Ephesians Studies 1to6

Bristol Road Baptist Church October 2002

Life in the Body of Christ STUDIES IN EPHESIANS

David A. Green BD

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 1

IN CHRIST

1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus,a the faithfula in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace

and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 hea predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And hea made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 3 Praise

In him we were also chosen,a having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 11

I wonder what impresses you most as you read through the first chapter of this letter? I was always struck by the length of the sentences – especially in the AV. Paul’s argument is a long string of statements and it’s difficult to read the passage without having a sense of thoughts tumbling over each other. I also used to get a bit tense whenever I spotted that word in v 5 “predestined” – I’d worry a bit about it. As a result I often missed the general thrust of the words.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ There’s little doubt about this being a particularly important passage theologically – for here Paul is soaring like a bird of prey above the landscape of the expanding Church, taking in the immensity of the territory and the wonder of its design. Most of the time we have a very restricted view of the Church, don’t we? And here at Bristol Road, just at present, it is all to easy for us to see the trees and not the wood, the obstacles and not the course, the problems and not the plan. It’s my hope in these studies to take an OVERVIEW of the passages rather than handle the letter verse by verse. I believe we have a great need of seeing the Church from a heavenly perspective – so that we can begin to address the day by day problems we face as people trying to make sense of the way our particular church is going. This letter will help us to do that. The Letter to the Ephesians is a letter about the Church of Christ. It has a very simple but very profound key phrase – “in Christ” and I want you to make sure that you examine the book, and particularly this first chapter looking for all the occurrences of that phrase in its various forms. (We have four studies, three of which are sequential – and these lead up to a Church Members’ meeting at which we need to review the way things are.) A

1: 1-14

IN CHRIST

The Plan and the Process

B

1: 15-23

EMPOWERED

Prayer, Power and Purpose

C

2: 1-10

A GREAT LIFE Great … change, love, grace and prospects

D

2: 11-22

THROUGH THE CROSS

Were ….+…. Are

That will do for a beginning. Tonight we are getting straight into the first major paragraph. I am going to assume that you know that Paul was writing this letter from prison, and that although we always know the letter as “To the Ephesians…” there is good reason to believe that the original was written out with the destination church left blank – rather like a circular letter intended for a group of churches. (In fact Paul refers to the practise of churches handing on the letter he writes them and reading the letters he has written to other churches in the group. See Colossians 4 16: 16 After

this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea )

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ This letter is part of the group that includes Colossians, Philippians, Galatians and Philemon. A general letter to the churches in Asia – those in Rev 1-3. So it could just as easily be entitled “To the Church at Bristol Road…” I have entitled this study

IN CHRIST There are ten instances of that hallmark phrase : 1,3,4,6,7,9,11,12, and 13(twice) and I want to divide it up into two broad sections: The Plan & The Process Paul gets into his theology very quickly by a statement of praise to God for what He planned and what He has done in us – the members of the Church. In doing so his words are chosen for their profound meaning and astonishing depth. As I said earlier, he soars above the landscape, going high, so that he can present us with the extent of God’s plan and the amazing nature of what He has done for us and in us. He presents our salvation as something seen from the perspective of heaven and from the vantage point of eternity: 3 Praise

be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. This is NOT a view we often share. We are so limited in our vision, so restrained in our understanding. We see only the immediate surroundings. Indeed we are often so preoccupied with that limited view that we worry incessantly about the obstacles to our faith and our spiritual progress. The world is vast, the need great, the resources we recognise so restricted that it is amazing that we even consider progress possible!

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Paul shares with us a different viewpoint and a totally different time scale. Despite the fact that we are constantly being encouraged to “look away to Jesus the architect and perfecter of our faith” we get distracted by our own limited perspective. We look back over our yesterdays and worry about tomorrow. I remember as a young man reading Milton’s “Paradise Lost” for the first time. It’s a long poem and the language is fairly inaccessible – but what impressed me about Milton’s view of God’s work with man was its perspective of a HEAVENLY DIMENSION. This world is not an accident. It bears all the marks of its Creator. When we look at the amazing design of the created world we wonder at the Person of the Creator who made it so. I will understand it best if I know the One who designed it – and the wonderful truth is that, in Jesus Christ I do. In the Creator this wonderful world, this astonishing Universe makes sense. In Christ my part in all of that – and especially in the Church whom Jesus has brought into being – In Christ the uneven tracks of my life begin to have a purpose. That is what Paul is saying here. See your part in the whole. See how God PLANNED all this in the heavenly realms in Him before the creation of the world… He was not frustrated in His purpose for the Universe He will not be frustrated in His plan for the Church – the very body of Christ. This plan is further elaborated for us in these key words: chosen predestined redeemed revealed

The Plan

CHOSEN “He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight…” v 4 I may not understand it – indeed I don’t – but it is gloriously true. Page 4 of 11

