Embracing Our Identity: Saints, Faithful, and United in Christ

 

Summary

In the opening of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, we are immediately drawn into the profound truths that define what it means to be a Christian. Often, we overlook the introductions of New Testament epistles, considering them mere formalities. However, these introductions are rich with essential truths. Paul addresses the recipients as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus," terms that encapsulate the essence of Christian identity. This letter, though addressed to the Ephesians, is a circular letter meant for all believers, emphasizing that its teachings are not reserved for apostles or theologians but for every ordinary church member.

The term "saint" signifies being set apart, both outwardly and inwardly. Christians are called out from the world, not just in practice but in essence, reflecting a life cleansed from sin's guilt and pollution. This separation is not merely about attending church but about embodying a distinct, holy life that stands out in the world. The early Christians' profound impact on their pagan surroundings was due to their distinctiveness and the power they possessed, a quality that the modern church must reclaim.

Being "faithful" involves exercising faith, not just in belief but in steadfastness. A Christian is one who believes in the core tenets of the faith, such as the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This faith is not passive; it is active and reliable, standing firm against challenges and persecution. The Christian life is marked by a deep, unwavering commitment to these truths, ready to defend and contend for the faith.

Finally, being "in Christ Jesus" signifies a mystical union with Christ. Christians are not merely followers of Christ; they are united with Him, sharing in His death, resurrection, and life. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of our identity as believers. It is this profound connection that empowers us to live as saints and remain faithful.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Being Set Apart: Christians are called to be saints, set apart from the world both outwardly and inwardly. This separation is not just about attending church but living a life that is distinct and holy, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. [12:36]

- Faith as the Foundation: Being faithful means exercising faith in the core tenets of Christianity, such as the incarnation and resurrection of Christ. This faith is active, reliable, and steadfast, enabling believers to stand firm against challenges and persecution. [27:44]

- Union with Christ: Being "in Christ Jesus" signifies a mystical union with Him, sharing in His death, resurrection, and life. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of our identity as believers. [36:24]

- The Power of the Gospel: The gospel is not just a human teaching but the power of God for salvation. It can transform even the most hopeless individuals and situations, as demonstrated by the early church's impact on the pagan world. [24:45]

- Holiness and Belief: Holiness and belief are inseparable in the Christian life. One cannot be a true believer without being holy, and vice versa. This indissoluble link is essential for living a life that reflects the fullness of Christ. [43:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians
- [00:49] - The Depth of New Testament Introductions
- [01:55] - The Error of Overlooking Salutations
- [03:16] - Addressing the True Audience
- [04:34] - The Circular Nature of the Letter
- [06:28] - A Letter for All Believers
- [08:10] - The Irreducible Minimum of a Christian
- [10:08] - The Early Church's Impact
- [11:35] - The Meaning of Being a Saint
- [15:05] - Separation from the World
- [17:15] - Cleansing from Sin
- [24:45] - The Power of the Gospel
- [26:01] - The Meaning of Faithful
- [36:24] - Union with Christ
- [43:59] - Holiness and Belief

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ephesians 1:1

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:1
- Acts 19:9-10
- Galatians 1:3-4

---

Observation Questions:

1. How does Paul address the recipients of his letter in Ephesians 1:1, and what significance do these titles hold? [00:09]

2. In Acts 19:9-10, what action does Paul take with the disciples, and how does this relate to the concept of being "set apart" as saints?

3. According to Galatians 1:3-4, what purpose does Paul attribute to Jesus' sacrifice, and how does this relate to the idea of being delivered from the world?

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the letter to the Ephesians and its intended audience? [06:28]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to be "set apart" as a saint, both outwardly and inwardly, and how does this affect a Christian's daily life? [12:36]

2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and being "faithful"? What are the implications of this for a believer's life? [27:44]

3. What is the significance of the mystical union with Christ, as described in the sermon, and how does it empower believers? [36:24]

4. How does the sermon explain the early church's impact on the pagan world, and what lessons can modern Christians learn from this? [10:08]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you feel "set apart" from the world as a Christian? Are there areas where you struggle to maintain this distinctiveness? [12:36]

2. Consider the core tenets of your faith. How do you actively exercise and demonstrate your faith in your daily interactions and decisions? [27:44]

3. Think about your union with Christ. How does this relationship influence your identity and actions as a believer? Are there specific areas where you need to deepen this connection? [36:24]

4. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the gospel. Can you identify a situation in your life or community where you have witnessed this power at work? How can you be a part of this transformation? [24:45]

5. Holiness and belief are described as inseparable. How do you ensure that your beliefs are reflected in your actions and lifestyle? Are there inconsistencies you need to address? [43:59]

6. The early Christians had a profound impact on their surroundings. What steps can you take to have a similar influence in your community or workplace? [10:08]

7. Reflect on the challenges you face in being faithful and reliable in your faith. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your commitment and stand firm in your beliefs? [32:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Living a Distinct and Holy Life
Christians are called to be saints, set apart from the world both outwardly and inwardly. This separation is not just about attending church but living a life that is distinct and holy, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. The early Christians' profound impact on their pagan surroundings was due to their distinctiveness and the power they possessed, a quality that the modern church must reclaim. This distinctiveness is not about isolation but about embodying a life that is cleansed from sin's guilt and pollution, standing out in the world as a testament to the power of the gospel. [12:36]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you live a life that is distinct and holy in your current environment, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel?


