Ephesians

1. Ephesians The glories of the Church, the eternal purpose of God for the people of God

2. History Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Prophecy Revelation Early During evangelistic trips Galatians 1 Thess 2 Thess 1 Cor 2 Cor Romans Later After arrest at Jerusalem General James Hebrews Jude 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Where does Ephesians fit in the NT? New Testament Books Letters to the churches First Imprisonment Colossians Ephesians Philemon Philippians Release 1 Timothy Titus Second Imprison-ment 2 Timothy

3. Chronological Order of the NT books Book Date (A.D.) James 45-49 Galatians 49 1&2 Thessalonians 51 Mark 50-60 Matthew 50-60 1 Corinthians 55 2 Corinthians 56 Romans 57-68 Luke 60 Acts 61 Colossians, Ephesians61 Philippians, Philemon 63 1 Peter 63-64 1 Timothy 63-66 Titus 63-66 Hebrews 64-68 2 Peter 66 2 Timothy 67 Jude 68-80 John, 1,2,3 John 85-90 Revelation 90-95

4. Map and pictures of Ephesus

5. On to Rome (Paul's Fourth Journey, Acts 27:1–28:16). • In Jerusalem Paul struggled with Jews who accused him of profaning the temple (Acts 21:26–34). • Placed in Roman custody in Caesarea for two years, but after appealing to Caesar, was sent by ship to Rome. • After departing the island of Crete, Paul's party was shipwrecked on Malta by a great storm. Three months later he finally arrived at the imperial city, Rome The Trip to a Roman Imprisonment

6. Apostle: “a representative with full authority of sender” Your identity: (your name), an (your gift-ministry) of Jesus Christ by the will of God Will: “activity fixed on desire” Saints, “set apart ones” Plus “in Him” 54x by Paul (14x here) Faithful: “believing ones” Grace: “favor”, “grace upon grace” (Jn 1:16) “be strong in the grace …in Christ” (2 Ti 2:1) Peace: “calm tranquil” “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God” Rom 5:1; Introduction to the letter Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. Agent Focus is spiritual, not material blessing “The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Cor. 6:17). “To benefit, prosper, give contentment”—chief delight of God esp. in OT Chief place of benefit: heaven—Rom 8:18, “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever” Rev 5:13 Eph 1:3-14-Ten reasons to Praise God:1. Because of Spiritual Blessing given (1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Vs. 3—6 describe eternity past – reference to God the Father

8. Heaven’s Blessings • 1 Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints • Ephesians 2:7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

9. eklegomai,“choose out for one’s self”--Election is God’s sovereign work of choosing some to believe (2 Thes. 2:13, “from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” Sounds like a conditional statement, but is an aor infinitive: “…choosen us…to be…” amomous, “without blemish,” is used eight times in the New Testament (5:27)– as OT sacrificial animal without a spot of defect or it was unacceptable Reason for our acceptance so we can be before a God who knows all 2. Because He has chosen us (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 himin love: Destination---- Timing---- Purpose----

10. Early MSS

11. proorisas, aor, “marked out beforehand” to be adopted as full-fledged sons Concept of adoption is also found in Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:4-7. In adoption a son is brought into a family and is given the same rights as a child who is born into that family. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power 3. He Predestinate us to be Adopted(1:5) In love Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

12. Philosophy, Logic and speculation attempt to close the gap Clear revelation in the Word can’t explain all about God Finite Limitations

13. Heard, Ro 10:15; Eph 1:13 Understood, Mt 13:15; Ac 8:30 Persuaded, Ac 26:28 Commitment to Believe, and Trust Eph 1:13 Obey (Phil 2:12) and serve (Mt 6:24; 1 Th 1:9 Steps of Divine-Human Encounter Foreknew, prognosis, Ro 8:29 Determined counsel, horizo boule, Acts 2:23 Someone sent, Ro 10:15 Elect (chose), eklektos, 1 Pet 1:2 Someone preached, announced gospel, Ro 10:15 Predestinate, proorizo, text Call, kaleo, Rom 8:30 Illuminate, photizo, Heb 10:32 Draw, helkuo, Jn 6:44 Regenerate, paliggenesia, Tit 3:5 and Seal, sphragizo Justify, dikaioo, Ro 3:24 Lead (Isa 48:17), empower (Ro 15:13), and gift (1 Co 12:4-7) Glorify (Ro 8:30)

