Embracing Christ's Supremacy and Ongoing Work

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Ongoing Intercession and Sovereignty

Christ's work did not conclude with His resurrection; it continues as He intercedes for us and establishes His rule over the universe. This ongoing work is a profound source of comfort and assurance for believers, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the knowledge that Christ is actively involved in our lives and the world provides a foundation of hope and peace. His intercession means that He is advocating for us, understanding our weaknesses, and providing the strength we need to persevere. [03:22]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to feel Christ's intercession today? How can you invite Him into that situation to experience His peace and guidance?

Day 2: Enlightenment of the Heart

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians emphasizes the need for spiritual enlightenment, a deeper understanding of God's power and presence. This enlightenment is crucial for navigating the challenges of life and maintaining a strong faith. It involves having the eyes of our hearts opened to see beyond the physical and temporal, to grasp the eternal truths of God's kingdom. Such enlightenment transforms our perspective, enabling us to live with purpose and clarity, even amidst confusion and doubt. [08:17]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel spiritually blind or confused? How can you seek God's enlightenment to gain clarity and understanding in that area today?

Day 3: Recognizing Christ's Supreme Authority

The resurrection and exaltation of Christ demonstrate His supreme authority over all things. Recognizing this supremacy provides security and strength, enabling believers to face life's challenges with confidence. This understanding is not merely theological but deeply practical, affecting how we view our circumstances and respond to them. When we acknowledge Christ's authority, we can trust that He is in control, even when life seems out of control. [12:24]

Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

Reflection: How does recognizing Christ's authority change the way you approach a current challenge or decision? What steps can you take to align your actions with His supreme authority?

Day 4: Christ's Authority Over the Church

Christ is the sole authority over the church, and His teachings should guide our beliefs and actions. This authority challenges us to align our lives with His teachings, even when they conflict with societal norms. As members of His body, we are called to live in obedience to His word, allowing it to shape our values, decisions, and interactions with others. This alignment with Christ's authority is essential for the church to fulfill its mission in the world. [16:54]

Colossians 1:18 (ESV): "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: In what ways do societal norms challenge your commitment to Christ's teachings? How can you ensure that His authority remains the guiding force in your life and within your church community?

Day 5: Security in Christ's Supremacy

The supremacy and authority of Christ provide a foundation for the believer's security. In a world of uncertainty, this security enables us to live with confidence and hope, trusting in His providence and power. Knowing that Christ reigns over all creation assures us that nothing can separate us from His love and care. This security is not passive but active, empowering us to engage with the world boldly and compassionately, reflecting His love and truth. [19:17]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: What fears or uncertainties are you currently facing? How can you rest in the security of Christ's supremacy and allow it to transform your perspective and actions today?

Sermon Summary

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, expressing gratitude for their faith and love, and praying for their spiritual enlightenment. This passage serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of Christ, who, though having completed the work of redemption, continues to intercede for us and establish His rule over the universe. The city of Ephesus, once a hub of prosperity and pagan worship, is a fitting backdrop for Paul's message, as it mirrors the challenges faced by believers today in a post-Christian society.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is not for political stability or societal acceptance, but for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened. This metaphorical language emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of God's power and presence in their lives. The resurrection and exaltation of Christ are central to this understanding, as they demonstrate His supreme authority over all things.

In a world where believers often feel marginalized, Paul's message is a call to recognize the supremacy of Christ and His authority over the church. This recognition provides security and strength, enabling believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence. The supremacy of Christ is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that impacts every aspect of life, from personal struggles to global events.

As believers, we are called to live in the presence of Christ, grounded in the truth of Scripture, and reliant on His power. This is the foundation for a life of faith, even in the face of opposition and uncertainty. The ongoing work of Christ assures us that we are not alone, and that His rule and reign extend over all creation.

Key Takeaways

1. Ongoing Work of Christ: Christ's work did not end with His resurrection; He continues to intercede for us and establish His rule over the universe. This ongoing work is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. [03:22]
2. Spiritual Enlightenment: Paul's prayer for the Ephesians emphasizes the need for spiritual enlightenment, a deeper understanding of God's power and presence. This enlightenment is crucial for navigating the challenges of life and maintaining a strong faith. [08:17]
3. Supremacy of Christ: The resurrection and exaltation of Christ demonstrate His supreme authority over all things. Recognizing this supremacy provides security and strength, enabling believers to face life's challenges with confidence. [12:24]
4. Authority Over the Church: Christ is the sole authority over the church, and His teachings should guide our beliefs and actions. This authority challenges us to align our lives with His teachings, even when they conflict with societal norms. [16:54]
5. Security in Christ: The supremacy and authority of Christ provide a foundation for the believer's security. In a world of uncertainty, this security enables us to live with confidence and hope, trusting in His providence and power. [19:17]
** [19:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:15-23
[00:26] - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians
[00:41] - The Power of God in Believers
[00:57] - Christ's Exaltation and Authority
[01:32] - The Ongoing Work of Christ
[02:08] - Hymn Writers and Theological Insights
[03:22] - Christ's Rule and Reign
[04:12] - Historical Context of Ephesus
[05:04] - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
[06:24] - The Church as a Minority
[07:42] - Enlightenment of the Heart
[09:18] - Resurrection and Presence of Christ
[12:24] - Christ's Supremacy and Authority
[16:54] - Christ as Head of the Church
[19:17] - Security in Christ's Supremacy

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:15-23

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Observation Questions:

What are the two main reasons Paul gives thanks for the Ephesians in his letter? ([00:10])
How does Paul describe the power of God in Ephesians 1:19-20, and what event does he relate it to? ([00:41])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God? ([00:57])
What metaphor does Paul use to describe the church in Ephesians 1:22-23, and what does it imply about Christ's relationship to the church? ([01:15])

