INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Our Canvas Before Painting
2. Our Canvas During Painting
3. Our Canvas After Painting
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, I will discuss: “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece.” We can never hear or read enough about God's grace and how He has made us “a new creature in Christ Jesus.” In this “Expository Sermon," we will be demonstrating the divine process of how God has “created in each of us a Masterpiece.” We will view God’s handiwork in creating us into His portrait of art in Christ Jesus. The elegance and beauty of the "Mona Lisa" fail in comparison: to the magnificent beauty of what God has created in each of us. We are His work of sublime and radiant beauty, a marvelous portrait of Heavenly Essence! Painted on the canvas of life, with the precious blood of Christ: “The Lamb offered without spot and blemish unto God,” 1 Peter 1:18-19. When you feel down and out --worthless and unworthy. Remember whose you are and in whom you have been created. We are God’s masterpiece: “Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10. Amen!
2. First, we will consider "our canvas before painting." The beloved apostle describes the Ephesian's former state before they were created as God's Masterpiece. He penned: "And you hath He quickened, who (were) dead in trespasses and sins…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others," Ephesians 2:1-3. Then, we were "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, we who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ…Therefore, we are no more strangers, and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:11-19. [Text shortened for brevity].
3. Second, we will discuss “our canvas during painting.” How Paul describes our condition, location, and who we were with when we were painted as God’s Masterpiece. He penned: God who is rich in mercy, when we were dead in trespasses and sins, hath “quickened us,” making us alive, while with Jesus. At that time, when we were together with Christ (by grace, we were saved). The hands of Christ painted our picture. He was permitting us to begin a new life, created in Him, unto God’s glory as a portrait: of unique and splendid beauty.
4. Lastly, we will investigate “our canvas after painting.” In Christ, we have been created as God’s magnificent masterpiece. A replica of “God in righteousness and true holiness.” If any man "be in Christ, he is a new creation," or God's masterpiece of splendid beauty and heavenly essence! We are now the children of God, "through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27. Peter wrote: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature (of Christ), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I OUR CANVAS BEFORE PAINTING
A. First, Paul wrote: “You…who (were) dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (manner of life) in time past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others,” Ephesians 2:1-3. [Text shortened for brevity]. The picture under reconstruction, restoration, and preservation has been damaged, abused, and abandoned; a worthless portrait of art, fit only to be discarded and destroyed. But God,
NOTE: Christ’s Art Restoration and Preservation Service. Where portraits like ours undergo total restoration and preservation operations: including cleaning, washing, revarnishing, lining-relining, restoring, repairing, in-painting, and refurbishing, to become priceless works of art! Say, Amen, thank you, Lord, someone up in this house! Observe,
1. In our former condition, we were broken, incomplete, undone, and ruined works of art of our own making (painting). O, what a mess we had made of our lives. We got ourselves into things only God could deliver from our ungodly, lustful, and sinful behaviors. Help us, dear Lord! Paul wrote,
2. First, to the Ephesians: "Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called the Uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands: That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ…Therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and the household of God…In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit," Ephesians 2:11-22. [Text shortened for brevity]. This is who we were, but now we are in Christ!
3. Next, to the Corinthians: “Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor, etc. …shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. [Text shortened for brevity]. Observe,
a. You once “were” like unto these: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with humanity, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners.
b. All who commit such behaviors, or "these things," shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
c. And such were some of you: but you are "washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." Praise God that you are no longer these things, nor do you commit these disobedient and sinful behaviors!
d. This is the condition of the heart and life you are now delivered. Therefore, they no longer walk in them, for such cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
4. Finally, to the Galatians: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness…Envying’s, murders, drunkenness…and such like…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…And they that are Christ’s have crucified the fleshed with the affections and lust. If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit,” Galatians 5:19-26. [Text shortened for brevity].
5. Conclusion: We too, like all these, once walked in similar behavior, but we have been delivered: "Out of the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son,” Colossians 1:13. In whom we are now: “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece.” Our portrait now hangs in the Gallery of Heaven. Let’s see how Paul describes the Ephesians’ restoration and transformation. Observe,
B. Further, He penned: “And you hath he quickened.” Please highlight or underline the word "quickened" in your Bible. We will revisit this word in our next point. For now,
1. The word “quickened” in Gr., is syzoopoieo, which means “to reanimate conjointly with (Christ): —quicken together with.” To be made alive, or be given life to the soul, “dead in trespasses and sins,” while being with Christ. You might be asking,
2. Who hath “quickened us?” God did because of His immeasurable love and grace while we were with Christ, dead in our trespasses and sins. Beloved, this is the only time we will be with Christ in our sins. Many would say: "We could never be with Jesus in our sins." However, Paul affirms otherwise in his further discussion with the Ephesians. Observe,
3. Paul points out that in the word "quickened," a new life was granted to these believers when they had "trusted in Christ," Ephesians 1:12.
