Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #32
Holiness should not be defined as "sinlessness", but "separate". Jacob craved the blessing because it meant something in eternity (Heb 12:14-17). Abraham new the "city whose builder and founder is God". Eph 5:1-7 talks about "saints"; it's not something they're aspiring to, but something they have. Unbelievers look for judgment; believers look for reward (Eph 5:7). Believers can be partakers in the things that unbelievers do, but we'll never be them; you can loose reward in eternity (1Co 6:9-11). We'll be receiving crowns: Incorruptible (1Co 9:25), Joy (Phil 4:1), Righteousness (2Ti 4:8), Life (Jam 1:12) Glory (1Pe 1:12). With the crowns comes the possibility of ruling with Christ. We'll be richly rewarded if we become partakers (2Pe 1:9-11). If you follow the Spirit you'll grow up; the plan of adoption in Roman times required training until everything became the adopted son's (Rom 8:14-18). All believers share in an inheritance -- it's collective and can't be lost collectively, only individually (1Pe 1:4-5, 2Ti 2:12, Rev 3:11, Col 2:18). You can reclaim rewards by expressing mercy and forgiveness (Mat 5:7; Mat 5:43-48; Mat 7:1, Mat 9:10-13; Mar 12:28-34; Joe 2:25); law of liberty - we've been set free from the law; mercy triumphs over judgment (Jam 2:8).
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:1-7, Colossians 2:18, Joel 2:25, Hebrews 12:14-17, Revelation 3:11, Mark 12:28-34, Romans 8:14-18, Matthew 9:10-13, James 1:12, Matthew 7:1, Philippians 4:1, Matthew 5:43-48, Ephesians 5:7, Matthew 5:7, James 2:8
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.