Enlightened and Resurrected:
Knowing the Glory and Power of Salvation

Introduction:

1. See the previous outlines in this sermon series covering the clear salvation declaration of Ephesians chapter 1.
2. Verses 3-6 outline, “Accepted and Adopted.”.
3. Verses 7-12, “Redemption and Inheritance”.
4. Verses 13-14, “Purchased and Sealed.”
5. The text above is the fourth sentence in Paul’s magnificent declaration of our great salvation in Jesus Christ.
6. Though Paul declared salvation about as powerfully as anywhere, he wanted these believers to fully grasp it.

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

1. Paul converted Ephesus to the truth of the gospel, but they could use more knowledge.
   1. The wherefore is an intermediate conclusion after the glorious declaration (1:3-14).
   2. The also here is not for another person than Paul but another body of knowledge.
   3. He finished his declaration describing their conversion by his preaching the truth.
   4. Happy for their faith in the gospel and sealing and earnest, they could know more.
   5. Initial instruction for conversion is elementary; there is also deeper understanding.
   6. There is another ministry of revelation by the Holy Spirit to understand God better.
2. Paul’s goals for this church were based on the report he heard about their faithfulness.
   1. Paul lived there and later met with their elders before (Acts 19:10,20; 20:16-17).
   2. But now in Rome, he had heard about their faith in the Lord and love to all saints.
   3. Since they had the basics and essentials down, he sought growth in understanding.
   4. The gospel purpose, by God for us, is to enjoy the means and benefits of salvation.
   5. Though Ephesus was faithful here, Jesus Christ later found it lacking (Rev 2:1-7).
3. Faith and love are two essentials to be mastered and practiced for further blessings.
   1. True Bible faith in Christ changes lives (II Cor 5:17; I Thess 1:2-4; Jas 2:14-26).
   2. It leads believers to sacrifice self and sin and to endure great trials with calmness.
   3. The greatest trait of a Christian is loving brethren (John 13:35; I Cor 12:31; 13:13).
   4. Love is that treatment of others that eliminates all problems and strife in a church.
   5. The two together are the essential character of a child of God (Gal 5:6; I John 5:1).
   6. Until a church (or you yourself) maximize these two fruits, truth will be withheld.
   7. If you compromise godliness or have a grudge against a brother, you are in trouble.
   8. If a report of these two traits could cheer Paul in prison, they are important for you.
   9. The Lord taught that obedience of known truth leads to further truth (John 7:17).
   10. For love as the greatest grace.

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

1. Faith and love by Christians cause ministers to be very thankful for their good people.
   1. Paul was often thankful for obedience of the churches (Rom 1:8; Phil 1:3; Col 1:3).
   2. Combining faith and love was something he also did for Thessalonica (II The 1:3).
   3. Let us give thanks to God for obedient Christians and commend them like Paul did.
2. Paul regularly and frequently prayed for the Ephesians, making mention of them.
   1. Paul made mention of things in prayer (Romans 1:9; I Thess 1:2; Philemon 1:4).
   2. You need not describe all the details for the Lord – He already knows all of them!
   3. When God said, Pray with ceasing, it means continuing in prayer without quitting.
   4. It does not mean a RCC superstition of spending hours in prayer or always praying.