4. He wrote: “In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. We will discuss this in more detail later in the lesson. He continued,
C. Next, he noted: “Wherein in time past you (better yet, we) walked.” These Ephesians (and Paul) had once walked in opposition to the Way and Will of the God of Glory. They walked after the desires and lust of their sinful and disobedient hearts. Observe,
1. The phrase “in time past” in Gr., is pote, which means, at one time, formerly, aforetime, at some time, or when we were disobedient and walking in trespasses and sins. Unaware of our damnable conditions before the God of glory and the Christ of our salvation. We despise good and living in the desires and lust of our minds and fleshly behaviors.
2. The word “walked” in Gr., is peripateo, which means to make one's way, progress; to use opportunities, live, deport oneself follow: —go, be occupied with, walk (about). Paul mentioned earlier how the Ephesians had once walked in their lust, fulfilling the desires of their mind and flesh. They once walked,
3. According to the course of this world. Here Paul means: according to the world's inhabitants, in conforming to its dictates and morality, manner of life, and adorning the world's practices and sins. Like all others, the Ephesians were alienated from God and hostile to the cause of Christ and the religious order of the Holy Spirit’s directions in their mind and behavior. They were like others, "lovers of the world with all its ungodliness and unrighteousness" 1 John 2:15-17.
4. According to the prince of the power of the air. In this statement, Paul means: according to the directions of Satan, the prince of the power of the air. Satan is the ruler of all wicked and ungodly thoughts and behavior. He is pictured as the "prince or ruler" over the power of the air, "the realm of evil and wickedness in the world." The prince of darkness, disobedience, unrighteousness, sin, unbelief, and all ungodly behavior in the world.
NOTE: Download our lesson “Ephesus’ Operations Order (Full)," which discusses the satanic powers of the evil one within the world, from SermonCentral.com. You should also download "Revealing the God of This World," you might be surprised it is not Satan, also on SermonCentral.com.
5. According to the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. The apostle now describes the "spirit" of the disposition, influence, thought, and behavior that governs the actions of the children of disobedience. Sin affects the thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions of the sinful natures of the disobedient and unbelievers' hearts, minds, bodies, souls, and spirits.
D. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past. Here Paul makes mention of the Ephesians' former condition --their life before faith and obedience to Christ. This condition also described our walk, "manner of life," before our call into the grace of God. He mentions,
1. First, “walking in the lusts of our flesh.” They once walked in the lust of their flesh. Paul includes himself in this former behavior. We must also include ourselves, and some may still be obeying the lust of the flesh.
2. Further, “Fulfilling the desires of the flesh.” These were all mentioned earlier in the lesson.
3. Finally, “and of the mind.” Many still are minding (focusing on) earthly things rather than heavenly. As children of light, we must set our hearts on things above and not on the things of this earth, Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-3. Here our beloved brother, on these verses.
4. B. W. Johnson wrote of Ephesus’ sinful and ungodly behavior before Christ. He began first: “Among whom also we all had our conversation.” Moving,
a. Then, “In verses 1 and 2, (where) the second person is used, meaning the Ephesians; here the person is changed to the first. Meyer thinks that "ye" refers to Gentile Christians; "we" to Paul and his Jewish brethren.” (Insertions are mine). [The “we” also included each of us].
b. He noted, “The Gentile Christians had been dead in trespasses and sins; nor had the Jewish Christians differed in this respect. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and the mind. Not only fleshly desires but the impulses of a sinful mind, such as malice, envy, pride, etc.”
c. He states, “And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. This declares that “we,” now Jewish Christians, were once, when in a state of nature, under condemnation, just as the “others,” the rest of the world, or the Gentiles. Some have held that this passage teaches innate, hereditary depravity.” Johnson continued,
d. He affirms, “I am sure that this was not in the apostle's mind. (1) Two classes are spoken of, "you" and "we," Gentiles and Jews. (2) Both were equally sinful, the first "dead in trespasses and sins," and the second "by nature the children of wrath, even as the others." (3) The passage then affirms that Jews and Gentiles alike, before conversion, were dead in trespasses and sins, and under the divine condemnation.”
