough.  God has lavished his grace and blessings on us with wisdom and understanding.

Verses 9 and 10 tell us the mystery of God's will -- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under Jesus.  This was God's purpose from the beginning.  God established this as Jesus' purpose and as we mentioned earlier God has established his purpose for us--blessings and victory.  This is also the first of many references to unity in Jesus in this letter--"to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under Jesus."

Verses 11 and 12 continue with the theme of God's purpose for us.  We have been chosen according to God's plan and God's will -- God has a specific mission for each of us if we will do His will.  Again, Paul uses the term predestination.   I believe this means that we have a mission that fits God's purpose for our lives.  I don't believe this means we are puppets that God controls--every move or every breath.  God has clearly given us free will and the ability to choose for ourselves.  His gifts are ours whether we use them for his glory or not.  Imagine his great joy when we choose to use them for His purpose in our lives.

Verses 13 and 14 states we have been included in Christ and in the plan to fulfill the purpose of God. This happened as soon as we heard the word of truth and believed.  After believing in Jesus we are marked with a seal -- the promised Holy Spirit.  These verses tell us that the Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (our salvation and our blessings).  

Summary:  This first part of Ephesians is all about knowing who we are in Jesus and what we have as our inheritance.  In Jesus, we have all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms which gives us the assurance that we have victory against our spiritual foe.  This section of Chapter 1 ends with a statement about the Holy Spirit who guarantees our salvation and our blessings.

Next week we will finish the 1st chapter (Paul's Prayer for Christians - click to read).  Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts about this section of Chapter 1.

Let me leave you with this summary of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians.  The Holy Spirit and his place in the believer's redemption is a central emphasis in the book of Ephesians.  

The Holy Spirit:

1. Is the mark or seal of God's ownership (v. 13).

2. Is the first installment of the believer's inheritance (v.14).

3. Is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (v. 17).

4. Helps the believer when he or she draws near to God (2:18).

5. Builds the body of believers into a holy temple (2:21-22).

6. Reveals the mystery of Christ (3:4-5).

7. Strengthens the believer with power in the inner being (3:16).

8. Motivates unity in the Christian faith in full Christ-likeness (4:3, 13-14).

9. Grieves when there is sin in the life of the believer (4:30).

10. Desires to repeatedly fill and empower the believer (5:18).

11. Helps in prayer and Spiritual warfare (6:18).

May our Lord bless you and keep you in his gracious love and care.

Tim