January 7, 2024
Series: Ephesians
Speaker: paul mermilliod
Ephesians 1:1-2
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
BIG TRUTH:
JESUS FOLLOWERS ARE CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL SAINTS
The Letter of Ephesians:
Author: The Apostle Paul
Audience: The church in, and churches surrounding the city of Ephesus.
Purpose: To describe the riches of our calling as saints and to provide a picture of what it looks like to faithfully walk according to our calling in a fallen world.
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:17-19
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. [19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Big Idea:
Faithful saints are called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Big Idea:
Faithful saints walk according to His calling.
Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Big Idea:
The calling and walking of faithful saints are fueled by grace and peace.
Ephesians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote this letter to remind the church at Ephesus of the gospel and encourage them to live accordingly. This week, read through the whole book of Ephesians.
Be purposed to study and be transformed by God’s Word in 2024. Invite someone to take a next step in following Jesus alongside you.
God has given us grace and peace. Respond in thanksgiving.
Long to live as a faithful saint in Christ. Don’t be satisfied to stay where you are; be diligent to grow in maturity.