To the Praise of His Glory
Ephesians 1:3-14
I. Introduction to Ephesians
• prison letter (Eph., Phil., Col., Phile.)
• theme: the church as the body and bride of Christ
• chapters 1-3: doctrine
• chapters 4-6: duty
• intercession, affirmation, evangelism
• theological treatise
• 1:1-2: apostle, saints, in Christ, grace/peace
• theme: the church as the body and bride of Christ
• chapters 1-3: doctrine
• chapters 4-6: duty
• intercession, affirmation, evangelism
• theological treatise
• 1:1-2: apostle, saints, in Christ, grace/peace
II. Hymn of Praise 1:3-14
• Because God is the source of every blessing you enjoy, your life should be a living doxology!
A. Structure
1. doxology in one long Greek sentence
2. hymn with three verses and a repeated refrain
3. trinitarian: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
2. hymn with three verses and a repeated refrain
3. trinitarian: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
B. God the Father (3-6)
1. blessed- eulogeo
2. union with Christ
3. doctrine of election: chosen, predestined
4. concept of adoption
2. union with Christ
3. doctrine of election: chosen, predestined
4. concept of adoption
C. God the Son (7-12)
1. redemption
2. forgiveness of trespasses according to grace
3. mystery
4. fullness of time
5. inheritance
2. forgiveness of trespasses according to grace
3. mystery
4. fullness of time
5. inheritance
D. God the Holy Spirit (13-14)
1. sealed
2. pledge
2. pledge
III. So What?
• Resist the lure of the entitlement mentality.
• Remember that good theology always leads to doxology.
• Saturate yourself with the reality of the surpassing worth of God.
• Remember that good theology always leads to doxology.
• Saturate yourself with the reality of the surpassing worth of God.