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

1. This verse and two following spell out Paul’s prayer request for the Ephesian saints.
2. Love Paul’s choice of words identifying God and Jesus Christ in his inspired writings.
   1. His namedropping is a precious mark of his heart, mind, and pen in inspired praise.
   2. The only God we care about is the true and living God – the God of Jesus Christ.
   3. Though Paul will ask for knowledge of mysteries, there is no lack with this God.
   4. He is the Father of glory, because our God is the fountain and giver of all glory.
   5. He is the God of glory (Acts 7:2), because there is no other god with any glory.
   6. This Father and God gives understanding from the riches of His glory (3:14-16).
   7. You know Him as Father; you should know Him as Father of glory; you soon will!
   8. The verse has a subtle, but clear, reference to the Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
3. Though spirit is not capitalized, it is the Holy Spirit of God Himself giving revelation.
   1. First, context proves it is the Holy Spirit – He is the revelator of God and wisdom.
   2. Second, context proves it by use (1:13; 2:18,22; 3:5,16; 4:3,4,30; 5:9,18; 6:17,18).
   3. If we allow it merely agency, energy, or influence, then human genius takes over.
   4. Greek does not use upper or lower case letters for deity in any of the three persons.
   5. There are other capitalization “difficulties” (Is 7:14; 9:6; Da 3:25; Heb 4:12; 7:28).
   6. They are perfect for providing the rope with a hang knot for scorning blasphemers.
4. The Spirit reveals gospel mysteries in His spiritual words by preaching (I Cor 2:6-16).
   1. God blesses the preacher with gifts, His study, leading to topics, interpretation, etc.
   2. God blesses the hearer with eyes, ears, heart, and mind to receive (I Cor 2:15-16).
5. Unless God reveals truth, as to Peter, you cannot know anything right (Matt 16:17).
6. Paul will pursue Spirit-given understanding even further with these saints (3:14-19).
7. Do you pray for the Holy Spirit for spiritual understanding (Luke 11:13; Ps 119:18)?

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

1. There is more enlightenment after regeneration and conversion (3:14-21). Covet it!
   1. Both eyes and enlightened are metaphor references to sight – here spiritual sight.
   2. When light is turned on – the gospel brings things to light – you see it very clearly.
   3. We use idioms and commercials about light bulbs coming on for better knowledge.
   4. What eyes and light are to the body, the understanding and gospel are to the soul.
2. Your spiritual understanding and observation ability can be improved to comprehend.
   1. Paul identified greater comprehension of dimensions unknown to man (3:16-19).
   2. This comprehension is by His work in our inner man to pass human knowledge.
   3. The point here is to know … to increase in knowledge about these listed things.
3. What is the hope of his calling? The future expectation of final salvation in heaven.
   1. What did God appoint and ordain us to (calling us) that is the hope of the gospel?
   2. The God of all grace has called us to His eternal glory by Jesus Christ (I Pet 5:10).
   3. The second coming of Jesus and events with it is the blessed hope (Tit 2:13; 3:7).
   4. Our hope is in heaven, our inheritance there, which we hear in the gospel (Col 1:5).
   5. Hope in Christ in this life only would leave us very miserable men (I Cor 15:19).
   6. We hope for the resurrection and glorification of our bodies (Romans 8:23-25).
   7. We look at things and for things not seen by natural eyesight (II Cor 4:17 – 5:5).
   8. We have a lively hope, because our older Brother rose from the dead (I Peter 1:3).
   9. This heavenly hope purifies men, changing them from earthly addicts (I Jn 3:1-3).
   10. Heaven is our everlasting consolation and good hope (I Thess 2:12; II Thess 2:16).
   11. If our minds were on our heavenly hope, this world, good or bad, would be dull.
4. What are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints? The incredible wealth and happiness God has for us (I Cor 2:9; Matt 25:34; John 14:1-3; II Cor 4:17).
   1. Note words – your inheritance as a saint has a glory so rich only God can teach it.
   2. What does Jesus Christ own? He received it by inheritance (Heb 1:2; Ps 16:11).
   3. We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. We inherit what He inherited (Rom 8:17).
   4. Not only are we saved from eternal torment, we are given eternal riches of glory.
   5. These riches are a new universe, eternal pleasures, liberty from all the groaning and travail of this life, total glorification, perfect fellowship with God, and so forth.
   6. If our minds were set on these riches, money or advantage here would be a joke.
   7. Jesus had His confident mind fully set on these things (Ps 16:8-11; Heb 12:1-3).
   8. It is our duty, privilege, and pleasure to comfort one another with it (I Thess 4:18).
   9. With this knowledge in heart and mind, perseverance is the result (I Cor 15:58).
5. These two things – your hope and future inheritance – need more revelation by God.
   1. Both things are his calling and his inheritance – our future is wrapped up in God.
   2. All natural men, intelligent or idiots, have all hope and advantage disappear (Job 8:13; 11:20; 18:17; 20:7; 34:15; Psalm 37:20; 112:10; Prov 10:28; 11:7,17; 14:32).
6. Paul wanted them to have more than head knowledge of these things; He sought a personal and passionate appreciation to change their lives (3:14-19; II Cor 5:14-17).