e. Finally including, “In a similar sense it is used here, and means that "we," as well as others, before the gospel converted us, were dwelling in sin like others, and were like them, "the children of wrath." The state of nature is the unconverted state" Page 528. (Rewritten in active voice). Johnson includes all, having behaved and walked as did these Ephesians. Acknowledging without question,
E. “And (they) were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” This Paul reminds these saints that they once walked as children of disobedience and were under the wrath of God as all others.
a. We must guard our hearts, soul, spirit, and bodies: to walk in the Spirit and no longer in the lust of the flesh, Galatians 5:22-26; Romans 12:1-2.
b. Walking as children in the light, Ephesians 5:8-12.
c. This we solemnly charged us all to do earlier in our lesson.
d. Let’s consider our next point in this lesson. It will require our most profound and respectful attention as we consider what God has done with our broken, shattered, and disfigured lives in Christ.
II OUR CANVAS DURING PAINTING
A. But God, who is rich in mercy. Paul defines the greatness of God’s mercy for us (himself and the Ephesians). However, we cannot limit this mercy to these: His mercy and kindness are extended to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote Corinth: “For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again,” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20-21. Notice Paul,
1. First, “For his great love wherewith he loved us.” Love, therefore, was, and is, and always will be: the basis for God’s outpouring of “the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7. God is “full in mercy and grace toward us." While we were sinners, “Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8. Amen, Brother Usher. Observe,
a. Jesus said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends; if you do whatsoever, I command you," John 15:13-14.
b. John wrote: “For God so loved the world…shall have everlasting life,” John 3:16.
c. John again: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren,” 1 John 3:16. Paul wrote,
d. To Rome, he wrote: "But God commended His love towards us while we were sinners, Christ died for us…And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement," Romans 5:8-11. [Text shortened for brevity].
e. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Paul now declares the spiritual resurrection of the saints. This lifting from death to a new life is due to God, rich in mercy, and on account of the great love wherewith he loved us" Page 528.
2. Further, “Even when we were dead in sins.” It is appropriate also to note that our state at our being made alive was disobedience, in disbelief, dead in transgressions, trespasses, and sins while we were “together with the Christ.” Paul continued,
3. Finally, God “Hath quickened us together with (the) Christ.” It must be understood that this “quickening” occurred when we were “with Christ.” Indeed, we cannot dismiss that at that time: "When we were with Christ," we were all “dead in trespasses and sins.”
4. Conclusion: Paul's portrait of our condition during this "quickening" is when we were "dead in trespasses and sins." We “joined, or was united with Christ” in our worst and most pitiful condition. Sinful, without hope, and Christ in our lives. But the God of love and mercy granted us His love, grace, and forgiveness while we were with Christ. Observe,
B. God quickened us: made us alive. Earlier, we discussed the meaning of “quickening.” We are now at the place in this lesson to describe this life-changing phenomenon. This is the awakening of the soul and spirit by the quickening power of God to redeem our souls from death. Jesus said: “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profit nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” John 6:63; Psalms 119:50.
1. Paul uses a verb to describe this action: “quickened” us together. What doth “quickened” mean in this context? 1) To make one alive together; 2) to reanimate (conjointly) with; or 3) to revive one unto spiritual life: imparted to believers at the time of their conversion to Christ.
NOTE: Reference, W. E. Vine, page 241; BLB, Cross-References, KJV Phrase, “Grace ye.” In Gr., “(by whose grace you were saved)," Ephesians 2:5; Romans 5:1-2. Listen to Paul,
2. First, “When we were dead in trespasses and sins.” This was our spiritual condition when God quickened us. The meaning: of "dead in trespasses and sins" informs them that their sins were as all others who had not obeyed the gospel. They were yet in their sins. Condemned, and under the wrath of God, worthy of death for their trespasses and sins. But God, who was and is rich in mercy: "quickened them,” or awakened their souls again through: “their faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ,” Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. We will discuss how we believe and obey the gospel in the last point of this lesson. But for now, he continued,
3. Further, “God quickened us." Paul includes himself in this spiritual awakening. The word quickened bears some further discussion.
a. The word “quickened” in Gr., is syzoopoieo, which means "to reanimate conjointly with (Christ): —quicken together with.”
b. The quickening means to be “made alive.” This was the work of God!
c. When we were “dead in trespasses and sins," this “awakening” occurred.
d. We were made alive or given life to the soul: "dead in trespasses and sins.” Where were we when this awakening occurred? Paul tells us. We were,
4. Lastly, “Together with the Christ,” Ephesians 2:5. What does Paul mean now, "together with the Christ?" The definite article proceeds the word "Christ" here in his discourse. The sinner is with (the) Christ, dead in trespasses and sins. They are together!
