Lesson 12 Ephesians

Transcription

1 Lesson 12 Ephesians Blessings for Believers Paul s epistle to the church in Ephesus is unique in that it does not confront any church problems but focuses instead on informing us of the richness of our salvation in Christ Jesus. Realizing the importance to believers of comprehending the wealth of their spiritual inheritance, Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, gave the following illustration: The elderly couple had spent a lifetime saving for their dream vacation three weeks on an ocean cruise. It took almost all of their savings to purchase their tickets. They had little money left for food so they packed boxes of crackers and jars of peanut butter to eat while onboard ship. As the days passed the old couple looked longingly at the sumptuous trays of food the stewards delivered to the passengers. Finally, when the elderly gentleman could no longer bear his starvation rations, he went to the ship s captain and pleaded for some of the delicious food he saw onboard ship. The man volunteered to work off the bill if he could only enjoy the feast. The captain responded, gently explaining that when he purchased his tickets for the cruise the amazing array of food was included in the price and all he needed to do was to take what was already rightfully his to enjoy. Many of us are just like the elderly couple; we ve got our ticket and we re on the boat but we have no idea of the fullness of our blessing in Christ Jesus. The book of Ephesians in general and this chapter in particular will help us to appreciate the bounty of our inheritance in Jesus. It is the sure cure for the Eeyore Christian. You remember Eeyore, the dismal perpetually gloomy character from Winnie the ~ 1 ~

2 Pooh. How can we as Christians be anything but joyful when we consider what God has done and will do for us? If you had total foreknowledge of events, would you go to a race track and bet on a horse that wouldn t appear in the winner s circle? Yet God, with total foreknowledge, invested nothing less than the blood of His Son in us before the foundation of the world. In teaching on our inheritance in Christ, Pastor Chuck Smith stated that this world is the closest a believer will ever get to experiencing hell and that our inheritance is glorious beyond description. 1 One of my former students had done a series of Pampers diaper advertisements as an infant. As a result of the ads, he had nearly thirty thousand dollars in a trust until his graduation. Needless to say, this student had one of the best attitudes of anyone in our high school in anticipation of his inheritance. However, this student s inheritance pales in comparison with what Paul describes as the believer s graduation gift. The importance of believers understanding their birthright leads Paul to offer the first of his two prayers in this epistle on behalf of the saints. Much like the familiar chorus we sing, Paul asks the Lord to open the eyes of their hearts. Once we allow the words of this epistle to work deep within our souls, we can experience an abiding joy in our heart and live life with confidence in our heavenly Father who has chosen us before the creation of the world. Of the riches of our inheritance Max Lucado writes in his latest book, Glory Days, This may well be the best-kept secret in the Church. Many people underestimate what happened to them upon conversion. Trusting in Christ is more than a removal of sin. It is a deposit of power. You are fully equipped. God has already given you what you need. You just need to claim your inheritance. 2 Information About Ephesus Ephesus was an ancient city even before Paul s arrival in Acts 18 (his second missionary journey), having been founded nearly two thousand years earlier. Located at the mouth of the Cayster River on the Aegean Sea, Ephesus was a natural trade center. The city became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC and was the capital of the province of Asia. The city was the home for the Temple of Diana (Roman) or Artemis (Greek), considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The church in Ephesus was likely founded by Priscilla and Max Lucado Glory Days-Living Your Promised Land Life Now Thomas Nelson Publishers Nashville, TN, 2015 ~ 2 ~

