Ephesians Not written to correct a specific error or heresy. Intended to expand the hearer’s perception of the grace of God and his purpose for the Church. Paul wants us to comprehend the “heavenly” so that daily is effected.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship 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 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 reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, 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 put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you 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.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Who is Paul? Pharisee Hated Christians Became One Why is what he said important? Apostle – one commissioned by another to represent him in some way. God’s will To faithful Grace and Peace – from prison!

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. Blessed in the “heavenly realms” - v. 20 – Seated at right hand - Advocate – 1 John 2:1 - Mediator – 1 Tim. 2:5 Chosen before creation  holy and blameless in his sight. “in Christ” – used 11 times in verses “in” as belief? - “through” as by way of? YES!

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship 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. Predestined

Blessed in heavenly realms….through Christ (v.3) Chose us….through Christ (v.4) Predestined us….through Christ (v.5) Given Grace….through Christ (v.6) Redemption and forgiveness….through Christ (v.7) Makes known his plan….through Christ (v.9) Brings everything under control….through Christ (v.10) Gain an inheritance….through Christ (v.11) We have hope….through Christ (v.12) He lives within us as a guarantee….through Christ (v.13-14) God is the one who is acting and he is acting…..throug h Christ

In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship 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. Predestined – “pre-established boundaries.” Adopted. You have become an official member of the family with all the rights and privileges that come with it. -provision -training -protection -education -inheritance to the praise of his glorious grace.

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 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 reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Redemption and forgiveness !!! -If Paul felt this were limited, he would make the stipulations clear. He doesn’t. His will is made known to us!!! Everything will reach fulfillment in Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, 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 put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. His will – God is doing it if you haven’t noticed already. Hope… Literally, “to be the praise” – Praise =enthusiastic acknowledgement - not “praising” or speaking. All of who we are is praise God’s glory.

“God raised Jesus from the dead, to be sure, but that is not yet the full measure of God’s power or of our hope.” – Belief: A theological commentary on the Bible., Allen Verhey

11 In him we were also chosen, 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 put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. His will – God is doing it if you haven’t noticed already. Hope… Literally, “to be the praise” – Praise =enthusiastic acknowledgement - not “praising” or speaking. All of who we are is praise God’s glory.

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Well, because you can’t be included if you haven’t heard about Christ. Pisteuo -When you were convinced to the point of living your life differently. - “Thoughts and intents that are held within and not acted upon are not faith, no matter what we like to say.” – Mike Breen Sealed – authority and ownership

13 Cain said to the L ORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 But the L ORD said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the L ORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the L ORD ’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. – Genesis 4 ___________________________________________________________ 3 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. – Exodus 12

14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. “advance payment that guarantees the rest will be given.” Redemption – buying back what was previously forfeited/lost.