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Introduction: Do you really know what Church is? Do you
understand the place of Church in the plan of God? Do you know what place
Church ought to have in your life? It is possible to come to know Christ
as your Savior and miss the plan of God for your life. And the Church is
central to that plan. If you do not understand the role of the Church in
the plan of God, you will never understand what God is up to. Among many
people the Church is viewed as an organization like a small business or
large corporation depending upon its size. Some people therefore assume
the Church is to be run like a business where everyone is a general
partner. The Church is reduced to a social institution where the needs and
preferences of the members are its focus. But that is
not
Church
! The Church is a living organism of God's people --- placed together by
God's wisdom --- led by spiritual leaders of God's choosing --- committed
to doing God's will --- living out its life together in community ---
submitting to one another and God's authority in its midst --- and
revealing God's grace and wisdom to all around. The Church is central to
what God is doing in the earth today. It is true that God deals with
individuals, but generally God chooses to deal with them through the
Church. And unless we come to this understanding of the Church as central
to what God is doing in the earth today and in our own individual lives,
then we will never understand why God does things the way He does. So
let's look together at the mystery of Christ which is His Church.
I. GOD THE FATHER PLANNED
THE CHURCH (VV.3-6)
A.
The Father's Present To Us (v. 3)
We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ.
B.
The Father's Plans
For Us (vv. 4-5)
We are holy and without blame.
We have received the adoption of (adult) children.
C.
The Father's Position
Towards Us (v. 6)
We are accepted in the beloved, who is Christ!
II. GOD THE SON PAID THE PRICE
FOR THE CHURCH (VV.7-12)
A.
We Are Saved (v.
7)
(1) Redemption (2) Forgiveness
B.
We Are Supplied
(v. 8)
(1) Wisdom (2) Prudence (Understanding)
C.
We Are Settled
(vv. 9-10)
Christ is going to gather all things together under
Himself. 2 Corinthians 15:21-28. I believe this well begin with the
millennium and culminate with the eternal state. When Christ takes over,
we will be settled!
D.
We Are Satisfied
(vv. 11-12)
We have our inheritance in Him.
III.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT PROTECTS
THE CHURCH (VV.13-14)
A.
The Salvation
Although the Spirit is not mentioned here, Paul is
talking about the Ephesians' new birth.
B.
The Sealing
In Scripture sealing speaks of security, authenticity,
(Romans
8:16
) and ownership.
C.
The Surety
"Earnest money" is a down payment to show that
someone will finish a transaction, such as the down payment on a house.
Although we are redeemed when we trust Christ as Savior, God will finish
the transaction with the redemption of our bodies at the resurrection.
Conclusion:
We must see that through the Church God reveals His manifold wisdom
and unsearchable riches in Christ. We must commit ourselves to the Church
as those who have entered into a New Covenant of grace and into a new
relationship with one another. As we do, then God will reveal His plan
through the Church to us, to others
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