5. Conclusion: The question before us now is this: “Where is this location both the Christ and the sinner are joined together? Thereby, making us alive in Christ. God, then granting unto the sinner His mercy and grace? When the sinner was, “dead in trespasses and sins.” Some theorize that sinners cannot ever be with Christ.
a. Jesus said: "Again unto them, I go my way, and you shall seek me, and (if you) shall die in your sins: whither I go, you cannot come…Therefore, I say that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am He, you shall die in your sins," John 8:21-24.
b. How is this possible? He speaks in these verses about heaven. What Paul is now discussing is a place of atonement for the sinner. We can liken it to "God's mercy seat," Hebrews 9:5; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 3:24-26.
c. At this seat, we are forgiven of our sins and trespasses through God’s grace. Let's allow Paul to explain further where this place of mercy, forgiveness, and grace now abides! Observe,
C. (By grace, you are saved). Paul uses the "parentheses" here in his discussion of grace. As you all know, the “parentheses” is used to clarify further, explain, or discuss a "word, phrase, or sentence" previously mentioned to enable a complete understanding of it. In this case,
1. The sentence "quickened us together.” It holds two central truths: "quickened together with Christ" and "by grace, you are saved" are synonymous with our salvation in Christ.
2. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Hath quickened us together with Christ. As he quickened Christ and raised him, he gave us spiritual life through the gospel and lifted us to a new life when we were dead in sins. "We were planted in the likeness of his death and resurrection" (Rom. 6:5).”
a. First, “By grace ye are saved. Not by works of the law, as he has shown so thoroughly in the Galatian letter…And hath raised us together.”
b. Further, “Buried into the death of Christ, we are risen with Christ (Col. 2:12).”
c. Next, “We have risen as new creatures to walk with the Risen Christ, with our minds on heavenly things (Col. 3:1).”
d. Finally, “To sit in heavenly places. In our present state, to have our minds above (Col. 3:2) ...That in the ages to come. In all (the) coming time. The exceeding riches of his grace (God might make know). In saving, purifying, and blessing his children,” Page 528-529. (Insertions are mine for clarity – not correction). What a wonderful Father we have, and we serve in Christ Jesus!
3. Therefore, the Ephesians had been "quickened, made alive; and saved by the grace of God." The only piece absent in this truth is: "Where did all this occur?" In B. W. Johnson’s discourse, he gave us the answer. We find it in Paul’s Letter to the Romans. To the Romans,
a. He wrote: “Know you not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: like Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we should walk in the newness of life. If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection…For he that is dead is freed from sin," Romans 6:3-7. To the Colossians,
b. He penned: "In whom also you are…Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you have risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the Uncircumcision of your flesh, that he quickened with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses (and sins)," Colossians 2:11-13.
NOTE: The Textus Receptus reads: “(Having been) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised with (him) through the faith of the working of God who raised Him from among the dead. And you, being dead in offenses, and the Uncircumcision of your flesh, he quickened (made alive) (you) together with Him (Christ), having forgiven us (you) all the offenses (trespasses and sins)," Colossians 2:12-13. Textus Receptus, Pages 523-524. Thank you, Lord!
4. God’s love for us was manifest when He reached out to us in our worse condition and “quickened us,” or “made us alive” and “saved us by grace,” while with Christ in the “bath of regeneration,” Titus 3:4-7. Jesus called this the "new birth" while discussing it with Nicodemus, His secret disciple, John 3:3-5; John 7:50-51; John 19:38-42. We will return to this later in the lesson.
D. And (God) hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. Observe,
1. Paul concluded: “And (God) hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6-7; Romans 6:4-5. Amen, somebody!
2. We have witnessed the Ephesians’ "pattern of conversion" in picture form: after the gospel was preached, it was believed and obeyed.
3. The facts of the gospel were heard, believed, and received, Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. And then, the "form of the doctrine," baptism, was obeyed by the Ephesians, Acts 19:1-7; Ephesians 4:5; Ephesians 5:26-27. We will discuss this further later in the lesson. Finally,
E. “In the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7.
NOTE: See our lesson entitled: "God's Plan for the Elect" on SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. Let's now consider our last point in this lesson. Thanks for holding up so far in this lesson!
