Ephesians 1:19-22 Displaying the Glory of God  BC 11/93

19...exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe...20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he 1) raised him from the dead, and 2) set him at his own right hand in the heavenlies 21 Far above all principality/power/might/dominion/name... in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And 3) put all under his feet, and 4) gave him [to be] the head over all to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness (control) of which in all things and every way is being filled.

{The story thus far: In light of God's grand plan to bless believers as He has Christ, Paul prays that the animating force of believer's lives will be so ordered by wisdom (chosing the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them) and revelation about the kingdom that they will experience God's best for them in terms of experiencing their hope, inheritance and the power available to them (which is the same power at work in Jesus' life.}

Observations & Implications about God's infinite power:

1) It's available only for those exercising belief that God is who He said He is and will do what He said He'll do (Heb 11:6).

2) It moves its recipients from the realm of death to life (Rom 6)

3) It's necessary for exaltation (2Cor 10)

4) It's greater than any forces that would oppose it (1Jn 4:4)

5) It's the dynamic/basis of Christ's headship over the Church 1Jn

I. Jesus Is Not Lord of All while:

Satan devours believers and takes others captive to do His will 1Pe  5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 2Ti 2:26 recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him to do his will.

Satan's demons can pass themselves off as ministers of light 2Co  11:14 And no wonder; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness

Unbeleivers say there is no God

Believers lead carnal lives 2Ti  3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying its power: from such turn away.

II. Jesus Is Lord of the Body when Believers:

Lay down their lives for His glory and each other

Obey the Scriptures relentlessly with one heart, soul and purpose

Php  2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.

Rely upon Him exclusively

Daily deny themselves to follow in His footsteps, making disciples