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Ephesians 1:11-14

Ephesians 1:11-14

In these verses Paul "steps back from" GOD's revealed mystery — that is, His "plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him" (verse 10).  Here, Paul looks at the particulars — how the unity starts, where it begins.
In so doing, Paul highlights the comprehensiveness/vastness of the blessing!

Each of the blessings linked with GOD's saving grace are derived from GOD's purpose to place us "in Christ".

Ephesians 1:8-10 - Making Known to Us the Mystery of His Will

Ephesians 1:8-10

The Bible treats the concept of "mystery" nearly the opposite of what we typically think.  In western culture to speak of "mystery" is to emphasize the unknown, but in the New Testament "mystery" emphasizes what God has revealed and made known!

Ephesians 1:7-8a- Redemption Through His Blood

Ephesians 1:7-8

Sometime poorly (or entirely) misunderstood, Christ's work of redemption is the centerpiece of the Gospel entrusted to the Church.  I love William Hendriksen's transitional comment from his Commentary on Ephesians:
"[Our] attention is shifted from heaven to earth, from the past to the present, and, in a sense, from the Father to the Son."

Ephesians 1:4-6 -- Blessed, Chosen, Predestinated (for Adoption)

Ephesians 1:4-6

Regarding what are commonly referred to as the "doctrines of grace" consider these two quotes from Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892):

• "The only reason why anyone believes in election is because he finds it clearly taught in God's Word.  No man, or number of men, ever originated this doctrine."

• "There are two great truths from this platform I have proclaimed for many years.  The first is that salvation is free to every man that will have it; the second is that God gives salvation to a people whom He has chosen; and these truths are not  in conflict with each other in the least degree."

Ephesians 1:3-4 - Blessed in Christ: Chosen

Ephesians 1:3-4

The psalmist announced a blessing that sounds a lot like Ephesians 1:3, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does He withhold," -- but then he finishes with, "from those who walk uprightly."

Aah!  Isn't that exactly the problem ?   GOD has always given good gifts to His people.  
He has given many blessings in the Bible, but it's always people who are the weak link!
GOD's promises are only as wonderful as their weakest link — namely: us/me/you.

How can Paul have any confidence that this time the outcome will be any different / better ?  Two reasons: These "spiritual blessings" are: "in Christ" & "in the heavenlies."  In other words, the "success" of the blessing resides entirely on Christ's performance — not on my performance!

Ephesians 1:1-14 / Overview

Ephesians 1:1-14

Before we consider the significance of the "particulars" in future weeks, today's message presents a birds-eye view of the first main passage (verses 3-14 are a single sentence in the Greek!)  The Life application Bible Commentary summarizes: "We have these blessings because of God's choosing us (vs 4), Christ's dying for us (vs 7), and the Holy Spirit's sealing us (vs 13)."

Ephesus: An Introduction to Ephesians

To appreciate (and better understand Paul's letter received by the "Ephesians" a reader will do well to understand something of Ephesus.  Interestingly, the Bible provides more "snapshots" of the church at Ephesus than any other (other than Jerusalem) — covering a period of more than 40 years!

• AD 52 we first hear of "Ephesus" (on Paul's second missionary journey)
• AD 55 Paul returns to Ephesus for a lengthy stay on his third missionary journey
• AD 60-61 Paul writes his "prison epistles"  /  which includes "Ephesians"
• AD 62/63/64 Paul writes Timothy (who is ministering as pastor at Ephesus)
• AD 95-96 the Apostle John records Christ's message "to the church in Ephesus"

Matthew 11 - When Doubts Arise

Guest Speaker: Curt Fleck (Director of Civil Servant Ministries in our State's Capitol)

Curt shares from Matthew 11 (John the Baptist inquiring whether Jesus is, in fact, "the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?") -- because sometimes our circumstances seem at odds with GOD's promises.  What then?

Hebrews: We Have a Great High Priest!

Hebrews (assorted passages)

One of the pertinent passages (4:14-16): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence [boldness] draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Luke 23:46 - ”Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!”

Luke 23:44-56

This, the last saying of Jesus from the cross before He breathes His last.  Most significantly, Jesus addresses the word to His "Father" (contrast to Christ's cry of dereliction in Matthew 27:46, "My God, My God...").  Upon dying, Luke's Gospel narrates three reactions to these events...