God's Masterpiece For Our Master Peace Series

1. Ephesians 1:3-10

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 predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 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 known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

2. Have you ever stood admiring a painting in a museum—amazed at the masterpiece before you? It could be a fake. Art dealer Eric Hebborn, who died in 1996, created over a thousand drawings and paintings and sold them for vast sums to museums and collectors who thought they were buying old masterpieces. Hebborn used paper and paints from years gone by, and his work was so good it was nearly impossible to detect. “I’m not a crook,” he said. “(Forgeries) should be enjoyed for what they are, rather than being questioned for what they’re not.”[Christy Kuesel, ”The Prolific Forger Whose Fake ‘Old Masters’ Fooled the Art World,” CNN, October 24, 2019.]

We’re living in a world of forgeries that leave us empty, and it’s difficult to know the truth.

• Wealth as a final goal in life – no matter the means – work/gambling

• Vacations to end all vacations – Vegas/Branson/Hawaii/Cruises/My Beach

• Sports – Thunder/Super Bowl

• Drugs and Alcohol

• Food

But it’s hard to deceive the Christian who studies the Word of God. It is a Masterpiece for our faith and practice! It provides Master Peace!

3. In an effort to give us peace with God and one another, God has made certain provisions. We could say it is His “Masterpiece for Master Peace.”

4. There are three areas of consideration for Master-Peace

I. The Place of Peace: The Church – Ephesians 1:22-23

A. A Place Where Jesus Rules

1. We find peace when we follow Jesus

2. He is the ultimate peacemaker

B. A Place Depicting the Body of Jesus

1. Harmony and Unity (peace) – Ephesians 2:15b that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

2. Each is valued

C. A Place of Declaring Jesus (Edah) – Ephesians 2:19-22

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

II. The Way of Peace: Our Conduct – Ephesians 4:1-3

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.

A. We engage in more than a Mental exercise

1. The matter of telling truth

2. The matter of showing truth – humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with love

3. The matter of working for unity within the congregation

4. Prayer

5. Actions of the new life

6. Family roles and issues

7. Morals, etc., etc.

8. All based on Jesus, not just a list of rules

B. We are in a Walk of Faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7 we walk by faith, not by sight.

1. The Challenge of Faith and Works – Ephesians 2:9 [grace-faith] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

2. Actions are evidence of Faith James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

III. The Means of Peace: Our Combat

“Freedom is not free.” – US History; Jesus’ actions; OURS

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 the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.