Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 1, 2019

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

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

B. God the Father (3-6)

1. blessed- eulogeo
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

D. God the Holy Spirit (13-14)

1. sealed
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.