INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Our Portrait Before Restoration
2. Our Portrait During Restoration
3. Our Portrait After Restoration
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we will discuss: “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece.” We can never hear or read enough about God's grace and how He has made us “a new creature in Christ Jesus.” In this “Expository Sermon," we will be demonstrating the divine process of how God has “created in each of us a Masterpiece.” We will view God’s handiwork in creating us into His portrait of art in Christ Jesus. The elegance and beauty of the "Mona Lisa" fail to compare to the magnificent beauty of what God has created in each of us. We are His work of sublime and radiant beauty, a marvelous portrait of Heavenly Essence! Painted on the portrait of life, [if we can be living epistles…why not lively portraits], “to be known and admired by all men,” 2 Corinthians 3:2. When you feel down and out; –unworthy, unwanted, unseen, unforgiven, and unloved. Remember beloved saints whose you are and by whom you have been created. We are God’s Masterpiece: “Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.
2. First, we will consider "our portrait before restoration." The beloved apostle describes the Ephesians' former state before they were created as God's Masterpiece. He penned: "And you hath He quickened, who (were) dead in trespasses and sins…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others," Ephesians 2:1-3. Then, we were "without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, we who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ… Therefore, we are no more strangers, and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:11-19. [Text shortened for brevity].
3. Second, we will discuss “our portrait during restoration.” How Paul describes our condition, location, and who we were with when we were painted as God’s Masterpiece. He inscribed: “God who is rich in mercy, when we were dead in trespasses and sins, hath ‘quickened us,’ making us alive, while with Christ.” At that time, when we were together with Christ (by grace, we were saved). The precious hands of Jesus painted our portrait. He has put off the “old man” and put on the “new man” created in Him, unto the “praise and glory of God,” a portrait of unique and splendid beauty.
4. Lastly, we will investigate “our portrait after restoration.” In Christ, we have been created as God’s magnificent masterpiece. A replica of “God in righteousness and true holiness.” If any man "be in Christ, he is a new creation," or God's masterpiece of splendid beauty and heavenly essence! We are now the children of God, "through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27. Peter wrote: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature (of Christ), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4. You now have “a divine presence, as well as a divine nature” that permits you to talk to your heavenly Father. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the first point of the lesson.
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Beginning of Part I
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Before introducing our first thought,
Please turn your Bibles to Luke 4:16-18.
BODY OF LESSON
I OUR PORTRAIT BEFORE RESTORATION
A. Paul wrote: “You who were dead in trespasses and sins.” The picture under reconstruction, restoration, and preservation has been damaged, abused, and abandoned; in the eyes of many, it is a worthless portrait of art, fit only to be discarded and destroyed. Like older works of art, “many are cast away; burnt up, discarded, with no desire of the artist to restore or make anew!” But with God, these human portraits of life can undergo reconstruction, restoration, and preservation operations, i.e., to repair damaged, abandoned, and worthless portraits of art no longer desired or wanted. Therefore, in Christ, they can be restored, and all old things can become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Jesus’ ministry unveiled
To call, heal, save, and restore, Luke 4:16-18
1. In our former state. We were broken, incomplete, imprisoned, blind, bruised, despised, and rejected ruined works of art: entirely of our abuse, mistakes, disobedience, and sins. Paul wrote Ephesus: “And you hath He quickened…dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1-3. To Crete,
a. He wrote: “For we also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another,” Titus 3:3.
b. Paul again, “But after that, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared…he saved us…that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7. We will return to this verse later in the lesson.
c. John wrote: “But God’s grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17; 2 Corinthians 4:6.
Jesus returns to Nazareth.
d. To read Esaias the prophet. Luke wrote: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, and to set (free) at liberty them that are bruised (oppressed). To preach the acceptable year of the Lord,” Luke 4:16-19, Isaiah 53:5-6; Acts 8:30-33.
e. Jesus unfolds His ministry unto the people of Israel. He reveals to them He is the “Messiah” spoken of by Esaias’ prophecy. He has come to call the wayward and disobedient, heal a sin-sick world, save us from our sins, restore all that would come unto Him to God, and return to us the joy of our salvation.