3 Aquila (Acts 18:26) before Paul s first visit. During Paul s third missionary journey, he spent nearly three years ministering in the church in Ephesus. The impact of his ministry was apparent as converts destroyed nearly 15 million dollars in occult scrolls used in the worship of the false goddess Diana. It is likely that the churches in the region of Galatia were founded by missionaries coming from Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:1). The majority of Greek manuscripts contain the phrase saints in Ephesus, but the oldest texts do not contain the clause in Ephesus. Because of this some scholars believe it is possible that this letter was intended as a round robin or circular letter to be read in many of the churches in Asia Minor. Prayer Start by praying over the passage and asking the Holy Spirit to give you fresh insights and wisdom in understanding it. Then read through the entire passage two or three times. The depth of theology is so great that I would strongly advise using another Bible translation with your primary version of the Bible like the New Living Translation for one of your Scripture readings. In the original Greek, verses 3 14 are really one long sentence. The English Standard Version (ESV) breaks it up into five sentences; New King James Version (NKJV) breaks it up into three sentences; and the New Living Translation (NLT) into fifteen sentences. The smaller bite-size pieces of heavy theology are much easier to digest. Scripture Meditation/Memorization One of the most fundamental and rewarding Christian disciplines that pays back in full spiritual dividends is Bible meditation/memorization. It is an absolutely fundamental in the formation of your spiritual development, spiritual walk and faith growth. In Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT), the Psalmist warrior, King David said, Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. Memory Verse [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, [4] just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love Ephesians 1:3-4 ~ 3 ~

4 _ Ephesians 1:1-2 Introduction and Greetings This epistle, like many written by Paul, follows a format typical of letters of this period. Correspondence typically opened by listing the names of those receiving and writing the letter and a brief greeting. 1. In the first verse, how does Paul identify himself? 2. Paul claimed the position or office of apostle (apostolos Greek for sent one ) a. Describe the first use of the term apostle in the New Testament in Luke 6:13. b. According to Peter in Acts 1:21 22, what were the qualifications for an apostle? c. How does Paul qualify as an apostle? (Please read Ephesians 1:1 and Romans 1:1 carefully; plus see 1 Corinthians 15:7 10.) 3. The majority of Greek manuscripts contain the phrase saints in Ephesus but the oldest texts do not include in Ephesus so it is possible that this letter was intended as a round robin or circular letter to be read in many of the churches in Asia Minor. ~ 4 ~

5 a. It has been said there are only two categories of people: saints and aints (those who are saved and those who are unsaved). Saint comes from the Greek hagios, meaning holy. What does it mean to you to be called a saint? b. According to Peter in his epistle (1 Peter 1:13 16), how should our sainthood affect our behavior? 4. In a typical letter of this time period, the author would extend the phrase Greetings to you. Paul has substituted the phrase Grace and peace to you. Grace (Greek charis) is the hallmark of the New Testament while peace (Hebrew shalom) was a cornerstone of the Old Testament. What is the significance of this greeting to us as believers? _ Ephesians 1:3-6 Predestination in Christ There are two major schools of theology in regard to salvation. The Calvinist view emphasizes the sovereignty of God (also called election or pre-determinism). Arminianists use other scriptures to emphasize the importance of man s free will (also called conditional election). While this passage is often cited by Calvinists as proof of their viewpoint, our church believes when you look at the whole of Scripture, both views are correct. There is a chart included at the end of the study to allow you to compare these two viewpoints. 1. We often focus on the temporal blessings of God rather than the true spiritual blessings. On this Spurgeon wrote, A new heart is better than a new coat. What are some spiritual blessings that you can identify in your life? ~ 5 ~

6 2. What is the source of our spiritual blessings (verse 3)? 3. It has been said the cross was prepared for Calvary before there was a Garden of Eden. How do verse 4 and 5, along with Revelation 13:8 support this statement? 4. Verses 4 and 5 contain some very profound theology. Try restating the truths of these verses in your own words. It might help to first read the verses in a few other translations such as the New Living Translation. 5. The Greek word translated predestined in this passage means to decide beforehand. Some incorrectly would say that some are chosen for salvation while others are destined for judgment. How is this view contrary to other scriptures found in both the Old and New Testament? a. 2 nd Peter 3:9 ~ 6 ~

7 b. Ezekiel 33:11 _ Ephesians 1:6-10 Redemption in Christ 1. It has been said that grace stands for God s Riches At Christ s Expense. From verse 6, a. What is meant by redemption? b. What is the basis of our redemption? c. What is the result of our redemption (look back at verse 5)? 2. According to verse 8, God has revealed to us the mystery of His will. a. What do you think it means? ~ 7 ~

