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 - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #1
Eph 1:1-14 introduction -- the wealth of the believer in Christ. Ephesians was written during Paul's imprisonment (Act 18:19-21, Act 19:1-10, Col 4:7-9). Outline: (1) knowing (chapters 1-3) and (2) doing (chapters 4-6). Theme: blessings we have in Christ (Eph 1:3). Other key verses: by Grace through faith (Eph 2:8); come to know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God (Eph 3:19); walk worthy of the calling with which we are called (Eph 4:1); filling by the Spirit (Eph 5:18); stand against the devil (Eph 6:10-11). Our wealth in Christ is illustrated throughout Ephesians (Eph 1:3, Eph 1:7, Eph 2:4, Eph 2:7, Eph 3:8). "Fullness" -- of times (Eph 1:10); of Him who fills all in all (Eph 1:23); of God (Eph 3:19); of Christ (Eph 4:13); filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Power -- our abundant resources available (Eph 1:19). To be an apostle Paul had to have seen the resurrected Lord, exercise all spiritual gifts, and had direct revelation from God. Apostleship ended with John around A.D. 96. The Holy Spirit has five works in relation to God's Word: revelation (2Ti 3:16, Mat 4:4), inspiration (2Pe 1:21), preservation (Mat 24:35), illumination (Eph 1:18, Eph 3:19), and application (Gal 5:16). If God has poured out so many blessings on us, our resources are sufficient, and therefore, we must be thankful.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 3:19, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:23, Colossians 4:7-9, Matthew 24:35, Ephesians 6:10-11, Ephesians 1:10, Acts 19:1-10, Matthew 4:4, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 3:8, Acts 18:19-21, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 1:1-14
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.