WHAT'S SO IMPORTANT?

EPH. 1:1-3

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Are You A Saved One? [1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18] "saints"

2. Are You A Serving One? [1:1, 1 Corinthians 4:2] "faithful"

3. Are You A Surrendered One? [1:1] "an apostle... by the will of God"

by this Paul was saying (1) I belong to Christ (2) I have been commissioned by Christ (3) my authority is a delegated authority

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF RECEPTION [v. 2]

1. The Source is Important "from God..."

2. The Satisfaction is Important "Grace"

how is God propitiated or satisfied toward us... only by the reception of His grace

3. The Shalom is Important "Peace"

what is is the opposite of peace? conflict? Rm. 5:1

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF REALIZATION [v. 3]

1. Christ acknowledges God the Father

2. Christians acknowledge Him as the Architect of Spiritual Blessings

3. Christians acknowledge Christ as the Author of Spiritual Blessings

God the Father chose to:

-bless us
-bind us
-bond us

in Heavenly places in Christ