2009-04-05
Ephesians - The Praise of His Glorious Grace
Steve Lane

A. Introduction
Addressed to the church at the city of Ephesus, although probably to all the churches in Asia.
Written from prison in Rome (Acts 28: 16 - 31) 60 - 62 A.D., after the 3rd missionary journey.
Temple of Artemis or Diana -- an important city in the Roman Empire.
The book is divided almost in half:
Great and deep truths
More practical

Introduction: Ephesians 1: 1 - 2
Saints - devoted to and set apart.
Grace - if you have any inkling of any personal merit in being accepted by God.

B. Praise God for the Glorious Grace He has Lavished on Us

Deep and rich truths of what God has done for the saints.
"People don't go to the Grand Canyon for their self esteem." ~Piper
Praise, blessed, pleasure, glorious and lavished.

Ephesians 1: 3 - 8 "The praise of His glorious grace."

In verse 3: Praise of blessed in many versions.
Paul just seems to bust into this letter overwhelmed.
All that we are blessed with and not just what we get in Heaven.
'In Christ.'

Verse 4: Election - antimony. If we trade on of these truths for the other, we lose.
That main point Paul is making here is the grace of God.
1 John 3: 1 - 3 Similar reaction and words from the Apostle John.

C. Your Destiny and Purpose

(still in verse 4)
We have a destiny to become conformed to the image of Christ.

Ephesians 2: 10 - 12
Our holiness, love and other fruit, and even our adoption are not ends to themselves.
This is our destiny: to reflect and to praise the glory of God's grace forever and ever.

This is why we share the gospel: Verse 12
We labor in the church for His glory - particularly the glory of His grace.
There is also glory to His grace when we grow in holiness and Christ-likeness.
Ephesians 5: 27 "A radiant church without spot or wrinkle -- holy and blameless."

So when the church adds new believers, or through growing spiritually, it brings praise and glory.

Romans 11: 36
You are directly connected to the awesome purpose of God.

Ephesians 1: 6 - 8
The scripture connects joy to this praise: "To God, my joy and my delight I will praise You."

So, if you would have purpose and destiny and joy...

1 Corinthians 10: 31 "Whether you eat, drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."