DIVINE DIVIDENDS (Part 2)
Ephesians 1:7-23
Last time, we looked at four of the divine dividends which we have in Christ. Before
Chapter 1 closes, Paul introduces three more: redemption, inheritance, and the seal of
the Holy Spirit. The reason this message is important is that these divine dividends
enable us live as victors, rather than victims in this present age!
Redemption – (v. 7-9) Here we find three aspects of our redemption in Christ. (1)
Redemption is by His blood (v.7a). (ttt) Hebrews 9:19-28. (2) Redemption is by His
grace (v.7b, 8). “Abound” literally means “superabound” (in quantity or quality), in
excess, to excel. (New Exhaustive Strong's Concordance). His grace is more than enough! Notice:
grace abounds not according to our personal whim (fancy), but in “all wisdom” (His
word), and “prudence” (His insight will), through faith in Christ alone!
(3) Redemption is by His revelation (v.9, 10). The mystery of redemption, the gospel
(good news), was revealed in Christ.
…the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations,
but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make
known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26-27
According to God’s “good pleasure,” not the will or works of man-made religion,
heaven and earth have been reconciled in Christ! (v.10b). In Christ we enjoy the
dividend of being redeemed!
The second dividend is inheritance (v.11, 12): an inheritance according to God’s
predestined will. The full rights and privileges as sons and daughters have been granted
to all who place their faith in Christ (see v.5); an inheritance resulting in praise and
glory to our God! (v.12). This is an inheritance kept not by our performance, but by the
very power of God! (ttt) 1Peter 1:3-9. In Christ we enjoy the dividend of inheritance!
The third dividend is that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (v.13, 14). When we
surrendered our lives to Christ, God sealed the deal forever! Notice the means by
which one is sealed (v.13a): they “heard” and they “believed!” … simple trust (faith) in
God’s word! The Holy Spirit is witness, down payment and guarantee for our
salvation! For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by
whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and
if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be
glorified together. Romans 8:15-17
We can rest in the fact that God’s seal never leaks! (recent deluge of rain –
basements). “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out
of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:29-30 Therefore, the work which He has
begun in you, He will complete (v.14). Evidence of His divine seal in the church is found
in (v.15-16a) “faith” and “love” (v.15). As the Lord sealed the door of the Ark (Noah),
so He has sealed us, in Christ!
In light of these divine dividends, God has blessed us (v.3); chosen us (v.4); predestined us
(v.5); accepted us (v.6); redeemed us (v.7); inherited us (v.11); and sealed us (v.13). Paul prays
for the church (v.16b-18a). He prays for a spirit of “wisdom” and “revelation,” and
“understanding” to be given to them. This is the Spirit of Christ, the “Rod of Jesse,” the
Holy Spirit! The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of
counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2
Therefore, instead of defeat, spiritual poverty, and weakness, the church might
experience the “hope,” “riches,” and “power” of Christ! (v.18b-23) Notice: (v.23a) To
attack the church is to attack the very body of Christ; unfortunately, there are many
self-inflicted wounds in the house of God! Paul reminds the church, through wisdom,
revelation and understanding: We have Hope (v.18b); God called us in hope, not
“maybe!” As a divine shareholder, you are a member of an exclusive club! It’s called
Club Hope! You don’t have to stop at the gate; the guard waves you on through!
(Nuggets game-cold).
We have a “living hope,” hope which never dies! 1 Peter 1:3. Because of this hope,
unbelief, doubt, and fear can be put in their proper place. Jesus said, “Get behind Me
Satan!” Unbelief, doubt and fear should never lead us, because they’re not
representative of the guide Christ has provided for us! For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 Secondly, through wisdom, revelation,
and understanding, we have a new value system (v.18b). Two thoughts: 1) God wants
us to comprehend His riches, that we might live by the abundance of His resources,
rather than the limited resources of this world. 2) You are of great value to Him. God is
fully vested in you. He always receives a profit on His investments, and has never
made a bad investment! How precious are you to God? You are His 401K of glory! And
His glory shall not be diminished!
Lastly, through wisdom, revelation, and understanding, we have power (v.19-23). The
phrase, “His Power toward us” (v.19) means power for good and not evil. One
commentator writes: “…that power which surpasses all difficulties, being itself omnipotent…” (Adam Clark)
His Power is activated as we place our faith (trust) in God’s ability, rather than our
own! But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that
He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 It is power based on the personage
and position of Christ in God. (1) PERSONAGE: Who Christ is. (v.20b). He is the risen
Son of God! (2) POSITION: Where Christ is. (v.20b-22). “Principalities” – chief, whatever
has been the norm, precedence, or order before. He’s seated in all authority, on behalf of
His church, as our advocate (1 John 2:1, 2) and intercessor (Romans 8:34). By His
power “toward us,” we are more than conquerors, in Christ!
CONCLUSION: Memorial Day is an important holiday to our nation. It reminds us to
conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice!
Even more so, the cross is a memorial – a reminder to us to live a life worthy of it
(Ephesians 4:1). “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not
tried.” (Gilbert K. Chesterton) Let’s dare to live spiritually dangerously, in these last days,
focused on the divine dividends of God, that Christ may be glorified through our lives!
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the
things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the
things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen
are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18