14. Proper perspective I sought the Lord, And afterwards I knew He moved my soul to seek Him, Seeking me! It was not that I found, O Savior true; No, I was found by Thee. John Chadwick

15. charis, condition of being controlled by power to benefit or favor others epainos, “approval, commendation”-All God wants is praise—He is seeking worshipers Jn 4:23, “the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. charitoo, aor, “to make lovely, agreeable, favorable and acceptable”—full acceptance in the family of God…just like Jesus! Positional truth: only those “in” Christ can be also the “beloved” of the Father (Mt 3:17— “My beloved Son”) have benefits of unconditional acceptance = God loves us as He loves His Son and wants us to have all His Son has. 4. Because He has redeemed us (1:6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

16. A poet’s expression Near, so very near to God, Nearer I could not be; For in the person of His Son, I’m just as near as He. Dear, so very dear to God, Dearer I could not be; For in the person of His Son, I’m just as dear as He.

17. apoluptrosis, (w/ pres verb) “releasing from slavery by payment of a ransom”—one of six legal terms used by Paul to describe our salvation “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all” Heb 10:10– He”gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph 5:2) 4. Because He has Redeemed us(1:7) We “were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold … but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” 1Peter 1:18-19 1:7a In whom we have redemption through his blood… What we were like: We “were dead in [our] trespasses and sins”; we “walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air”; we “lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath”; and we were without “hope and without God in the world”. (2:1-3, 12)—These are the only kinds of people God has choose to redeem!! Christ “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Tit 2:14) The intrinsic value of an item is directly related to the price someone is willing to pay for it—God values every man so highly that He was willing to pay the blood of His Son to cancel any offense, so we could fellowship with Him.

18. aphesis, “throwing them away, letting them go as if never committed, canceling of a debt”—Primary result of redemption A model of forgiveness we must practice as well as receive (4:32) 5. Because He has forgiven us (1:7b) No reason for depression: Behaviorists want us to blame our genes, our environment, our parents, etc.– but sin is our own fault, guilt is wholly ours—but God deals with our sin fully: Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” …the forgiveness of sins, Micah proclaimed,”Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tred our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” Mic 7:18-19 As we have received so much, we are expected to give in kind to those who offend or hurt us Col 3:13, “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”

19. Sad state of natural man Shakespeare’s King Richard III (5.3.194) the king laments, My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain.

20. Is the Christian fully forgiven? • Do not need the continued forgiveness of redemption. Jesus told Peter, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean” (John 13:10). • Even though we continue to sin, Jesus “is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). • Sin has profound effect on our growth, joy, peace, usefulness, and ability to have intimate and rich communion with the Father. It no longer has any effect on our relationship • Thus the believer is called on to ask for forgiveness daily which results in oneness, dependency and openness to filling • Since God accepts every believer as He accepts His own Son, every believer ought to accept himself in the same way, not for what we are in ourselves any more than God accepts us for that reason. We accept ourselves as forgiven and as righteous because that is what God Himself declares us to be.

21. kata, “proportionate to” not “out of”, thus enormous quantity, as infinite as God Himself perisseuo, aor. “to exceed any number or amount, to overflow, lavish upon” 6. Because He Lavished His Grace on us (1:7c-8a) according to the riches of his grace Wherein he hath abounded toward us Where sin increased,” Paul assures us, “grace abounded all the more” Rom 5:20

22. Review Eph 1:3-14-Ten reasons to Praise God: • Because of Spiritual Blessing given (1:3) • Because He has chosen us (1:4) • Because He predestinated up to be adopted (1:5) • Because He redeemed us (1:6) • Because He has forgiven us (1:7) • Because He lavished His grace on us (1:7-8) • Because He revealed to us His plan (1:8-10) • Because He has provided an eternal inheritance (1:11-12) • Because He has sealed us in Christ (1:13) • Because He has guaranteed our inheritance (1:14)

