John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #3
No where in the New Testament is election spoken of in the singular. He chose "us" before the founding of the world. Israel is chosen via Abraham nationally and racially. Chapters cover: 1) Privilege; 2) Potential; 3) Power; 4) Progress; 5) Production; 6) Panoply (armor). We are a family (Eph 3:14-15). We are a unique people and age; we have more privilege and potential than ever before. God planned the work ahead of time (Eph 1:5). He chose us then blessed us. The Son revealed, redeemed, then reconciled us. The Spirit is regeneration (new birth Tit 3:5), sealing (assurance), then opens our eyes through instruction. "Fullness of time" is the unique period of history called dispensation of the Grace of God, the climax of God's plan (Eph 1:10). Christ is the source of "fullness". As we draw on the fullness of Christ, we bring Him fulfillment in the sense of enjoyment (Eph 1:22-23, 1Pe 1:12). The content of fullness (Eph 3:6-19); this is the meaning of the "filling" of the spirit. There's a means to the filling of the Spirit involved (Eph 4:10); this involves spiritual gifts. Philosophy or religion must be consistent, coherent, correlation. Knowledge (Greek gnosis) refers to perception; wisdom is more practical; understanding is residual knowledge. He has created a new man combining the believing Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:15, Gen 1:26-27, 2Co 5:17).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:14-15, Ephesians 4:10, Ephesians 3:6-19, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 1:10, Titus 3:5, Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 2:15
From Series: "Ephesians - Positions of Privilege in the Household of Faith - Colorado 2010"
Ephesians is a Prison Epistle along with Philippians Colossians and Philemon (see Eph 3:1 Eph 4:1 and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome the epistle expands on themes in Colossians much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church Ephesians shows the blessings of that ?fullness? enjoyed by the members of God?s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9?10; Eph 2:16?18; Eph 3:4?6; Eph 4:3?6; Eph 5:30?32; Eph 6:18?20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul?s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing. Taught in Colorado 2010. Lesson 8 was inadvertently not recorded.