Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians

Devotional

Day 1: The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Christ

Understanding the name "Christ" is essential as it signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, representing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This title carries the weight of divine promise and kingly authority, reminding us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word. The name "Christ" is a transliteration of the Greek "Christos," derived from the Hebrew "Mashiach," meaning "Messiah" or "Anointed One." For Paul, "Christ" often functions as a personal name, yet it retains the messianic overtone, highlighting Jesus as the prophesied savior. This understanding invites believers to reflect on the continuity of God's plan and the assurance that His promises are always fulfilled. [02:26]

Isaiah 42:1-2 (ESV): "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy impact your trust in God's promises today?

Day 2: Embracing Jesus as Savior

The name "Jesus" means "one who saves," highlighting His mission to deliver humanity from sin. This name is a constant reminder of the grace and redemption offered through Christ, urging us to embrace the salvation He provides. In Matthew 1:21, it is declared that Jesus will save His people from their sins, emphasizing His role in salvation. Despite its significance, Paul uses "Jesus" by itself only once in Ephesians, possibly due to its commonality as a name among Jews at the time. Instead, Paul frequently combines it with "Christ" or "Lord" to specify and honor the unique identity of Jesus. This understanding calls believers to reflect on the personal and communal implications of Jesus' saving work. [03:40]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace and share the salvation offered by Jesus in your daily life?

Day 3: Developing a Personal Connection with Christ

For Paul, "Christ" is not just a title but a personal name, reflecting an intimate relationship with the Savior. This personal connection invites us to deepen our own relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as both Lord and friend. Paul's preferred designation in Ephesians is "Christ," used 25 times without "Lord" or "Jesus." This choice may reflect the personal and endearing nature of the name for Paul, as seen in Galatians 2:20, where he speaks of being crucified with Christ. The use of "Christ" alone underscores the centrality of Jesus' messianic role in Paul's theology. [09:36]

Philippians 3:8-9 (ESV): "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper personal relationship with Christ in your daily routine?

Day 4: Acknowledging the Divine Authority of Jesus

The use of "Lord Jesus Christ" underscores the divine authority and sovereignty of Jesus. Acknowledging Him as Lord calls us to submit to His will and trust in His guidance in every aspect of our lives. The combination "Lord Jesus Christ" appears six times in Ephesians, emphasizing the divine authority and messianic mission of Jesus. The term "Lord" is used 15 times without "Jesus" or "Christ," further illustrating the multifaceted nature of Jesus' identity as understood by Paul. This understanding challenges believers to reflect on their own submission to Jesus' authority. [06:21]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to submit more fully to Jesus' authority?

Day 5: Exploring the Multifaceted Identity of Jesus

The various combinations of "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord" illustrate the complexity and richness of Jesus' identity. Each name and title reveals different aspects of His character and mission, encouraging us to explore and appreciate the fullness of who He is. Paul's use of these names in Ephesians reflects a deep theological understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. This multifaceted identity invites believers to engage with the diverse aspects of Jesus' character and to reflect on how these aspects influence their faith and life. [10:22]

Hebrews 1:3-4 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."

Reflection: How can you explore and appreciate the different aspects of Jesus' identity in your spiritual journey?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the significance of the names used by Paul in Ephesians 1:1-2, focusing on how he employs "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord" throughout the book. Understanding these names is crucial as they carry profound theological implications. "Christ" is a transliteration of the Greek "Christos," which itself is derived from the Hebrew "Mashiach," meaning "Messiah" or "Anointed One." This title signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited kingly figure. For Paul, "Christ" often functions as a personal name, yet it retains the messianic overtone, highlighting Jesus as the prophesied savior.

The name "Jesus" is the Greek form of "Joshua," meaning "one who saves" or "savior." This name emphasizes Jesus' role in salvation, as seen in Matthew 1:21, where it is declared that Jesus will save His people from their sins. Despite its significance, Paul uses "Jesus" by itself only once in Ephesians, possibly due to its commonality as a name among Jews at the time. Instead, Paul frequently combines it with "Christ" or "Lord" to specify and honor the unique identity of Jesus.