Please look at Ephesians 2:11,
2. Paul reminds the Ephesians: “Wherefore, remember, that at times past you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus, you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one and broken down…Having abolished…for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity (hostility, hatred, and separation) thereby. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to you that (were) nigh (near). Through Him, we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:11-22; John 10:16. [Review the high points in the text!]
This was our picture once,
B. Like Corinth: “Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. [They were guilty of all unrighteousness, sins, and disobedience, just like we were before Christ!] Observe,
1. We once “were” like these Corinthians and Galatians. Committing sinful behaviors, being disobedient, and doing some of "these things,” Galatians 5:19-21. But he reminds them,
2. The Corinthians: "But you are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," 1 Corinthians 6:11. We no longer walk in them, having been delivered. Finally, he encourages,
3. The Colossians: “That God has delivered them out of the power of darkness, and translated them into the kingdom of His dear Son,” Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9. But now in Christ! Defines our present state.
4. We have a divine presence! Our portrait hangs in the Gallery of Heaven entirely because of God’s bountiful love, mercy, and grace, which He granted us. Let’s consider point 2.
II OUR PORTRAIT DURING RESTORATION
A. But God, who is rich in mercy. Paul defines the greatness of God’s mercy for us (himself and the Ephesians). Let’s review Ephesians 2:4-10. “Please turn to this text.” Listen to Paul,
Fasten your eyes in your Bible!
1. “But God who is rich in mercy wherewith He loved us.” God’s love was, is, and always will be the basis for His outpouring “of the exceeding riches of His grace upon us,” Ephesians 2:5-7. When!
2. “Even when we were dead in our (trespasses) and sins.” God commended His love toward us: “In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; John 15:13-14. God,
3. “Hath quickened us together with Christ,” Ephesians 2:5. Paul affirms,
While WITH Christ, God has granted us,
a. His mercy when He withheld from us what was deserved: His wrath, punishment, and death.
b. His grace when He bestowed unto us what was undeserved: His love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Conclusion
4. Paul's picture of our condition during this "quickening" is when we were "dead in trespasses and sins." We were “conjoined (planted next to), or (united with) Christ” in our worst and most pitiful condition. Sinful, without hope, and Christ in our lives. But God’s love granted us His mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
He quickened us!
B. We must discuss the meaning of “quickened” at this time. How does Paul use it in the Ephesians’ conversion process within the context of this scripture? Observe,
1. Paul uses an action word, the verb: “quickened,” to describe the Ephesians’ conversion process. They were quickened together with Christ!
Listen to Paul,
2. First, “When we were dead in trespasses and sins,” —we were with Christ! Wait a minute. Paul, do you mean we were with Jesus while in our sins? Yes,
This will be,
NOTE: The only time we will have been with Jesus in our sins! Now I know this begs the question: “Can anyone be with Jesus while in their sins?” See John 8:24. To understand the word “quickening,” I consulted the noted writer,
NOTE: W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary. It defines “quickened” to mean: 1) To make one alive together (alongside); 2) to reanimate (conjointly) with; or 3) to revive one into spiritual life. This life is imparted to believers at the time of their conversion to Christ, Page 241. [John 6:63; Romans 8:11].
3. Further, “God’s quickening awakened our spiritual nature (the inner man) again.” Paul adds himself to this “spiritual awakening.” He describes our condition (dead in trespasses and sins), God’s action (quickened us together), with (Christ) during our awakening! It looks like we were with Jesus while in our sins!
What did God do?
4. Finally, He “quickened,” or "reanimated us conjointly with (Christ): —or together with Him.” This awakening occurred: “When we were dead in trespasses and sins,” and “planted together in the likeness of His death,” Ephesians 2:5; Romans 6:5.
Place of atonement!
a. Paul is discussing the place of atonement; he likens it to "God's mercy seat"—our place of redemption, washing, regeneration, and forgiveness, Hebrews 9:5; 1 John 2:1-2; Ephesians 1:7.
NOTE: Illustrate “The Day of Atonement,” Leviticus 16:1-34. Time does not permit me… So, I will only say Christ has become our mercy seat! Unlike the high priest under the Old Covenant, who went behind the veil to make an atonement for “the sins of the people every year,” Hebrews 10:1-3. But, Jesus our High Priest,
1) Went behind the veil when He entered heaven (the Holy Place) to offer Himself as the final sacrifice for sins, not ours only: “But also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2.
