- This is the body of believers that Paul
        spent 3 years with. He can talk about deep
        things with them.
        - Grace – “unmerited favor”
        - Grace – “God’s ability in us”
        * When grace is accepted by the believer not only do they have the desire to serve God, but they also have the ability/power to do so.
-This is important for later verses.
        - As our knowledge about God/Jesus
                 increases… so does our grace (that
                 comes from them).
        - 2 Peter 1:2 - May grace and peace be
                 multiplied to you through the
                 knowledge of God and of Jesus our
                 Lord.
        - Verses 3-14 are actually one long Greek
                 sentence.
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, in Christ;
 
[4] for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world,
        - God’s timeline & our timeline
9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ
 - [8] He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
 - Anything the believer learns comes as a result of God’s revelation.
 - His will is only understood by the redeemed.
 - 1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ is God's power and God's wisdom,
 - We are “in Christ”.
 - “Mystery” – both Jews & Gentiles
 - “His will” – for you to walk by His Spirit
 - Believers are allowed the privilege of seeing the “good things” that come out of the “bad things” in life.
 - Get it”?
 - It’s hard to be a chaplain and not try to explain things.
10 as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
 - In the end… all things in Christ will be restored into it’s original state. (before the fall of man)
 - Things “in Him” in heaven and earth… not hell and not “outside of him”.
 - Philippians 2:10 & Revelation 5:3 – “things in heaven, on earth and under earth.”
 - “under earth“ is not included in this verse.
11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

• Many will translate this as “we are his inheritance.”
• How can we consider ourselves worthless sinners?
• We are holy and blameless before him.
• Predestined according to the plan of the One who works (energizes) out everything in agreement with the purpose of His will,
• 2 Thessalonians 2:9 – tells us that Satan has power too. - 9 The coming of the lawless one is based on Satan’s working, with every kind of miracle, both signs and wonders serving the lie.[1]
• We need to make sure we are plugged into the correct power source.
• God’s will is that none should perish, but be saved and walk in His Spirit.

12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

• Romans 8:29 – 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.[2]
• When we are conformed to His image at the resurrection.

13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.

• Truth always exposes error.
• Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6)
• —in Him when you believed—were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
• Only “in Him” that we become God’s family.
• Sealed is similar to the significance of the signet ring in Daniel 6:17.
• Transaction was completed
• Seal was protection/security
• Seal was authentic
• Seal pointed to ownership
• Seal pointed to approval
• Seal is not to be disturbed

14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
 - irrevocable pledge
 - engagement ring
 - The Holy Spirit is a down payment of what is to come.
 - Romans 8:29 – GLORY!
 
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
 - Paul prayed for their wisdom & understanding (v. 8)
 - I pray for your revelation
 - Rev 2:4 – The left their first love.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
 - Or “a spirit”…
 - these are ministries of the Holy Spirit.
 - You get wisdom & knowledge by knowing Him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart
 - “heart” being your innermost being - emotional & mental.
may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.[3]
 - so you may know what is the hope of His calling,
 - Many will translate “calling” as one’s vocation, career or job.
 - I see it as one’s journey (including our giftedness in the things we do).
 - Many of our journeys come through trials.
 - Romans 5:3-5 - but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.[4]
 - what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints,
 - If the church can see each other as this…
 - Again… take focus off of self and what you received.
 - We are not viewed as a “Biggest Donor’s List”.
 - “May be enlightened – to the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints”
 - In many households, only one person knows the true value of the family wealth because they pay the bills.
 - The other parties never investigate what they have in the bank.
 - It is the same way when you visualize what you have spiritually.
 - Some will truly investigate and some will be satisfied with what they already have/know.
 
 - We have to see the incredible value in one another… not based upon the size of house, or accumulation of stuff, or beauty or capabilities or even how much they help you.
 - We are His inheritance (totally selfless).