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ It may seem incredibly presumptuous It may seem impossibly inaccessible It may seem – as I look at myself and ponder my imperfections – that it just isn’t like that in the real world… But which is the real world? The world of man or the world of God, the world of sin or the world of grace? TWO essential components make it REAL : o The One in whom I am chosen – My Lord Jesus Christ and o The reason for which I am chosen “to be holy and blameless in His sight…” It is wonderful – but not too difficult to say: “I belong to Jesus” Paul views this from the reality of eternity and the glory of “heavenly places” and uses the ever so common but gloriously gracious word CHOSEN Then he moves on and amazes us with that controversial, conquering word PREDESTINED

v 4b,5 and 6

In love 5 hea predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. “Destiny” is a rare word these days. A settled purpose decided by an outside power that cannot be altered. No wonder the word gives us a headache as we try to grapple with its implications! But it is in a FAMILY SETTING I like the way the NIV begins the sentence “In love He predestined us to be adopted as his sons…” We are not chiselled out by some divine sculpting tool to make an impression in the world – but lovingly predestined to be adopted as sons.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ And that love is reinforced in the phrase of v 6 “grace which He has given us in the One he loves” In verses 11 and 12 Paul develops this theme of DESTINY and DIVINE PURPOSE a little more especially with regard to himself and the other apostles. He wants us to rejoice in the CERTAINTY of it. If God has set His love upon us, if God has chosen us, then he has emphatically arranged it all so that we meet His requirements and bring Him all the praise. Our human will and our imperfect understanding may jib at it that God should organise our lives for us – but He does. Nothing is going to stand in the way of His plan for His family. As our Lord did so do we acknowledge: “Your will be done!” Paul goes on – REDEEMED

v7

7 In

him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. God’s plan does not ignore our sinful nature and our guilt – it meets head on in the the work of Christ the problem of our sin. redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins This is the plan as seen from God’s side if you like. It is all in Christ, all of grace, and as such it is UNSTOPPABLE, CERTAIN, SURE! All the OT ideas of sacrifice and redemption and salvation meet in the work of Christ redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins I am not yet like my Lord – but I will be! I cannot bring it out by my effort or my deserving – but it is gloriously real in CHRIST.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ So I am not surprised by the last part of that PLAN:-

REVEALED

v9

9 And

hea made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. CHOSEN – PREDESTINED – REDEEMED – REVEALED He made known to us…. That is the fourth part of this great plan – as God designs the Body of Christ to bear His likeness and to demonstrate His grace We are SHOWN what He is doing PURPOSED IN CHRIST Once again the wonder of the plan is centred in CHRIST and expressed in two ways: The wonder shared 9 And

hea made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, The future glory shown 10 to

be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. What a view of God’s design! chosen,

predestined,

redeemed,

revealed

These are the works and wonders that God has done.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Now Paul turns to the similar wonders of our response: THE PROCESS

in vv 13 and 14

The Process

Heard, believed, marked and owned:13 And

you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. As we noted earlier, in verses 11 and 12 Paul writes of himself as part of that plan, and now tells us (with the churches to whom he wrote this letter) our EXERIENCE of this wonderful design: You also were included in Christ… How? The plan outlined in such majestic terms is now expressed in language that tells of our response: HEARD v 13 when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. As we were reminded on Sunday last – the Gospel has been going out into the world ever since our Lord’s disciples were first baptised in the Spirit and sent out to share it. It reached the province of Asia, as it had done the towns of Collosse and Ephesus – so it moved into Europe and Philippi – and, down through the ages in which that Plan has been working out His purposes the gospel reached these shores and our times – and us. We HEARD. When did you first hear? Ah! Part of the plan that was. We heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation. Page 8 of 11

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ What had been a design in the very heart of Creator God is now applied to ME! And after hearing comes: BELIEVED

v 13b

Having believed… With what simplicity does the reality of my faith In the Gospel get stated. I responded to the Gospel – as you did. And in that glorious instance God worked in me by His grace a wonder that one day will be celebrated in the Coming again of My Lord! There’s no doubt about it! And what happened next? MARKED v 13b Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, The work of the Holy Spirit memorably described as a seal set on the believer – marking him out as His But notice that the mark is “in Him” - although the language suggests a “seal” as used to denote ownership or “quality” the focus of the Holy Spirit’s work is still upon Christ. As the Message renders it: It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. (The Message) As John 6 27

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ 27 Do

not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

2 Cor 1 20 2 Cor 1 20 20 For

no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Eph 4 30 And

do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. and, finally:OWNED

v 14

Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 2 Cor 1 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor 5 5 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. This is evidently a favourite analogy of Paul. There can be no escaping the certainty of which he writes.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Having soared above the natural world, having fixed the certainty of God’s plan in eternity and the heavenly places in Christ, Paul brings us down to the individual witness of the Holy Spirit in our own lives and hearts. Know this – the apostle is saying – all your hopes of salvation and the future, all your expectation of a final likeness to Jesus – these things are guaranteed by the PLAN and the PROCESS of God’s work in us – in Christ. Whatever the world may throw at me, however I may be challenged by circumstances or by the world around me – my God designed it, has determined it will be and has set His love on me and completed His work in Christ for me. Now by the Spirit – completing a Trinity of work on my behalf – it is so! Against any background of uncertainty I am encouraged to see the Church – local and universal – from the perspective of God’s Plan and His process for our inclusion. I am encouraged to soar above the mundane and the troublesome, to catch a glimpse of a Divine Purpose and a Divine Process. We too often see the church from the pew – or even the pulpit, when we should be looking away to Jesus in whom the Church has its life and being. I believe that we need as a group of God’s people to set aside those things that have disturbed us and focus on our Lord. I am not saying that you have not been doing that in previous months. I am not suggesting that this means a setting aside of all the lessons you have learned recently. I am saying that we need to gather at His feet who knows what is best for us. We need to set right our relationship with Him – then our relationship with one another. We have to stop seeing the Church from our own limited perspective, or even by comparison with other churches that seem less troubled by schism and hurt. We need to see ourselves as IN CHRIST first. He will not ultimately allow His plan to be thwarted He may allow us to step out of the way – or deviate from what He most desires for us, but His plan is secure, His process certain in the whole godhead – Father Son and Spirit. This realignment of our spiritual life is the subject of Paul’s prayer in the next paragraph (vv 15-22) – it is also the subject, God willing, of our next study.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 2