III OUR CANVAS AFTER PAINTING
A. For “by grace are ye saved through (the) faith,” Ephesians 2:8. We are now at the defining point in this lesson where the doctrine of grace in the religious world differs significantly from that of the beloved apostle. Don’t fall out! We are preaching this lesson to establish the truth about the grace of God. How it has been given must be received by all who would be saved. Please observe,
NOTE: The sentence: “For by grace are ye saved through (the) faith.” It is not a complete translation of the truth: “By grace, you have been saved." You might have observed that I have included the definite article "the" in this sentence. Well, there is a reason for this inclusion. Nestled in the Greek Text, the definite article (the) or (ho) is present but was not part of the translation. Observe,
1. Through the faith in Christ Jesus. Paul wrote elsewhere of this same truth of the faith.
a. To the Romans. Paul inscribed: “Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:24. [This verse was rewritten to follow the same order of the other verses presented below regarding the phrase: “through the faith.”]
b. To the Philippians. He wrote: “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:9.
c. To the Colossians. He penned: "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye have risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead,” Colossians 2:12.
d. Conclusion: Paul’s customary rendering of justification in Christ was granted: “through the faith.” Our brother Johnson made a note of this truth. Observe,
2. B. W. Johnson wrote: “For by grace are ye saved through faith. Lest they might forget the doctrine that he ever preached; he reminds them that works of the law never saved them; that they were saved by God's grace shown in the gospel; that this salvation was obtained through the faith.”
a. First, “The definite article is found before faith in the Greek, showing that the faith, or the gospel, is meant. It is the gift of God. Salvation is not due to ourselves but is God's gift. The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make "faith" the subject of the last clause.”
b. Next, “It is not our “faith,” but salvation through the faith, which is the gift of God. So says John Wesley in his Notes: “This refers to the previous clause, that you are saved, etc.”
c. Finally, it is “Not of works. Salvation is not due to works of the law or our merit; hence there is no ground for boasting" Page 529. God’s blessed “gift” of salvation was given to us by our faith and obedience to the precious gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16. Paul continued,
1) First, “And that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8b.
2) Second, “Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8c.
3) Third, “therefore we have no reason to boast or trust in our righteousness." This is the gift of God and not of works lest we should boast.
4) Paul wrote: “That I might win Christ. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:9. God has given His grace to all. But it must be secured through our faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ. This will be abundantly clear moving forward. Observe,
3. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that it was NOT their faith whereby they were saved. But their salvation was made possible “through the faith,” or “the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. Which the beloved apostle had preached unto them, and they had obeyed. He reminded them of this truth while with them on the Isle of Miletus. Observe,
a. Luke wrote: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me; neither counts my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more," Acts 20:22-25.
b. Paul makes these profound statements regarding his preaching to Ephesus’ elders:
1) That bonds and afflictions abide (await) me.
2) None of these things move me; neither counts my life dear unto myself.
3) That I might finish my course with joy and the ministry:
a) Which I received of the Lord Jesus.
b) To testify the gospel of the grace of God.
c) The preaching of the kingdom of God.
c. The ministry of Paul. He had received it from the Lord. To testify the gospel of the grace of God while preaching to Ephesus of the kingdom of God. Paul also preached,
4. This same gospel unto the Galatians. He wrote: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:21-24. Observe the words of Paul,
a. To the Galatians. He preached the gospel of Christ, or “the faith which he once tried to destroy,” Galatians 1:6-7; Galatians 1:23.
b. In his preaching in Ephesus,
1) He testified of the gospel of the grace of God.
2) He preached the kingdom of God.
c. In Galatia. He preached the gospel of Christ, or "the faith," which he once tried to destroy.
d. Therefore, Paul preached “the faith, the gospel of the grace of God, and the kingdom of God.” How interesting,
B. The gospel preached at Philippi. Paul wrote: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27. Notice,
1. The gospel of Christ is:
a. The faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27.
b. The gospel of the grace of God, Acts 20:24.
c. The faith he once destroyed, Galatians 1:23.
d. The preaching of the kingdom of God, Acts 20:25.
2. Therefore, Paul preached to these churches: "The faith, the gospel of the grace of God, and the kingdom of God.” How amazing,
3. Are you seeing a “pattern of preaching" and the content of the message? These are not my words; they are the Inspired Word of God. Anyone who believes the word of God can see the truth of God emerging in this lesson about His "love, mercy, and grace."
