God's Great Mercy

Tim A. Reger

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Introduction

Paul had heard about the faith and love of the saints in Ephesus.

Ephesians 1:15–16 NIV84

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-

Paul Gives Thanks

Paul repeatedly asked God (the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father) that this God would keep giving the church at Ephesus several things:

Ephesians 1:17–23 NIV84

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:17-

A. Wisdom

The practical skill in the affairs of life. The practical ability to live out plans of life.

B. Revelation

This is one of three words used to describe the second coming of Christ. It really has the meaning of removing ignorance. When the gospel of Jesus Christ comes into someone’s life it removes ignorance and they become excited about the second coming of Jesus Christ.

C. All so we know Christ better!

This is one of the big keys—wisdom, and revelation all help us know Jesus Christ better.

D. Enlightened

Paul prays that God will turn on the light of their heart. Those who live without Jesus walk in darkness. The problem is many who claim to know Jesus are still walking in darkness. So Paul prays that the light of Jesus will shine into their hearts.

E. To know the Hope

The hope that calls us. The hope of God’s riches. The hope of an inheritance—the inheritance of the saints. And the hope of power.

Knowing the Power of God

God’s power is greater than anything we can imagine. And it is for those who believe.

A. A might strength.

B. Same power used to raise Christ.

C. Same power used to seat Christ at God’s right hand.

D. Same power used to place God above all.

E. The power to place everything under Christ’s feet.

F. And its the same power used to anoint Jesus over all.

As for Us?

Ephesians 2:1–10 NIV84

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:1-

We know that we were All dead in our transgressions and sins.

A. Dead in Our Sins

B. We used to live in Sin

Notice the past tense. We used to live in sin. Notice verse 3.

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”

But God!

A. Because of God’s Great Love

This is the Greek word agape—unconditional love—love that expects nothing in return.

B. Because of God’s rich mercy

Mercy is the Greek word eleov—compassion. Salvation is driving by God’s compassion and love. It is truly an amazing thing that God loves us and has compassion on us.

C. Because of God’s grace

Grace is the Greek word charitos—undeserved favor.

—God makes us alive when we were dead.

—God raises us up and seats us with Christ.

—God wants to show us—in the future:

i. His incomparable riches

ii. His kindness

D. Not by Works

Works is the Greek word ergo—this word stands in stark contrast to the word charitos—grace.

So What?

Our salvation is all about God.

God gives us wisdom.

God gives revelation.

God gives us His power.

God makes us alive.

God frees us from wrath

Because of God’s great love

Because of God’s mercy

Because of God’s grace

We are free from sin!

Ephesians 2:10 NIV84

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.