SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 1
INTRODUCTION:
The Ephesian church was established in AD 53 on Paul’s homeward journey to Jerusalem. He stayed there for 3 years preaching and teaching with great effectiveness. He sent Timothy to serve as their leader but a few years later, he was sent as a prisoner to Rome. Paul wrote this letter during his two-year house arrest in Rome about A.D. 60. The theme of Ephesian is “Unity” and God’s purpose to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head – Christ.
Paul wrote that all Christians are one family in Jesus and they should act with love toward each other by giving instructions to believers on how to “live a life of love.” He addressed relationships between husband/wife, parent/children and slave/master. He also stressed that the church is not a building but is made up of all Christians. He compared the relationship of Christ and church as intimate as a husband and wife relationship. This letter was sent through Tychicus of Ephesus when he visited Paul.
SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST (vs. 1-14)
Paul gave this blessing to the saints in Ephesus: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
What are the Spiritual Blessings of Christ?
- He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (v. 4)
- He predestined us in love to be adapted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. (v. 5)
- He freely gave us the One he loves. (v. 6)
- In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins with the riches of God’s grace. (v. 7)
- He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (v. 8)
- He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure. (v. 9)
- He put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head – Christ. (v. 10)
- In him, we were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (v. 11)
- We, who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory. (v. 12)
- Those who heard the word of truth,, the gospel of salvation will be included in Christ. (v. 13)
- Those who believe will be marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, which is a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession. (v. 14)
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 15-23)
Paul gave thanks to God for the Ephesians believers for their faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. He prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ may give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know him better. He also prayed that the eyes of their heart may be enlightened to know the hope that God has called them, the riches of his glorious inheritance in them and his incomparably great power for those who believe. That mighty power raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms far above all rule, authority, and dominion. God had placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.
THOUGHTS:
Ephesus was a commercial, political and religious center for all of Asia Minor. Temple to the Greek goddess Artemis (Diana in Roman) was located there. However, the Ephesian believers were “faithful followers of Christ Jesus” because they held fast to their faith. Paul mentioned that we can enjoy the spiritual blessings if we have an intimate relationship with Christ. Paul emphasized that salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve it but because God is gracious and freely gives salvation. In his infinite love, God has adopted us as his own children. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, he has brought us into his family and made us heirs along with Jesus. Have you entered into this loving relationship with God?
Salvation comes from God’s mercy and love. He showered his kindness on us called God’s grace. We cannot earn salvation nor do we deserve it. No religious, intellectual or moral effort can gain it because it comes only from God. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. We must receive it by acknowledging that only God can save us and the only way to receive this loving favor is through faith in Christ alone.
The purpose of God sending Christ was to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body with Christ as the head and offer salvation to the world. At the right time, he will bring us together to be with him forever. Then all people will bow to Jesus as Lord.
The Holy spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to him and that he will do what he has promised. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates the genuineness of our faith. It proves that we are God’s children and secures eternal life for us. His power works in us to transform us now, and what we experience now is a taste of the total change we will experience in eternity.
As Christians, Christ should be our model. We should get to know him better so that we will be more like him. Personal knowledge of Christ will change our lives.
Since Jesus had risen, he had conquered death. Christ is the head of the church, the ultimate authority over the world. As Christians, we can be confident that God has won the final victory and is in control of everything. We need not fear of anything, for nothing can separate us from God and his love.