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Interpretation Questions:

Why does Paul emphasize the need for spiritual enlightenment for the Ephesians, and how does this relate to their understanding of God's power? ([08:17])
How does the historical context of Ephesus as a hub of pagan worship and prosperity mirror the challenges faced by believers today? ([04:12])
In what ways does recognizing the supremacy of Christ provide security and strength to believers, according to the sermon? ([12:24])
How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to feeling marginalized in a post-Christian society? ([06:24])

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt marginalized for your faith. How did recognizing Christ's supremacy help you navigate that situation? ([06:24])
Paul prays for the Ephesians' hearts to be enlightened. What steps can you take this week to seek a deeper understanding of God's power and presence in your life? ([08:17])
The sermon mentions the ongoing work of Christ as a source of comfort. How can you remind yourself of this truth during personal struggles? ([03:22])
In what ways can you align your life more closely with Christ's teachings, especially when they conflict with societal norms? ([16:54])
How can you cultivate a sense of security in Christ's authority over the church in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to trust in His providence and power? ([19:17])
Consider the metaphor of the church as Christ's body. How does this understanding influence your role and responsibilities within your local church community? ([01:15])
Identify one area of your life where you need to rely more on Christ's power. What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate that reliance? ([24:21])

Sermon Clips

For this reason Paul writes ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints I have not stopped giving thanks for you remembering you in my prayers I keep asking that the god of our Lord Jesus Christ The Glorious father may give you the spirit of wisdom and Revelation so that you may know him better. [00:00:13]

Now The Wonder of it is this that as Paul prays and this is really a pastor praying for his congregation he prays for them not many of the things that we've be tempted to pray for we might be we might want to pray that things would settle down that the politics would get established that the bits and pieces of the structure of life would be amable to Godly living and to family life and so on all of those realistic prayers but what does he pray well he prays for them an interesting phrase that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened. [00:07:32]

What I long for you is that you might see things as they really are or that you might grasp something that makes sense of all of the the things that you're dealing with in your life I want you he says to know the immeasurable greatness of the power of God which is yours as believers and you will see the evidence of that he says in two particular ways one in the resurrection in the resurrection you can read it in the text and we've spent enough time I think reflecting on it. [00:08:39]

We do not gather Sunday by Sunday to Revere Christ's memory We Gather Sunday by Sunday to acknowledge Christ's presence uh I'm old enough to to remember some of the old songs I know you are too Bob but uh we used to sing I serve a risen savior he's in the world today I know that he is living whatever man may see I see his hand of Mercy I hear his voice of cheer and just the time I need him he's always near he lives now that is the affirmation. [00:09:18]

He has been raised and seated at the right hand in the Heavenly Realms are far above all Rule and authority and so on well uh that's what we just read in Philippians together God has given him a name that is above every name God has highly exalted him now theologians uh at least old theologians of whom there are few left but old theologians refer to this in theological terms as the session of Christ the session of Christ. [00:10:32]

Jesus takes his seat at the father's side he doesn't sit to rest he sits to rule he sits to express his jurisdiction over the totality of the universe again the hyw writer helps me the head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with Glory now a royal diadem adorns the mighty Victor's brow and so Paul is concerned that these truths would actually begin to Galvanize them. [00:11:43]

It helped me as I reflected on this to to think about about Christ's absolute Supremacy his absolute Supremacy you will notice that it is stated so very clearly by Paul that he is now in a realm that is far above all rule all rule every morning that we wakeen up at the moment it's all about the rule of Putin the rule of Biden the rule of Boris Johnson the rule of mcon the rule of Russia the concerns of the Ukraine whatever else it might be all of these things. [00:12:24]

When Paul writes not to Philippi which we considered or even here to Ephesus but when he writes to the Colossians he says of Jesus in him all things hold together in him all things hold together now you think about that because scientists they can't explain black holes they can't explain what they refer to as nuclear glue they have really no ultimate explanation as to why the whole thing has not simply spun off its excess and into Oblivion. [00:13:47]

He sits to rule above all the titles all the authorities and all the power and all Dominion all Dominion if you think about what it must have been like when the disciples and what a bunch they were really I mean they managed to put one foot forward and then two feet back they managed to get things wrong on a regular basis they should be an encouragement to all of us you know for example the wonderful children's ministry here which is super to think about. [00:14:17]

All authority in heaven and in Earth has been given to me that is either the statement of a megalomaniac or a lunatic or a statement made by the only person that can make that statement namely the Incarnate God and on that basis he says go out into all the world and be unafraid in telling this and and I will build my church and the Gates of Hell won't Prevail against it. [00:15:51]

When we read our Bibles then we have security that God is speaking the last word is that word security this reminds us of Christ's supremacy of his authority over the church and of the believer's security how are we to navigate the Waters of our life and our times I was thinking this week in fact I said to Susan um kindly invitation came to us to attend the event uh here there in um on Thursday evening for the Simon and gar Funko show. [00:19:17]

The Victory and the supremacy of Christ is the basis for the safety and the security of your life and of mine when Paul writes to the Corinthians remember he said says no eye has seen no ear heard no mind has conceived the things that God has prepared for them that love him well how in a world could you know that well he says but these have been revealed to him by the holy spirit so no eye has seen it's invisible no ear has heard it's inaudible no mind is conceived it's inconceivable. [00:20:41]

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Embracing Christ's Supremacy and Ongoing Work

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Ongoing Intercession and Sovereignty

Day 2: Enlightenment of the Heart

Day 3: Recognizing Christ's Supreme Authority

Day 4: Christ's Authority Over the Church

Day 5: Security in Christ's Supremacy

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing Christ's Supremacy and Ongoing Work

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