2) Paul wrote: “He by Himself purged our sins, and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 9:7-12.
3) He became the propitiation or “the mercy seat,” the sacrifice and the only High Priest that offered His body and blood for our eternal redemption: the forgiveness of sins, Romans 3:24-26; Hebrews 9:12-17; Hebrews 9:22-26.
4) This cleansing and forgiveness occurred when we were with Christ! Yes, beloved.
a) Dead in our trespasses and sins! When did this happen? At the very moment,
b) That we were “planted together in the likeness of His death,” Romans 6:5.
NOTE: Someone might ask: “When were we planted together in the likeness of His death?” What are you saying, preacher?
Paul informs us it was,
c) When we were “buried with Him in the baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who raised Him from the dead,” Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:5.
Christ has become our mercy seat.
b. The place of our atonement. Meanwhile, with Christ, we were “dead in trespasses and sins.” God quickened and saved us by grace when we were “planted together (with Him) in the likeness of His death,” Romans 6:5.
c. It is there that God forgives all repentant believers “of their sins and trespasses,” Colossians 2:13. He is the “propitiation for our sins” and not for ours only “but also for the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. Notice how Paul,
Ties God’s quickening and grace together.
C. He wrote further: (By grace, ye are saved). This occurred “when we were conjoined or united together with Christ.” When we were “dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:5.
You might be observing that,
1. Paul uses the "parentheses" here to further explain the meaning of “quickened.” In our early childhood education.
We learned that the use of,
2. The "parentheses" were to clarify further, explain, or discuss a "word, phrase, or sentence" previously mentioned to enable a complete understanding of it.
NOTE: BLB.org, Cross-References, KJV Phrase, “Grace ye.” In Gr., “(by whose grace you were saved)," Ephesians 2:5; Romans 5:1-5.
In this case,
3. The phrase "together with Christ” holds two fundamental truths: 1) “A quickening" and 2) "By grace, ye (you) are saved." These two things occurred when we were together with Christ! “Dead in our trespasses and sins,” when we were “planted together in the likeness of His death.” Beloved,
It was then that God,
4. Created in us His Magnificent Masterpiece “in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:10.
NOTE: The NRSV Greek-English Interlinear translates “workmanship” in this verse as “masterpiece,” Page 672. O’ such love,
5. God reached out to us in our worst and most sinful condition:
a. While we were “dead in trespasses and sins.”
b. To “quicken us,” or to [“make us alive”].
c. And to [“save us by His grace”].
d. When [“we were with Christ”]. How?
1) First, “Through the washing of regeneration.” Titus 3:4-7; John 3:3-5.
2) Second, “And the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
e. This re-creation occurred: “when we obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine.”
1) The “facts” of the (gospel) —doctrine is: “The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, —the real message of Esaias Report, Luke 24:44-47; Romans 10:16.
2) The “form” of the doctrine is: “Our being planted together in the likeness of His death, to be raised in the likeness of His resurrection,” Romans 6:5.
3) This is that “form of doctrine” Paul wrote about to the Romans in Romans 6:17-18.
4) This “final act of obedience” completes our conversion process and puts us in Christ!
5) “For we are all the children of God through the faith in Christ Jesus…have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27. You might well learn that,
6) This truth differs from what you have heard and believed about being: “justified by faith” and “having obtained access into this grace wherein we stand,” Romans 5:1-2. Stay with me!
What else did God do?
He raised us also from the dead.
D. Finally, “And (He) has raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. Here’s what God did. He,
1. “Put off the old man” and “Put on the new man,” Ephesians 4:22-25.
2. “Put off the body of the sins of the flesh,” Colossians 2:11.
3. “Crucified the old man with Him and destroyed the body of sin,” Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20.
4. “Justified us from (the) sin,” Romans 6:7.
5. “Made us accepted in the Beloved (the church of Christ). In whom we have redemption through His blood, (even) the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,” Ephesians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:13-14.
After we have completed,
6. The same act of obedience as the Lord Himself. That which permitted His heavenly Father to declare: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 3:15; John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-27.
The only question remaining unanswered
7. In our discussion until now, is this: --Where does the sinner: “Obey from their heart that form of doctrine, being then made free from their sin?” The answer is moments away! Finally,
Paul mentions
E. God’s exceeding riches. He wrote: “That in the ages to come; He (God) might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7. For a complete discussion of “all the spiritual blessings” in Christ Jesus.
