This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
1st Corinthians – California 2013
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #15
The two prayers in Ephesians: Eph 1:15-19 for enlightenment and Eph 3:14-21 prayer for enabling. Foundation, past work on our behalf is being rooted and grounded in Love (Eph 3:17, Eph 1:6). 4 requests: (1) to be strengthened by His Spirit -- delegate power -- to the inner man; (2) that Christ may dwell in your hearts (Joh 15:4, Joh 14:23); (3) be able to comprehend -- to latch onto -- the width, length, depth, and height -- the dimensions of the work of Christ on the cross; (4) to be filled with the fullness of God. Fullness mentioned 5 times - a) the reign Eph 4:10, b) the role of church Eph 1:23, c) the riches of His Love Eph 3:19, d) the rule of maturity (Eph 3:11, Eph 4:11-13), and the right of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). Eph 3:20 is the doxology - that the operational power work in us. Paul's prayers for himself are not that God remove his circumstances Eph 6:19-20.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:11-13, Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 3:11, Ephesians 3:17, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 6:19-20, Ephesians 1:15-19, Ephesians 4:10, Ephesians 3:20, John 14:23, Ephesians 5:18, John 15:4
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.