Membership Has Its Privleges

“Membership has It’s Privileges”

Ephesians 1:3-14

Ephesians 1:3 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; 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 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.

Introduction: How many of you have a particular ad or jingle that you remember from an advertising campaign from the past. I’m amazed at all of the creative things they come up with to market a product. How many of you remember the, “have it your way” and one of my favorites, Wendy’s “where’s the beef” ad campaigns? Or the DeBeers mining syndicate informed us "A Diamond is Forever," associating itself with eternal romance. Or by the same token, the overnight package industry barely existed before Federal Express vowed to deliver "Absolutely, Positively Overnight." Or this older jingle,

“Pepsi - Cola hits the spot.

12 full ounces, that's a lot!

Twice as much for a nickel, too.

Pepsi-Cola is the drink for you!

How many of us can ever forget this campaign that ran for two decades. “Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is,” Another campaign was run by the credit card company American Express from 1987-1996. Their slogan “Membership has its privileges” was widely recognized by people as the way to live an elite lifestyle during the 80’s and 90’s. That very slogan was effective, I’m sure, at helping contribute to the debt of those who enjoy living above their means.

All of the fore mentioned slogans describe effects that are only temporary in nature and there are all kinds of “memberships” that offer certain privileges or advantages but there is one instance where membership really does have its privileges and that is when one becomes a member of the family of God. Now you can’t purchase this membership with money. Your net worth has no effect on your acceptance. No, this membership is granted freely when we are obedient to the gospel as described in the Bible (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-10). Christ adds us to his church and we are joined together with the saints from every age. – gleaned from Joe Butler

Just what are the privileges of membership in the family of God, the church of the living God? There is no way to cover all of the “spiritual blessings” or privileges mentioned in verse 3 but we can focus on three of the major points:

I. The Adoption by the Sovereign v. 5

The Greek word for adoption (huiothesia [uiJoqesiva]) means to "place as a son" and is used only by Paul in the New Testament. Each of the five occurrences in his letters is to readers of a decidedly Roman background. In one instance Paul refers to the Old Testament idea of Israel's special position as the children of God" Theirs is the adoption as sons" (Romans 9:4). The remaining four references describe how New Testament believers become children of God through his gracious choice. The full scope of God's work of salvation past, present, and future is seen in adoption.

This adoption is not the result of any merit on the part of the believer, but solely the outworking of God's love and grace ( Ephesians 1:5 Ephesians 1:7 ). Biblestudytools.com

a. The prerogative of the Father

Adoption was a very common practice in Roman culture and one that the readers and hearers of this letter could relate to and would understand. In Romans 8:15-17 we read this: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.