NOTE: Review our lesson "God's Plan for the Elect" on SermonCentral.com. We are ready to tie it all together after laying a “firm foundation,” 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20. Let's consider our last point.
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End of Part I
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Beginning of Part II
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III OUR PORTRAIT AFTER RESTORATION
A. For “by grace, are we saved through (the) faith,” Ephesians 2:8. We are now at the defining place in this lesson where the doctrine of grace in the religious world differs significantly from what Paul has written in this Letter. Grace is granted through the sinner’s faith and obedience to the Gospel. Recall,
The apostle wrote,
1. To Rome: “But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” Romans 10:16. Luke wrote: “And many priests were obedient to the faith,” Acts 6:7. Paul said unto King Agrippa: “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:19. But, what were they obedient to? To understand this question,
NOTE: I will illustrate the Jailer’s question to Paul and Silas. We will find the answer there!
a. He asked: “Sirs, what is necessary that I do so I may be saved? And they said: (believe) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, and thy house,” Acts 16:30-31; Acts 16:17.
b. Notice he asked: “What is necessary that I do so I may be saved?” The Greek-English Interlinear CSB, New Testament, Page 640. Jesus said,
c. First, “Why call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?” Luke 6:46-49.
d. Further, “If you love me, keep my commandments,” John 14:15; John 15:14.
e. Finally, “Not (everyone) that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall…but he…doeth,” Matthew 7:21-23.
Paul continued,
2. To the Romans, “So, then (the) faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. He means hearing and obeying "Isaiah's Report," Romans 10:16; John 12:37-38. Let’s tie it all together,
Paul asks two rhetorical questions,
3. First, has all heard? Yes. "But I say, did not Israel know?” Romans 10:18-21.
4. Second, have all obeyed? No. "But all have not obeyed the gospel,” Romans 10:16.
5. Lastly, Paul has an intense affection for Israel. He wrote: “Brothers, my heart’s desire and (prayer) to God for Israel is that they might be saved…For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:1-4; Acts 13:38-39.
What does he mean?
B. By this charge (indictment): "They have not all obeyed the gospel?" Israel had not believed and obeyed! Remember, we previously discussed the “facts of the gospel and the form of the doctrine.” Let’s examine this form more thoroughly! Please turn your Bibles to Romans 6:17.
Paul inscribed,
1. To the Romans: “But God be thanked, that:”
a. “You were the servants of sin.”
b. “But you have obeyed from (Gr., ek –out of) the heart that form of doctrine.”
c. “Being then made free from sin.” Romans 6:5-7; John 8:30-32.
d. “You became servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22.
2. Obeying from the heart “that form” of doctrine: “fulfills all righteousness,” Matthew 3:13-17.
3. What was that “form” these saints “obeyed from their hearts?”
4. We will witness it together NOW! Paul continued,
Justification in Christ!
C. Paul’s customary message of justification in Christ was granted: “through the faith.” He advised the Ephesians that it was NOT their faith whereby they were saved. But their salvation was made possible “through the faith,” or their faith and obedience to: “The gospel of the grace of God," Acts 20:24.
Someone might be asking,
1. Is there “a pattern of conversion” in the New Testament? Many “good and honest” people believe God saves all who believe in Him. They say also: “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as your heart is right.” But I beg to differ! God has given His grace to all, but the sinner must accept this grace on His terms. Let me illustrate this truth. There is a “giving” and a “receiving.” God gives it, but we must receive it! Observe,
NOTE: Illustrate God’s gift of grace is given to all, but all have not accepted it “through faith and obedience to the gospel,” Romans 10:16-18. Will a loving brother give me a $5.00 bill, please? Now you are giving this to me. You will not get it back! Okay, will a wonderful sister give me a $5.00 bill, please?
To illustrate this point: [Ask a child to come up and take this gift from you]. Allow some time for this to happen. Encourage all the children to come and receive this gift. Explain to the audience what just occurred! Continuing,
1) Let's witness this “pattern of conversion.” I have been preaching about it since we got together.
2) Please turn your Bibles to Ephesians 1:13.