Day 2: Active and Reliable Faith
Being faithful means exercising faith in the core tenets of Christianity, such as the incarnation and resurrection of Christ. This faith is active, reliable, and steadfast, enabling believers to stand firm against challenges and persecution. It is not a passive belief but a dynamic and unwavering commitment to the truths of the gospel. Christians are called to defend and contend for their faith, demonstrating a deep trust in God's promises and a readiness to act on them, even in the face of adversity. [27:44]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a challenge or situation where your faith is being tested. How can you actively demonstrate your faith in this situation today?


Day 3: Mystical Union with Christ
Being "in Christ Jesus" signifies a mystical union with Him, sharing in His death, resurrection, and life. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of our identity as believers. Christians are not merely followers of Christ; they are united with Him, which empowers them to live as saints and remain faithful. This profound connection is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms every aspect of a believer's life, providing strength, purpose, and hope. [36:24]

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does your union with Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? What changes can you make to deepen this connection?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel is not just a human teaching but the power of God for salvation. It can transform even the most hopeless individuals and situations, as demonstrated by the early church's impact on the pagan world. This power is not limited to the past but is available to believers today, enabling them to live lives that reflect the fullness of Christ. The gospel's transformative power is a testament to God's ability to bring about change and renewal in the lives of those who believe. [24:45]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems hopeless. How can you invite the transformative power of the gospel into this situation today?


Day 5: The Indissoluble Link Between Holiness and Belief
Holiness and belief are inseparable in the Christian life. One cannot be a true believer without being holy, and vice versa. This indissoluble link is essential for living a life that reflects the fullness of Christ. Holiness is not just about moral purity but about being set apart for God's purposes, living in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. Belief, in turn, is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust in God that manifests in a holy life. [43:59]

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to align your beliefs with holy living? What steps can you take to bring these areas into alignment with God's will?

Quotes



Paul addresses the recipients as "saints" and "faithful in Christ Jesus," terms that encapsulate the essence of Christian identity. This letter, though addressed to the Ephesians, is a circular letter meant for all believers, emphasizing that its teachings are not reserved for apostles or theologians but for every ordinary church member. [00:24:16]

The term "saint" signifies being set apart, both outwardly and inwardly. Christians are called out from the world, not just in practice but in essence, reflecting a life cleansed from sin's guilt and pollution. This separation is not merely about attending church but about embodying a distinct, holy life that stands out in the world. [00:758.8]

Being "faithful" involves exercising faith, not just in belief but in steadfastness. A Christian is one who believes in the core tenets of the faith, such as the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This faith is not passive; it is active and reliable, standing firm against challenges and persecution. [00:1561.399]

Finally, being "in Christ Jesus" signifies a mystical union with Christ. Christians are not merely followers of Christ; they are united with Him, sharing in His death, resurrection, and life. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of our identity as believers. [00:2151.119]

The early Christians' profound impact on their pagan surroundings was due to their distinctiveness and the power they possessed, a quality that the modern church must reclaim. The lack of influence of the Christian Church upon the World At Large today is in my opinion due to one thing only and that is that all of us God forgive us are so unlike the description that we find in the New Testament of the Christian. [00:645.16]

The gospel is not just a human teaching but the power of God for salvation. It can transform even the most hopeless individuals and situations, as demonstrated by the early church's impact on the pagan world. [00:1475.88]

Holiness and belief are inseparable in the Christian life. One cannot be a true believer without being holy, and vice versa. This indissoluble link is essential for living a life that reflects the fullness of Christ. [00:2622.64]

The Christian is a man who primarily is separated from the world. The apostles constantly saying this you remember how he says exactly the same thing at the beginning of his letter to the Galatians he says grace to you and peace from God the father and from our Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins that he might Deliver Us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father. [00:899.639]

The Christian is not like anybody else he's separated he's apart he's unique he stands out he's been called out by God he's been separated from the world separated to God. We can never emphasize that too frequently is this obvious about Christians today the separation doesn't just consist in the fact that we go to a place of worship on Sunday morning whereas most people don't that's a part of it and a very important part of it but it isn't the vital part of it. [00:943.319]

The Christian is one who not only believes in Christ he is in a real sense in Christ. I mean by that that he belongs to him that he's United to him that he is joined to him in this way take the New Testament illustrations the illustration is the body ye are the body of Christ says Paul to the Corinthians and members in particular. [00:2195.04]

The Christian is a saint he is also someone who is faithful. Now what's the meaning of this term faithful in a sense it's rather an unfortunate translation because we tend to give not the primary meaning again to this term but once more the secondary meaning essentially this word faithful means exercising Faith. [00:1559.08]

The Apostle addresses these Christians at Ephesus as those who are believers they exercise Faith they are Christians because they are believers. Now then here again is something that is absolutely fundamental and primary and vital you can't be a Christian unless you believe something the thing that makes us Christian is that we believe certain things. [00:1666.72]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?