Ephesians 1:7-14

[Shield]

Shield> Tonight we will continue our study series on the letter to the Ephesians.
Shield> You might recall that last week's session began with an overview of the historical and geographical context of this volume.
Shield> It is wise to keep that context in mind as we move forward in our exploration of Paul's masterful treatise.
Shield> In addition to examining the historical and geographical context of Ephesians we also launched into a study of Ephesians 1:1-6.
Shield> We were introduced to the themes of predestination for adoption and being chosen by God to be holy and blameless.
Shield> We discussed the role of God's will for us as it is balanced by the influence of human will.
Shield> We acknowledged that these topics are "truths in tension."
Shield> In other words it is only through careful examination of the Ephesians text in its immediate context as well as its place in the context of the inspired biblical record that we may come to more mature understanding of them.
Shield> So then it is with this understanding in mind that we return to our journey with an eye on Ephesians 1:7-14.
Shield> Here we will see a continuation of the theme of predestination as it is more fully developed by Paul.
Shield> Additionally, we will explore a particular word structure that complements the theme of God's predestination.
Shield> As I begin to post the verses and comment on them, please make note of the phrases "in him" and "in Christ."
Shield> As the session progresses it will become more clear why this is an important observation to note.
Shield> Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Shield> Immediately we are faced with the question: In whom?
Shield> I refer you back to verse 3 which provides the antecedent for this phrase "in Him"....
Shield> Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Shield> As you can see, the phrase is referring to Christ Jesus and, in fact complements the form used in verse 3 so as to carry on the thematic concept of being "in Christ."
Shield> in Christ.... we have redemption....
Shield> it is through his shed blood on calvary..
Shield> his sacrifice....
Shield> by acknowledging his work....his death....and his bodily resurrection....
Shield> and by confessing him as Lord....
Shield> we may be saved
Romans 10:9 -- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Shield> this is the provision of Gods grace:)
Shield> Ephesians 1:8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Shield> Gods wisdom
Shield> Gods understanding
Shield> :)
Shield> arent ya glad for that?
SavedByHisGrace> yep
Shield> God in His wisdom and understanding provided for our eternal security and salvation
Shield> for our forgiveness
Shield> we are secure....
Shield> "in Christ"
Shield> Ephesians 1:9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed 8,1in Christ,
Shield> it was Gods joy and delight.....
Shield> to make known to us his will
Shield> now tell me...
Shield> how did he do that?
Shield> how did he make known his will?
Shield> this isnt a trick question....
Shield> :)
* Shield starts singing..theeeeeee B-I_B_L_E...yes dats...da book fer meeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....
Shield> and we find it in the Bible
Shield> that is Gods written record he has given us isnt it
Shield> Ephesians 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Shield> so the point of the text is to be under one head....
Shield> Christ Jesus...
Shield> Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Shield> in who?
Bride> Christ
Shield> precisely
Shield> In Christ Jesus we were chosen....
Shield> Pauls uses very precise language here
Shield> his point is basically this...
Shield> God has a plan
Shield> based on His own counsel
Shield> his own perfect judgement
Shield> that plan is perfect
Shield> and will be carried out
Shield> everything will be "in conformity" to the purpose of Gods will
Shield> this is why Jesus himself was so careful to say that he only does what his Father does....we find this in the Gospel of John....
Shield> and says what the Father says...
Shield> Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Shield> Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Shield> lets spend a moment on this
Shield> i invite your input here
Shield> do we all agree that those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior....are in Christ?
Shield> ok
SavedByHisGrace> yep
Shield> what does it mean....
Shield> to be marked with a seal....
Shield> the promised Holy Spirit...?
Shield> what is the text saying?
Shield> in fact when a believer makes confession of faith the Holy Spirit indwells him
Shield> Ephesians 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-- to the praise of his glory.
Bride> is the seal a mark of ownership?
Bride> like when the king use to send out an edict
Shield> that is a helpful insight sis
Bride> he uses a seal on the paper ....
Bride> that told the ppl it was his edict ....
Shield> perhaps the last verse will shed light on that...
Shield> hmmm
Bride> yes ... we belong to him .... but He bought us with a price ....
SavedByHisGrace> me two
Shield> vs 14 says a deposit...
Shield> and guarantee
Shield> so to be in Christ....
Shield> we are "his"
Bride> uh huh
Shield> we are sealed....
Shield> marked
Shield> chosen
Shield> guaranteed
Shield> we are given an inheritance
Shield> well
Shield> what ya know
Shield> look at this...
Shield> Ephesians 1:14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-- to the praise of his glory.
Shield> God's possession
Shield> we arent possessions in an american sense
Shield> or usa sense
Shield> rather...
Shield> this is where the broader picture is helpful
Shield> as i said at the outset
Shield> when we look at the full counsel of Scripture we get the broader picture
Shield> we know from that that indeed we are sons and daughters of God
Shield> we are a kingdom of priests
Shield> a royal priesthood
Shield> all of this brings us back to our theme for tonight though...
Shield> we must be "in Christ"
Shield> lets pray
Shield> again our Father we come to you....
Shield> humbly
Shield> and reverently
Shield> and we bow our will and our motives so that we might conform to your will
Shield> may we not be a "stiff necked" people
Shield> rather...
Shield> may we be an obedient people
Shield> so tonight Lord we ask that you will help us more fully to understand our role "in Christ"
Shield> so that we may more effectively be about Kingdom business
Shield> leading others to you
Shield> in Jesus name amen
Shield> :)