3) We are about to examine what these Ephesians heard, believed, and obeyed! This is how they were obedient to the gospel of Christ. This conversion process entails the Ephesians’ “faith and their final act of obedience” to be “saved by grace” while being “dead in their trespasses and sins.”
4) We’ll read and see it together! Notice,
The Ephesians’ Conversion
2. Paul wrote to the Ephesians about their "conversion process," Ephesians 1:13-14. Notice how the apostle speaks of their “faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ.” He penned,
a. “In whom also you trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:23.
Notice Paul’s words,
1) “In whom they also trusted.”
2) “After that, they heard the word of truth.”
3) “The gospel of their salvation.”
4) “In whom also they believed.”
5) “They were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
NOTE: Their “seal” is the assurance and certification that they have believed and obeyed the gospel.
b. “Was this all that the Ephesians had done in their belief and obedience to the gospel?”
c. If not, what else did Paul remind them they had done that was necessary for their salvation?
d. When were these Ephesians “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?” Ephesians 1:13.
e. We must visit Ephesus to see their final act of obedience, Acts 19:1-7.
Please turn your Bibles to Acts 19:1
3. To witness the Ephesians’ act of obedience and their being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. They, too, like the Romans’ were “planted together in the likeness of Christ’s death, and raised in the likeness of His resurrection,” Romans 6:5-7. We can read about this act of obedience in Paul’s return to Ephesus. Luke wrote, “He finds certain disciples” and questions them about their faith. [The Holy Spirit guided and allowed him to see into their hearts].
NOTE: Ask a brother to read this text as you comment. [Give him the text before you preach so he can be prepared to read it confidently]. Paul asks,
Two important questions
4. First, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” Acts 19:1-2. Are your eyes on this text? Stay with me; this is going to get good!
NOTE: Paul asked these disciples: “The Holy Spirit did ye (you) receive, having believed?”
a. They responded, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.”
b. This might be a question you should be asking now!
c. Since I believed: “Have I received the Holy Spirit of promise?”
d. Paul asked his next question, sensing in the Spirit that something was absent in their faith.
5. Second, “To what then were ye (you) baptized?” Acts 19:3. Paul connects these disciples’ “faith and baptism to receive the Holy Ghost.”
NOTE: Quotations from The EGNT Interlinear, Greek Text of Stephens 1550, Page 370.
Now someone is saying,
NOTE: Now wait a minute, Brother Freeman; the Ephesians were saved by grace. There was no mention of baptism here! Paul wrote: “By grace, you were saved through faith, and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9. Don’t you know they were: “Saved by grace?” Yes, I do, and I will not dispute, argue, or disagree with these learned men on this particular truth. However,
Notice these disciples’ answers to Paul.
a. Their response: “And they said, unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:3. Their answer revealed to Paul why they had not “received the Holy Spirit since they believed.”
b. They had been “baptized unto John’s baptism,” Acts 19:4. Paul speaks of John the Baptist.
c. John preached “the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel,” Acts 10:37; Acts 13:24-25. Jesus preached “that the kingdom of God was at hand,” and the people should: “Repent, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. To their answer,
d. Paul replied: “John verily baptized…saying to the people, they should believe on Him that cometh after him, that is on Christ,” Matthew 3:11; John 1:26-34.
e. “And having heard they were baptized to the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:5. Having heard what? “That they (the people) should believe, that is, on Jesus the Christ,” Acts 19:5.
NOTE: Belief in Jesus Christ was Paul's message? “They should believe, that is, in Jesus Christ. And having heard this, they were baptized to the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:4-5. They then became “Christ’s disciples.”
Therefore,
6. He preached unto them “the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24. “The kingdom of God,” Acts 20:25. “Repentance towards God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:21. Okay, then,
a. Let’s review what the Ephesians heard, believed, and obeyed! Listen to his message: “In whom you also trusted, after that you heard:” What?
1) “The word of truth.”
a) “The gospel of their salvation,” Acts 20:24-25.
b) “In whom also after that they believed.”
2) They were: “Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:5.
3) They were: “Sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13.
NOTE: What else occurred? These Ephesians understood,
a) They were “quickened,” or made alive with Christ, Ephesians 2:5.
b) They were “saved by grace, and not by works,” Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8-9.
c) They had been “planted together in the likeness of His death,” Romans 6:5.
d) They had been “buried with Him in the baptism,” Colossians 2:12.
e) They had been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13.
4) They had been “raised to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6; Romans 6:5; Colossians 3:1-4. I wish I had some help in this lesson!
NOTE: If required, discuss the “man’s healing in the Pool of Bethesda,” John 5:1-9. He understood that healing was in the pool when the angel was sent down to trouble it. Therefore,
5) The Ephesians’ conversion process was completed: “Through their faith and obedience to the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8-9. Finally,
b. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them (to empower), and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied,” Acts 19:6-7; Joel 2:28-29. They were empowered to speak in tongues and prophesy!
NOTE: Illustrate Cornelius and his household, Acts 10:44-48. The only difference was their empowerment came from heaven, not through the hands of Peter. Luke concluded Paul’s work in the Ephesians’ conversion process by inscribing,
c. “And all the men were about twelve,” Acts 19:7.
d. These are undoubtedly the first leaders in the church of Ephesus, Ephesians 4:11-12. See also 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:17.
7. Paul preached the same message to Rome he had preached to Ephesus. Therefore, “Esaias’ Report” must be heard, believed, and obeyed. We now know what needs to be obeyed.
Esaias’ Report!
D. The facts of the Gospel are contained in “Esaias Report.” Paul wrote: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So, then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (the facts of the gospel),” Romans 10:16-18. Consider this,
1. Many today have heard the Gospel and even believe it. But many still have not OBEYED IT! Why?
2. Thus, "Isaias' Report" includes hearing, believing, and obeying it. What does God require? Micah 6:8. He desires,
Our Faith and Obedience
3. The truth is: “Man’s faith and God's grace come together to save the sinner while being with Christ.” The sincere repentant believer will obey the gospel without argument or debate, just like John’s disciples whom Paul taught near the upper Coast of Ephesus.
In Baptism
4. The sinner undergoes: “The washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 3:20-21. However,
There is a generation.
5. “That is pure in their own eyes and yet is (have not) been washed from their filthiness,” Proverbs 30:12; Proverbs 14:12. Paul penned, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith: having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure (purifying or cleansing) water,” Hebrews 10:22; Acts 22:16. Let’s consider as we move to a conclusion. We are now at the highlight of this lesson! This describes the work of art God has created in all of us.
God’s Magnificent Masterpiece!
E. Paul now concludes his discussion of the Ephesians’ salvation by grace with these words: "For we (including himself) are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” Ephesians 2:10. One translation of the word "workmanship," is "masterpiece." This is an excellent picture of who we are NOW in Christ. I began this lesson by stating,
We are God’s work of art!
1. The "Mona Lisa" portrait is the painting of an Italian woman, Lisa del Giocondo. [She was a member of the Gher-ar-dini family of Florence and Tuscany, Italy].
2. This spectacular work of art pales in beauty to what God has made in us through (the) faith in Christ Jesus. Our portrait painted by God is far more beautiful than the "Mona Lisa."
NOTE: Antuenet, when I picked you up from your little walker and gazed into your face, you were more beautiful than the “Mona Lisa.” Marcella, when I beheld your face shining with radiant beauty as you “kicked and grinned” at me as a little girl. O’ the joy of a father for his baby girls. Sisters of the E. Street church of Christ, I have no words…. Brothers in the Lord, remain strong and courageous in the faith. For,
3. In Christ, we all have been created as “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece.”
4. We are a replica of the very image of God: “Created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:24. To illustrate how God works in calling us by His love and grace. I assisted as a personal worker in a gospel meeting in San Francisco (SF) some years ago. And,
During this Gospel Meeting
At the Downtown Church of Christ
God called a young woman by His grace. On our way to visit a member in the hospital (me and another brother), we passed a young woman sitting on the steps outside her apartment – looking over the SF Bay. The brother and I vowed that if she were there on our way back, we would present the “gospel of Christ” to her. She was, and we did. As we began,
1) She said, "I was gazing at the Bay and asked God if there was something better for me and my children in this life?” You already know how this visit turned out!
2) After a brief discussion of God’s love, grace, and willingness to grant her a “more abundant life now, and eternal life in the ages to come,” John 10:10; Titus 1:1-3, Titus 3:4-7. While witnessing the (deluge of) tears run down her face, I asked: “Do you want to confess Christ to be the Son of God?”
