The Ephesian's Conversion Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Heard the Word of Truth

2. Believed in the Gospel of Salvation

3. Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Introductory Remarks.

1. Our lesson today will discuss the theme: “Ephesian’s Conversion.” Their conversion experience also aligns with others who obeyed the gospel of Christ. The Ephesians: “Heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation; and then, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14. It will be established that their “conversion experience;” mirrors all other believers, as outlined in the Book of Acts. These believers were: “Saved by grace through the faith; and not of themselves: it was the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul describes the Ephesian’s Conversion to Christ in our text of consideration.

2. First, we will consider how the Ephesians had: “Heard the word of truth.” This occurred while he was preaching in the city of Ephesus. Luke wrote: “So that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:10. Recall to the Romans, he wrote: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. A similar mentioning of faith is written on behalf of the Corinthians. Luke wrote: “The Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized,” Acts 18:8. What they had heard was the “word of truth,” Ephesians 1:13. What they believed was the “gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24. How they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise occurred in their baptism into Christ.

3. Second, we will discuss how the Ephesians: “Trust in Christ...in whom also; after they had believed, the gospel of their salvation.” These Gentiles, after they heard the word of truth, trusted in Christ and became obedient to the gospel of their salvation. Their obedience is consistent with others, as outlined in the Book of Acts. Their faith, repentance, confession, and baptism can be seen in the Book of Acts and His Letter unto them. These acts of obedience convey the Ephesian’s true “conversion experience” to Christ. The word of truth is preached; the hearers believe the word, trust in the promises of Christ, and become obedient to the faith of the gospel.

4. Lastly, we will investigate how the Ephesians were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” This promise takes us to Paul’s return to Ephesus in Acts 19:1-7. Finding certain disciples, he asked: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believe? They replied: We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them: Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said: Unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:1-3. Paul here connects the gift of the Holy Ghost with their faith in Jesus and baptism. Then they were: “Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” Peter commanded the Pentecostal to: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38-41. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point.

BODY OF LESSON

I HEARD THE WORD OF TRUTH

A. They heard the word of truth. This occurred while Paul was preaching in the city of Ephesus. Luke wrote: “So that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:10. Notice:

1. They had heard the “word of truth,” Ephesians 1:13.

2. They believed in the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.

3. Paul begins his discussion of their salvation by uncovering God’s divine revelation to tell the world the mystery of his will, Ephesians 1:10-12.

4. The mystery of His will. This mystery of His will was revealed to the apostles, and Christ commanded them to preach it unto the world. Notice the mystery of His will,

a. First, the mystery of godliness: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.

b. Further, the truth is that after godliness, Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:11-12.

1) Conceived by God, that cannot lie before the world began.

2) Commissioned by God, to be manifested (made known) by preaching in due time unto the world.

3) Committed by God, unto the apostles by His divine commandment, through our Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 3:4-7.

ILLUSTRATION: The Side Bar in Heaven. Where the Godhead put all things together before the world began. The creation, fall, the law, and the call of grace to God’s elect. Who could know the mind of God?

c. Finally, the mystery of Christ: The dispensation of the fulness of time. He also describes this time as the: “Dispensation of the grace of God” in this Letter. Notice: