Lesson 1 1 February, God's Design for the Church

Transcription

1 Preview of Ephesians The Book of Ephesians lies especially close to the heart of believing Gentiles. Although they were once "strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world," they are now incorporated with the believing Jews as "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." This epistle highlights the privileges and the responsibilities of the New Testament church. In contrast to many of the other epistles, Ephesians contains no words of rebuke or correction. Rather, believers who already were enjoying "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" are encouraged to appreciate and to appropriate "the unsearchable riches of Christ." The theme of this great epistle is the church, the body of Christ. Colossians, a companion epistle, focuses on Christ, the Head of the church. In Ephesians chapters 1 through 3, Paul paints a panoramic view of the New Testament church as the fulfillment of God's eternal purposes. Significantly, the tone of these chapters is not didactic but inspirational. The important key word "riches" focuses the attention on the spiritual possession of the believers. Paul writes of "the [exceeding] riches of his grace" (1:7; 2:7), "the riches of... glory" (1:18; 3:16), and "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (3:8). These chapters breathe a heavenly atmosphere, as revealed by the repetition of "in [the] heavenly places" (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10). The repetition of together further emphasizes the great privilege of those who are gathered "together in one... in Christ" (1:10; also see 2:5-6, 22). Chapters 4 through 6 translate the heavenly atmosphere of lofty spiritual possessions into practical instructions fora holy earthly walk. Significantly, these chapters contain numerous imperative verbs. The important key word walk focuses attention on the daily conduct of the believers. Paul bids them to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith [they] are called" (4:1), to "walk not as other Gentiles walk" (4:17), to "walk in love" (5:2), to "walk as children of light" (5:8), and to "walk circumspectly" (5:15). The closing note of the epistle calls the believer to strength and faithfulness in the great battle of life. The church can fill her lofty calling and enjoy the spiritual blessings only as she overcomes spiritual wickedness "in the power of [the Lord's] might." The believer can walk worthy of his vocation only as he is clad in "the whole armour of God." 1

2 Lesson Scope: Ephesians 1 Lesson 1 1 February, 2015 God's Design for the Church Lesson Focus Ephesus was a large, populous city, famous for its great temple to the goddess Diana. The silversmiths operated a thriving business manufacturing and selling images of the goddess. Many Ephesians employed magical arts, and many lived in luxury. Paul labored at Ephesus for three years, during which time a strong, prosperous church became established. Later, when writing his epistle to the Ephesians, he directed it not only to the saints at Ephesus but also "to the faithful in Christ Jesus" (1:1). That includes all believers even to our time. This also indicates that he intended that this epistle be circulated among other churches besides Ephesus. He earnestly desired that the Ephesians and all others who make up the body of Christ would know the full implications of their calling, what that calling meant for them presently, and what things were yet awaiting them in the future. In His eternal counsel, God established the church and predetermined the character of those who would be members of it. The called who are redeemed, cleansed, and made alive through Christ's work are adopted as sons and daughters of God. These qualities mark them as members of God's family. Ephesians 1 contains an overview of God's work from an eternal perspective. It touches the long-range work of redemption with its past, present, and future aspects. Take your time to include all four sections of the lesson text, which depict the privileged place the New Testament church holds. Keep in mind that Paul is writing to a Gentile church and therefore views his subject from that perspective. It may also be inspirational to consider how the believing Jews may have felt about sharing a place in the church with Gentile believers. Also, take some time to explore the meaning of the words predestinated and adoption. It is important to understand what these terms mean from 2

3 God's viewpoint. Some have tried to fit these verses into a preconceived system of thought that is not compatible with the overall teaching of the Scriptures. "Before the foundation of the world," God designed the New Testament church. Those who identify with Christ and His church enjoy "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." Lesson Aim: To evaluate the privileged position of the New Testament church. Theme Verse: John 1:12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Lesson Text Chosen Ephesians 1:1-6 1 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. 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. Redeemed Ephesians 1: 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; 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: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel 3

4 of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Sealed Ephesians 1: 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. Enlightened Ephesians 1: 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, 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. Questions for Study Chosen 1. Define the word predestinated (Ephesians 1:5). How does this apply to the believer? 2. In what sense does adoption go beyond the experience of forgiveness and justification? Redeemed 3. What benefits do believers derive from Jesus' shed blood? 4. How can the believer "be to the praise of his glory"? 4