4. The evangelist Philip preached the same message to the Samaritans. Luke wrote,
a. Philip went: “Down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them,” Acts 8:5-8.
b. When they (Samaritans): “Believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women,” Acts 8:12-13.
c. Philip also preached to the treasurer: "Jesus, faith, and baptism," Acts 8:34-39.
d. Conclusion: Preaching Jesus includes hearing the gospel, believing it, confessing that He is the Son of God, and being baptized. There is a difference between hearing the word and being obedient to it. Please fasten your seat belt; the ride will encounter extreme turbulence! I don’t want to lose any on this flight of faith. Observe,
B. To the Romans, Paul wrote: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel, For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our Report? So, then (the) faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they yet to hear? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world,” Romans 10:16-18. Recall I told you earlier we would return to these verses that discuss hearing, believing, and obeying Isaiah's Report, or the gospel. Observe Paul’s analysis,
1. He wrote: "So, then (the) faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. Here, Paul means "Isaiah's Report," Romans 10:16. Paul asks,
2. Had all heard? Yes. He wrote: "But I say, Did not Israel know? First, Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation, I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith: I was found of them that sought me not. I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith: All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people," Romans 10:18-21.
3. Had all obeyed? No. Paul wrote again: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel,” Romans 10:16. What does he mean by "they have not obeyed the gospel?"
a. Many today have heard the gospel and even believe it. But not all have obeyed the gospel.
b. Therefore, it must be understood that believing "Isaias' Report" is more than just hearing it and believing it. The Report "must be obeyed." What was in this Report that required obedience? Herein is our work to explain. Observe,
c. What does "they have not all obeyed the gospel mean?"
NOTE: To obtain our answer to this question. We must conduct an exercise in Greek Parsing. In this exercise, this truth shall be discovered: In baptism, man's faith and God's grace come together to save the sinner while they are with Jesus: “Dead in their trespasses and sins." Stay with me, beloved of the Lord. Amen, brother Usher!
C. Exercise in Greek Parsing. We will answer this question in this exercise. Observe,
1. The sentence: "But they have not all obeyed the gospel." It can be mapped in this fashion: “But they have,”
a. The word “not” in Gr., is ou, a particle | or PRT-N. [A primary word, the absolute negative].
b. The word “all” in Gr., is pas, an adjective | or A-NPM.
c. The word “obeyed” in Gr., is hypakouo, a verb | or V-AAI-3P.
d. The word “the” in Gr., is ho, a definite article | or T-DSN.
e. The word “gospel” in Gr., is euangelion, a noun | or N-DSN.
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
2. What must be “obeyed” that is a part of Esaias’ Report? I searched many Scripture references to find Paul's answer to this question. I found the answer in Romans chapter 6, verse 5. Surprisingly,
a. However, B. W. Johnson had already revealed the answer in an earlier quotation on this verse.
b. Paul wrote: "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection," Romans 6:5. Notice,
c. The Text and sentences of discovery are these,
3. “If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death," Romans 6:5. We have mapped this sentence in the following manner: “For if,”
a. The phrase “we have been” in Gr., is ginomai, a verb | or V-2RAI-1P.
b. The phrase “planted together” in Gr., is symphytos, an adjective | or A-NPM.
c. The phrase “in the” in Gr., is ho, a definite article | or T-DSN.
d. The word “likeness” in Gr., is homoioma, a noun | or N-DSN.
e. The phrase “of his death,” Romans 6:5.
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
4. Conclusion: The definite articles and nouns agree in case, number, and gender. Therefore, the part of "Esaias' Report" that was not obeyed was all "had not been planted together in the likeness of His death." Israel heard the Report but had not believed it nor obeyed it.
a. The Report must be heard, believed, and obeyed, or, i.e., "have been planted together in the likeness of His death, to be raised in the likeness of His resurrection" Romans 6:5.
b. A synonym word used by Paul for “planted together” is “baptism,” Colossians 2:12. Observe,
1) The phrase “in the likeness” in Gr., is homoioma, a noun | or N-DSN.
2) The word “in baptism” in Gr., is en baptisma, a preposition, and noun | or PREP | N-DSN.
NOTE: Observe that "likeness and baptism" are nouns of the same case, number, and gender.
NOTE: Definition: “The Dative Case shows the relationship of an indirect object to a verb, often found inside a prepositional phrase. See BLB.org, Greek Parsing, Case: Dative, Colossians 2:12.
