Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #2
As an example, Jacob was chosen by God for inheritance, blessing, purpose. These things God has predestined us, Jacob had, but he used his own strength. The questions Paul raises in Rom 3:1, Rom 3:3, and Rom 3:5, are answered Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11. When you miss the context of scripture, who miss the point. The purpose of God according to election in Rom 9:10-13 is Christ-centered. The list of blessings to the Israelites in Rom 9:4 in order to bring Jesus Christ into the world Rom 9:5. Christ is "the Seed" (Gal 3:16, Rom 9:7). What makes Israel the Chosen People? They have an association with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God's Elect (Isa 42:1-4) and Israel, therefore is chosen to bring Christ into the world. Gentiles, "not chosen", are elect upon faith (Rom 9:25-26, Rom 9:30). Who are the elect? Those "In Christ" (Eph 1:3-4). Israel's election is a national election. Ours is spiritual because it comes by faith. The purpose of our election is that we should be holy and blameless (Eph 1:4-5). As we grow from "cross to crown" we more what we have and what purpose God gave it (Rom 8:14). If we suffer with Him, we share in reward (2Ti 2:12). His finished work establishes our titles and rewards (Eph 1:1-14).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Romans 9:7, Romans 8:14, Romans 3:1, Galatians 3:16, Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:5, Ephesians 1:3-4, Romans 9:4, Romans 9:30, Romans 9:10-13, Romans 9:25-26, Romans 3:5, Isaiah 42:1-4, Ephesians 1:1-14, Romans 3:3
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.