Through The Bible - English - 53 (Ephesians-1) by Zac Poonen
Summary
Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes that true Christian life must be rooted in one's spiritual position in Christ, not merely external imitation of Christ's works. The speaker argues that believers must move beyond simply acknowledging forgiveness and focus on growing into spiritual maturity. He stresses that a life lived on earth must reflect a heavenly mindset, with the foundation of this life being found in the spiritual realities described in the first three chapters of Ephesians.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why is Ephesians a unique letter?Ephesians is perhaps the most spiritual letter written by Paul because the church in Ephesus was in a very spiritual state, allowing Paul to share deeper truths.
Living a heavenly life on earthA church and a Christian can only fulfill their purpose on earth by being heavenly-minded, unlike believers who stop at the forgiveness of sins.
The external Christ versus being in ChristMany admire the external Christ who healed the sick and helped the poor, but Ephesians speaks about being on the inside in Christ.
The structure of Ephesians: Foundation and superstructureThe first three chapters of Ephesians provide the foundation of our position in Christ, while chapters four to six provide the superstructure of how to walk.
First what God does in me, then what God does through meChapters one through three contain no commands, only what God has done for us, which must precede any work God does through us.
Blessed with every spiritual blessingGod has blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places through Christ, contrasting with the material blessings promised under the Old Covenant.
Claiming our spiritual inheritanceGod has given us every blessing of the Holy Spirit, much like a rich prince opening a joint account for a beggar, and we come to God solely in the name of Jesus.
Chosen before the foundation of the worldGod chose us in Christ before Genesis one to be holy and blameless before Him, rather than simply choosing us to go to heaven when we die.Genesis 1:1
Predestined to sonshipGod predestined us not to go to heaven or hell, but to the placement as mature, responsible sons in Christ.
The Holy Spirit as a downpaymentThe indwelling Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee and a downpayment that God will complete our ultimate redemption.
A prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelationPaul prays that God will give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Him, with the eyes of their heart enlightened.
The greatness of God's power in resurrectionThe greatest manifestation of God's power in the universe is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which lifts us up from the law of sin and death into heavenly places.
Becoming one body by breaking down barriersThrough His death on the cross, Jesus abolished the enmity between Jews and Gentiles to make them both one body in Christ.
A prayer for the power of the Holy SpiritPaul offers a second prayer for believers to be strengthened with power by the Holy Spirit in the inner man so that Christ may feel completely at home in their hearts.