8 b. What do the following verses also teach us about this mystery? i. Romans 11:25 ii. Colossians 1: The New King James Version translates the Greek oikonomia in verse 10 as the English word dispensation; the English Standard Version as the English word plan. The word oikonomia can also mean administration or stewardship. The word oikonomia appears only here and in Ephesians chapter 3. From this term comes the school of theology called dispensationalism. Dispensationalism is a biblical interpretation that believes that God has related to man in different ways during a series of dispensations or periods in history. Dispensationalists believe there are seven distinct periods in the Bible (the first being man in the garden, the second from the fall to the flood, and so on). What period of future history of the church is Paul speaking of in verse 10? _ Ephesians 1:11-14 Inheritance in Christ 1. What is the inheritance Paul speaks of in verse 11? ~ 8 ~

9 2. The statement, I am from the government. I m here to help you; trust me likely will not inspire much confidence. According to verse 13 what was to be the object of the Ephesians trust? 3. Trustworthy or being worthy of trust is very important. What evidence can you find in this passage that the Ephesians trust was well placed? 4. *What are some of the riches you have already experienced because of being adopted into God s kingdom? 3 _ Lesson 12 Summary/Take Away If one of your friends at work or a neighbor were to ask you what you did on Tuesday, you would tell them you went to a Bible study. The next question would likely be, What did you learn? We often summarize an entire athletic contest or a movie in a few brief sentences and easily convey the essence of the event. Now apply these same skills to give a summary of the passage in a sentence or two. Then, in an additional sentence or two, describe what impact this passage will have on how you live. 3 Question taken from The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Galatians, published by David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 2010 ~ 9 ~

10 Memory Verse [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, [4] just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love Ephesians 1:3-4 Key Words/Phrases Write out the definition of these key words. You can use a regular dictionary or go to one of the Greek sources listed in the Tool Box at the end of the study. You may also use a concordance to see where else and how the word is used in the Bible. How would these phrases instruct or encourage us today? Predestined (Ephesians 1:5) Redemption (Ephesians 1:7) Dispensation (Ephesians 1:10 Soteriology Soteriology is the branch of theology that studies the doctrines regarding salvation. The verses we have studied this week have served as a major battleground in the debate between the advocates of Calvinist and Arminianist doctrines concerning salvation. The following is a chart comparing the basic beliefs of Calvinist and Arminianist views. The five basic points of John Calvin form the acrostic T-U-L-I-P. Both viewpoints can generate good scriptural support. The Bible clearly teaches both God s sovereignty and also man s free will and ~ 10 ~

11 responsibility. It has been well said that on the front door to heaven will be written Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but receive everlasting life while on the back of the same door is written chosen before the foundation of the world. Fortunately our salvation is not dependent upon being able to explain this seeming paradox. Calvinism Total Depravity or Total Inability Because of the Fall, man is dead, blind and deaf to the things of God; thus, he cannot of himself believe the gospel. Due to corruption of sin, man cannot choose or even desire to be saved apart from regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Unconditional Election God s choice of individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world is solely in His sovereign will. God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. Predetermination/election is only on God s will not on any foreseen action by man. Limited Atonement or Particular Redemption Christ s redeeming work was intended to save only the elect. Besides covering the sins of the elect it also secured everything necessary for their salvation (including the faith necessary to be saved). Irresistible Grace There is a general outward call to everyone who hears the gospel. However, the Holy Spirit extends to the elect (those predetermined or preselected for salvation) a special inward call which will inevitably lead to salvation (this call cannot be rejected). Perseverance of the Saints Those chosen by God and redeemed by Christ cannot lose their salvation. They are kept, sealed by the Spirit, and preserved until the Day of Salvation. Often called eternal security. Arminianism Total Depravity with Human Ability Man cannot be saved unless assisted and excited by the grace of God to believe. God graciously enables every sinner to repent and believe, but doesn t interfere with man s freedom. Conditional Election God s choice of individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world based on His foreknowledge of their response to His call. Atonement is intended for all if they will only respond and receive it. General Atonement or Universal Redemption Christ s redeeming work made it possible for everyone to be saved but apart from the acceptance of his gracious gift through faith saves no one. That is, Christ s atonement is only effective if man chooses to accept it. The Holy Spirit Can Be Resisted All who hear the outward call of the gospel (the message of salvation) are also inwardly called or convicted by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit cannot regenerate a man if his free will rejects the message. The same Sun (or SON) that melts the wax hardens the clay. Election is Conditional Those who respond to God s grace are His elect. Some believe that this election is eternal while others believe that it is possible to fall away, deny Christ, and thus lose their salvation. ~ 11 ~