EMPOWERED 15

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirita of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way. Chapter 1 vv 15-23 In a passage which reminds us of the Early Church’s emphasis on the resurrection power of Jesus, Paul shows us the hallmarks of the Christian’s life in Christ. We may summarise these in the following way: o Faith mixed with love o Constant Prayer o A deeper knowledge of Jesus and o A place in His Church

v15 v16 vv 17,18 and 19 vv 18,22 and 23

First of all take a look at the verses before us. Notice how the prayer leads into a general statement about the power that works in the believer. Can you see where the prayer ends and the statement begins? Almost exactly half way through, in the middle of verse 19. Study 2 : Page 1 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ We shouldn’t be surprised at that. Real prayer like that which Paul describes always leads on to a better understanding of the nature of the Lord Himself. You will find it in all his letters – and mixed with doctrine and thanksgiving. So then where does the strength to live a Christian life come from? Essentially the power of the Risen Jesus – but expressed to us here firstly in:-

FAITH MIXED WITH LOVE

v 15

15

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

These are the hallmarks of the believer: Faith in Jesus Love for others Paul has already told us where that FAITH began

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, v13 (See also 2 v 8; 3 v 12, 14; 4 v 12; 6 v 15) How do you recognise this faith in yourself? It shows itself in the work of the Spirit, a relationship with Christ. How do you recognise it in others? Possibly by words of witness and arguably by works of righteousness – but here in this passage the emphasis is upon FAITH mixed with LOVE. Although faith in Jesus is the touchstone of the spiritual life it MUST be worked out in LOVE. And not a love in isolation but “for all the saints” Study 2 : Page 2 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Faith Christ Jesus always opens the way to a wider fellowship - as in verse 19: 19

and his incomparably great power for us who believe

CONSTANT PRAYER

v 16

16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you … As in Chapter 3 14-19, PRAYER – fervent and focussed prayer is the feature of Paul’s ministry for these believers. I have not stopped … Even when fresh challenges, new churches, new areas of service presented themselves, Paul carried an immense weight of burden in prayer for those with whom he had shared the Gospel. I have said elsewhere that I find prayer the hardest of all spiritual disciplines. I find it hard to imagine how Paul could remain constant in prayer for his contacts. Of course you could say it was just a general prayer appropriate to any and everyone – but that does not seem to be the way with the apostle. He frequently alludes to specific individuals and specific needs. He uses many different kinds of prayer. Here in this passage we have THREE COMPONENTS: (1) (2) (3)

Giving thanks Asking Praying also

v16 v17 v18

16

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirita of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that …

17

Study 2 : Page 3 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ GIVING THANKS Paul always mixes his prayers with thanksgiving. Here he claims “I have never stopped giving thanks for you…” Paul’s model is a good one for us as individuals and for the church. Phil 1 v 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 3

Col 1 v 3~ 3

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. Clearly this was a phrase that Paul used frequently. A sequence of related thoughts that he tends to unite in a common pattern for his own prayer. ASKING I know that some believers get confused about how we should ASK. Some set limits on the kinds of things you may ask for – others suggest that ANYTHING can be the subject of supplication. Certainly our Lord Himself seemed to invite any kind of request – he speaks of prayer as the natural language of our relationship with the Father. Paul has no hesitation – having thanked His Lord – in getting down to the business of ASKING that God will do certain things for the (Ephesian) Church. We’ll look at that in a moment or two as we take a closer look at his aspirations for the Lord’s people. But for this moment consider the possibilities of PRAYER REQUESTS. Notice how Paul says “keep asking” – he has taken the teaching of His lord to heart. Study 2 : Page 4 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ PRAYING ALSO The words are supplied by the NIV to make sense of the next long sentence. Prayer is an extended conversation in which many areas are revisited. God is – according to the OT pattern – constantly reminded of His previous faithfulness and ASKED again and again for present faithfulness and help. Prayer continues that work begun in us by faith. It deepens our awareness and understanding of the Lord and expresses itself in love. As we look at what Paul ASKED for the Ephesian (and Colossian) churches we see further evidence of the hallmarks of the Christian life.

A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST 17,18,19 17

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirita of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe Compare this with his words in Colossians: 9

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Paul’s first strand of request for these believers is indeed a deeper knowledge of Christ. v 17 so that you may know Him better The secret of a vibrant Christian life is knowing more of Jesus by the working of His Spirit. “the spirit of wisdom and revelation”. As Paul desired for himself: in Phil 3 v 10 10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Study 2 : Page 5 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ In the next verse Paul expands that phrase “know Him better”: v 18 that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened… …that you may know the hope to which He has called you … …the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints… …his incomparably great power for us who believe… It begins in the heart It embraces the hope of our calling It measures the richness of our inheritance It tests the power of God in believers’ lives This is no mere academic knowledge – but a heart response to the heart of God. A wisdom that reaches out in admiration of God’s calling to a special hope Which is (implied) the vast resources of His inheritance in the believing community It is a powerful force beyond our comparison. All of this is a knowledge of Him A return to BASIC UNDERSTANDING

of Jesus Himself of all He has done of all He promises us in the future of the power of His risen life in us.

This thought of knowing Christ leads Paul on to explore the wonder in his own words. It seems he is taken up with that word POWER. This makes the natural connection between his prayer and his presentation, between verses 15-19a and 19b – 23 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised

him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way.