NOTE: Time permitting, discuss a sinner who came to dinner burdened by her sin and failures in life unto Jesus, whom a Pharisee had invited to eat with him, Luke 7:36-51. [Point out her sincere remorse, weeping, and humility before the Lord and the Pharisees].
3) Immediately after taking her “confession of Christ.” We drove her and her children to the “Downtown Church of Christ” and baptized her “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:5. You should have seen the joy and happiness on her face that day. She attended several nights of the meeting and was fed the “word of God” by the acclaimed Richard Rogers from the SSOP (then). Now, SIBI, which is based in Lubbock, TX. A great friend, teacher, and preacher of the word of God.
4) God saw a magnificent masterpiece willing to accept His call of grace, believe Esaias’ Report, and obey the gospel of Christ that day. This opportunity is yours today if your heart is like this young lady's. Who asked God: “Is there something better for me and my children in this life?” Yes, it was for her and could also be for you and your family. Now we’ll speak to them,
Beloved saints of God
5. What does your HEAVENLY FATHER see in your life? He sees a “magnificent masterpiece” which He has created in Christ Jesus. What do you see of yourself through your own eyes?
NOTE: Illustrate the “outward and inward man,” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Please turn to this text as I close out this lesson. Paul wrote about,
The outward and inward man
a. First, “Though our outward man perishes,” 2 Corinthians 4:16. Due to the toils of life.
b. Next, “Though I face troubles on every side, —yet I’m not distressed; though perplexed (dismayed and confused), —I’m not in despair; though persecuted, —I’m not forsaken; and though cast (thrown, knocked) down, —I’m not destroyed,” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10.
NOTE: It is this person God continually works to strengthen, restore, reclaim, and perfect! Paul reminds us [that though the outward man perishes],
c. Finally, “Yet the inward [man] is renewed daily. For our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory,” 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:14-18.
d. Conclusion: “For while we look NOT at the things which are seen, BUT at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:18; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 11:1. I wish I had some help!
James’ two mirrors
6. James, the Lord’s brother, describes believers looking into two mirrors. The first is the mirror of glass. The second is the mirror of the word. James wrote about,
Our natural face
a. The mirror of glass. He penned: “But be you doers of the word…not hearers only…For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For while he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was,” James 1:22-24. This is our natural man’s physical appearance.
1) We can only see a reflection of the “natural man,” which is constantly changing, continually decaying, and soon to “vanish away,” James 4:14. This man continues to experience all the hardships and trials of life (sickness, diseases, and death). However,
2) While you look in a glass mirror, what do you see? [A person may be a “little overweight, wrinkled in the face, balding at the head, battered, bruised, wounded, and abused].
NOTE: Illustrate the “Beauty Industry’s” annual net profits from their sales of beauty products, which are some 532 billion dollars. They have not eliminated the outer man’s aging!
3) The natural man. He is ever-changing. This is the person we admire and desire to keep beautiful and youthful! But it continues to perish “day after day.” This is not the person God sees. What our heavenly Father sees is,
Our spiritual face
b. The mirror of the word. God views the “inward man” or the “hidden man of the heart,” 1 Peter 3:4. James continued: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word [and works of God], this man shall be blessed in his deeds,” James 1:25; Matthew 7:21-27. Hold on to your seats,
1) We see our spiritual faces through the perfect law of liberty. It examines, exposes, corrects, and instructs us, while God chastened us “as a loving Father,” Hebrews 12:5-13; 2 Corinthians 13:5.
2) The perfect law of liberty reveals our spiritual man’s divine nature given to us by Christ. Our Father is pleased when our lives abound in love and good works. This man and woman will be blessed in their deeds.
3) However, when walking in disfavor, He reminds us of His love and the blessing we’re “casting aside”: --for “He is faithful in His promises.” Our Father watches to correct and not to condemn!
4) Paul indited: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto His eyes with whom we have to do,” Hebrews 4:13.
c. We look into the glass mirror to see (our natural face) the outward man. Likewise, we examine the mirror of the word (the perfect law of liberty) to reveal (our spiritual face) the inward man.
d. God delights in the inward man, the hidden man of the heart. Therefore, seek to please Him and accomplish His will and purpose. [Keep your eyes and heart in His word to become more like Him daily]. This is the magnificent masterpiece God loves and approves of each moment of our lives.
