CHRISTIAN’S PRIVILEGE

May 12, 2020 (1 Tim. 2:1-6)

Reading to the hearer: Ephesians 1:1–23

 

“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.

The Divine Plan of Salvation

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:

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:

5     Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6     To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7     In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8     Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Revelation of the Divine Mystery

9     Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10     That in the dispensation of the fulness 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:

The Saints’ Spiritual Heritage

11     In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12     That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13     In whom ye also trusted, 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,

14     Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Prayer for the Ephesian Church

15     Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16     Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

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:

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,

The Exaltation of Jesus Christ

19     And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20     Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21     Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22     And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23     Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

 

  1. THE SALUTATION—vv. 1–2
  2. Person—v. 1. Paul the Apostle. Not Bishop or Pope.
  3. Peace—v. 2. Paul wishes God’s peace upon the people.
  4. THE SPIRITUALITY—vv. 3–10

The Divine Plan of Salvation

  1. Spiritual—v. 3. God has blessed us with spiritual blessings. Count your blessings—not troubles.
  2. Sacred—v. 4. Chosen to be holy, without blame.
  3. Salvation—vv. 5–6. It is God’s desire that all men be saved. Saved through His Son.

Revelation of the Divine Mystery

  1. Son—vv. 7–10. (a) Redemption—v. 7. (b) Riches—v. 8. (c) Reunited—vv. 9–10.

III. THE SALVATION—vv. 11–14

The Saints’ Spiritual Heritage

  1. Plan—vv. 11–12. We are saved to bring honor and glory unto God—not only to escape hell.
  2. Promise—v. 13. Salvation promised from the beginning of the world. It was promised in Genesis 3:15, and throughout the Old Testament.
  3. Possession—v. 14. We now possess salvation. There is joy in serving Christ. However, after death, there is the hope of eternal life.

 

 

  1. THE SAVIOUR—vv. 15–23

Prayer for the Ephesian Church

  1. Praise—vv. 15–16. Paul filled with praise for the Christians, and prays for them.
  2. Prayer—vv. 17–19. Prayer for wisdom. Prayer that their spiritual eyes may be opened, and that they may understand God’s power more fully.

The Exaltation of Jesus Christ

  1. Power—vv. 20–23. Power which resurrected Christ from the dead. If this same power dwells in us, we will have extra power to live an overcoming Christian life.

With each privilege from God comes responsibility. Many want privilege, but not responsibility.

 

    V.    Three Amen from Romans chapter 16:

                          

16:20 – Paul predicts victory for believers when the God of peace soon will crush Satan.

16:24 – Paul makes a prayerful pronouncement.  He summons “the grace of our Lord Jesus to be with you.

16:27 – Glory in God’s ability.