Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #5
Children of Israel were "called out", delivered by blood and power (Exo 12:5-20) as an example of the Church. In the exchange with Peter He called Himself the Rock on which He'd build His church ("called out ones"). When we believe the blood of the Lamb is applied to us. When we make excuses for little sins we set ourselves up for a big fall (1Co 5:6-8). In our standing we are holy and need to make it practical. What God did for Israel physically, He did for the Church spiritually. Eph 3:1-13 is a parenthesis where Eph 3:14 picks back up. Greek oikos (house) + nomos (law) is translated "dispensation" (Church Age Eph 3:2). We get the word "economy" from it. Paul calls himself trusted steward of the house (Eph 3:3-4 example: Jacob's servant which found Issac's wife). You cannot find a prophecy in the Old testament that refers to the Church (Eph 3:5). Paul is the minister of the mystery (Eph 3:6-8). In Eph 3:9 "fellowship" is the same word for "dispensation". The angels marvel as they watch the wisdom of God work out in us (Eph 3:10-11). We are the object lesson for the angels. There is a price to pay for playing your part (Eph 3:12-13), but the glory is for God (Isa 61:1-3). Jesus read this to the middle of verse Isa 61:2, because the dispensation not yet revealed would begin before the tribulation in the second half. Daniel's prophecy about the 70th week (Dan 9:24) with a 6-fold purpose. Daniel predicted 483 years to the Messiah. The is 7 years left is the tribulation. Daniel predicts the destruction of Jerusalem (Dan 9:26). Between Dan 9:26 and Dan 9:27 is the Church. Revelation of the mystery is given to Apostle Paul (Eph 3:1-7). Administration was given to Paul (Eph 3:8-13). Paul's purpose for praying (Eph 3:14-16) is enablement that "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" literally that He is at home in our heart (Eph 3:17). The greatest promise in the New testament (Joh 14:19-21) is a personal manifestation of Jesus Christ (Joh 14:22-23).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: John 14:22-23, Ephesians 3:10-11, Daniel 9:26, Ephesians 3:1-13, John 14:19-21, Ephesians 3:9, Daniel 9:26, Exodus 12:5-20, Ephesians 3:17, Ephesians 3:6-8, Daniel 9:24, Ephesians 3:14-16, Ephesians 3:5, Isaiah 61:2, Ephesians 3:8-13, Ephesians 3:3-4, Isaiah 61:1-3, Ephesians 3:1-7, Ephesians 3:2, Ephesians 3:12-13, Daniel 9:27, Ephesians 3:14
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.