Sermon Central
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Ephesians: "Trust God & His Provision"
Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 17, 2020 (message contributor)
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1. The Way Of Grace & Peace
Contributed on Apr 17, 2020
In his salutation, Paul presents the dual resources of Grace & Peace through 1) The dual source of his apostolic authority (Eph.1:1a), 2) A dual description of believers (Eph.1:1b), 3) A dual blessing for believers (Ephesians 1:2a), and 4) The dual source of those blessings (Eph. 1:2b).
Ephesians 1:1-2 [1:1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus) [2]Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) If there is a common factor of many quarantined in their homes during this ...read more
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2. Why Were You Chosen?
Contributed on Apr 24, 2020
Paul reveals God plan for the redeemed, as he shows: 1) Why God Chooses (Ephesians 1:3), 2) When God Chooses (Ephesians 1:4), and 3) For What did God Choose (Ephesians 1:5-6a)
Ephesians 1:3-6a [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5]he ...read more
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3. The Road To Redemption
Contributed on May 1, 2020
1) The Redeemer (Eph. 1:6b), 2) The Redeemed (Eph. 1:7a) , 3) The Redemption Price (Eph. 1:7b), 4) The Results (Eph. 1:7c-9a), & 5) The Reason (Eph. 1:9b-10).
Ephesians 1:6b-10 [6] (to the praise of his glorious grace, with which) he has blessed us in the Beloved [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, , [8]which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9]making ...read more
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4. Our Inheritance
Contributed on May 15, 2020
Foreshadowing the completion when we enter fully into the Father’s eternal heavenly kingdom, Ephesians 1:11-14 shows us 1) The Ground (Ephesians 1:11–13a), 2) The Guarantee (Ephesians 1:13b–14a), and 3) The Goal of our incomparable inheritance in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:14b).
Ephesians 1:11-14 [11]In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, [12]so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. [13] In him you also, when you ...read more
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5. God's Plan For Growth
Contributed on May 21, 2020
The 1) Prayer (Eph. 1:15-16), 2) Person (Eph. 1:17), 3) Promise (Ephesians 1:18), 4) Power (Eph. 1:19-20) & 5) Position (Eph. 1:21-23) that believers have in Christ.
Ephesians 1:15-23 [15]For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, [16]I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, [17]that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of ...read more
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6. Alive In Christ
Contributed on May 29, 2020
1) Before being alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3) 2) Being alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6, 8-9), and 3) After being alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:7,10).
Ephesians 2:1-10 [2:1]And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2]in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- [3]among whom we all once lived in the passions of our ...read more
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7. The Promise
Contributed on Jun 4, 2020
In Ephesians 2:11–12 Paul shows the need for the work of Christ, the Promise of the Gospel of reconciliation, for Jew and Greek by First, Describing the former Social (Ephesians 2:11) then Spiritual alienation of Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11).
Ephesians 2:11-12 [11] Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands--[12] remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of ...read more
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8. One In Christ
Contributed on Jun 12, 2020
In Ephesians 2:12-18, the Apostle Paul shows how believers are One in Christ through a 1) Peaceful Body (Ephesians 2:13–17) because of 2) Access to God (Ephesians 2:18).
Ephesians 2:13-18 [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. [14]For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility [15]by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ...read more
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9. The Call Of A Father
Contributed on Jun 19, 2020
In God’s Call of the Father for disciple and instruction, He presents it through 1) The Negative Command (Ephesians 6:4a) 2) The Positive Command (Ephesians 6:4b).
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (ESV). One surprising factor to some that has been reported during this quarantine is an increased involvement in family elements from men in general and fathers in ...read more
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10. Mystery Unraveled
Contributed on Jun 26, 2020
In Ephesians 3:1–13 the apostle Paul leads us to focus on five aspects of the divine mystery of Oneness in Christ. Here we see its: 1) Prisoner (Ephesians 3:1–4), 2) Plan (Ephesians 3:5–6), 3) Preaching (Ephesians 3:7–9), 4) Purpose (Ephesians 3:10–11), and its 5) Privileges (Ephesians 3:12–13).
Ephesians 3:1-13 [3:1]For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles-- [2]assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3]how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. [4] When you ...read more
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11. Recharge
Contributed on Jul 3, 2020
1) Power through the Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-16) 2) Power through the Son (Ephesians 3:17a), and 3) Power through the Father’s Love (Ephesians 3:17b–21).
Ephesians 3:14–21 [14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell ...read more
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12. Walking Worthy Of Your Calling
Contributed on Jul 10, 2020
In Ephesians 4:1–6 Paul appeals to believers to walk worthy of their high position in Jesus Christ. In describing that walk he discusses its 1) Call (Ephesians 4:1), 2) Characteristics (Ephesians 4:2-3), and its 3) Cause (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Ephesians 4:1-6 [4:1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ...read more
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13. Gifts From The Lord
Contributed on Jul 17, 2020
1) Every believer has been individually gifted (Eph. 4:7); 2) Christ obtained the right to give gifts (Eph.4:8-10); 3) the Lord blesses the whole church (Eph. 4:11).
Ephesians 4:7-11 [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. [8] Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." [9] (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also ...read more
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14. The Body Of Christ
Contributed on Jul 24, 2020
The 1) Progression (Ephesians 4:12), the 2) Purpose (Ephesians 4:13–15), and the 3) Power (Ephesians 4:16) of God’s divine pattern for the building and function of His church.