23. sophia,“objective insight into the true nature of God’s revelation”, skill to live, insight and knowledge impossible to man, Understanding of ultimate things—such as life and death, God and man, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, eternity and time phronesei, the subjective apprehension of knowledge. Emphasizes practical understanding, comprehension of the needs, problems, and principles of everyday living. It is spiritual prudence in the handling of daily affairs. 7. Because He revealed to us His Plan 1:8 in all wisdom and prudence;… French philosopher André Maurois said, “The universe is indifferent. Who created it? Why are we on this puny mud–heap, spinning in infinite space? I have not the slightest idea, and I am convinced that no one has the least idea.” “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes” (Matt 11:25) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5)

24. “Mystery” is a previously hidden truth unveiled by God’s revelation (cf. Rom. 16:25, “… establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” Insider information 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Paul was excited about knowing what God’s design for history and mankind was all about… and he was a part of the plan!! His timing is perfect for teaching us what we need to know to play our role in His perfect plan

25. oikonomia, “Arrangement or management of a household”; management or dominant principle pleroma, “completion of a process” as filling of a ship’s store “bring all things . . . together in one” translates one Greek word (which occurs elsewhere in the NT only in Rom. 13:9) Historical perspective 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In the Millennium everything will be restored and brought together under Christ, the one Head. This does not suggest that everyone will be saved; instead, sin’s disorder will be removed and universal peace will be established (Isa. 2:2-4; 11:1-10). History belongs to God and will fulfill His purpose exactly, thus you can trust Him for your future too Macbeth pessimisticaly declared that history is “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing” (Shakespeare, Macbeth, 5.5.19)

26. “We” refers to Jewish believers: “ye also” (v. 13) refers to Gentiles Future event so sure it is spoken in the past! Aor pass ind. “That ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” Eph 1:18 proorizo, “foreordain” whose goal is divine sonship through Jesus Christ (1:5); “To do whatever your hand and your purpose predestinated to occur” Acts 4:28 energeo, “energy” Phil 1:6, “For I am confident that He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus.” He makes no mistake Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. “all things” is an unusual construction, lit. “of the things all”. The usage of the articles makes “things” to be definite or specific, rather than general, thus, “works all these things” with reference to God’s plan of Christ’s death for our salvation. prothesis, “prearranged plan”, 2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 8. Because He has provided an Eternal Inheritance 1:11 In whom alsowe have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

27. “the Christ” in Gk making it exclusive, not inclusive proelpidzo, perfect act, “who have trusted” with the continuing result still effecting us epainos, “approval, comendation”– God wants us to prove His grace is effective and is recommended to everyone. Rom 12:1”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” This is a primary reference to the Jewish believers. The Gentile believers are included in the next verse. Trophies of His Grace 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

28. Gentiles too “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom 10:17) sphragizo, Aor pass., “mark, secure” indicates security, authenticity, ownership and authority pisteuo, Aor Act, “to be persuaded of the value of something, place confidence in someone, conviction of truth” “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you, If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” Rom 8:9 9. Because He has Sealed us in Christ 1:13 In whom ye alsotrusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph 4:30, And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

29. arrabon, “money given as pledge of full payment, downpayment” –”reserved in heaven for us” 1 Peter 1:3-4 kleronomia, “a share in future possessions or kingdom, courtly term The buying back of His own possession, mankind and creation, which rebelled against His ownership and fell into the slavery of sin eis, temporal and purpose use of prep The chief purpose is that believers would recognize the immense value of all we have in Christ and erupt in continual praise to Him 10. Because He has Guaranteed our Inheritance 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritanceuntil the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.

