Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Christ -- the Powerful King (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Bryan Schneider · February 8, 2020

Ephesians 1:15-23

sharonrpc.org/sermons/christ-the-powerful-king

Summary

Paul prays that believers will know God with enlightened hearts, not merely accumulate theological information.
God wants his people to know the hope of his calling, the riches of his inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of his power toward believers.
God displayed that power by raising Jesus bodily from the dead, exalting him to heaven, and seating him at his right hand.
Christ reigns above every principality, power, might, dominion, and name, so no idol, spiritual force, or earthly circumstance can rival his authority.
Christ's kingship remains certain when suffering, grief, financial pressure, or confusion makes God's plan difficult to see.
Jesus alone is head of the church; pastors and elders must never claim the place or authority that belongs to its reigning King.

Do I know truths about God only intellectually, or are they shaping hope and worship in the depths of my life?
What present fear is challenging my confidence in Christ's resurrection power and reign?
When circumstances seem chaotic, do I judge Christ's throne by what I can see or cling to his revealed promises?
How does Jesus' bodily resurrection answer the claim that death has final authority?
Have I allowed a pastor, elder, political power, or personal idol to occupy authority that belongs only to Christ?
How should the reigning King's presence change the way I participate in his church?

Enlightened heart: Spirit-given understanding by which knowledge of God reaches the whole person and shapes hope, worship, and life.
Hope of God's calling: Confident expectation grounded in God's saving summons and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Resurrection power: God's mighty power displayed in raising Jesus bodily from death and at work toward those who believe.
Exaltation of Christ: Jesus' resurrection, ascension, session at the Father's right hand, and universal rule.
Head of the church: Christ's unique kingship and governing authority over the church as his body.