Paul was in Ephesus for 2 to 3 years on his 2nd missionary journey. (Acts 19) He left when a huge riot broke out. Those rioting were upset about the "Way". This letter was written about 4 years later while he was on house arrest in Rome. (Acts 21-28) Word had reached Paul that the revival in Ephesus and the surrounding area was still growing. The letter was a "form" letter that was intended to be shared with several churches in the area. Acts 19:10 (ESV) "This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jew and Greeks."
Ephesians 1:13 (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,"
1. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit
The seal is a mark of ownership...a brand...you are branded with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:14 (ESV) "who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
2. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of your inheritance.
You are guaranteed the inheritance of the saints. The first installment of your inheritance is the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV) "For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 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 hang 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."
Paul gets excited when he writes about all that Christ has done for us!
I. Ephesians 1:15-16 (ESV) "Your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward the saints."
These verses mirror the Great Commission passage in Matthew 22. How were the Jews were supposed to obey 613 commandments? The answer was what Jesus taught...
1. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
2. "Love your neighbor as yourself"
3. "On these two commandments hang all the Law and prophets"
II. Ephesians 1:22-23 (ESV) "Jesus is head over all things"
Jesus is the head of the body...the church. We are the members of the body...the church.
He directs and we do. It is not that He is inactive, but we are His hands and feet. We are his mouth!
1 Corinthians 12-14
1 Corinthians 12:1/4-7 (ESV) "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
What are you doing to enhance the ministry and service of OBC? If you are called to OBC then you are called to serve! You will find fulfillment, growth and development of self in service.
Paul's prayer for believers
This is not only for believers in Ephesus 2,000 years ago. This prayer applies to all believers of all times...to you!!
III. Ephesians 1:16-17 (ESV) "May God grant you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation"
You already have the spirit (vs 13 & 14)h . "may you be granted a continually growing supply of each"
Wisdom if not practical is not wise.
Most Ephesians came from pagan background and not having the New Testament...this became an essential prayer.
IV. Ephesians 1:18a (ESV) "may the eyes of your heart be enlightened"
Opened/illuminated
1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
Pray that the eyes of your heart be opened/enlightened.
V. Ephesians 1:18b (ESV) "that you know the hope to which he has called you"
A. KNOW= certainty
B. THE HOPE= expectation
C. THE CALLING= has He called you/drawn/tugged at your heart
*The essence of this passage= That you may be confident and expectant of things He has promised you.*
for example...
VI. Ephesians 1:18c (ESV) "that you may be confident of the rich and glorious inheritance that is yours." (as a believer)
Romans 8:16-17a (ESV) "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs"
What does this inheritance include? Salvation/forgiveness/reconciliation/eternal life.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV) "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
VII. Ephesians1:19 (ESV) "that you may KNOW what is the great power of His might...toward us"
You can depend on your inheritance because of His immeasurable power and might. He can make it happen.
Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV)
End Note:
1. These prayers and promises are for those in Christ...it is NOT universal for all people.
2. Paul is confident in God's promises and wants you to be totally confident also.
Challenge:
1. Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?
2. Have you accepted Christ as Lord?
These promises are for you, if you will accept Him as Savior and Lord.
Closing Scripture
1Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV) "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
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