Paul's preferred designation in Ephesians is "Christ," used 25 times without "Lord" or "Jesus." This choice may reflect the personal and endearing nature of the name for Paul, as seen in Galatians 2:20, where he speaks of being crucified with Christ. The use of "Christ" alone underscores the centrality of Jesus' messianic role in Paul's theology.

The combination "Lord Jesus Christ" appears six times, emphasizing the divine authority and messianic mission of Jesus. The term "Lord" is used 15 times without "Jesus" or "Christ," further illustrating the multifaceted nature of Jesus' identity as understood by Paul.

In summary, the names "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord" are not mere labels but encapsulate the profound truths of Jesus' identity and mission. They remind us of the fulfillment of prophecy, the promise of salvation, and the divine authority of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. awaited Messiah. This title carries the weight of divine promise and kingly authority, reminding us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word. [02:26]
2. The Savior's Role: "Jesus" means "one who saves," highlighting His mission to deliver humanity from sin. This name is a constant reminder of the grace and redemption offered through Christ, urging us to embrace the salvation He provides.

3. The Personal Connection: For Paul, "Christ" is not just a title but a personal name, reflecting an intimate relationship with the Savior. This personal connection invites us to deepen our own relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as both Lord and friend.

4. The Divine Authority: The use of "Lord Jesus Christ" underscores the divine authority and sovereignty of Jesus. Acknowledging Him as Lord calls us to submit to His will and trust in His guidance in every aspect of our lives.

5. The Multifaceted Identity: The various combinations of "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord" illustrate the complexity and richness of Jesus' identity. Each name and title reveals different aspects of His character and mission, encouraging us to explore and appreciate the fullness of who He is.

** [02:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction to Paul's Use of Names
[00:37] - Prayer for Understanding
[01:14] - Paul's Greeting in Ephesians
[01:32] - The Meaning of "Christ"
[02:05] - Christ as Messiah
[03:22] - The Significance of "Jesus"
[04:12] - Clusters of Names in Ephesians
[05:11] - Unique Uses of "Christ Jesus"
[06:21] - The Combination "Lord Jesus Christ"
[07:12] - The Use of "Lord" Alone
[07:32] - The Prevalence of "Christ" Alone
[08:21] - The Commonality of "Jesus"
[09:18] - Personal Connection with "Christ"
[10:09] - Conclusion and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:1-2
John 1:41
Matthew 1:21

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Observation Questions:

How does Paul introduce himself in Ephesians 1:1, and what significance might this have in understanding his authority and message? [01:14]
In John 1:41, what does Andrew declare about Jesus, and how does this relate to the title "Christ"? [01:50]
According to Matthew 1:21, what is the meaning of the name "Jesus," and how does it reflect His mission? [03:22]
How often does Paul use the name "Christ" alone in Ephesians, and what might this indicate about his theological emphasis? [07:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does the title "Christ" signify about Jesus' role in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and why is this important for understanding His identity? [02:26]
Why might Paul have chosen to use the name "Jesus" only once by itself in Ephesians, and what does this suggest about the commonality of the name during that time? [05:51]
How does the combination "Lord Jesus Christ" emphasize Jesus' divine authority, and what implications does this have for believers' relationship with Him? [06:21]
In what ways does Paul's personal connection with "Christ" in Galatians 2:20 reflect his intimate relationship with Jesus, and how might this influence his writings in Ephesians? [09:36]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the title "Christ" as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. How does this understanding of Jesus as the Messiah impact your faith and trust in God's promises? [02:26]
Considering the meaning of "Jesus" as "one who saves," how can you embrace and share the message of salvation in your daily interactions? [03:22]
Paul often uses "Christ" as a personal name. How can you deepen your personal relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as both Lord and friend? [09:18]
The combination "Lord Jesus Christ" underscores divine authority. In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to Jesus' lordship and guidance? [06:21]
Reflect on the multifaceted identity of Jesus as "Christ," "Jesus," and "Lord." How can you explore and appreciate the fullness of who He is in your spiritual journey? [10:22]
How does understanding the significance of Jesus' names encourage you to live out your faith with greater intentionality and purpose?
Identify one aspect of Jesus' identity that resonates with you the most. How can you incorporate this understanding into your prayer life and spiritual practices this week?