Study 2 : Page 6 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Paul leaves us in no doubt that the POWER that drives the Christian life, the power that drives the Christian community forwards is the RESURRECTION POWER – and even more than that ASCENSION POWER. In considering the knowledge of His Lord Paul sees Christ

RISING SEATED ABOVE ALL OVER ALL

Our hope and our daily spiritual life is lived in nothing less than the “mighty strength” of God demonstrated in the rising, ascending and triumphing work of Christ. It is – as we saw last time ALL IN CHRIST. As He is “on the up” – so are we! So Paul concludes his prayer and his presentation of the alignment of the spiritual life IN CHRIST by showing us that that life includes:-

A PLACE IN HIS CHURCH v18, 22 and 23 v 18

the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

v 22 & 23 22

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way. It is difficult to find words that describe the Church to equal what Paul says here. As we move with the risen, ascended and majestic Christ into the heavenly places language is strained to express the meaning of what it is to be PART OF HIM – to be truly IN CHRIST If you want to see the Church as God sees it you must see Christ. You must also lose the preoccupation with the foreground issues that splinter and divide, and see the vast background tapestry on which is woven the immense wonder of the Body of Christ. No way can we see this from pew or pulpit – we have to rise with Him and, as Paul says to the Colossians Study 2 : Page 7 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ “Set your mind on things above”

(An excellent College motto – LBC)

But it begins (v18) with the folk we know…

(A) the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints Notice this is not OUR inheritance – it is His glorious inheritance – in us! Of course we share it – but in a wonderful way WE are His inheritance We are meant to shine in the reflected wonder of those RICHES {This word is used repeatedly in this letter: 1,7 1,18 2,7 3,8 3,16

usually of grace, or glory or of Christ Himself}

(B) head over everything for the church, This must surely reassure us – put our problems into perspective – he is head over EVERYTHING (C) 23 which is his body,

See 1 Cor 12 27~

12

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptised bya one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part uffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1

There is a wonderful echo here of the Communion Table “This is My Body”. 1

Believers as the Body of Christ Rom. 12:3–5; 1 Cor. 6:15–17; 1 Cor. 10:16–17; 1 Cor. 11:29; 1 Cor. 12:27; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:22–23; Eph. 4:11–13; Eph. 4:22–25; Col. 1:24; Col. 2:19

Study 2 : Page 8 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ SUMMARY So we see the measure of the Christian life – the EMPOWERMENT of the believer as an individual and as a member of the Body. By FAITH and LOVE By PRAYER in its various forms By a DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS and By FELLOWSHIP IN THE CHURCH – Which is His body.

Next week, God willing we move on to a series of “Greats” in the first half of Chapter 2.

Study 2 : Page 9 of 9

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 3

A GREAT LIFE 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful naturea and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. EPHESIANS 2 vv 1-10 1

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye 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: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desiresa of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordainedb that we should walk in them. AV Here in this wonderful section of Ephesians – the letter to any and every Church – we can see FOUR GREATS: Study 3 : Page 1 of 7

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

1.

Great CHANGE

2.

Great LOVE

3.

Great GRACE

4.

Great WORKMANSHIP

GREAT CHANGE

vv 1-3 v 5a v4 vv 5b, 7,8,9 v10

vv 1-3 and 5a

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful naturea and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But…5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions… {AV

1

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;}

Paul frequently reminds his hearers of what they were like before God transformed them by His Holy Spirit in saving grace. This is so that they can give all the praise to God for what He has done in Christ. He tells them here that there were FOUR characteristics of their state before grace transformed them and made them alive: (a)

DEAD

That is, spiritually dead just as God had warned Adam and Eve in Eden – a deadness of disobedience and sin. An existence characterised by slavery to sin and helplessness

“dead in your transgressions and sins”

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ This hope is rooted in what has gone before in Chapter 1 15-23 – where Paul presents a picture of Christ rising, ascended, glorified and triumphant. Because He lives – we may live. (b)

SUBJECT TO SATAN

2

in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

We may live in an era where Satan is sidelined – but the reality is quite different. Paul makes it clear that before God’s gospel reached us we followed HIS WAYS and HE STILL WORKS in those who have not believed.. Secondly – Paul shows us that it is not merely a sinful nature – but sinful living that made us subject to God’s judgement. (c)

SUBJECT TO EVIL WAYS AND THOUGHTS

3

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful naturea and following its desires and thoughts.

The effects of sin and Satan in our lives permeated everything – cravings, desires and thoughts. (d)

SUBJECT TO JUDGEMENT

Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. V 3b We were indeed dead – dying – and deserving of judgement. BUT all that changed – was a very great change – to what we are now in Christ

But…5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions… What a GREAT CHANGE!

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

GREAT LOVE

v4

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions WHY?

because He loved

HOW?

because He loved us so much

WHEN?

When we were dead in transgressions

WHAT?

He MADE US ALIVE with CHRIST

Paul makes it very clear that the work, motive and initiative is ALL OF GOD “Nothing in my hands I bring Simply to Thy cross I cling…” Because He loved me so much: 1

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: 1 JOHN 3 v 1

And anticipating a later section:

EPH 3 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (1) (2) (3)

rooted and established in love the vastness of that love the knowing of a love that surpasses knowledge!

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

GREAT GRACE

5b 7, 8 and 9

it is by grace you have been saved. . . . 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast. GRACE has been described as the smile of God. It is much more than that – it is all the character of God poured out on undeserving sinners to transform them into saints – into nothing less than the Body of Christ. It is the GIFT of God that cannot be earned or won And although it operates through faith (verse 8) even that faith is in God’s gift. (1)

By GREAT GRACE we are rescued

(2) Grace does not wear out or grow dim – nor ever lose its value – on the contrary one day He will demonstrate His grace in us. . 7

in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. What are these riches? They shine in what we will be in Christ They are expressed now in “his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (3)

Grace is

never never never never

earned deserved substituted failing

It is ALL OF GOD so that no one can boast.