3) Therefore, believing the gospel and being: “Planted in the likeness of His death,” Romans 6:5.
4) Is synonymous with being: “Buried with Him in baptism,” Colossians 2:12.
NOTE: See the Greek Parsing Exercise confirming our conclusion at the end of the lesson.
5) Conclusion: Therefore, when we were with Christ, dead in our trespasses and sins, God "quickened us together with Him, and by grace, we were saved," Ephesians 2:5.
a) When did this all occur? When we were “planted” or “buried” with Christ in baptism, Romans 6:5; Colossians 2:12.
b) It is when we are “planted together in the likeness of His death,” or being “buried with Him in baptism,” that we have: “Obeyed Esaias’ Report" through faith and obedience to the gospel.
c) I make no apology for the truth of God. I know many will reject this truth like the Jews and Gentiles did when Paul preached it unto them. I will pray that God grant you a heart of repentance to "acknowledge the word of truth," 2 Timothy 2:24-26. You might,
c. Recall the Corinthians: "Hearing believed, and were baptized," Acts 18:8. Therefore, the Corinthians’ "baptism" was their planting together “in the likeness” of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. And they were then raised "in the likeness of His resurrection,” Romans 6:5.
d. The facts of the gospel are believed in the heart, and the form of the doctrine: is obeyed from (Gr., ek, out of) the heart, Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:16-18. Observe,
e. Paul wrote: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being freed from sin, you became the servants of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18.
NOTE: What was that “form of doctrine” the Romans obeyed from their hearts to make them free from their sins? You got it. Esaias’ Report! They heard the gospel, believed it, and were “planted together” or “baptized” into the likeness of Jesus' death, so they might "be raised" in the likeness of His resurrection. “For he that is dead is freed from sin,” Romans 6:7; John 8:30-36.
NOTE: Philip preached Esaias' Report, and the treasurer believed and obeyed it. The treasurer heard the good news being preached, believed it, and was baptized by Philip, the evangelist, Acts 8:26-38. Therefore, he was “planted together” or “baptized” in the likeness of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. All who hear, believe, and confess faith in Christ willingly submit to "baptism" to "fulfill all righteousness," Matthew 3:13-17, following the Lord's example and commandment to be baptized, Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. The Samaritans’ heard the gospel, believed it, and were baptized in the name of the Lord, Acts 8:12. We are now nearing the end of this lesson. Let’s consider,
D. God’s magnificent masterpiece. Paul now concludes this discussion of our salvation by grace with these words: "For we are His (God’s) workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” Ephesians 2:10. One translation of the word "workmanship," as "masterpiece." Which I believe is an excellent picture of what God has created in all of us through Jesus Christ. I began this lesson by stating: "We are God’s masterpiece, and in His eyes, we are far more beautiful than the “Mona Lisa.”
1. This spectacular work of art pales in beauty to what God has made in us through the faith in Christ Jesus. The "Mona Lisa" is the painting of an Italian noblewoman, Lisa del Giocondo.
a. She was a member of the Gherardini family of Florence and Tuscany.
b. Her name was given to the “Mona Lisa,” her portrait was commissioned by her husband and painted by Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance.
c. The “Mona Lisa” is one of the most valuable paintings in the world. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest-known painting insurance valuation in history at US $100 million in 1962, equivalent to $1 billion as of 2023.
2. However, the price for your portrait to hang in the gallery of heaven was the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Therefore, it makes your portrait and mine worth all the riches of heaven and earth. Our portrait of God is far more beautiful than the "Mona Lisa."
3. In Christ, we have been created as “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece.” A replica of the very image of God: “Created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:24.
a. The value of your portrait is priceless in any currency in all monetary forms of exchange. You are God’s precious child, loved and cared for without an amount.
b. Paul inscribed of God’s love: “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. We are,
c. The redeemed of the Lord. David wrote: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath Redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and the west, from the north, and the south," Psalms 107:1-3. Jesus established the worth of the soul. Observe,
d. Jesus said:
1) First, "For what does a man profit if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26.
2) Second, "And they shall come from the east, and the west, and from the north, and the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God," Luke 13:29.
3) Third, to the centurion: "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 8:11.
4. Peter penned: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature (of Christ), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
5. Conclusion: We are God's redeemed on earth. We have been called into the Kingdom of God's dear Son. We sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. As David promised, they would come from the East, the West, the North, and the South to sit down in the kingdom of God. Jews and Gentiles, sitting at the table of the Lord and in the kingdom of God, Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. Finally,
E. Which God hath before “ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10b; Matthew 5:16; Galatians 6:7-10. Observe,
1. Paul wrote: “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, and behold, all things become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:9-10.
