Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Grace and Peace! (Ephesians 1:1, 2)

Bryan Schneider · January 4, 2020

Ephesians 1:1-2

sharonrpc.org/sermons/grace-and-peace-ephesians

Summary

Paul writes as Christ's commissioned apostle, so Ephesians comes as an authoritative royal message rather than personal advice.
God's opening declaration to his saints is grace: unmerited favor rooted in his own compassion rather than human beauty, work, history, or decision.
Noah and Moses illustrate grace given to imperfect people whom God knows by name and draws into his presence.
Peace means more than a greeting; through Christ's death God reconciles enemies to himself and ends the hostility caused by sin.
Justification removes filthy guilt and clothes believers in Christ's righteousness, so God calls ordinary Christians saints—holy ones set apart for him.
Holy living follows God's declaration of grace and peace; it does not purchase his favor but grows from union with Christ and the Spirit's work.

Do I receive the apostolic Word as Christ's authority even when it confronts my preferences?
Am I treating God's favor as dependent on my works, past, ability, or decision?
How does knowing that God sees and knows his people by name change the way I approach prayer?
Do I understand peace with God as reconciliation purchased by Christ rather than merely a calm feeling?
When conscience points to filthy garments, do I rest in Christ's righteousness or attempt to clean myself?
Do I think of holiness as an elite status or as the identity and calling of every believer?
How should grace already received empower the obedience Ephesians later commands?

Apostle: An authorized emissary personally commissioned by Jesus Christ to deliver his binding message to the church.
Grace: God's free and undeserved favor toward sinners, grounded in his sovereign love rather than their worth or works.
Peace: The wholeness and reconciliation God establishes by ending enmity through the death of his Son.
Justification: God's gracious act of pardoning sinners and accepting them as righteous because Christ's righteousness is counted to them.
Saint: An ordinary believer whom God has set apart as holy in Christ, not a special class of unusually accomplished Christians.