— 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast Do we need such a reminder? Yes, emphatically – for we are prone to pride even in this. Study 3 : Page 5 of 7

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

GREAT WORKMANSHIP 6, 7 and 10 . 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. There are two strands to this theme: An expectation – or prospect of being celebrated in Christ vv 6 and 7 A present recognition of a past and perfect plan

v10

seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, (a)

A place beside Him! What a prospect! Sharing His glory – contributing to His triumph.

(b)

Evidence of God’s incomparable Grace

This is something we often miss because we are preoccupied with OUR BENEFITS in Him. He intends to exhibit us as evidence of HIS GREAT WORK OF GRACE A living evidence of the kindness of God to us in Christ Jesus 7

in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

(c)

GOD’S WORKMANSHIP Study 3 : Page 6 of 7

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. The two great themes of PREDESTINATION and SANCTIFICATION meet in this statement. This is our end and chief joy – to do good works as He intended This is the way His plan is worked out now. Paul will make it clear elsewhere that we are designed to do good works – but that those works are God working out His plan and purpose in us. So then there is a PRESENT EXPECTATION and a FUTURE EXPECTATION Today it is required of us that we do good works. That we demonstrate in our daily lives the wonderful way in which we have been transformed – so that in a world of sin and sinners we may be seen as evidence of Gods plan to work for good. And in the glorious future - IN THE AGES TO COME - we shall celebrate with Him, and our lives will be a living example of the perfection of His grace. We have a GREAT GOD - a GREAT SAVIOUR – risen, ascended, triumphant He works GREAT WORKS in us A great CHANGE Great LOVE Great GRACE and

Great WORKMANSHIP

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 4

THROUGH THE CROSS

2

11 Therefore,

remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. In our earlier studies we saw the way in which Paul focuses on the resurrection of Christ – here the focus changes to the Cross. The paragraphs as set out in the NIV provide three sections: What you were… But now … through the cross What you are …

11-13 14-18 19-22

Paul’s main point is made in v13: 13 But

now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ If you like verse 13 is his text – and the text is expounded in those three paragraphs. It is not a popular message in these days – speaking as it does of the work of Christ in terms of “the blood of Christ.” Paul, who is writing mainly to Gentile Christians focuses first on what they were; then on what Christ did and finally what they are becoming.

1.

WHAT YOU WERE

vv 11-13

The keyword is “LOST” Paul lived in a world of clearly marked categories: slave or free; Jew or Gentile etc. The idea of an egalitarian society was foreign to him. Paul had first hand experience of the JEW-GENTILE issue. The fact that Jews were in a minority was not a problem – if you were a Gentile, then your were LOST. Once again our so called tolerant society is becoming polarised along similar lines. Paul’s first description of the unbeliever’s state is in terms of JEW and GENTILE – for which he uses the word “uncircumcised” – and those familiar with the OT narrative of David and Goliath will know the contemptuous way in which that word is used. (1Samuel 17 v 36) He goes on: SEPARATE from The Messiah EXCLUDED from citizenship in Israel FOREIGNERS to the covenants of the promise These are words full of alienation and outsider – what he later describes as “FAR AWAY” in v13. But, just in case we miss the point, he presses his argument home with: WITHOUT HOPE WITHOUT GOD in the world…..

TRULY LOST! Page 2 of 5

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

2.

BUT NOW … THROUGH THE CROSS

vv13-18

The Work of Christ is described in a set of powerful phrases: (a)

There can be no reconciliation without suffering and sacrifice

(i) (ii)

Through the blood of Christ through the cross

(b)

It is not so much the PROCESS of the Redeemer as the PERSON of the REDEEMER

These verses (13-18) are full of Christ He himself… his flesh … his purpose … He came … preached peace… (c)

The TRINITY is at work 18 For

through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Notice then how Paul variously describes this wonderful work: (d)

Making peace

He Himself is our peace v14 He came and preached peace to both parties v17 (e)

Breaking down barriers

Barriers due to sin hostility Barriers due to “class” Barriers between man and God (f) 15 by

Abolishing a law which found us guilty abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.

Once again it is the cross that is in view: “in His flesh..”

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ (g)

Creating a new man

His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, Paul seems to have two areas of the work of Christ in mind: REDEMPTIVE & RESTORATIVE

dealing with sin dealing with distinction

This emphasis lays the foundation for the teaching about CHURCH UNITY later. With that in mind he changes the metaphor in his third paragraph:

3.

BUILT TOGETHER

vv 19-22

19 Consequently,

you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. See how his phrases make the transition: v 19 fellow citizens … members of God’s household …

>> BUILDING

Once again there are three parts: A people A building A temple A permanent expression of what Christ has achieved (once for all) in His work on the Cross. (a)

No longer foreigners!

fellow-citizens members of God’s household

19 the broader picture the intimate family snapshot

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ (b)

Built on the ONE foundation

20 built

on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. historically and by Divine plan and destiny apostles … prophets …. Christ the chief cornerstone Fulfilling the OT expectations and the NT Gospel (c)

HELD TOGETHER IN CHRIST 21 In

him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. He beautifully blends the pictures of

building and temple habitation for the Spirit inorganic and organic stone and spirit

So Paul moves from what we were to what we are and what we will be. And all of it in Christ who suffered on the cross. ---------------

