Dedicated To The Men of God
Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
The Epistle To The Church
Text: Eph. 1:1-2
Introduction: The Book of Ephesians show us how God creates Christians and therefore, the church.
The consequences of sin severed the life cord of man from God. Sin separated man from God and man from man.
This epistle reveals how man is reconciled to God and to man.
The Christian church has her calling and consummation in Christ. There is no way for man to be right with God, himself, or his fellow-man, except through Christ.
Here God is seen creating a saint out of a sinner, thus, making him fit for both Divine and human society. God does not reconstruct human society to make it fit for man still in his sins.
Seven times in the Scripture, the Holy Spirit brings us to Ephesus:
1. The first time we see the body of Christ (Acts 18:19; 20:28).
2. We see baptism (Acts 19:1-7).
3. We discover a battle (Acts 19:23-41).
4. We have burden (Acts 20:17-38).
5. We find the business (1 Cor. 16:8-9).
6. We note the blessings (Eph. 1:3).
7. We have the burning (Rev. 2:1).
We can discover in Ephesians two main divisions.
The call of the church (chs. 1-3)- Emphasizing doctrine - the welfare of the Christian.
The conduct of the church (chs. 4-6)- Emphasizing duty- the walk of the Christian.
This epistle has been called "the Grand Canyon" of Divine revelation. That speaks of its depth and beauty.
It has been rightly been called " the Alps of Divine truth", speaking of it’s height and blessing.
I. The Penman of This Epistle (v.1)
The author of this letter was the Holy Spirit. Paul was its penman.
A. The seal of his authority as penman
"Apostle of Jesus Christ"
B. The sphere of his activities as penman
His words and works wee in the realm of the will of God.
II. The People of This Epistle
A. The local saints of God
1. Their location at Ephesus
2. Their position in Christ
B. The larger saints of God
"In Christ, Asia, world"
C. The loyal saints of God
Faithful in Christ Jesus.
III. The Promise of This Epistle
A. A purifying promise
"Grace be to you" - sanctifying grace
B. A unifying promise
"Peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ"
C. An edifying promise (ch. 6:21-22) "an edifying ministry"
Conclusion:
1. Be a Paul to give instruction and inspiration.
2. Be a Timothy---a person with whom they can share their experience of God.
3. Be a Barnabus, who encouraged them in the Lord.
Sermon
By Dr. Curtis Barbery
Bennett, NC--USA
