Sealed with the Spirit: Assurance and Empowerment

 

Summary

Ephesians chapter one is a profound passage that invites us to delve into the richness of God's plan for salvation, as orchestrated by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit. This chapter is a testament to the exuberance of Paul's praise, which is deeply Trinitarian. Paul begins with an 11-verse sentence of praise, highlighting the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our salvation. The Father is the planner, the Son is the executor, and the Holy Spirit is the one who seals this salvation in us.

The focus today is on the Holy Spirit, particularly the concept of being "sealed with the Spirit" as mentioned in Ephesians 1:13. This sealing is not just a future promise but a present reality for every believer. It signifies the Holy Spirit's personal presence in our lives, authenticating God's promises and ensuring our inheritance. The Spirit is not merely a force or power but a personal presence that interacts with us, guiding us into all truth and reminding us of Christ's teachings.

The Holy Spirit also serves as a guarantee of our inheritance, a promise of the glorious future that awaits us. This inheritance is not just a distant hope but a present assurance that shapes how we live today. It reminds us that our lives are not just for this world but for the world to come. The Spirit's presence in us is a foretaste of the eternal life we will enjoy with God.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers us to pursue holiness. Contrary to the criticism that a focus on grace leads to indifference, the history of the church shows that those who grasp the grace of God most profoundly are those who pursue holiness most eagerly. The Spirit works in us to mortify the flesh and renew our minds, leading us to live lives that reflect God's holiness.

In a world filled with the spirit of disobedience, the Holy Spirit sets us apart as God's children, leading us to live in a way that honors Him. This sealing with the Spirit is a profound blessing, a mark of our identity in Christ, and a source of strength and hope as we await the fulfillment of God's promises.

Key Takeaways:

- The Holy Spirit is a personal presence in our lives, not just a force or power. He interacts with us, guiding us into truth and reminding us of Christ's teachings. This personal relationship with the Spirit is a mark of our identity as believers. [15:04]

- Being sealed with the Holy Spirit is a present reality for every believer, not a future promise or a second blessing. This sealing authenticates God's promises and assures us of our inheritance in Christ. [12:56]

- The Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance, reminding us that our lives are not just for this world but for the world to come. This assurance shapes how we live today, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize. [24:23]

- The Spirit empowers us to pursue holiness, working in us to mortify the flesh and renew our minds. This pursuit of holiness is a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it. [31:42]

- In a world filled with the spirit of disobedience, the Holy Spirit sets us apart as God's children. He leads us to live in a way that honors God, sealing us with His presence and power. [39:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 1
- [00:37] - Trinitarian Praise
- [01:35] - The Father's Plan of Salvation
- [02:13] - The Son's Work of Salvation
- [02:28] - Sealed with the Spirit
- [03:18] - The Spirit as Guarantee
- [04:06] - Spiritual Blessings in Christ
- [05:09] - Christ's Unifying Work
- [06:28] - Christ's Reign and Authority
- [07:24] - Believing in a Powerful Savior
- [10:52] - The Helper: The Holy Spirit
- [12:11] - The Promise of the Spirit
- [13:26] - The Spirit as Seal and Guarantee
- [15:04] - The Personal Presence of the Spirit
- [21:19] - The Spirit and the Promise of Inheritance
- [31:25] - The Spirit's Purifying Power
- [39:54] - The Spirit vs. the Spirit of Disobedience
- [42:02] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ephesians 1:11-14

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:11-14

Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" according to Ephesians 1:13? How does this concept relate to the idea of inheritance mentioned in the passage? [03:18]
2. How does Paul describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer in Ephesians 1:11-14? What are the implications of this role for our daily lives? [03:30]
3. In the sermon, it was mentioned that the Holy Spirit is a personal presence rather than just a force. How does this understanding affect our relationship with the Holy Spirit? [15:04]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "sealed with the Spirit" provide assurance to believers about their salvation and future inheritance? [12:56]
2. The sermon emphasized that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness. How does this empowerment manifest in a believer's life, and why is it important? [31:42]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit set believers apart in a world filled with disobedience, according to the sermon? How does this distinction impact a believer's identity and actions? [39:54]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the personal presence of the Holy Spirit guiding you. How did this experience shape your understanding of your identity in Christ? [15:04]
2. The sermon mentioned that being sealed with the Holy Spirit is a present reality. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [12:56]
3. Consider the assurance of your inheritance in Christ. How does this assurance influence your priorities and decisions today? [24:23]
4. The Holy Spirit empowers us to pursue holiness. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to pursue greater holiness. What practical steps can you take this week to move in that direction? [31:42]
5. In a world filled with disobedience, how can you live in a way that honors God and reflects your identity as His child? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this in your community? [39:54]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of keeping our eyes on the eternal prize. What distractions in your life might be pulling your focus away from this eternal perspective, and how can you address them? [24:23]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, recognizing Him as a personal presence in your life rather than just a force or power? [15:04]

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Personal Presence in Our Lives
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or abstract power; He is a personal presence actively involved in the lives of believers. This presence is a testament to our identity in Christ, as the Spirit guides us into all truth and reminds us of Christ's teachings. The relationship with the Holy Spirit is intimate and transformative, marking us as God's own. This personal interaction with the Spirit is a daily reality, offering guidance, comfort, and assurance of God's promises. The Spirit's presence is a constant reminder of God's love and commitment to us, shaping our spiritual journey and growth. [15:04]

Ephesians 4:30 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, and what steps can you take to ensure you are not grieving Him?