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1. This is the third thing Paul prayed might be revealed to these saints for their profit.
   1. The first two pertain to our future inheritance by its hope and riches of its glory.
   2. The second is His power in the resurrection of Christ and regeneration of sinners.
2. Delight in God’s power as His children have delighted in it for thousands of years.
   1. Power is the ability to do work, though it can also be authority, but not this context.
   2. God’s praise and worship leader delighted in it (Ps 21:13; 59:16; 62:11; 65:6; 66:3,7; 71:18; 78:26; 79:11; 90:11; 106:8; 110:3; 111:6; 145:11; 147:5; 150:1).
   3. In Gen 1:3,14-19, His creative power is clear by light without a source and stars.
   4. God’s great power was early shown in the Flood and at the Tower of Babel. Glory!
   5. God was glorious in power destroying and mocking the Egyptians (Ex 9:6; 15:6).
   6. God boasted to Job of His power by Elihu and Himself (Job 26:14; 36:22; 37:23).
   7. Isaiah gloried in Jehovah’s power in several examples (Is 40:26; 43:14-17; 50:2-3).
   8. Jeremiah four times stated Jehovah’s creative power (Je 10:12; 27:5; 32:17; 51:15).
   9. How about the power of God present to heal in the ministry of Jesus (Luke 5:17)?
   10. How about Jesus’ power for everything else He did (Luke 4:36; 9:43; Acts 10:38).
   11. The residual power of His death and resurrection caused earthquakes and miracles.
   12. The power of Pentecost in miracles and changed lives was great (Acts 1:8; 4:33).
   13. Jesus upholds all by His powerful word and by Him consist (Heb 1:3; Col 1:17).
   14. Similar examples of God’s mighty power could be multiplied almost indefinitely.
   15. Atomic or hydrogen bombs are slight tokens of His installed power in the universe.
3. What is the exceeding greatness of His power to us that believe the gospel? It is the Spirit’s might that regenerates us from death in trespasses and sins like it raised Jesus.
   1. Letting context direct, we see two resurrections from death by the power of God.
   2. Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death and exaltation is by God’s power (1:20-22).
   3. Our resurrection from death and exaltation with Christ is by God’s power (2:1-7).
   4. The power has already been exercised in you, proven by faith, and it will keep you.
   5. If you believe the gospel, God used the exceeding greatness of His mighty power.
   6. But you need spiritual understanding to fully appreciate His power on your behalf.
   7. Your hope and inheritance are absolutely certain by this power in Christ and you.
   8. It is exceeding great power – even His mighty power – which cannot be hindered.
   9. If you are in Christ’s and the Father’s hands, none can pluck you out (Jn 10:28-29).
   10. We love considering God’s power (Ps 21:13; 63:2; 66:3; 79:11; 110:3; 145:11).
   11. We revel in examples in Bible history and created nature – but think regeneration!
   12. Revel in the mighty power it took to raise the dead body of Jesus Christ to life.
4. Consider well, letting context lead, the exceeding great power in regenerating a sinner.
   1. God called it spiritual death in Eden – a total end of all activity, desire, or energy.
   2. Our Paul called it spiritual death – death in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1; Col 2:13).
   3. The devil in Eden and his ministers today deny that man is in any such condition.
   4. Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus to make sure everyone knew he was fully dead.
   5. See 2:1 … dead in fleshly sins … the only remedy was quickening (resurrection).
   6. See 2:2 … you followed this world’s lifestyle in their idiotic rebellion against God and light; you were a willing and obedient servant to the devil himself; you were sealed with a different spirit – the devil that operates in his reprobate children.
