STUDIES IN EPHESIANS & COLOSSIANS STUART GREAVES FALL 2012, COURSE NOTES #03: EPHESIANS 1:15-19 INSIGHT INTO

O THE MYSTERY
I. NIGHT AND DAY PRAYER UNTO INSIGHT INTO THE MYSTERY EPHESIANS 1:15-19
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Therefore (in light of 1:3-14) I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power Ephesians 1:15-19 The way we gain insight into the mystery of Christ is through communion with Him in pursuing the knowledge of God. Paul is praying that the Lord will fill His church with revelation and spiritual understanding because the things of God are spiritually discerned in that it takes God to reveal God to the human heart. To fully appreciate and understand the mystery of God in Christ, revelation (understanding) and wisdom (application) are necessary and both come from God. The Spirit of God alone can impart these realities to the human heart. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 The spirit of wisdom and revelation brings us into the experience of knowing God. The knowledge of God that Paul is praying for is more than the introductory understanding of God. Rather He is contending for the Church to enter into the deeper and more intimate dimensions of the knowledge of God where the saints experience loving communion with God. The essence of eternal life is coming into the knowledge of God. The main point of eternal life is that people would be enraptured in the knowledge of God. This is eternal life, that they may know (experience) You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

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B.

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D.

The knowledge of the Son of God does not refer to the introductory knowledge of Jesus that we receive at salvation, but rather the deeper knowledge, which refers to intimacy with God. This is the ultimate place that God is bringing His Church. True apostolic ministry will bring people into a depth of understanding of the splendor and the majesty of Christ Jesus.

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E.

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This great apostolic prayer is for the gaining of insight into the ways, purposes and dealings of God. Paul is asking for insight into three realities concerning the mystery of God. These three components of the mystery are introduced in chapter one and further expounded on in chapters two and three. The three-fold components of the mystery are also Trinitarian in nature. Robert Kysar calls the Trinity the divine community of single action. 1. 2. 3. Hope of His calling: The vision and final destination of the redeemed 1:3-10. The Father is the architect and overseer of this divine plan. (Ch 1) The riches of the glory of His inheritance: the value of the saints to God 1:11-12. The Son is the initiator and administrator of the plan. (Ch 2) The exceeding greatness of His power: the power of the resurrection 1:13-15. The Holy Spirit is the executor of the plan. (Ch 3)

F.

II.

THE TRINITY IN EPHESIANS CHAPTER 1-3 A. The Father: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The dispenser of the grace of God (1:2), blesses with spiritual blessings (1:3) He chose us in Christ (1:4), He predestined us (1:5), He made us accepted (1:6) The mystery of the Fathers will (1:9), the gathering of heaven and earth (1:10, Ps 119:96) Works all things according to the counsel of His will (1:11) The Father of glory (1:17) Hope of His calling (1:18) His inheritance (1:18, 1:22-23, 1 Cor 15) He raised Christ from the dead and ascended Jesus to the highest place in the NJ (1:4) (1:20-21) Puts all things under Jesus feet and appointed Christ as leader over all (1:22-23) He called the church to be the fullness of Gods expression, personality and purpose (Gen 1:26, Eph 3:10) He is rich in mercy and filled with great love (2:4)

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STUDIES IN EPHESIANS STUART GREAVES FALL 2012, COURSE NOTES #03: EPHESIANS 1:15-19 INSIGHT INTO THE MYSTERY
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. B. He made us alive (2:5) He raised us up to be seated in heavenly places (2:6, 1:3) Filled with exceeding riches of grace and kindness (2:7) Giver of salvation (2:8) The giver, revealer of the mystery (3:3) The giver of the promise (3:6)

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The Son: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. The dispenser of grace and peace (1:2) The Son of God (1:3, 1:17) Gives us the right to be sons of God (1:5, Jn 1:12) The Beloved (1:6) The redeemer (1:7) The fullness of God (1:10) Raised from the dead and ascended on high (1:20-21) The head of the church (1:22-23) We are seated in Him (2:6) The One in whom the kindness of the Father is revealed (2:7) Through Christ we can accomplish the will of God (2:10) The One who brought us near (1:4, 2:6, 2:13) He abolished enmity. He is our peace (2:15, Rom 5:1). The creator of the New Man (Jew and Gentile Rm 9:23-24) He reconciled Jew and Gentile to God (2:16) He grants us access to the Father (2:6, 2:17)

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17. 18. 19. 20. C. The Chief cornerstone (Ps 118:22) The temple of God (2:20-22, Rv 21:22) Creation was made through Him (3:10) The plan of God is accomplished in Christ (3:11)

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Holy Spirit: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The seal of God and the guarantee of our inheritance (1:13-14) The Spirit of wisdom and revelation (1:17) The divine escort to the Father (2:18) Takes residence in the people of God (2:22) The revealer of the mystery (3:5, Jn 14, 16) The Spirit of might (3:16)

III.

THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING A. Paul prayed that people would receive revelation of how God views their calling. God created us with a longing to participate in that which has lasting significance. There are three dimensions to the call of God (internal, external and eternal), and there are two components (individual and corporate). In this course we will focus predominantly on the eternal dimension of the call of God. The natural mind cannot discern the way, plans and purposes of God. Only by revelation can we understand Gods view. Our eternal calling (in the age-to-come) has a much larger impact than anything we will accomplish now. The apostles made many references to their calling in the age to come. It takes revelation to see that our greatest impact and most important ministry is in the age to come.