5 Sealed 5. What does it mean to be sealed by the Holy Spirit? Enlightened 6. Why did Paul want the Ephesians to understand the implications of their calling? 7. What is included in "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18)? 8. In what sense is the church God's fullness (Ephesians 1:23)? Analyzing the Passage Paul expressed his thanksgiving to God for the Christian's high calling (Ephesians 1:3-6). He wanted the Ephesians to know what a blessing and privilege it is to be a part of the church. He marveled that God is willing to receive the believer into His household as a son, not merely take him as a household servant. Paul showed that God designed the church and that its structure and purpose far surpass any human thought. Paul showed his readers how God accomplished His work in the church through Christ (Ephesians 1:7-12). For God to exercise His grace, forgiving man's sin and making of him a work to "the praise of the glory of his grace" (Ephesians 1:6) required the life blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). The Scriptures say that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). The phrase "in [the] heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3, 20) indicates that the believer's citizenship is in heaven and that he presently has a connection to heaven. In the future God will gather together both the earthly and the heavenly parts of His kingdom into one (Ephesians 1:10). The words predestinated and adoption (Ephesians 1:5) have been misapplied by many theologians. Predestination has to do with God's foreknowledge of who would choose to be a part of the church, not that He makes that decision for them apart from their free will. Clearly, God's desire is for "all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Christ's work is provisionally adequate so that none need to be lost. Adoption refers to the placement of born-again believers into the status of mature sonship and makes them heirs of the inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). However, it is not the means of entrance into God's family. Adoption status comes about by the new birth and is 5

6 maintained by continued faithfulness until death. The phrases "to the praise of the glory of his grace" (Ephesians 1:6) and "the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:12, 14) remind us that no believer can claim credit for God's work in his life. God therefore deserves all the glory. The Spirit's presence in the life of each believer provides evidence (as a seal) of God's acceptance and is the earnest or down payment confirming the full and eternal inheritance to come (Ephesians 1:13). Our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14) includes the rich blessings of redemption now and the promise of the full blessings of redemption in eternity. God in turn considers us a rich inheritance (Ephesians 1:18), a product of His workmanship and a display of His mighty power. How humbling it is to realize that God is enriched by our choice to serve Him! Paul desired that the believers would gain an understanding of God's purposes for the church and how He accomplishes His purposes (Ephesians 1:18). Though these things were a mystery (Ephesians 1:9) to previous generations of saints, they are unveiled to us. Principles and Applications Chosen 1. The Father calls the faithful to enjoy the spiritual blessings of identifying with heavenly realities (Ephesians 1:3). While continuing to live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, the faithful enjoy a dimension of life that connects them with heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven, our affection is set on heaven, and our destination is heaven. Through the blessing of God, we sit in heavenly places now. 2. "Before the foundation of the world," God planned that the New Testament church would consist of holy believers (Ephesians 1:4). Many people desire to be in the church, but they are not interested in being the church. They seek the benefits of church membership without submitting to the life-changing process of the new birth. Hebrews 12:14 makes it clear that peaceable relationships with one's fellow men and holiness of life are requirements for acceptance into God's family. Service activities are not an acceptable substitute for obedience to God's will (Matthew 7:21-23). 3. God predetermined that New Testament believers receive full sonship privileges (Ephesians 1:5-6). God wanted a family! And He did all 6

7 that was necessary for all men to become part of His family. God made that choice "according to the good pleasure of his will." Redeemed 4. The church consists of those who have been redeemed by Jesus' blood and forgiven of sins (Ephesians 1:7). This provision exceeds the Old Testament atonement that temporarily covered sins. Christ's blood removes sins, granting complete forgiveness and full redemption. 5. God predetermined that the redeemed will obtain an inheritance of unimaginable extent (Ephesians 1:9-12). God's design for man's redemption has a present fulfillment that only hints at the future unfolding of eternal bliss. "Streets of shining gold" await us "in the land of fadeless day," "when our trials and toils, and our weepings are past." "With yonder sacred throng" we will be "forever with the Lord." Sealed 6. The Holy Spirit's presence identifies the believers as God's possession (Ephesians 1:13). Part of the Holy Spirit's work is to bear witness that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). An evidence of the Spirit's work in the believer's life is the fruit He produces. This fruit is described in Galatians 5: The Holy Spirit's presence is a pledge of the ultimate fulfillment of all that the inheritance in Christ involves (Ephesians 1:14). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives the believer hope in the bodily resurrection, assurance of God's ultimate victory over Satan and all the forces of darkness, and the anticipation of sharing in that victory. Enlightened 8. Christ's great resurrection power is available to all believers today (Ephesians 1:18-20). Though the saints who sleep in Jesus are still waiting for the resurrection of their bodies, that same resurrection power is presently at work in the living saints, enabling them to overcome temptation. It empowers men who were once enslaved by the flesh and bound by sins to produce good works. 9. The church will experience boundless exaltation with Christ in eternity (Ephesians 1:21-23). Christ will be exalted as the victor for all eternity. God has employed His almighty power to make it possible for all the redeemed to share in the exalted place He has for Christ. 7

