Studies in Ephesians Blessings in Christ 4 Ephesians

Studies in Ephesians Blessings in Christ – 4 Ephesians 1: 11 -14

Blessings – Ephesians 1: 3 -11 • Every Spiritual blessing • Chosen and predestined (the plan) • Adopted & accepted in the Beloved • Redeemed and forgiven through His blood • His will revealed (His word)

Our Inheritance – 1: 11 -12 • An inheritance – receiving our portion of that which is promised • Matt. 19: 29, inherit eternal life • Matt. 25: 34, inherit the kingdom • Acts 20: 32, among the sanctified

Our Inheritance – 1: 11 -12 • An inheritance – • Col. 3: 23 -24, reward of the inheritance • Heb. 1: 14, inherit salvation • Heb. 9: 15, eternal inheritance • 1 Pet. 1: 4, an incorruptible inheritance

Our Inheritance – 1: 11 -12 • An inheritance – Why? • Because we are His children! (Eph. 1: 5 – adopted; Rom. 8: 16 -17 – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ)

Our Inheritance – 1: 11 -12 • Predestined according to the purpose (plan) of Him • Who works all things according to the counsel (intent, a thought out plan) of His will • Again we note, it is not a random selecting of persons, but a set of criteria available to anyone

Our Inheritance – 1: 11 -12 • That we who first trusted in Christ • This “trust” indicates our faith! Believing God • Trust leads to obedience – 1 Tim. 4: 10, 6: 17 • Prov. 3: 5, 29: 25 • “We” possibly a reference to the Jews including Paul

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • “In Him you also trusted” • “You” possibly a reference to the Gentiles • After they heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation • This trust indicates our need to respond – and obey!

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • Sealed with the Spirit of promise • A seal – indicates completion, authenticates, secures (etc. ) • The seal of the Holy Spirit from God: • He knows those who are His 2 Tim. 2: 19 • He rules in our hearts – 2 Cor. 1: 20 -22 • For the day of redemption – Eph. 4: 30

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • Sealed with the Spirit of promise • Clearly not a miraculous indwelling – but an influence in our lives • Our bodies the temple – 1 Cor. 6: 19 • We walk according to the Spirit – Rom. 8: 1, 5 -6, 13 -14

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • Sealed with the Spirit of promise • Is this the “gift of the Holy Spirit” received when we obey? Acts 2: 38 Is it demonstrated by changed lives – Gal. 5: 22 -25

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • He is “the guarantee” of our inheritance! • A guarantee indicates a deposit or down-payment • Consider an engagement ring in describing our guarantee (cf. 2 Cor. 11: 2) • HS is our guarantee: 2 Cor. 1: 21 -22, 5: 5

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • He is “the guarantee” of our inheritance! • Again, not a miraculous indwelling. The word gives us assurance! • The Word is from the H. S. John 14: 26, 16: 13, 1 Cor. 2: 10 -16, 2 Pet. 1: 21, etc.

Sealed with the Spirit – 1: 13 -14 • He is “the guarantee” of our inheritance! • The word is sufficient • Rom. 1: 16 -17, 2 Pet. 1: 3, 2 Tim. 3: 15 -17