Stones Hill Community Church
Ephesians - Finding Our New Identity
Welcome to an exciting new sermon series on the Book of Ephesians, one of the Apostle Paul’s most profound letters. Paul proposes that we are "in Christ." We have a new identity. In a sense, he encourages us to become what we already are!
Locations & Times
Ligonier, IN
151 W Stones Hill Rd, Ligonier, IN 46767, USA
Saturday 2:00 PM
MESSAGE TEXT
Ephesians 1:15-23
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INTRODUCTION
The people to whom this epistle was originally addressed had come to Christ out of a background of magic and superstition and demonic influence. They had been followers of the goddess Artemis and host of other deities and powers. In their worldview, the spirit world influenced every aspect of life in Ephesus, so they lived with a lot of fear.
*
Magic was widespread in the first century world, but Ephesus had a reputation as one of its centers. Ephesus was immersed in sorcery and magic (see Acts 19). Ephesus was the center for magic, witchcraft, sorcery, the occult, and mother goddess traditions. The book of Ephesians has more “power terminology” than any other Pauline letter. The devil and various categories of power are mentioned 16 times.
*
The Ephesians had fears about what could still be at work in and around them. Artemis of Ephesus, magic, sorcery, and witchcraft was a confluence of many gods and powers. In the Ephesian worldview, magic could be used with great success by manipulating and invoking the assistance of the astral spirits.
*
So, the Ephesians carried little sewed bags with charms in them or wore amulets around their neck that contained magical words or names. These words or names attracted good fortune for the wearer or repelled the presence or influence of supernatural beings that might harm the wearer in some way.
*
Some of the Christians in Ephesus had a tendency to retain or still practice aspects of this. They were asking “What could be wrong with wearing a magical amulet or carrying a bag of charms, or invoking magical names for additional protection – “Jesus, plus this? That way I have double coverage.” “If I dabble in the mystery rites, what’s the harm?” The pull to syncretize Christianity with current practices and beliefs were intense. But Paul counters with his own “power words”.
*
PROPOSITION
Paul had a worldview of spiritual warfare – that a battle is raging in the unseen world. And it still is. However, a great victory has been won. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we’ve all been saved! Jesus’ ministry was a revolt. He came against the tyranny of an oppressive world ruler. There’s a spiritual realm working against all the people of the world. Jesus comes against it and defeats it. But even though this force has been dealt a decisive death blow and has been defeated and is currently being driven out, it still operates on some level in our world.
*
CONCLUSION
There’s a new beachhead of operation in the world – it’s called the Church, the Body of Christ. You are far above Satanic authority. Prayer is not just a marginal piece – it’s the tool that releases God’s power to do His work in our world. Let's pray this prayer over our church and over your lives and over all the people being baptized today!
Ephesians 1:15-23
*
INTRODUCTION
The people to whom this epistle was originally addressed had come to Christ out of a background of magic and superstition and demonic influence. They had been followers of the goddess Artemis and host of other deities and powers. In their worldview, the spirit world influenced every aspect of life in Ephesus, so they lived with a lot of fear.
*
Magic was widespread in the first century world, but Ephesus had a reputation as one of its centers. Ephesus was immersed in sorcery and magic (see Acts 19). Ephesus was the center for magic, witchcraft, sorcery, the occult, and mother goddess traditions. The book of Ephesians has more “power terminology” than any other Pauline letter. The devil and various categories of power are mentioned 16 times.
*
The Ephesians had fears about what could still be at work in and around them. Artemis of Ephesus, magic, sorcery, and witchcraft was a confluence of many gods and powers. In the Ephesian worldview, magic could be used with great success by manipulating and invoking the assistance of the astral spirits.
*
So, the Ephesians carried little sewed bags with charms in them or wore amulets around their neck that contained magical words or names. These words or names attracted good fortune for the wearer or repelled the presence or influence of supernatural beings that might harm the wearer in some way.
*
Some of the Christians in Ephesus had a tendency to retain or still practice aspects of this. They were asking “What could be wrong with wearing a magical amulet or carrying a bag of charms, or invoking magical names for additional protection – “Jesus, plus this? That way I have double coverage.” “If I dabble in the mystery rites, what’s the harm?” The pull to syncretize Christianity with current practices and beliefs were intense. But Paul counters with his own “power words”.
*
PROPOSITION
Paul had a worldview of spiritual warfare – that a battle is raging in the unseen world. And it still is. However, a great victory has been won. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we’ve all been saved! Jesus’ ministry was a revolt. He came against the tyranny of an oppressive world ruler. There’s a spiritual realm working against all the people of the world. Jesus comes against it and defeats it. But even though this force has been dealt a decisive death blow and has been defeated and is currently being driven out, it still operates on some level in our world.
*
CONCLUSION
There’s a new beachhead of operation in the world – it’s called the Church, the Body of Christ. You are far above Satanic authority. Prayer is not just a marginal piece – it’s the tool that releases God’s power to do His work in our world. Let's pray this prayer over our church and over your lives and over all the people being baptized today!