READ Ephesians 1:1-2

This morning we begin a look at the book of Ephesians.  This book is filled with major doctrine. The first half has a doctrinal focus with the key concept being ‘in Christ.’ The final three chapters are more practical with the emphasis upon the Christian walk. Moreover, this epistle contains greater truth concerning the church than any other of Paul’s epistles.

Our focus will be upon Paul's salutation found in Ephesians 1:1-2, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

It is important for us to understand God's call upon our lives and the example the Apostle Paul sets for us. It would be sad for us to live our lives as believers not knowing the will of God.  How does God want to use you?  Are you willing to allow God to direct your life and to follow His leading?  

Note first, God's call to Paul, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” Paul makes clear that his being an apostle of Jesus Christ was based upon the will of God.  It was God's leading and calling in Paul's life that made him such.  Paul, in his statement, acknowledges the will of God and the Lordship of Christ.  God, as our creator and redeemer haS the right to direct our lives.  Paul is an example of this truth.

Let me share with you the story behind the hymn, "I Surrender All" written by Judson Van DeVenter, who states: "For many years I had been studying art.  My whole life was wrapped up in its pursuit and the farthest thing from my mind was active Christian service,...My dream was to become an outstanding and famous artist....  The Spirit of God was strongly urging me to give up teaching and to enter the evangelistic field, but I would not yield.  I still had the burning desire to be an artist.  This battle raged for five years.  At last, the time came when I could hold out no longer and I surrendered my all—my time and my talents.  It was then that a new day was ushered into my life.  I became an Evangelist and discovered that deep down in my soul was hidden a talent hitherto unknown to me.  God had hidden a song in my heart and touching a tender chord He caused me to sing songs I had never sung before.

I wrote 'I Surrender All' in memory of the time when, after the long struggle, I had surrendered and dedicated my life to active Christian service for the Lord."

Let's notice now God's call to the church and all believers. Paul writes, "...to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."  This is Paul's greeting to the church, and it is similar to the usual greeting he gave to all churches. Note the depth of meaning in what he says: he is covering the scope of God's call to a church and its believers.

1.  God calls believers to be saints and to be faithful - vs. 1(b) 

A.  Believers are saints in the sense that they have been given a new heart by God: a heart that is renewed and recreated in righteousness and true holiness.

B.  Believers are saints in the sense that they are set apart to live consecrated and holy lives in this world.

C.  Believers are called to a life of faithfulness.  Very simply, the faithful are those who have surrendered and set their lives apart to Jesus Christ for His glory.

2.  God calls believers to a life of grace and peace - vs. 2

Grace speaks of God's unmerited favor in our lives.  James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..."  This is the essence of grace.  Then the experience of grace brings the peace that passes all understanding.  My life is full of peace because of the operation of God's grace in my life.   Peace entered my life the day I trusted Christ as my personal Savior and hasn't ceased since.  I thank God for His grace and the peace that accompanies it.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Paul was possessed and obsessed with Christ. Are you? What kind of life does a person live if he is possessed by Christ?

2.  Why is it important for you to know God's plan and will for your life?

3.  Have you fully surrendered to God's call?  If not, what can you do that will help you to surrender all?

4.   Are you truly faithful?  Why do you think God wants you to be faithful?

5.  What are some traits of a faithful person?  How does a person show that he is faithful to the Lord?

6.  Have you been obedient to God's first call: trusting Christ to save you?