   7. See 2:3 … your lifestyle before regeneration was or would have been the same as worldly pagans obeying sinful lusts, doing whatever your wicked body and corrupt mind chose; your nature was identical to the damned reprobates of mankind.
   8. See 2:4 … but God … inspired disjunctive! … made a difference in merciful love.
   9. See 2:5 … even your extreme case defined as death in sins … God quickened you (resurrected or made you alive) with Christ by grace, which is your legal salvation.
   10. See 2:6 … and going further, has vitally connected you to Jesus Christ by this resurrection power to live and reign with Christ a thousand years (Rev 20:6); though not there literally and bodily yet, we have come to Mt. Sion (He 12:22-24).
   11. See 2:7 … His object and goal is an eternal display of rich and kind grace toward you through everything he achieved by His salvation of you through Jesus Christ.
   12. See 2:8 … God’s grace eternally, legally, and vitally saved us … and our faith is the evidence of it and the means by which we lay hold of it for comfort and assurance … the whole salvation, not just faith, being God’s unconditional gift.
   13. See 2:9 … our salvation by God to glory is not by works to destroy any boasting.
   14. See 2:10 … His mighty power quickening (or regenerating) us is His work, and it is best described as a creation, which is unto good works, not because of or by good works, and God’s revealed will for our lives is walking in His good works.
   15. No preacher or soul winner has any power to even assist resurrection or creation.
5. It is the devil’s lie to think that man can by any act assist God in this powerful work.
   1. This is where to start talking to others about means of salvation – total depravity.
   2. It would not matter if one rose from the dead to warn you of hell (Luke 16:31).
   3. It would not matter if you had every possible environmental advantage (Is 26:10).
   4. Listen to John on the matter of human blindness (John 3:3; 6:44; 8:45; 10:26).
   5. Listen to John on the means of regeneration without cooperation (John 1:13; 3:8).
   6. Unless God gives repentance, Satan rules you as you fight yourself (II Ti 2:25-26).
   7. The mercy of God in salvation is without human willing or running (Ro 9:15-16).
6. It takes special revelation by the Spirit for you to fully grasp His work in regeneration!
   1. You were as spiritually dead in trespasses and sins as Jesus was physically dead.
   2. There is more than mere turning from Satan to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.
   3. A vital bond and connection was created with Jesus Christ raising you into heaven.
7. A very close and valuable comparison is Jesus’ resurrection by God’s mighty power.
   1. Almighty God worked His mighty power raising Jesus from the dead (Rom 1:4).
   2. In spite of crucifixion, the apostles declared, But God raised Him from the dead!
   3. A maid might swoon, but enemies and friends checked Jesus – He was truly dead.
   4. His resurrection’s related power caused earthquakes, paralysis, other resurrections!
8. It is helpful and valuable to weigh conversions in the Bible and in our own experience.
   1. Look what Jesus did for the Gadarene on the other side of the sea. Has He for you?
   2. But yet the Pharisees conspired to kill Him due to raising Lazarus from the dead!
   3. Look what Jesus did for Saul of Tarsus; it was an example for you (I Tim 1:15-16).
   4. But yet Jews ran on Stephen to stone Him, though his face looked like an angel’s.
   5. Look what He did for Dionysius, Damaris, and others feeding on drivel in Athens.
   6. But yet most Greeks mocked Paul, for the gospel was to them mere foolishness.
   7. Look what He did for a jailor in Philippi … and his whole pagan family. Glory!
   8. But yet the magistrates of Philippi escorted Paul out in spite of obvious miracles.
   9. Have not the same means that converted you been available to many others also?
   10. What made the difference and continues to make the difference among your peers?