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Th 2:9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 8:29). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 1:9–19). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 5:3–5). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

61 AD – Paul is in prison in Rome.

• About the year 53, during Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey, Paul first ministered in Ephesus but did not remain there (Acts 18:19–21 – 08/23/20).
• Two years later, while on his third journey, Paul stayed in Ephesus for at least two years and saw that whole vast area evangelized.[1] (Acts 19 – 08/30/20 & 09/06/20)

 
Sharpening the Focus:

• Ephesus is a free Greek city located at the mouth of the Cayster River, which flows into the Aegean Sea.
• It is the largest city in Asia Minor.
• The population of Ephesus is 225,000, and it has a large Jewish population.
• Ephesus is a seaport and is the first ranking city of Asia Minor in commerce, wealth, politics, and religion.
• It is the New York of the ancient world.
• The city has a central hub that connects the eastern world with the western world, making it a magnificent city of wealth.
• The city’s wealth is reflected everywhere, from its marble-paved main street to the mosaic floors in its aristocratic homes.
• One of the seven wonders of the world is also there: the great temple of Artemis (in Latin her name is Diana; she is a nature-fertility goddess).
• It took 220 years to build this temple. Built out of pure white marble, it is the largest building in existence at this time and is known worldwide.
• The temple is 220 feet by 425 feet. It is supported by 127 columns, each of them 60 feet high, and is adorned by some of the greatest sculptors of the age.
• In the temple resides a statue of Diana, which the Ephesians believe fell from the sky. Ephesus is also the center for magical arts and occult practices in Asia.

 
GREETING
EPHESIANS 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.

• This is the body of believers that Paul spent 2.5 years with.
• He can talk about deep things with them.
• Paul had to clarify what “saints”… not the ones who referred to themselves as followers of Artemis (Diana).
• The word saint is simply one of the many terms used in the New Testament to describe “one who has trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour.”[2]
• When the sinner trusts Christ as his Saviour, he is taken out of “the world” and placed “in Christ.”
• The believer is in the world physically, but not of the world spiritually (John 17:14–16).
• Like a scuba diver, he exists in an alien environment because he possesses special equipment—in this case, the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.
• Every true believer possesses the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and it is through the Spirit’s power that the Christian is able to function in the world.
• The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is used twenty-seven times in this letter!
• It describes the spiritual position of the believer: he is identified with Christ, he is in Christ, and therefore is able to draw on the wealth of Christ for his own daily living.[3]

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Grace – “unmerited favor”
• Grace – “the desire and power to do God’s will”
• Grace – “God’s ability in us”
• Grace leads to peace.
• God and Jesus are one.
• When grace is accepted by the believer not only do they have the desire to serve God, but they also have the ability/power to do so.
• This is important for later verses.
• As our knowledge about God/Jesus increases… so does our grace (that comes from them).
• 2 Peter 1:2 - May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

 

• Verses 3-14 are one long Greek sentence.
• It’s as if Paul is overly excited.

GOD’S RICH BLESSINGS
3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

• GOD sacrificed the agony of watching his Son crucified so that:
• 1) Jesus could have a body to express Himself to the universe.
• 2) Spirit would have a temple to dwell.
• JESUS went to Calvary so that:

        1) God can receive a family
        2) Spirit would have a temple to dwell.
 - SPIRIT glorifies:
        1) Jesus by revealing what He
                 accomplished on the cross.
        2) God by glorifying the Son

• Paul continues to teach the church not to be man centered. That is when all the issues occur.
• Think about church organizations today and all the issues they deal with.
• What happens if they are selfless?

who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

• Comprehend this: Jesus not only came to redeem fallen men, but to give them everything they could possibly need.
• Everything spiritually that we need.
• We are spiritual beings more than we are human beings.
• Not physically… it is not about stuff but identity.
• “Stuff” just messes us up.
• The world is definitely focused on the physical being.

4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,

• God’s timeline & our timeline
• There is absolute importance in living from the view and understanding of where you are “in Christ”.

to be holy and blameless in love before him.

• The believer, based on what Jesus has already done, is made the righteousness of God.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 -  He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [4]

5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
        - “predestined” for what?
 - to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself,
        - as sons/children
 - Romans 8:23 - Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.[5]
- At the point of salvation, the believer is made into a finished product in his soul and spirit (in his person).

