Ephesians 1 Wednesday Study

Ephesians Study – Week 1

Ephesians 1:1–2

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

I. Introduction to the Book of Ephesians

1. Author

• Apostle Paul

2. Audience

• Written to the church of Ephesus

3. Spiritual Climate of Ephesus

• A culture steeped in materialism, sensuality, and idolatrous practices

• Presence of the Roman Emperor cult

• Headquarters for the Roman goddess Artemis (Diana)

• Emphasis on self-enlightenment and spiritual pluralism

4. The Believers in Ephesus

• Faithful followers of Christ living counter-culturally in a spiritually hostile environment

II. A Praise-Worthy Posture Produced

Ephesians 1:3

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

III. Election and Predestination

Ephesians 1:4–5

4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

The Common Issue That Arises

• Did God choose some and not choose others?

• Did He determine ahead of time who will be saved and who will be banished to hell?

Key Truths to Hold Together:

• God is omniscient (all-knowing).

• People have a genuine choice to follow God (free will).

A. Election

1. Definition

• Election refers to God’s choice to claim for Himself a people based on their choice to accept His forgiveness and surrender to Jesus Christ.

• God chooses to accept those who willingly submit to Christ’s leadership and authority in their lives.

• Just because God knows all possibilities and eventual outcomes does not necessarily mean that He causes those outcomes.

2. Four Truths About Election

• Election is Christ-centered (Ephesians 1:4).

• Election is through the blood of the Son (Ephesians 1:7).

• Election is a broad, corporate term (1 Peter 2:9).

• Election is offered to all people (John 3:16–17).

B. Predestination

1. Definition

• Predestination refers to what God has determined will happen to His people.

• Predestination means God has decided beforehand what will result for those who are in Christ.

2. God Has Determined That Those Who Follow Him Will Be:

• Invited to know Him (Romans 8:30)

• Given right standing before God (Romans 3:24)

• Holy and without fault (Ephesians 1:4)

• Adopted into His family (Ephesians 1:5)

• Purchased by Christ (Ephesians 1:7)

• Recipients of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)

• Conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29)

• Created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10)

• Recipients of an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:14)

Key Clarification:

• Predestination is not individualized but refers to all who are part of the true Church (the body of Christ).

IV. Identity – Who We Are in Christ

1. Chosen and Adopted by the Father

Ephesians 1:4–6

4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.

2. Redeemed by the Son

Ephesians 1:7–12

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.

10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.

3. Sealed with the Spirit

Ephesians 1:13–14

13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.

14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him.

4. Given Resurrection Power

Ephesians 1:19–20

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power

20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

5. Given Eyes to See His Lordship

Ephesians 1:15–23

15 Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere,

16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly,

17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power

20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

21 Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church.

23 And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself.

Paul prays not that they would know more facts, but that they would live under Christ’s authority with confidence and hope.