Study Notes and Questions for May 11, 2008

Study Notes and Questions for May 11, 2008

Our Status in Christ

Read Ephesians 1:10 again
What are the main points of this verse?



Paul uses the word oikonomia, which occurs nine times in the NT. Paul uses it to suggest the administration or putting into effect of God’s far-reaching redemptive plan. This takes place when the messianic age is inaugurated. Salvation history is regarded as unfolding in a series of “times” or seasons that reach their climax in the advent of Christ (Gal 4:4). The Christian era has still to run its course, however, and not until its close will God’s eternal purpose come to full fruition (Acts 1:6). “All things” is literally “to all” (Col 1:17; Heb 1:3) and includes the whole creation. Everything on heaven and on earth will be subsumed under Christ (1 Cor 15:24-28; Phil 2:10, 11). The verb for “bring together” is anakephalaioo which means to sum up together again (Rom 13:9). When a column of figures was added up, the total was placed at the top. At the end of the age everything will be seen to add up to Christ. This recognition of His preeminence was of great comfort to the Ephesians.

Read Ephesians 1:11-1:14
What stands out as primary words used in these verses?



The ultimate reconciliation is brought about in Christ and so Paul passes on to a further consideration – namely, that Christians have been chosen as heirs - given their share in the heritage. Israel was regards as the Lord’s inheritance and portion. The church as consitituting the new Israel no enters into the same privilege (Rom 8:17, Gal 3:29, Col 1:12). It is no accident that God has allotted to His new people in Christ the inheritance designed for those who recognize the Savior. In no sense are we to think that Christians have somehow usurped Jewish privileges. Before time began, God marked out those in Christ to be co-heirs with His Son. Whatever He decides is put into effect, for He is the one who ensure that everything is worked out in line with His own will.

Read verses 12 and 13 –
What does it mean to “be the praise for His glory” at the end of verse 12?




What does it mean to “hear the Word of truth”? What is truth?



What does it mean to “be included in Christ” once we hear that Word of truth?



Why do you believe it is important that we are “marked with a seal” when we believed? Can you think of any other verses that are similar to this in the bible?



Verses:




Until verse 12 Paul has written to Jews and Gentiles alike as united as one in Christ. Now he refers in turn to one class (v 12) and another class (v 13 and 14). The “first hope in Christ” were Jews who recognized their Messiah prior to the conversion of the Gentiles. This expectation of God’s coming deliverer was distinctive to the Jews. The Gentiles entertained no such prospect (read ahead in chapter 2 verse 12). Remember in verse 6 Paul shows that the adoption of Christians as sons further the praise of God’s glorious grace. Here he says that their participation in the divine inheritance will have a similar effect. The glory of God will shine through them and evoke praise from the whole universe (see 3:10).
“You also,” in contrast to “we,” clearly identifies the Gentile Christians in Ephasus. They are addressed in this manner (and so are we) to remind them that they are fully incorporated into the body of Christ. In the Christian community there are no second class citizens.

What basic expectations do you have for a Christian that is part of the body of Christ?



Hearing, faith, and salvation are immediately followed by the sealing of the Holy Spirit. It is at the moment (and was for the Ephesians) of belief that we receive the stamp of the Spirit. We are not to take what Paul is saying here as a reference to circumcision (Rom 4:11) or to the tattoing of devotees at heathen shrines. Nor does Paul primarily have water baptism primarily in mind, but rather what the water baptism symbolizes – namely, the effusion of the Holy Spirit himself. He is made available to the believe according to the promises recorded in the OT and confirmed by Jesus.

Have you accepted that God is sovereign and loving and Christ is Lord? Have you surrendered to that? Do you have the Holy Spirit as a helper to you? What circumstances or situations has this been clear that you do?



If not, what is holding you back from accepting Christ as Lord and turning from your sin?



As an adopted child of God do you have the glory of God ‘shining’ through you?



What holds you back from this?



Read verse 13 and 14 together aloud (preferably to your spouse)

What can a believer claim from these verses?





What does the last part of 14 offer as the reason for the Holy Spirit

What would be different in your life if you saw everything you do as a “praise of His glory”?



The terms used here are all around construction. The land set aside for the temple was ‘chosen’ and ‘destined’ to be the land before the temple was built.
Are there any practical applications around today’s study that God has revealed to you? What will you do now?



Who and what will you pray for this week?