1) He’s a heavenly Father who cares about you!
2) He approves of you and will always love and adore you!
3) We are His “first love,” Revelation 2:4.
Remember, beloved of the Lord,
7. We are “God’s magnificent masterpiece of splendid beauty and heavenly essence!” Ephesians 2:10. Our portrait of life can be viewed in the gallery of heaven, Hebrews 12:1-2. Along with all those whose portraits are now on display in the “Roll Call of Faith,” Hebrews 11:1-40. Never forget,
a. We were called to be His children, cared for, loved, and preserved, Galatians 3:26-27.
b. Continue to put on all the Christian graces: “Adding to our faith: [virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love],” 2 Peter 1:5-11.
c. His grace has forgiven us of all our sins “through our faith and obedience to the gospel,” Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. You can be confident that “God is faithful that promises,” 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 10:23.
d. We are “saints in the Beloved,” the church of the Lord, Ephesians 1:6.
e. We were created in Christ Jesus "unto good works," Ephesians 2:10.
f. Let’s walk in them, James 1:21-25.
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End of Part II
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As I conclude this lesson, you have been a patient and kind audience. Recall, I said…
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Our Portrait Before Restoration
2. Our Portrait During Restoration
3. Our Portrait After Restoration
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered "our portrait before restoration.”
2. Second, we discussed "our portrait during restoration.”
3. Lastly, we investigated “our portrait after restoration.”
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the Gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the Gospel; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14]. See the attachment below.
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
NOTE: This truth also agrees with Paul's Letter to the Romans and the Colossians. If your preacher doesn’t preach this, ask him why. I suggest that you read Romans 6:1-7 and Colossians 2:11-13. No one should leave this assembly, not knowing when and where: they were saved by God’s grace.
THE PATTERN OF CONVERSION
Attachment to lesson: God’s Magnificent Masterpiece
1. The Ephesians heard the gospel. Paul wrote: “After that, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that, you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise: Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14. They heard the word of truth, the gospel of the grace of God. Paul had preached to them and now writes to them: “Dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 3:1-7; Ephesians 1:10.
2. The Ephesians believed in the gospel. Luke wrote: “Paul, testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more,” Acts 20:24-25. They heard and believed: “The gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Ephesians 2:8-9.
3. The Ephesians repented. He said: “I kept nothing profitable unto you, but I have taught you publicly and from house to house. Testifying to the Jews and the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ –while preaching unto them the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:20-21; 2 Peter 3:9.
4. The Ephesians confessed faith in Christ. Luke wrote: “And many that believed came, confessed, and showed their deeds…So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed,” Acts 19:18-20. The repentant believers must confess their faith in Christ as the “Son of God,” Matthew 10:32-33. Paul wrote: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness. With the mouth, confession is made unto salvation,” Romans 10:9-10. You will tell the world now, “You believe Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37. But, for the rest of your life’s walk with Him, you will profess your faith and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord, 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
Finally, the Ephesians were baptized, even as other repentant believers. Luke wrote,
5. The Ephesians were baptized. Paul finds certain disciples of John on his return to Ephesus, Acts 19:1-7. He asked them: “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said… And he said unto them: Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said… Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 19:1-7. As I conclude,
6. Conclusion: The repentant believer meets Jesus in baptism. He is buried with Him while dead in trespasses and sins. There, he is quickened, or (made alive), and saved by God’s grace. The believer is then raised in Him to sit with Him in heavenly places. Baptism is God’s mercy seat, the place of atonement and restoration. He forgives the repentant believers' sins and trespasses, who become "the children of God," Galatians 3:26-27. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Galatians 3:14; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32. Made heirs of eternal life, Titus 3:4-7. If not, why not?
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. The Englishman’s Greek New Testament Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. Greek-English Interlinear CSB New Testament, Holman Bible Publishers, 28th Revised Edition, Christian Standard Bible, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, © 2022.
9. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
10. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
11. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org:
Thank you for this valuable study tool, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Author’s Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org. TM
Post Office Box 1112
Anniston, AL 36202
Communications and Websites
Email: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is 1-302-202-1110, Pin # is 214733. These men "know the Shepherd!"
It was updated on 1/29/2024.