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 5

PAUL THE PREACHER

3

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. INTRODUCTION When we began this series of studies I commented on the very long sentences that Paul uses – and how difficult they are to read in public, even in translation. (Verses 2-7 and 8-12 form single sentences in the Greek.) This chapter (which is the last of three doctrinal chapters in the book) demonstrates a similar difficulty. Paul begins by introducing a prayer in verse 1 – but the prayer doesn’t appear until verse 14! What we have for our present study is pretty much a parenthesis. Before he shares his prayer for these people he will go on a detour in which he will describe the way God involved him in His plan and gave him a particular ministry This “parenthesis” provides us with an insight into what he regarded as his ministry to them – and therefore an insight into the nature of the Christian Ministry. Page 2 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ I am sure you will agree that that makes the passage before us particularly relevant as we consider the nature of the Christian ministry. STRUCTURE I like to know where I am going in an exposition – and for that reason I tend to be somewhat tied to a structure. I know it isn’t the only way to preach or to teach – but it is my preferred method. I offer you the following division of the passage: ℵ The subject of his preaching

verses 2 - 6

ℵ The method of his preaching

verses 7 - 11

ℵ The outcome of his preaching

verses 12 and 13

But first of all look again at the opening words – which, we might argue, more properly belong to the next section. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— We are reminded of Paul’s situation as he writes. More than likely chained to a Roman soldier, and dictating his letter in the presence of such a gaoler and such evident difficulty. At once Paul asserts his view of this difficulty – he is not the prisoner of the Romans but the prisoner of Christ Jesus. (A phrase repeated twice in Philemon – another letter written at the same period.) “Christ Jesus’ man imprisoned (that is what is meant by prisoner of Christ Jesus, not that Jesus is the jailer!)1 He often describes himself as the SLAVE of Jesus – but here it is prisoner. He has done so in many other letters – but here his introductory title is “apostle” and his reference is to imprisonment. We notice too the link with the Gentiles: “For the sake of you Gentiles” – Paul’s imprisonment arouse directly from his specific ministry to the gentiles of which these 1

Carson, D. (1997, c1994). New Bible Commentary : 21st century edition (electronic ed. of the 4th ed.) (Eph 3:14). Downers Grove: InterVarsity.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ verses will have much to say. Because of that particular ministry Paul was accused by the Jews and imprisoned by Rome. “For this reason…” takes us forward to the prayer. It also reminds us of the verses just before that spoke so eloquently of the Gentiles being included into the temple and the building and the community and family of the Church. Paul is saying “I’m here in prison – but that is part of God’s plan – His way of using me for you Gentiles. Let me tell you a little about it…” And so he does, and in the passage before us presents us with this threefold description of his ministry:

THE SUBJECT OF HIS PREACHING

verses 2-6

2

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. There is obviously a distinction here between preaching in general and the particular ministry of the apostle. He wants us to know that God gave him a unique ministry. “A mystery made known to me by revelation..” (3) Paul wants his readers to understand that what had been denied to all others – even the Old Testament – has been given to him. This unique ministry – or mystery – is “…that through the gospel

the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” This was Paul’s distinctive ministry.

Of course, in the broadest sense it was to preach Christ. It was the gospel. But it was specifically for the Gentiles. And it is easy for us who take possession of Paul and his writings; to regard him as “one of us” – but he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. For Paul the message demanded a specific vision, a specific revelation – a mystery shared by God with His chosen apostle. Page 4 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ So you will notice as Paul explains this to his readers that he shares with us these strands of the gospel truth that motivated everything he did. MYSTERY We use this word in such a different context nowadays that it deserves a closer look. Back in Chapter 1 v 9 Paul has used the word: 9

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. He now uses it four times in our passage 3, 4 6 and 9. It is something that can only be known by revelation. In that sense Jesus spoke to His disciples in Luke 8 v 10 (and Matthew and Mark) 10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. It is something hidden from those who do not know the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It is not like a modern mystery simply waiting to be unravelled or explained. So here Paul uses it like this:

the mystery made known to me by revelation

3

my insight into the mystery of Christ,

4

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 6 The ordinary sense of the word is something hidden from general view – the NT sense is truth revealed by God Himself. As in Col 2 v 26:

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ 26

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ADMINISTRATION (NIV)

STEWARDSHIP (AV)

v 2 the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, The word is that from which we derive ECONOMY – at a personal level a stewardship committed, on a wider scale a system for organising wealth. Paul sees his ministry as an “administration of God’s grace” by which God gave him an insight into the mystery so that he might share it. “Given to me FOR you” There is nothing ad hoc about Ministry – it has a divine origin, a divine subject and a God ordained audience. Those who are called to it know the mystery – are aware of the solemn stewardship of it, and recognise that it is for the Lord’s people. Of course it bestows privilege – as it did to the prophets of old – but with that privilege, and our recognition of the office goes a solemn ECONOMY – both an individual stewardship and a collective administration. Verse 6 shows us the three-fold strand of his ministry: 6

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. The mystery is about the Gentiles who are: 1. 2. 3.

heirs together with Israel members together of one body sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

THE METHOD OF HIS PREACHING

VV 7 — 11

7

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

You will notice in this paragraph two very unusual words: v 8 “unsearchable” v10 “manifold”

ἀνεξιχνίαστος πολυποίκιλος

The thought of our riches in Christ Jesus is one the hallmark phrases of the letter – but Paul here uses a most unusual word “unsearchable” which ties in perfectly with the phrases he will use in his prayer presently. The word is only found here and in Romans and in Job (in the Septuagint) : ROMANS 11 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen. 33

Job 5 v 9 and 9 v 10

9

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

The thought is of trying to “track out the confines of a lake and finding it is in fact no lake at all but an arm of the immeasurable ocean” (Jowett) Today we would probably want to use the expanse of space as a better analogy.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ The second unusual word is “manifold” v10 πολυποίκιλος The word is found only here – but is used elsewhere to describe the varied colours of an individual flower or a bed of flowers – or the intricate beauty of an embroidered pattern. (It suggests to me (being that way inclined) the many different coloured pixels of which an image is composed on a digital screen.)