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

1. It took the exceeding greatness of God’s mighty power to raise Jesus from the dead!
   1. God did not only resurrect Him! He took Him to heaven and glorified Him at His own right hand on David’s throne over all principalities and powers of any sort.
   2. When you see a person expire and turn to cold clay, the idea of life is gone forever.
   3. Soldiers knew Jesus was dead even while on the cross … let alone 72 hours later.
   4. But God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him all power in heaven and in earth.
   5. Jesus lives by God’s power (Re 1:18); He will raise you up (II Co 13:4; I Co 6:14).
   6. Man can no more help a dead man than create the world or hold his breath an hour.
2. The heavenly places are those not of this world, not of Canaan, but of God’s presence.
   1. Remember, Jesus is on Mount Sion of the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22-24).
   2. The Bible stresses heavenly places over earthly goals (1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; Phil 3:20).
3. This same power used to raise Jesus from the dead and advance Him into the heavenly places was used in the act of regeneration and our vital union to Him (1:20 cp 2:1-7).
   1. So regeneration is described and compared to resurrection (John 5:25-29; Re 20:6).
   2. Fully grasp or mark your Bible for 1:20 cp 2:1,5-6 … raised from dead = quicken.
   3. Raised and sitting is more than church membership on earth, though it is heavenly.
   4. Raised and sitting is more than future resurrection with past tense verbs as Ro 8:30.
   5. Raised and sitting is more eternal union in Christ, for the context is regeneration.
   6. It must describe our vital (and other phases) union with Christ as our true Head.
   7. Though not in heaven literally, we have come to the heavenly city (Heb 12:22-24).
   8. Our regeneration to spiritual life is a connection to His resurrection life in heaven.
4. If He used exceeding great and mighty power to regenerate us, He will finally save us.
   1. It has already been shown in the incredible resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.
   2. It has already been shown in the incredible resurrection and creation of our souls.
   3. He was promoted far above all authority anywhere for the benefit of the church.
   4. God and Jesus Christ are totally committed to us, for we are the body of Christ.
   5. We are in Christ, with Christ, and together with Him in every way but bodily, and He has purchased our bodies as His possession; He will raise every one of them.
   6. Keep in mind the uniquely repetitive description of chapter one about us in Christ.
   7. Nothing can hinder or resist His eternal purpose to display love to us for eternity.
5. The mighty divine power of our Lord’s resurrection should encourage you in all ways.
   1. There is similar power for you to endure very hard afflictions (Phil 3:10; Col 1:11).
   2. His resurrection and promotion as Head makes your salvation complete (Col 2:10).
   3. By it men can resist the devil, be full of joy, or become ministers (Ep 6:10; 3:20,7).

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1. Adding to the previous verse of Jesus enthroned, Paul declares His position in heaven.
2. Jesus was not only raised from the dead. He was promoted very high with great glory.
3. Principalities, powers, might, and dominion describe all authority in the universe, including the holy angels, the fallen angels, and all earthly civil governments (Eph 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:15; Titus 3:1; I Pet 3:22; Jude 1:8). No one can hinder you!
   1. Consider the greatness of the power to promote Jesus over all angels of every kind.
   2. This is the promotion of Jesus Christ over Gabriel, Michael, and the devil himself.
   3. As he wrote in Romans 8:38-39, a benefit is no fear of being separated from God.
4. Every name that is named includes any name you can recall that opposes Jesus or you.
   1. At that time in the world, there was a Caesar that had the power of death and life.
   2. Think popes, presidents, apostles, priests, parents, Satan, Caesar, Mary, Caiaphas.
5. Jesus is not just over them, not just above them, not just far above them, not just above them all – He is far above them all! Trust your great King for time and eternity!
6. The world to come is new heavens and new earth after His coming (I Cor 15:23-24).
7. Satan took our first parents and us captive, but the stronger man saved (Luk 11:20-22).
8. Jesus made an open show of the devil on the cross (Col 2:15; Heb 2:14-15; I Jn 3:8).