12 Tool Box Step 1: The Bible. Read the passage in a couple of different versions. If you are having trouble understanding a passage, choose a more dynamic version such as New Living Translation. To focus in on the exact meaning of a verse, choose a more literal translation such as English Standard Version, New American Standard Bible or New King James Version. Step 2: Study Tools. Use these to help you dig deeper. Background Information: 1) Unger s Bible Dictionary, 2) Bible Dictionaries online at biblestudytools.com and blueletterbible.com. (recommend both David Guzick and Chuck Smith s commentaries/study notes); Word Studies: 1) Zodhiates The Complete Word Study New Testament, 2) Vine s Complete Expository Dictionary, and 3) Strong s Dictionary of Bible Words. Step 3: Commentaries. Commentaries should not be used in place of studying God s Word directly, but they can give you additional insights. Some good commentaries include: Warren Wiersbe, J. Vernon McGee, F.F. Bruce, the Expositors Bible Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary (edited by Walvoord & Zuck), the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, and William Barclay (*great for background and culture, but be careful of his spiritual applications). Step 4: Online Assistance. Should you have a specific question about the study please your inquiry to: mannygwcm@gmail.com ~ 12 ~

13 A Timeline of Paul s Missionary Work and Writings This timeline shows the major events of Paul s life and the approximate date of his Epistles. Paul s Letters Year Events Martyrdom of Stephen Acts 7:57 35 Saul s Conversion Acts 9: Arabian Sojourn Gal. 1:17 fits into Acts 9:23 (many days) 38 Visit to Jerusalem Acts 9: Ministry in Syria and Cilicia Acts 9:30 and Gal. 1:21 GALATIANS From Antioch 48/49 1 ST & 2 ND THESSALONIANS From Corinth 51/52 1 st CORINTHIANS From Ephesus 55 2 nd CORINTHIANS From Macedonia 55/56 ROMANS From Cenchera or Corinth 57 EPHESIANS, COLOSSIANS, & PHILEMON From Rome 60 PHILIPPIANS From Rome 61 1 st TIMOTHY & TITUS From Philippi nd TIMOTHY From Mamertine Dungeon (2 nd Tim. 4:6) Arrival in Antioch Acts 11:25 43/44 Famine Visit Acts 11: Paul s First Missionary Journey Acts 13 and 14 49/50 Jerusalem conference Acts 15 and Gal. 2: Paul s Second Missionary Journey Acts 15 through Acts 18 51/52 Before Gallio Acts 18:12 52 Return to Antioch Acts 18: Paul s Third Missionary Journey Acts 18 through Acts In Ephesus Acts Arrested in Jerusalem Acts Imprisoned in Caesarea Acts Shipwrecked Acts /62 First Roman Imprisonment Acts Paul s Fourth Missionary Journey Titus 1:5 67/68 Second Roman Imprisonment 2 nd Tim. 4: Trial and Execution ~ 13 ~

14 MESSAGE NOTES Teacher: 2015 Mark Newton. All rights reserved. Express permission granted for use and reproduction by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, CA. *Added questions by Warehouse Christian Ministries, Sacramento, CA ~ 14 ~