Day 2: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Being sealed with the Holy Spirit is a present reality for every believer, not a future promise or a second blessing. This sealing is a divine authentication of God's promises, assuring us of our inheritance in Christ. It signifies ownership and protection, marking us as God's children. The Holy Spirit's seal is a guarantee of our salvation, providing us with confidence and security in our relationship with God. This assurance is not just for the future but impacts how we live today, encouraging us to walk in faith and obedience. [12:56]

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: In what ways does the assurance of being sealed by the Holy Spirit influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 3: The Spirit as a Guarantee of Our Inheritance
The Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of our inheritance, reminding us that our lives are not just for this world but for the world to come. This assurance shapes how we live today, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize. The Spirit's presence is a foretaste of the eternal life we will enjoy with God, providing hope and motivation to live in a way that reflects our heavenly calling. This perspective encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal values over temporary, worldly pursuits. [24:23]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How does the promise of an eternal inheritance influence your priorities and goals in life today?


Day 4: Empowered by the Spirit to Pursue Holiness
The Holy Spirit empowers us to pursue holiness, working in us to mortify the flesh and renew our minds. This pursuit of holiness is a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it. The Spirit's transformative power enables us to live lives that reflect God's holiness, setting us apart in a world filled with disobedience. As we yield to the Spirit's work, we experience growth in character and a deeper alignment with God's will. This empowerment is a daily process, requiring intentionality and reliance on the Spirit's strength. [31:42]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to the Holy Spirit's transforming power to pursue greater holiness?


Day 5: Set Apart by the Spirit in a World of Disobedience
In a world filled with the spirit of disobedience, the Holy Spirit sets us apart as God's children. He leads us to live in a way that honors God, sealing us with His presence and power. This distinction is a profound blessing, marking us as belonging to God and empowering us to resist the pressures and temptations of the world. The Spirit's guidance helps us navigate the challenges of living faithfully in a culture that often opposes God's values. As we follow the Spirit's leading, we become beacons of light and hope in a dark world. [39:54]

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Reflection: How can you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to help you live distinctively as a child of God in your current environment?

Quotes



In him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. [00:33:21]

The spirit is himself our seal, and the first thing that we can see here is that this is a promise to every Christian. It's very parallel, isn't it, to what Peter said on the day of Pentecost: repent and be baptized, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. [00:12:03]

The holy spirit is a person, the person of the trinity, the person who comes to live within us, to be present with us. Yesterday at the pre-conference, we heard a presentation on the great commission, where Christ promised I will be with you always and until the end of the age. [00:16:14]

The spirit is a personal presence in and with us. That's how he seals what God has said to us. One of the great dangers in thinking about the spirit is to de-personalize him. The holy spirit is not just power; he's not just electricity; he's not just waiting in the wall for us to plug into to do our bidding. [00:15:01]

The holy spirit guarantees our inheritance, reminding us that our lives are not just for this world but for the world to come. This assurance shapes how we live today, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize. [00:24:23]

The holy spirit seals us with his own promise to us that it is not for this life only that we live, but a glorious inheritance is awaiting us. I'm always struck in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress that when Pilgrim comes to the river to cross over to the celestial city. [00:29:38]

The holy spirit seals us with his personal presence, he seals us with his profound promise, and he seals us with his purifying power. He is the holy spirit, and as God's purpose is that we should be holy and blameless before him, so the holy spirit comes with power to make us holy. [00:31:25]

The spirit empowers us to pursue holiness, working in us to mortify the flesh and renew our minds. This pursuit of holiness is a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it. [00:39:54]

The holy spirit is alive, the holy spirit knows us and cares for us. He is present with us by his presence, sealing to us the life and the promises and the goodness of God. What a gracious provision God has made for us, what a wonderful thing to know that we are sealed with the holy spirit. [00:19:33]

The spirit himself was promised right, that's one of the great points Peter wants to make at Pentecost. Peter wants to say don't be surprised that this powerful coming of the holy spirit is manifested before you because this is exactly what the prophet Joel prophesied. [00:20:50]

The holy spirit fulfills the promise and then the holy spirit carries the promise into our hearts and into our lives, the promise of salvation in Christ. But I'm intrigued that here Paul focuses on a slightly different promise, and that is the promise of a glorious inheritance that awaits us. [00:22:47]

The holy spirit seals us that we might mortify the flesh and renew our minds in the truth and blessings of God because we are the children of God. If the holy spirit is in us and with us and seals us, what a glorious blessing we have received from our God in the holy spirit. [00:40:45]

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Transcript
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