Be reminded that when the Bible was written there would have been no chapters and verses. In chapter 1 of Ephesians this is noted by the long sentence of verse 3-14. Generally Paul's letters are constructed around a central argument. This is normally seen within the first half of each letter and the second half is generally more practical ? the application of it.
The 'And' at the beginning of chapter two is important, it helps us look back to chapter one. Chapter one deals with the source of our blessings. They come from God the father, as a result of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7), God's glory (Ephesians 1:18) and God's mercy (Ephesians 2:7). The scope of our blessings includes "every" spiritual blessing; not just a few see 1:3. Finally, the sphere of our blessings ? spiritual in nature ? not just possessions, they change us and they are "in the heavenly places". The Bible speaks of us being Holy ? set apart. The blessings are "in Christ" that it is only by being "in" Christ that we can have access to "every" spiritual blessing.
The theme of chapter one is the believer's riches in Christ.
There were two brothers, well known around town for their crooked business dealings and underworld connections. They were real gangsters. One day one of the brothers died. The surviving brother wanted to give his dead brother a real 'East End' funeral. He called the funeral home and made all the arrangements, horse drawn carriage, mourners, top hats and tails, funeral cortege holding up all the traffic, the works. Then he called the town's vicar and made him an offer that he couldn't refuse. He said, "I'll give you ?20,000 for that new church roof if, in the eulogy to my brother, you call him a saint."
The minister agreed. The whole town turned out for the funeral, and the minister began: "The man you see in the coffin was a vile and debauched individual. He was a liar, a thief, a deceiver, a manipulator, a reprobate, and a hedonist. He destroyed the fortunes, careers, and lives of countless people in this town, some of whom are here today. This man did every dirty, rotten thing you can thing of. But compared to his brother, he was a saint." (Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, illustrations & Quotes, 759).
Verses 1-3 of chapter 2 of Ephesians, reminds us of our position before we were saved. Like above the two brothers were sinners, so were we before we knew Christ.
Lehman Strauss writes, "The clearer the picture of our destitute condition before we were saved, the greater is our appreciation of what God has undertaken to do for us" (Galatians and Ephesians, 136). If we don't understand the before we won't appreciate the after.
What was God speaking to you about on Sunday?
Lets read Ephesians 2:1-10
Do we fully recognize the awesomeness of God and what he has done for us? Explain.
God has amazing called each of us into his family, he died on the cross to take up our sins and forgive us. God has richly blessed us with every spiritual blessing ? not just by possessions - in all things that are good. He has given each of us Spiritual gifts. We should be confident in who we are in Christ. So much more can be said here.
Are we truly living in victory? Explain.
In seeing the eternal picture, we know Christ has won. We should also know if we seek God's kingdom and his righteousness he will enable us to live in victory and be open to receive every spiritual blessing that Ephesians 1:3 mentions.
Up and coming Events
Alpha starting in March on Saturday's between 2pm and 4pm (1st one on the 8th of March); see Clive and Steve W as they would really love to intercede for people on course.
Mothers Day Sunday 2Mar 2008.
Family Meeting on Wednesday the 12th March between 8pm and 10pm. To clear up any confusion this is not a meting for all the family but razther family as in the Church family, children are not expected to be at this meeting :-)
Easter Sunday is on the 23rd of March. This is for all the family :-) please be thinking about who you can invite as the children will be involved in this service
Recommended Book ? Incomparable by Andrew Wilson. Explores the character of God.