Sermons on Ephesians 1:18-23
The various sermons below interpret Ephesians 1:18-23 by focusing on the themes of Jesus' authority and the transformative power of His ascension. Both sermons emphasize the significance of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God, symbolizing His authority and completed work. This imagery is used to convey the majesty and power of Christ, suggesting that His position is akin to a king's trusted advisor. Additionally, both interpretations highlight the power available to believers through Christ's ascension, suggesting that the same divine power that raised Christ from the dead empowers believers to live boldly in faith. This shared focus on divine authority and empowerment provides a foundation for believers to find hope and assurance in their faith journey.
While both sermons share common themes, they also present unique nuances in their interpretations. One sermon emphasizes Jesus' intercession as a source of comfort and assurance, highlighting His active role in advocating for believers and providing them with confidence and peace. In contrast, the other sermon focuses on the ascension as a critical event in God's triumph over evil, positioning it as a complement to the crucifixion and resurrection. This interpretation challenges believers to recognize the divine power within them to transform their lives and the world, despite the apparent chaos.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Interpretation:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) interprets Ephesians 1:18-23 by emphasizing the imagery of Jesus seated at the right hand of God as a symbol of authority and completed work. The sermon highlights that Jesus' position is not about physical location but about power and authority, indicating that His work of salvation is finished, and He now intercedes for believers. This interpretation uses the analogy of a throne room to convey the majesty and authority of Christ, suggesting that His position at the right hand of God is akin to a king's trusted advisor who carries out the king's will.
Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith (The Flame Church) interprets Ephesians 1:18-23 by emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's ascension. The sermon highlights the Greek words for power—dynamis, energia, kratos, and ishios—used in the passage, explaining that they convey God's explosive power, never-ending energy, overcoming strength, and efficient functioning. This interpretation suggests that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to believers, empowering them to live boldly in faith.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Theological Themes:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) presents the theme of Jesus' intercession as a source of comfort and assurance for believers. The sermon explains that Jesus' role at the right hand of God includes interceding for believers, which means He is actively advocating on their behalf. This provides believers with confidence and peace, knowing that Jesus is on their side and that nothing can separate them from His love.
Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith (The Flame Church) presents the theme of the ascension as the event where Christ defeated the power of evil, complementing the crucifixion and resurrection. This sermon uniquely positions the ascension as a critical component of God's triumph over demonic forces, emphasizing that Christ's rule is established in the present, despite the world's apparent chaos. The sermon challenges believers to see with the "eyes of the heart," recognizing the divine power within them to transform their lives and the world.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) provides historical context by explaining the cultural significance of being seated at the right hand of a king. In ancient times, the right hand was a position of honor and authority, often reserved for the king's most trusted advisor or heir. This context helps to understand the biblical imagery of Jesus seated at the right hand of God as a declaration of His authority and completed work.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Cross-References in the Bible:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) references several Bible passages to support the interpretation of Ephesians 1:18-23. Luke 22 is cited to show Jesus' own declaration of His position at the right hand of God. Psalm 110 is referenced in Acts 2 to demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' exaltation. Romans 8 is used to highlight Jesus' intercessory role and the assurance it provides to believers.
Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith (The Flame Church) references Acts 1:8-11 to connect the ascension of Christ with the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit. The sermon uses this passage to illustrate that the power given to the disciples at Pentecost is the same power available to believers today, enabling them to be witnesses of Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and globally.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Christian References outside the Bible:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Ephesians 1:18-23.
Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith (The Flame Church) references C.S. Lewis, who said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." This quote is used to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as God's megaphone, empowering believers to proclaim His love and truth. Additionally, A.W. Tozer is quoted, stating, "A frightened world needs a fearless church," reinforcing the call for the church to be bold and fearless in its mission.
Ephesians 1:18-23 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Jesus' Authority and Intercession: Our Hope and Response (Hoxton Park Anglican Church) uses the illustration of visiting castles and throne rooms to help the congregation visualize the grandeur and authority associated with Jesus' position at the right hand of God. The sermon describes the Sultan's Palace in Indonesia and traditional European throne rooms to convey the imagery of power, authority, and respect that comes with being seated on a throne.
Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith (The Flame Church) uses a humorous anecdote about hymns for Christians over 65 years old to engage the audience and introduce the theme of empowerment. The sermon also shares a story about a tavern owner suing a church for praying against his business, illustrating the power of prayer and the belief in God's intervention. These secular illustrations serve to make the theological points more relatable and memorable for the congregation.