In this paragraph Paul describes the way he preaches: 7

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ℵ Dependent ℵ Privileged ℵ Professional DEPENDENT

7 8 8,9,10,11 preach…make plain …make known through the Church

v7

7

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Paul makes it plain that in the same way that his subject is by divine inspiration his life as a preacher depends entirely on God’s grace and His power. He describes himself as a “servant of this gospel” – he is entirely given over to it. In the next verse he enlarges on this: PRIVILEGED

v8

. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Page 8 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ True preaching has to begin with humility – as the prophet speaks not his own words but the word of the Lord – so the preacher begins with a totally realistic view of his own status. This is the balance between humility and honour – a real sense of privilege : I am nothing but the message is everything. Here too is the thought of an utterly bottomless, unlimited range of material from which to speak. PROFESSIONAL vv 8-11 to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Notice the phrases Paul uses to describe his technique: ℵ to preach … ℵ to make plain … ℵ through the church…made known ℵ Evangelize

εὐαγγελίζω

ℵ Illuminate

φωτίζω

Both elements are needed – the evangelising and the making plain. Once the gospel is preached there must be growth in discipleship so Paul’s ministry includes both strands. You can see that the second strand does not stay in the shallows – but pushes out into the deeper water of that which was kept hidden by the Creator. In the third strand Paul shows us that the ministry extends through the whole church:

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ 10

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If the word is to reach rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms then it is a work of God in His Church - by its worship, witness and its salting influence. There is little point in preaching unless the Gospel is declared, the saints enlightened, and the world reached by the Church as a whole. Finally we see in the closing phrases of our passage:

THE OUTCOME OF HIS PREACHING

VV 12,13

12

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. We noticed in v 11 that the ministry affects the spiritual beings – but it’s effect upon the Body of Christ is a community of the Lord’s people ℵ who approach God with freedom and confidence ℵ who are not discouraged by what happens – in particular to their apostle Paul because the Lord who planned the revealing of His mystery and equipped Paul to minister it has their GLORY in mind.

© David A Green BD www.davidagreen.com Feb 2003

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 6

PAUL THE PRAYER Chapter 3 verses 14-21 14

For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. This is not the first prayer of Paul in this letter. It is worth placing both prayers side by side: Chapter 1 15-19, and our passage 3 14-21 15

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

14

For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ (You might also want to take this exercise a stage further and compare the prayers in Colossians, Ephesians and Philippians – and for that reason I have printed them out for you side by side.) Notice than in both the prayers in this book Paul links his praying to their experience and their need. Both prayers begin with the phrase “For this reason…” – as indeed does the prayer in Colossians. Both prayers present a broadly similar range of requests centred in the indwelling Christ. Both focus on the power of God. Here are the strands of each prayer teased out: OPENING PRAYER

THIS PRAYER

that God may give you.. wisdom…so that you may know Him better

that He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit…

that your heart may be enlightened … to know Him better

that Christ may dwell in your hearts

the eyes of your heart...be enlightened …to know the hope

be rooted and established in love …to know the love of Christ…

…the riches

…his love that surpasses knowledge

…the power

…filled (with) the fullness of God The doxology.

Of course it is all about KNOWING CHRIST and THE POWER OF CHRIST – and that reaches a crescendo in the doxology which has already occupied us this year in our motto text.1 So in this study we can allow ourselves the luxury of a closer examination of the words of this prayer – verses 14 – 19. 1

Sermon: “Immeasurably more…” 29 Dec 2002 am

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ 14

For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole familya in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God. In these six verses we have much to learn about the way Paul prayed, as well as his prayer requests for this group of believers. The The The The

attitude of his praying focus of his praying subject of his praying climax of his praying

“I kneel…” “the Father….” knowing Christ deeply and fully the doxology of verses 20 and 21

The Attitude of Paul’s Praying “For this reason I kneel before the Father….” This is not the common attitude of a Jew praying. You will remember the story that Jesus told about the Pharisee and the publican at prayer. Both are standing. Luke 8 11,13. Compare this with Mk 11:25: 24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

(In Gen 18 22 – Abraham stands and 1Chron 17 6 – David sits) In the New Testament “bending the knee” is used of homage or worship – and then only by Paul, and in each case as part of an Old Testament quotation. (Ro 11:3; Ro 14:11; Phil 2:10 – quoting from 1Kings and Isaiah.) Clearly Paul wants to stress the force of his praying, like his Master in Mt 26 19. Psalm 95 v 6 comes to mind: 6

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Study Six - Page 4 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

The Focus of Paul’s Praying

the Father

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For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. Paul reminds us that prayer is addressed to the Father. The pattern prayer reminds us of that. There is little evidence of prayer addressed “to” Jesus, and even less of prayer addressed “to” the Holy Spirit. It is a family conversation – and this is borne out by the verse that follows. If you are using the AV or the NKJV you will know that the translators have included the phrase “of our Lord Jesus Christ” – most translations leave that phrase out, not because it is not appropriate – but because there is little textual warrant for it. But what is striking is the description of the Father that follows: From whom his whole family in heaven and earth derives its name NIV NKJV From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named RSV Paul has used the phrase “Father of glory” or “glorious Father” in the earlier prayer – here he expands on that to embrace the godly in every generation. (Although some have tried to see a reference to the heavenly “family” of angelic beings in glory.) The word used is that from which we obtain PATRIARCH – and a reference to Abraham in Genesis 12 2 and 3 is appropriate: 2