• He is as holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4), justified (Romans 5:1), righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21), forgiven (Ephesians 4:32), complete (Colossians 2:10) and glorified (Romans 8:30) in his person as he will ever be.
• But it is not until the resurrection that body becomes immortal (1 Corinthians 15:53) – becomes a body like Christ possessed after his resurrection.
• Therefore, the resurrection is the final piece of the puzzle that allows our entire being – soul, spirit, as well as the body – to be conformed to the image of God’s son (Romans 8:29).
• To this, we are predestined when we accepted Christ – not beforehand.
• according to His favor and will,
• We’ve already seen that God’s intentions in His relationships are based on what the other party receives.

6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
        - Any response to this verse?
        - Keep reading it until there is a response.
       
 - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.[6]
 - Try telling that to a 15 year old boy who aches to have an earthly father invest in his life.
 - Or the parent who has lost a child.
 - Or the homeless addict.
 - Or the faithful church-going religious person that can’t do enough to please their church or pastor or family.
 - Or the person who is reaping the pain and consequences because of their selfish acts.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
[7] In Him we have redemption through His blood,
 - The Gospel… His death was necessary.
 - the forgiveness of our trespasses,
        - Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding
                 of blood, there is no forgiveness.
        -It has already happened… one time.
        - I John 1:9 -
        - Matthew 6:12 – Lord’s prayer.
 
according to the riches of His grace
 - “according to” is greater than “out of”
 - compare that for a moment… which would you rather have from God?
8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.[7]
[8] that He richly poured out (lavished)
        - Some of us need “lavished”
        - “Lavished” covers all sin… all.
on us with all wisdom and understanding.
        - Wisdom – The insight into the true nature of things.
        - Bob says, “The ability to view life from
                 God’s perspective.”
        - Because wisdom is revealed through the
                 Holy Spirit.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 8). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 9). Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 9). Victor Books.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 8:23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 4:17–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Eph). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:21
Genesis 2:16
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 3:16
1 Corinthians 6:17
Galatians 5:16
Matthew 15:24
Romans8:28
​Galatians 5:22-23

Romans 5:1
Acts 20:35
1 Corinthians 6:17
Romans 8:1

What we know from studying Colossians:

• This letter to Philemon by is concerning his runaway slave named Onesismus.
• The Church seems to be a satellite church of Ephesus.
• It was not started by Paul, but by Epaphrus (v 23).
• Epaphras is in prison in Rome with Paul when this letter is written and sent with Tychichus along with the letters to the Church at Colossae and Ephesus.
• Paul has never visited the Church at Colossae.

 
GREETING
PHILEMON
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother:
To Philemon our dear friend and coworker,

• He may only know Philemon through the connection of Onesimus.
• But vs. 19 seems as if Paul actually led Philemon to his faith in Jesus.

2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier,

• Archipus was mentioned in Colossians as possibly the current elder of the Church of Colossae.
• Some will connect him as the son of Philemon and Apphia, but we are not sure.

and to the church that meets in your home.

• The Church at Colossae met in the home of Philemon and his wife, Apphia.

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Grace first… so then you can have peace.
• Imagine if our world could figure just that much out in their lives.

 
PHILEMON’S LOVE AND FAITH
4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus.

• This is the priority and why Paul starts here.

6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.

• Participation in faith
• That covers from the beginning of grasping your initial faith to the deepness of knowing God through His Word and Creation.
• Michelle and I crossed the Mississippi River twice last week… I was in awe.
• The Mississippi River begins as a trickle flowing out of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota.
• From there the river flows 2,348 miles until it pours into the Gulf of Mexico below New Orleans.
• The Mississippi River drains 33 states and its watershed covers one-half of the nation.
• If I were to compare one’s faith journey in Jesus with the Mississippi River, I’d say the majority of the people are somewhere in the state of Minnesota
• In this room, and even outside this room, I participate in my faith.
• But most of my participation in faith is focused on the simple Gospel of Jesus… and meeting the needs of people… spiritual people.
• I can’t get caught in the weeds!
• I can’t get so far downstream that I lose focus on the intent of the Gospel.
• I’ve got people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual identities and even just buying groceries.
• And in the meantime, people are wanting to consume my time with political and theological discussions.
• Paul is literally encouraging Philemon who is a leader in the community to remain steady in his participation of faith.

