A. INTRODUCTION
1. Prison Epistle: written by Paul from Rome in prison. “The prisoner of the Lord” (3:1; 4:1).
2. Chapter 1-3 Chapter 4-6
Your calling (1:4) Your conduct (4:1)
Your heavenly privilege (1:3) Your earthly duty
Your standing in Christ Your state of Christ in you
Invisible body of Christ Visible church
Wealth Walk
B. OUR SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST
1. The Father: Blessed us – v. 3
Chose us – v. 4
Adopted us – v. 5
2. The Son: Redeemed us – v. 7
Revealed to us – v. 9
Gave us an inheritance – v. 11
3. The Holy Spirit: Enabled us to trust – v. 13
Sealed us – v. 13
Earnest of our inheritance – v. 14
4. The purpose: “To the praise of His glory” (vv. 6, 12, 14).
5. Important words.
a. His Names:
v. 1 – Jesus Christ, His humanity. v. 1 – Christ Jesus, His redemptive work. v. 2 – Lord Jesus Christ, His deity. v. 3 – In Christ, our position.
b. Heavenly Places: v. 3 – key word of Ephesians, i.e., our position.
c. World: v. 4 – the earth is too small.
d. Chosen: v. 4 – Aorist middle, acts in interest to Himself.
e. Predestinated: v. 5 – to draw a circle around (not who but what). Predestination is God’s plan.
f. Adoption: v. 5 – a legal term, i.e., to add to family. (Paul= adoption but John = birth).
g. Made accepted: v. 6 – i.e., we are made worthy to be His.
h. Redemption: v. 7 – to buy back.
i. Blood: v. 7 – the price of purchasing your soul.
j. Mystery of His will: v. 9 – not rational but His emotional desire.
k. Inheritance: v. 11 – the future riches.
l. Ye trusted: v. 13- our responsibility.
m. Sealed: v. 13 – to guarantee contents on arrival.
n. Holy Spirit: v. 13 – He is the One who guarantees.
o. Earnest: v. 14 – the down payment means more to follow.
p. Until: v. 14 – The purchase possession will take place at the rapture.
C. “FORGIVENESS . . . ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE” (v. 7)
1. Martin Luther was greatly distressed when asked if he meant it when he said, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins.”
2. On the tombstone of a wicked sinner who was saved – Forgiven.
3. Forgiveness is not based on the character of the one who offended, but the Offended One: Jesus Christ.
4. God has forgiven many terrible sinners, i.e., John Bunyan, me.
5. The world is not like God. “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.”
6. God says you already are forgiven, based on the Offended One.
7. Forgiveness is not based on the number of sins committed, but according to the riches of His grace.
8. Some say, “You don’t know what I have done.” But I know what Jesus has done!
9. Forgiveness is not based on how long you have sinned, but according to the riches of His grace.
10. You can be saved with the wiggle of a finger.
11. Forgiveness is not based on how many tears you shed, but according to the Offended One.
12. You don’t have to talk God into doing something to save you, He’s already done it.
13. Forgiveness is not based on the strength of your faith, but according to the strength of the Offended One.
14. The thief on the cross was saved when he said, “Lord.”
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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