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

1. This verse continues the description of God’s mighty power in Christ and its purpose.
2. God the Father is the operative Person here, for He hath put and gave Him to be head.
   1. God set Jesus at His right hand with all things under His feet (I Co 15:27; He 2:9).
   2. He has absolute and total rule over all things except God (Matt 28:18; John 3:35).
3. Jesus Christ is Head over all – He is not in a manger, on a cross, or begging at a door.
   1. As the context already declared, all principalities and powers are under Him (1:21).
   2. God promised that the heathen and uttermost parts of the earth were His (Ps 2:8).
   3. He has received the rod of iron rule from His Father (Ps 2:9; Re 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).
4. He is the Head of all things to (for the benefit of) the church (the body of the elect).
   1. Fear nothing in heaven or earth – not even death (Rom 8:38-39; II Timothy 1:10).
   2. He is worthy of your utmost faith and love, for He is King of kings for you and me.
   3. Confidence in angelic assistance should rise, as they are our servants (Heb 1:14).
   4. Angels were operative in the N.T. where we have a window to the invisible world.

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1. The body here is the whole congregation of the elect, not just the Ephesus church.
   1. It is the fullness of Jesus Christ, so it is more than a local assembly (I Cor 12:27).
   2. The church God gave Jesus universal dominion for is the universal church (1:22).
   3. The earlier contextual emphasis is His gathering all the elect into one body (1:10).
   4. His role in context is universal authority in both worlds for the church (Eph 1:22).
2. Jesus fills all things – His divine nature is the omnipresent God filling the universe.
   1. It certainly does not detract from His Godman nature to isolate a divine attribute.
   2. He fills heaven and earth by being the omnipresent God (Jer 23:24; Col 1:16; 2:9).
   3. Remember how familiar He was with all the details of the seven churches of Asia.
   4. Lest any get too cocky about us filling out Jesus, Paul reminded us of His divinity.
   5. There are also senses in which He is quite perfectly full without us (Col 1:29; 2:9).
3. Jesus fills all things – His role as Savior is to supply the church with all needed things.
   1. He began at Pentecost by filling the church with the promised Spirit (Acts 2:4,33).
   2. He fills our every need with endless supply (John 1:16; Eph 4:10; Col 2:10; 3:11).
   3. He fills every church and every member with the gifts and graces of His Spirit.
   4. He is the Savior of the body, and He will provide everything we need (Eph 5:23).
4. Yet we as the elect and predestinated sons of God are the fullness of Christ Himself.
   1. Let this gospel fact overwhelm and move you – Jesus is incomplete without you.
   2. The everlasting covenant of redemption entirely and eternally united us together.
   3. He is covenant Head and Surety for the elect – which makes Him a public Person.
   4. He does not have a proper purpose without you, for He was ordained for the elect.
   5. The elect complete Him by filling out His body, purpose, commission, and office.
   6. Without our bodies, we are incomplete; without His body – us, He is incomplete.
   7. It is the combination of our head and body that makes a complete person; Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and we are the body, thus a complete kingdom.
   8. He chose this metaphor or symbol and applied it, so you should not doubt it at all.
   9. God chose us in Him before the creation (1:4); we cannot be separated from Him.
   10. Why did Jesus die for us? – to perfect His bride or body for Himself (Eph 5:25-28).
   11. We are His bride like Eve – bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh (Eph 5:29-32).
   12. What is a marriage without a bride? It is a travesty and a farce. We are His bride!
   13. What is a temple’s cornerstone, if there are no stones or missing stones (Eph 2:20)?
   14. What is a family with one child, when God expects many (Ro 8:29; Heb 2:12-13)?
   15. He cannot lose a single member of the church, the elect, or He is thus imperfect!

Conclusion:

1. Reading/meditating on the words, phrases, and clauses of this chapter is a glorious spiritual exercise.
2. Here is the truth of the gospel kept secret since the beginning of the world and from most Christians even today (1:8-9; 3:1-13; I Cor 2:6-16).

For Further Study:

1. The Bible Study, “Truth about Being Born Again,” refutes various heresies and plainly defines the truth.
2. The sermon outline, “When Was Cornelius Saved?” shows that this man was born again before hearing the gospel.
3. The sermon outline, “He Ascended Up on High,” shows an even greater event after our Lord’s resurrection.