Examining the book of Ephesians part 10
Introduction
a. As we have been studying the book of Ephesians we can make some logical conclusions according to what Paul had written
1. God is Sovereign by that we mean
· independent: self-governing and not ruled by any other
· with complete power: having supreme authority or power
b. We can see from what we have studied that God is sovereign in all things including salvation, and he decides who he wants to save.
Eph 1:4 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:
c. We conclude also from Paul’s writing that man’s total inability to save himself or even to choose to be saved.
d. Man is dead in sin, alienated from God and as gentiles we were cut of from the common wealth of Israel
e. But because of the atonement manly the death and resurrection we are no longer excluded
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
f. Recap from last week
g. We looked at the dispensation of Grace, what the mystery is that was mentioned by Paul and now we stopped at Ephesians 3:9 and now continue
I. Paul mentions is ministry and his message (read Ephesians 3:8-21)
a. to make known the mystery verse 9
Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
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;
Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
h. in the old covenant was a difference between Jews and Gentiles when it came to salvation
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
i. principalities and powers
Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:10 EMTV so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Eph 3:10 ISV He did this so that now, through the church, the wisdom of God in all its variety might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm
Ephes (Amplifies Bible) [The purpose is] that through the church the [c]complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.
j. Though principalities and powers may include demon spirits they are not limited to them.
Tit 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
k. Verse 10 means that we are to make it known. To do this we must
· Know the word
· Know our position in Christ
· Know what are and what we have.
j. The context shows that is right
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him
II. Paul suffering for the glory of the saints.
Eph 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory
CEV version Eph 3:13 That's why you should not be discouraged when I suffer for you. After all, it will bring honor to you.
a. This is not a statement that you hear from the prosperity preachers or the name it and claim it brigade.
b. I like what Adam Clarke says in his Bible commentary
Eph 3:13
c. I desire that ye faint not - In those primitive times, when there was much persecution, people were in continual danger of falling away from the faith who were not well grounded in it. This the apostle deprecates, and advances a strong reason why they should be firm: “I suffer my present imprisonment on account of demonstrating your privileges, of which the Jews are envious: I bear my afflictions patiently, knowing that what I have advanced is of God, and thus I give ample proof of the sincerity of my own conviction. The sufferings, therefore, of your apostles are honorable to you and to your cause; and far from being any cause why you should faint, or draw back like cowards, in the day of distress, they should be an additional argument to induce you to persevere[1]
111. Pauls Prayer for the Ephesians (Eph 3:13-22)
- Paul is not asking for prayer because he is being persecuted but in the mist of his suffering he prays for others
- We shall just take a quick look at his prayer but not go into it too deeply
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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