30. love to saints – one of the major signs of a new believer is the immediate change in attitude towards other believers (from strange and avoided to loved and desired NET1 John 3:10, “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: Everyone who does not practice righteousness – the one who does not love his fellow Christian – is not of God” Heb 6:10: “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints.” Because God has sealed us and given us the down payment of our salvation faith: pistis, could also be faithfulness or commitment. You can’t put your faith in someone or something and it not effect your life. Reasons for praise to God 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

31. “cease not”, pauomai, negative pres. Indicative, “do not cause to stop or hinder” – Make your “thinking” to become “praying,” that is, always talking to God “give thanks,” eucharisteo, from which we get the word eucharist “making mention…” mneia, “remembrance, recollection, or thinking of” – always talking to God about individuals. True spirituality is not preoccupied with one’s own “spirituality” or depth of walk with God, but rather is principally other focused. The Ministry of Prayer 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

32. “Wisdom” is applied knowledge, that is, how to personally apply the principles, commands, and examples of Scriptures to our lives James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Col 1:9 “For this reason…we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” “that,” hina, denotes purpose, aim or goal (Gingrich) – the goal of Paul’s praying is for know and understand Jesus and thus to trust Him and passionately serve Him. “Revelation” – refers to God’s understanding that He gives to the seeking believer (James 1) – this is not new revelation (as Scripture), nor secrets of men’s hearts, (given personally for development of one’s spirit) but revelation of one’s understanding Phil 3:15, “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect [mature], have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you.” “may give,” didomi (optative aor) “grant or cause or entrust to.” The hope of Paul’s prayer for others is their change of attitude and understanding of how God is and works in our lives. James 1 we are to ask for this wisdom as well as pray for it for others. knowledge, epignosis, “precise, correct and experiential insight” – True knowledge results in fruitfulness 2 Peter 1:8, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. “ The Request of Prayer 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

33. What is Christ doing now… and why?Eph 1:18-23 Before WWII a school in Itasca, Texas caught fire and 263 students were killed. After the war the school was rebuilt installing the finest sprinkler system of the day. Seven years later, in an expansion project, a startling discovery was made….

34. dianoia, “mind, understanding, desires” Oida, perf act inf, “percieve, be aware of” Dianoigo, “open by splitting apart, like curtains” Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Eph 1:18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints • 2 of the 3 keys to daily victory: To know… • Our Hope • Our Riches awaiting us

35. huperballo, “throw beyond” like “home run” A position of equality in the ancient world Eph 1:19–20: And… (so that you may know)what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These…(hope of calling, riches of glory and His internal power) are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, • 3rd Key to victory: to know the power working in us • Introduction of Four Proofs to Build our Trust: • He raised Christ from the Dead • He … seated Him at His right hand

36. Angelic, demonic and human Everyone in the church, is in His body, is filled with the fullness of Him Eph 1:21-23far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.: And He put all things in subjection 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. Final Two Proofs to Build our Trust: 3: He put all things in Subjection under His feet 4: He gave Him as Head over All Things to the Church

37. Why do we need to tap into this power? • Our enemies battle against us— “struggle”, pale, means “to wrestle” • Our enemies have a method– 6:11 calls them “schemes”, methodia, “strategies” as a military battle plan to weaken, divide, destroy God’s people • Our enemies are formidable—Highly organized, efficient, experienced and supernatural Ephesians 6:12 “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.”—they are warring against Christ through us!!

38. Why don’t we live consistently in His unmatched power? • Wrong thinking • Wrong values and priorities • Distractions • Self-confidence (we can do it) But we are no match for Satanic forces How can we tell if we are connected to God’s power? • Are we changing, growing to be like Christ (Gal 5:22-23) • Bad times, difficult times, crisis, times of weakness and doubt. That’s when Paul learned, “My grace is sufficient” • Paul’s theme: the greater our acknowledged weakness, the more evident Christ’s enabling strength • 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

39. Charles Spurgeon’s exhortation: “Dear brothers and sisters, go home and never ask the Lord to make you strong in yourselves, never ask Him to make you anybody or anything, but be content to be nothing and nobody. Next ask that His power may have room in you, and that all those who come near you may see what God can do by nothings and nobodies… Live with this desire, to glorify God”