7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

• Refreshed… not confused, not agitated, not demanded, not controlled… not agenda driven… but refreshed.
• As compared to the Jewish legalists that were always demanding expectations of the rules/laws.

AN APPEAL FOR ONESIMUS

• Estimates suggest that there were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire, men and women who were treated like pieces of merchandise to buy and sell.
• The average slave sold for 500 denarii (one denarius was a day’s wage for a common laborer), while the educated and skilled slaves were priced as high as 50,000 denarii.
• A master could free a slave, or a slave could buy his freedom if he could raise the money (Acts 22:28).
• If a slave ran away, the master would register the name and description with the officials, and the slave would be on the “wanted” list.
• Any free citizen who found a runaway slave could assume custody and even intercede with the owner.
• The slave was not automatically returned to the owner, nor was he automatically sentenced to death.[1]

8 For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right,

• The struggle between flesh and Spirit.

9 I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man (probably around 60 years old) and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

• Paul could have easily appealed on the status of his apostleship and leadership, but he chose humbleness.

10 appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.

• Paul, led Onesimus to faith in Jesus and now views him as his disciple.

11 Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me.

• The name Onesimus actually interprets as “profitable”.
• He was a pagan runaway slave, but now he is considered a friend and a soldier for the Lord.

12 I am sending him back to you—I am sending my very own heart.

• Paul deeply loves this man.
• I remember how hard it was to always say goodbye to my parents when I leave to return home.
• I do the same thing when Chloe leaves.
• It is this kind of love Paul is referring to.

13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.

• Paul, wants the services of Onesimus with him but he is giving his friend Philemon a choice.
• What do you want to do with your rebellious slave that you could kill, but has now transformed his life in Christ Jesus?

15 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother.

• Paul is only giving Philemon something to consider, to think about.

He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

• Onesimus is encourager through faith (which is what Paul wants) but he is also able to serve physically (which is what Philemon originally contracted with him).

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me.

• Paul is encouraging Philemon to view Paul as a redeemed man.
• No matter what evil Philemon has done… he has been made perfect through Jesus Christ.
• Had Onesimus’ behavior changed?
• We don’t know… but it surely has been impacted.
• Paul could not leave the prison to visit Colossae, but he could send representation through Onesimus.
• Even inside of Leavener (our community), there are struggles to truly redeem people who fail (over and over).

18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.

• Not a physical account… but an understanding.
• I owe you one.
• But this also moved them into a partnership so as to give Philemon the aspect of not being a pushover when it came to owning slaves.

19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self.

• This implies that Philemon heard about Jesus initially from Paul and came to faith because of Paul’s contact with him.

20 Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

• Philemon’s name actually translates to “affectionate” or “one who is kind”.
• Paul would love to have Onesimus back as his own personal slave/friend/ministry partner.

21 Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

• The persuasiveness of Paul comes out here through encouragement.
• “See what he did there”.

22 Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

• Paul’s desire comes from his missionary heart.
• Of course he wants to go back and visit all the churches and encourage them.
• His heart never changed although his circumstances changed.
• This also added a little pressure to Philemon if Paul was going to be face to face with him later.

 
FINAL GREETINGS
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do 24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.

• John Mark was with Paul (Col. 4:10), the young man who failed Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:12, 25; 15:36–41).
• Paul had forgiven Mark and was grateful for his faithful ministry (see 2 Tim. 4:11).
• Aristarchus was from Thessalonica and accompanied Paul to Jerusalem and then to Rome (Acts 19:29; 27:2).
• Demas is mentioned three times in Paul’s letters: “Demas … my fellow worker” (Phile. 24), “Demas” (Col. 4:14), “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10).
• John Mark failed but was restored. Demas seemed to be doing well but then he fell.
• Luke, of course, was the beloved physician (Col. 4:14) who accompanied Paul, ministered to him, and eventually wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.[2]

25 The grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[3]

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 270). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 273). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Phm 1–25). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.