Ephesians Sermon Series - Part 1
Unity in Christ - New Life
Sermon Follow-up 11/11/24
Introduction
Today we begin a new sermon series in Ephesians. Ephesians teaches us about the unity and new life we have in Christ. The phrase 'in Christ' underscores that our identity and blessings are rooted in Jesus. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, and adopted into God's family. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we receive redemption and forgiveness, and God's grace is abundantly poured out on us. As God's workmanship, we are created for good works, which God prepared for us to walk in. This new life calls us to embrace our identity, seek unity, and live out our God-given purpose.
The Importance of Unity in Christ
What Does It Mean to Be in Christ?
The central theme of Ephesians is unity in Christ. The phrase "in Christ" or "in Him" appears 11 times in the first chapter alone, emphasizing that our identity and blessings are found in Jesus. Being in Christ means we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, and predestined for adoption into God's family.
The Blessings of Being in Christ
1. Every Spiritual Blessing: We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). This means we have access to all the gifts and graces the Holy Spirit offers.
2. Chosen Before Time: God thought of us before the world began, choosing us to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4).
3. Adopted into God's Family: We are adopted as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, giving us a seat at God's table (Ephesians 1:5).
4. Redemption and Forgiveness: Through Jesus' blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7).
5. Lavished with Grace: God's grace is abundantly poured out on us, giving us wisdom and insight (Ephesians 1:8).
6. Unity in Christ: God's plan is to unite all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:10).
7. Heirs to God's Inheritance: We have obtained an inheritance, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee (Ephesians 1:11-14).
Understanding Our New Life
From Death to Life - Ephesians 2:1-10 provides a powerful summary of our transformation in Christ. We were once dead in our trespasses and sins, but God, rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ. By grace, we are saved through faith, not by our works, but as a gift from God.
Created for Good Works - We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). This means our new life in Christ is not just about personal salvation but also about living out God's purpose for us in the world.
Life Application - Living Out Our New Identity
As believers, it's crucial to live in the light of our new identity in Christ. Here are some practical steps to help you apply these truths to your life this week:
1. Embrace Your Identity: Remind yourself daily that you are a child of God, adopted into His family, and blessed with every spiritual blessing.
2. Walk in Unity: Seek to build unity within your community, recognizing that we are all part of God's family in Christ.
3. Live Out Your Purpose: Identify the good works God has prepared for you and actively pursue them, knowing that you are His workmanship.
Introduction
Today we begin a new sermon series in Ephesians. Ephesians teaches us about the unity and new life we have in Christ. The phrase 'in Christ' underscores that our identity and blessings are rooted in Jesus. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, and adopted into God's family. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we receive redemption and forgiveness, and God's grace is abundantly poured out on us. As God's workmanship, we are created for good works, which God prepared for us to walk in. This new life calls us to embrace our identity, seek unity, and live out our God-given purpose.
The Importance of Unity in Christ
What Does It Mean to Be in Christ?
The central theme of Ephesians is unity in Christ. The phrase "in Christ" or "in Him" appears 11 times in the first chapter alone, emphasizing that our identity and blessings are found in Jesus. Being in Christ means we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the foundation of the world, and predestined for adoption into God's family.
The Blessings of Being in Christ
1. Every Spiritual Blessing: We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). This means we have access to all the gifts and graces the Holy Spirit offers.
2. Chosen Before Time: God thought of us before the world began, choosing us to be holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4).
3. Adopted into God's Family: We are adopted as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, giving us a seat at God's table (Ephesians 1:5).
4. Redemption and Forgiveness: Through Jesus' blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7).
5. Lavished with Grace: God's grace is abundantly poured out on us, giving us wisdom and insight (Ephesians 1:8).
6. Unity in Christ: God's plan is to unite all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:10).
7. Heirs to God's Inheritance: We have obtained an inheritance, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee (Ephesians 1:11-14).
Understanding Our New Life
From Death to Life - Ephesians 2:1-10 provides a powerful summary of our transformation in Christ. We were once dead in our trespasses and sins, but God, rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ. By grace, we are saved through faith, not by our works, but as a gift from God.
Created for Good Works - We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). This means our new life in Christ is not just about personal salvation but also about living out God's purpose for us in the world.
Life Application - Living Out Our New Identity
As believers, it's crucial to live in the light of our new identity in Christ. Here are some practical steps to help you apply these truths to your life this week:
1. Embrace Your Identity: Remind yourself daily that you are a child of God, adopted into His family, and blessed with every spiritual blessing.
2. Walk in Unity: Seek to build unity within your community, recognizing that we are all part of God's family in Christ.
3. Live Out Your Purpose: Identify the good works God has prepared for you and actively pursue them, knowing that you are His workmanship.
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