2. We are God’s magnificent masterpiece of splendid beauty and heavenly essence! Ephesians 2:10.
3. We are now the children of God, “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:26-27; John 1:11-12. Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Ephesians 2:10a.
4. God has created us in Christ "to be doers of the word and work," James 1:21-24; James 4:17. I will begin to conclude with this. You have been a patient and kind audience. Recall, I said…
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Our Canvas Before Painting
2. Our Canvas During Painting
3. Our Canvas After Painting
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered "our canvas before painting.” The beloved apostle described the Ephesians’ former state before they were created as God's Masterpiece. He penned: "And you hath He quickened, who (were) dead in trespasses and sins…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others," Ephesians 2:1-3. Then, we were "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus, we who sometimes were afar off; are made nigh by the blood of Christ…Therefore, we are no more strangers, and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:11-19.
2. Second, we discussed "our canvas during painting.” How Paul described our condition, location, and who we were with when we were painted as God's Masterpiece. He penned: God who is rich in mercy, when we were dead in trespasses and sins, hath "quickened us," making us alive, while with Jesus. At that time, when we were together with Christ (by grace, we were saved). The hands of Christ painted our picture. He has permitted us to begin a new life, created in Him, unto God's glory: a portrait of unique and splendid beauty.
3. Lastly, we investigated “our canvas after painting.” In Christ, we have been created as God's magnificent masterpiece. A replica of "God in righteousness and true holiness." If any man "be in Christ, he is a new creation" or God's masterpiece of splendid beauty and heavenly essence! We are now the children of God, "through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27. Peter wrote: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature (of Christ), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
C. Invitation. Present the conversion pattern, H.B.R.C.B. "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.] What kind of Soil are we?
D. Exhortation. Let it not be said of us: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41. Come now; God is calling you to accept His love, mercy, and grace as we stand and sing the song of invitation.
Acknowledgments and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
10. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
11. Mona Lisa - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa
ATTACHMENT
Greek Parsing Exercise
Romans 6:5; Romans 10:16; Colossians 2:12
How to Confirm Esaias’ Report
Consult your Interlinear or BlueLetterBible.org to complete this exercise. This exercise was done using BLB.org and confirming it through several Interlinear. I have provided an “Online Interlinear" for your reference and use to verify my work, yours, at the end of this work.
1. Start in Romans 10:16. Observe the verb, definite article, and noun. See below,
“But not all obeyed the glad tidings, For Esaias say, Lord, who believed?” Romans 10:16.
hypakouo| ho | euangelion
obeyed | the | gospel
V-AAI-3P | T-DSN | N-DSN
2. Now turn to Romans 6:5. Observe the adjective, definite article, and noun. See below,
“For if we…conjoined … in the likeness of his death,” so also of [his] resurrection,” Romans 6:5.
symphytos | en ho | homoioma
Planted | in the | likeness
A-NPM |T-DSN | N-DSN
3. Now turn to Colossians 2:12. Again, observe the verb, definite article, and noun. See below,
“Having been buried with him in the baptism…through the faith…of the God,” Colossians 2:12.
synthapto | en | ho | baptisma
Buried with | in | the | Baptism
V-2APP-NPM | PREP |T-DSN | N-DSN
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
NOTE: The definite articles and nouns: "In the likeness, the gospel, and the baptism, all agree in case, number, and gender." Paul answered Esaias' question by writing: all who: "Obey Esaias' Report" do it through hearing the faith, believing it, and submitting to baptism to be "planted in the likeness of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection," Romans 6:5; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:12; Acts 18:8.
4. Conclusion: To be planted (conjoined) in the likeness of His death is to obey the gospel through faith and baptism. This exercise connects Romans 10:16; Romans 6:5; and Colossians 2:12, together in the believer’s obedience to the gospel. The sinner hears the preaching of the Faith or Christ’s work of redemption, believes it in their heart, and then “obeys the form of the doctrine,” from a good and honest heart “that makes them free from their sins,” Luke 8:15; Romans 6:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Online Interlinear, The Englishman's Greek New Testament;
https://archive.org/details/englishmansgreek00estiuoft/page/268/mode/2up
Copy and paste this link into your browser.
A word of thanks to BLB.org:
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Author’s Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
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