Ephesians 4:12-16 [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13]until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14]so that we may no longer ...read more
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15. Leave The Old
Contributed on Aug 6, 2020
The worldly life is 1) Intellectually futile (Ephesians 4:17), 2) Ignorant of God’s truth (Ephesians 4:18), 3) Spiritually and morally callused (Ephesians 4:19a), and 4) Depraved in mind (Ephesians 4:19b).
Ephesians 4:17-19 [17] Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. [18] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ...read more
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16. Putting On The New Self
Contributed on Aug 14, 2020
The Apostle Paul helps us understand what it means to Put on the New Self in showing us: 1) What was Not Put On (Ephesians 4:20), 2) Know what to Put On(Ephesians 4:21), 3) Put off the Old Self (Ephesians 4:22), 4) Put on the New Self (Ephesians 4:23–24)
Ephesians 4:20-24 [20] But that is not the way you learned Christ!--[21] assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, [22]to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [23]and to be renewed ...read more
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17. Walk In Love
Contributed on Aug 28, 2020
1) The Plea (Ephesians 5:1–2a), 2) The Pattern (Ephesians 5:2b), the warning of 3) The Perversion (Ephesians 5:3–4) and finally the consequences of rejecting the walk in facing 4) The Punishment (Ephesians 5:5–7).
Ephesians 5:1-7 [5:1] Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God[3] But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among ...read more
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18. Discovering God's Will
Contributed on Sep 5, 2020
In Ephesians 5:15-17, God shows us through the Apostle Paul shows us how to use biblical wisdom to discover the will of God. He shows us how to discover this through: 1) Understanding (Ephesians 5:15), 2) Occasion (Ephesians 5:16), 3) Action (Ephesians 5:17).
Ephesians 5:15-17 [15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (ESV) Most of us acknowledge that God has a plan for the life of every ...read more
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19. Intoxicated?
Contributed on Sep 11, 2020
1) The Prohibition (Ephesians 5:18a), 2) The Product (Ephesians 5:18b), 3) The Principle (Ephesians 5:18c) to avoid intoxication as a believer in Christ.
Ephesians 5:18a [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, (but be filled with the Spirit), (ESV) If you have been following what has been deemed essential and non-essential by government officials during this COVID season, there has been some surprising designations. Corporate ...read more
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20. Spirit Filled
Contributed on Sep 19, 2020
In Ephesians 5:19-21, we see that Spirit filled people do three things. They: 1) Sing (Ephesians 5:19), 2) Say Thanks (Ephesians 5:20) and are 3) Submissive (Ephesians 5:21).
Ephesians 5:18b-21 [18] (And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery), but be filled with the Spirit, [19] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father ...read more
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21. An Excellent Wife
Contributed on Sep 25, 2020
1) The basic Matter of the submission (Ephesians 5:22a), its 2) Manner, 3) Motive (Ephesians 5:22b-23a), & the 3) Model of Submission. (Ephesians 5:23b-24).
Ephesians 5:22-24 [22] Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their ...read more
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22. Real World Parenting
Contributed on Oct 2, 2020
Children are to obey and honor their parents because: 1) It Comes from a Command (Ephesians 6:1), 2) It Comes from the Covenant (Ephesians 6:2), and 3) It Comes with Continuance (Ephesians 6:3).
Ephesians 6:1-3 [6:1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2]"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3]"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (ESV) We live in an age where millions ...read more
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23. Give Thanks
Contributed on Oct 9, 2020
1) When (Ephesians 5:20a), 2) For what (Ephesians 5:20b), 4) To whom (Ephesians 5:20c), and finally 3) How the Spirit–filled believer is to be thankful (Ephesians 5:20d),.
Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (ESV) People may have one of three possible attitudes about thanksgiving. 1) The first is that it is Unnecessary. Some people are not thankful simply because they think they deserve ...read more
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24. Christianity On The Job
Contributed on Oct 16, 2020
1) The Submission of Slaves, or Workers (Ephesians 6:5-8), and about 2) The Submission of Masters, or Employers (Ephesians 6:9).
Ephesians 6:5-9 [5]Slaves (Employees), obey your earthly masters (Employers) with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, [6]not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, [7]rendering service with a good ...read more
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25. The Glorious Church
Contributed on Oct 25, 2020
1) The Manner of Christ's Love (Ephesians 5:25–31) and 2) The Motive of Christ's Love (Ephesians 5:32-33) for His "Glorious Church".
Ephesians 5:25-33 [25] Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such ...read more
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26. Strong In The Lord
Contributed on Oct 30, 2020
Five things believers must be ready for in order to be “Strong in the Lord”.
Ephesians 6:10-13 [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against ...read more
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27. The Armor Of God
Contributed on Nov 7, 2020
1) The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a) , 2) The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b), and 3) Feet prepared with the Gospel (Ephesians 6:15) These are metaphors for the spiritual resources given to those in Christ.
Ephesians 6:14-15 [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (ESV). The retailer “Whole Foods” raised great hostility this week when they ...read more
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28. Armor Of God
Contributed on Nov 12, 2020
1) The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16), 2) The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a) & 3) The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b).
Ephesians 6:16-17 [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17]and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (ESV) John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote ...read more
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29. Prayer Warrior
Contributed on Nov 19, 2020
The 1) Frequency (Ephesians 6:18a) , 2), Power (Ephesians 6:18b) 3) Variety (Ephesians 6:18c) , 4) Manner (Ephesians 6:18d), and the 5) Objects of prayer (Ephesians 6:18e).
Ephesians 6:18 [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV) A report out of North Korea this week tells of a 17 year old girl, Sookyung Kang, who took a 3,000 mile journey from ...read more