Sermon Clips

Paul an apostle of christ jesus not jesus christ not jesus not just the christ not lord christ jesus by the will of god to the saints who are in ephesus and are faithful in christ jesus same phrase same order grace to you in peace from god our father and the lord jesus christ. [00:01:07]

Andrew first found his own brother simon and said to him we have found the messiah messiah a transliteration in greek of the hebrew mashiach we have found the messiah which means christ christos so the english word christ is a transliteration of the greek christos so christos is the greek of the hebrew word messiah. [00:01:44]

Every time you hear christ in english or christos in greek there's an overtone of a title and yet i think for paul christ will become or has become in ephesians by and large a personal name but always probably has the ring of messiah here it is again in john 4 25 the woman said to him i know that messiah is coming. [00:02:22]

Matthew 1 21 she will bear a son and you shall call his name jesus for he will save his people from their sins because jesus is the greek form of joshua which means one who saves or savior in hebrew so every time you see the word jesus even though it clearly refers to the historical person who lived born in nazareth. [00:03:25]

The historical incarnate person is is jesus savior and he is christ messiah now here are a few other ways that paul clusters these words in ephesians christ jesus that we've just seen occurs 11 times and only once of those 11 is our lord not attached to it so 10 of the 11 times it is christ jesus lord christ jesus. [00:04:08]

To our amazement jesus by itself without the word christ or without the word lord occurs only one time 4 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him as the truth is in jesus the only place in ephesians where jesus is used by itself without christ or without lord. [00:05:41]

Here's another cluster lord jesus christ six times grace to you in peace from god our father and the lord jesus christ and hear the other uses like that jesus christ never occurs without lord except in 1-5 here's 1-5 god predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through jesus christ no lord according to the purpose of his will. [00:06:13]

Then we have lord 15 times without jesus or without christ for example in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy temple in the lord and here the other uses of lord used without christ without jesus now here's the stunning one last one christ 25 times without lord or jesus. [00:06:57]

Remember jesus only occurs one time without christ or without lord in other words jesus by itself is not paul's favorite designation for his lord and savior jesus christ he only uses it one time whereas christ he uses 25 times by itself in this letter 3 4 for example when you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of christ. [00:07:25]

If you're saying what are we to make of all that the answer is i'm not sure i would guess that the reason that jesus by itself is not a common usage for paul is that it was a fairly common name among jews there were other jesus even in the new testament and so he has to be designated which are men. [00:08:23]

Christ it seems to me in the usage here had become by and large for paul a proper name christ for paul was as much of an endearing personal name for paul i think as was the name jesus or that might be the name jesus for you i'm thinking maybe of galatians 2 20 where he says i am crucified with christ. [00:09:11]

All i wanted to do here was clarify some of the background of the meaning of christ as messiah clarify some of the background of jesus as the savior point out that they're a cluster of ways that paul puts the words together with lord and we'll be looking more at that meaning of that word lord later and that the favorite of paul seems to be christ. [00:09:56]

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Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians

Devotional

Day 1: The Fulfillment of Prophecy in Christ

Day 2: Embracing Jesus as Savior

Day 3: Developing a Personal Connection with Christ

Day 4: Acknowledging the Divine Authority of Jesus

Day 5: Exploring the Multifaceted Identity of Jesus

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding the Names of Jesus in Ephesians

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