“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Our Lord’s commentary on the Fatherhood of God is found in John 8 – where the reference to Abraham and the family of God is spoken about clearly. God is the God of relationships – and from Him every concept and rule of family and earthly groupings derives. The sense of family is important in Paul’s stress on unity.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ

The subject of Paul’s Praying 16

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God. One sentence across four verses, which revisits Paul’s favourite word in this letter “riches” and concentrates upon the work of the power of God in the believer. This is indeed at the heart of “Life in the Body of Christ” which we have taken for our title to this series. The central thoughts are expressed in the verbs: strengthen indwell have power grasp know

16 17 18 18 19

and summed up in the closing phrase before the doxology: “Filled with all the fulness of God.” Paul is asking for this group of Christians a deeper knowledge of God and to that end he asks the Father to empower them as only He can. In that sense his prayer here directly mirrors his earlier prayer that God will give them the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” (Ch.1 v 17). It is – as our Lord Himself told us “the Father’s good pleasure to GIVE us the Kingdom” – so Paul is building his prayer upon the very character of God and the promise of God to give. If you look at these verses in a different way you will see where the work of God is focussed: in your inner being in your hearts in your minds (“..to know…”) Study Six - Page 6 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ We must not separate the reality of God’s working into aspects that appeal either to heart (emotions) or mind (knowing and grasping) for we are created to feel and to know, to experience and to “grasp” the rich giving of the Father. Neither must we perceive of this work of God as something for the individual only. As elsewhere in the letter Paul wants us to “have power, together with all the saints…” (18) (see also the earlier prayer, also verse 18 in chapter 1) The work of God is seen here “in the heart” as it was in Chapter 2 an indwelling by the Spirit of the Church as temple of God. How easily as individual believers we distinguish between the way God works in our emotional feeling beings and our intellectual and reasoning activities – but God wants to possess the whole not the part. How easily too as individual believers we focus on the work of God with us as individuals and fail to see that His is a FAMILY WORK with the whole Body of Christ. Perhaps in the light of Paul’s prayer we should ask searching questions about our experience of the power of God in our lives: How do I recognise His strengthening me in my inner being? How am I aware of Christ dwelling in my heart through faith? How am I rooted and established in love? How much do I know of the power that helps me to explore all the dimensions of the love of Christ? In short: How do I know that I am filled to the measure of all the fulness of God? I believe that we do experience the work of the Spirit at a deep personal level, we do know the indwelling Christ in our individual lives through faith – but there are deeper and more wonderful realities waiting to be experienced – not in isolation – but “WITH ALL THE SAINTS”. All of our society concentrates on the personal and the individual – and this affects our spiritual lives too. We can and do experience God in our hearts – but we are in danger of missing out on the blessings that come to the family together. Study Six - Page 7 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ Paul’s requests for the Ephesians show us the possibilities that exist within the Father heart of God for us – less as individuals and more as part of the Body of Christ. He is praying for “Life in the Body of Christ” His requests from the middle of verse 17 are to be answered in the Church together: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God. We have been reminded about revival recently. That is a phenomenon of the Church together isn’t it? Yes, God can revive my slow, unfeeling, unresponsive heart – but revival is a function of the Holy Spirit at work in the Body of Christ. It is something He does in His family – in His people – in The Church. I doubt very much if we may hope to see Paul’s prayers for us answered if we remain divided, or preoccupied with individual matters. Being rooted and established in love is something which is to be seen when I know the riches of Christ applied to me within the body of fellow believers. That’s where love is tested – and where it grows. I may have power – but God intends me to have it “together with all the saints” so that – AS A GROUP we may grasp how immense is the Love of Christ, and know not just for myself – but for the CHURCH AS A WHOLE the love that surpasses one man’s knowledge. So I suggest to you that there are things God longs to do for us that will only be realised as we recognise our part within the whole, as we are “rooted and established in love”. We return to another earlier sermon – “And have not love”2 so that we may have that uniquely shared power that belongs to the saints together to know what would otherwise remain beyond our knowledge “His love … filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.” And where are we most likely to find that? When we are together. In worship – at His table – in a common desire to pray down the blessing of God upon us – no 2

Sermon 16 Feb 2003 AM 1 Cor 13.

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Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ longer separated by distance or age or differing backgrounds – but brought together in both WORSHIP and CORPORATE PRAYER. Paul – who was uniquely placed to see the Lord at work in His church – in His churches – whether at Corinth or Rome or Colossae or Philippi or Ephesus – prays these great supplications for the believers he knows – because he recognises that that is what the Father desires for His family. And so the requests mounting up to God and finding an echo in the great Heart of the Almighty provoke from the apostle:

The Climax of Paul’s Praying

verses 20-21

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Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. A great doxology – a paean of praise. He does not conclude: All this is highly unlikely All this is unreasonable to expect All this is beyond the grasp of these people No! He concludes this is what God Himself desires the IMMEASURABLY MORE. The work not of a few enthusiasts, or a few active believers, or a handful of dedicated workers, but the work of HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US! To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus – Amen! Study Six - Page 9 of 10

Ephesians Life in the Body of Christ COLOSSIANS CHAP 1 : 3 We

always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

EPHESIANS CHAP1 : 15 For

this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirita of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way. ----CHAP 3 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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PHILIPPIANS CHAP 1 : 3 I

thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Key: Thanksgiving Intercession Doxology