8 Important Teachings 1. The Father calls the faithful to enjoy the spiritual blessings of identifying with heavenly realities (Ephesians 1:3). 2. "Before the foundation of the world," God planned that the New Testament church would consist of holy believers (Ephesians 1:4). 3. God predetermined that New Testament believers receive full sonship privileges (Ephesians 1:5-6). 4. The church consists of those who have been redeemed by Jesus' blood and forgiven of sins (Ephesians 1:7). 5. God predetermined that the redeemed will obtain an inheritance of unimaginable extent (Ephesians 1:9-12). 6. The Holy Spirit's presence identifies the believers as God's possession (Ephesians 1:13). 7. The Holy Spirit's presence is a pledge of the ultimate fulfillment of all that the inheritance in Christ involves (Ephesians 1:14). 8. Christ's great resurrection power is available to all believers today (Ephesians 1:18-20). 9. The church will experience boundless exaltation with Christ in eternity (Ephesians 1:21-23). Summarizing the Lesson The story Jesus told of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) aptly illustrates how God relates to repentant sinners. Though the prodigal son was unworthy to be received as a son after having wasted the father's gifts, he was restored to full sonship. As recipients of God's love and favor, let us live up to our high calling in Christ Jesus. We owe a lifelong debt of gratitude to God for all that He has done for us. Let us give ourselves unreservedly to the work of the church today and make it our chief interest. Answers to Questions 1. Define the word predestinated (Ephesians 1:5). How does this apply to the believer? It means to decree or ordain beforehand. Before the foundation of the world, God designed the church and decreed what kind of people would be included and how the church would function. Paul wanted his readers to know that the church was not a 8

9 change of God's plan or an adjustment of His will following the unbelieving Jews' rejection of Christ. Predestination does not mean that God makes the choice of who will be saved and who will be lost, negating an individual's free will. 2. In what sense does adoption go beyond the experience of forgiveness and justification? Through the blood of Jesus, the repentant sinner can receive forgiveness of sins and be justified before God. But God wanted the salvation experience to go beyond a clearing of the past record. His plan included restoring the returning sinner to a position of full sonship and to a full inheritance with Christ and all saints. 3. What benefits do believers derive from Jesus' shed blood? Believers receive forgiveness of their sins through Jesus' shed blood. The debt of sin is cancelled. That which man lost in the Fall is recovered. God also declared that He would adopt the redeemed as full sons and daughters. As a result, they would become heirs to an eternal inheritance along with Jesus Christ, His Son. 4. How can the believer "be to the praise of his glory"? When we experience "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace," we become a testimony to God's wonderful grace. An ongoing life of victory attests His power. And finally, in heaven we will be a part of the redeemed of all ages who will sing of His glory throughout eternity. 5. What does it mean to be sealed by the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit was given to believers as a gift to benefit them in their new walk as children of God. The Holy Spirit gives the believer the power to overcome sin and live in victory. Having the Holy Spirit gives a mark (seal) of identity that denotes that the believer belongs to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a down payment (Ephesians 1:14) toward a future inheritance to be given to the believer. 6. Why did Paul want the Ephesians to understand the implications of their calling? He knew that such understanding would fortify them for the battles of life and cause them to be more courageous in the face of persecution. An understanding of their high calling would lift their eyes above the troubles of this life to the glorious inheritance waiting for them in the 9

10 future. It would make them aware of the great power of God at work to make walking worthy of such a high calling possible. 7. What is included in "the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18)? Answering this question requires that we try to look at the church through God's eyes. God considers the redeemed ones to be "riches." We know that God values and treasures the church because of the high price He paid to redeem man the precious blood of Christ. He derives pleasure from seeing the saints living holy lives through His power working in them. God receives the inheritance of restored fellowship with man, which is the reason He created man in the beginning. 8. In what sense is the church God's fullness (Ephesians1:23)? Man was created in God's image and after His likeness. But that image was marred and lost in the Fall. In Christ that image and likeness is restored. God envisioned the church to be a body of believers who truly reflect His image and embody His character by living in godliness and holiness. Research Guide 1. Compare Ephesians 1:5 with other Scriptures where some form of the word predestinate is used. 2. Find references to adoption in a topical Bible. 10