B. C.

IV.
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THE GLORY OF BEING GODS INHERITANCE: KNOWING WHO WE ARE IN GOD

The Fathermay give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation...that you may know (experience)... 18 what are the riches (wealth) of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 1:17-18)

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STUDIES IN EPHESIANS STUART GREAVES FALL 2012, COURSE NOTES #03: EPHESIANS 1:15-19 INSIGHT INTO THE MYSTERY
A.

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The Father promised Jesus an inheritance and the Son obtained an inheritance for the Father. It is amazing that the God who possesses all things has an inheritance that He must wait for. Jesus inheritance is a people who are voluntary lovers of God. (1:4) God will not force this on us but woos and wins us by His grace to freely respond to Him in love. The great prize of all the ages that the Father has chosen to give Jesus is a Church filled with voluntary lovers. We are what God wants most and what God is most committed to. We are that which is nearest and dearest to Jesus heart. We are the reward that God gave to Jesus because we are what Jesus most desires. This reveals His passion for us and gives us great dignity. This core truth about our spiritual identity is the foundation of our value and dignity. This changes why we do what we do in our calling. The revelation of being Gods inheritance has many implications for us. It speaks to how dear we are to God (we are what He wants), how He feels about us (as we walk out our calling in weakness), what it costs Him to walk out this love, what He requires from those He loves, and why we do the things we do in walking out our calling.
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The LORD's portion is His people; Jacob (Israel) is the place of His inheritance. Deut. 32:9
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The LORD came to Abram saying, "I amyour exceedingly great reward." Gen. 15:1

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Jesus must totally possess the people that He wants as His inheritance in that He shares His heart, home and Throne with them. They will represent Him as His Bride for all eternity.
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If you will obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people 6 These are the words which you shall speak to Israel. Ex. 19:4-6
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Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people Titus 2:14
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Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron Ps. 2:8-9

V.

OUR CORPORATE CALLING (IN TIME AND ETERNITY)

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A.

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We will stand before God as a corporate people on several levels (ministries, cities, nations, generations). The Spirit joins people together in a ministry mandate (same vision and values). This touches our longing to belong to something bigger than ourselves. Our biggest calling is the one that we have together in a region, nation or generation. The Western culture values the individual far more than the corporate group they are in (some of Eastern culture is opposite).
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God has set the members, each one of them, in the body as He pleased...23 Those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor 24 God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it 1 Cor. 12:18-24 B. Jesus gave corporate promises (7 churches of Asia) that apply to this age and the next (Rev. 2-3). Paul prayed for the regional church of Thessalonica to walk out their corporate destiny together.
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We pray always for you that God would count you (a regional church) worthy of this calling, and fulfill allHis goodness and the work of faith with power 2 Thes. 1:11 C. Paul spoke of people who were joined together by the Spirit being resurrected together.
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Knowing that Hewill raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 2 Cor. 4:14

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For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thes. 2:19-20 D. We have a responsibility to be true to the generation that we minister to.
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Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me-- 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Ps. 73:12-17 E. Generations will be judged together (Mt. 11:16; 12:39-45; 16:4; 17:17; 23:36; Lk. 11:29-51).
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The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation Mt. 12:41-42 VI. THE SPIRITUAL IDENTITY OF THE GENERATION IN WHICH THE LORD RETURNS A. There are promises and requirements for the Body of Christ in the generation in which the Lord returns. It will be a generation in which Gods people walk blamelessly as a glorious Church.
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that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Eph. 5:27 B. It will be a generation in which the Church worldwide has a spirit of prayer and a bridal identity.
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And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come! Rev. 22:17

C.

It will be a generation that sees a breakthrough of power for the harvest of souls from all nations.

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It shall come to pass in the last daysI will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy 20 before the coming of theday of the LORD Acts 2:17-20
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A great multitudeof all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the Throne 14 These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation... Rev. 7:9-14 D. It will be a generation that is prepared to courageously and victoriously resist the Antichrist. It will be the only generation that will not die physically (1 Cor 15:51-52).
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I sawthose who have the victory over the Beast (Antichrist)standing on the sea of glass3 They singthe song of the Lamb Rev. 15:2-3
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You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come15 So the nations shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. 16 For the LORD shall build up Zion18 This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD Ps. 102:13-18 VII. THE UNFOLDING AND EXECUTION OF THE MYSTERY 1:20-23 A. Paul prayed that we would receive revelation of the power that works in our life because we are related to Jesus whom the Father raised to His own right hand. The authority we now have is revealed most clearly in the book of Ephesians, especially in Eph. 1:16-2:7; 3:14-20; 6:10-19. That you may know 19what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Himand seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power 22 He put all things under His (Jesus) feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him Eph. 1:18-23 In the resurrection, the Father set Jesus far above all angelic and demonic powers (Eph. 1:21). God's power in raising Jesus from the dead was the greatest display of power in Scripture. Satan sought to stop Jesus resurrection but was defeated by Jesus ascending to the Fathers right hand. This reality is more fully seen in Revelation chapters four and five. Eph 1:19-23 shows us the power that is made available to bring us into the place where the people of God become the expression of His fullness. 1:22 is the climax of the millennial kingdom bringing all things to the submission of Christ unto the fullness of God being manifest in and through the Church. (as seen in 1:9-10, 23, 3:10, 19) It is the power of the resurrection that is at work towards us, in us and through us to bring about the fullness of Gods plan, purpose and expression of His personality in and through the church (1:23), which is the understanding and expression of Christianity changed. The Father has a plan that is near and dear to His holy heart. This plan is that He would have a people, voluntary lovers, as His inheritance in whom His fullness would dwell.

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C. D.

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Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:2-3

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