Week 35: Christ’s Cosmic Authority: The Exalted King and His Church
Uniting Heaven and Earth Under the Lordship of Jesus
Theme:
Ephesians 1 invites us into the divine blueprint of God’s eternal plan—one that centers on the supremacy of Jesus Christ and His exalted position over all things. Through Him, believers receive every spiritual blessing and are sealed by the Spirit as part of a redeemed people destined to reflect Christ’s authority and unity in the world.
Objectives:
Understand the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ and their significance in God’s eternal plan.
Reflect on the role of Jesus’ exaltation in uniting all things in heaven and on earth.
Explore the hope, inheritance, and power available to believers through Christ.
Scripture Focus:
Introduction
In Ephesians 1, Paul lifts the curtain on a heavenly perspective of God's work through Christ. This is not a distant theology but a personal inheritance for every believer. We are chosen, redeemed, sealed, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. Our lives are not random—they are woven into God's plan to unite all things in Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ Ephesians 1:3–14
Paul begins with an anthem of praise for every spiritual blessing that flows from union with Christ. These include being chosen before the foundation of the world, adopted into God's family, redeemed through Christ's blood, and forgiven by His grace. God's plan is to unite all things—visible and invisible—under Christ's sovereign headship. The Holy Spirit is given as a seal, guaranteeing our inheritance and affirming our identity as God's possession.
Paul's Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation Ephesians 1:15–19
Moved by the believers' faith and love, Paul prays that they may receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. His desire is for them to grasp three key realities: the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward them. This is not abstract encouragement but a practical foundation for confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Christ's Exaltation and Cosmic Authority Ephesians 1:20–23
The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power working in believers. Christ is seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion. He is the head over all things for the church, His body, which carries His presence into the world. Christ's exaltation is not only cosmic in scope—it is deeply personal for the church, which is the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Exploring Key Themes
Chosen and Blessed in Christ: Our identity is rooted not in earthly status but in eternal purpose. We are handpicked by God, forgiven, and indwelt by the Spirit.
God’s Plan of Unity: All things are being brought under Christ’s authority. This includes reconciling heaven and earth, spirit and body, people and nations.
Inheritance and Assurance: The Holy Spirit is our guarantee—a down payment of the future glory awaiting us. We are co-heirs with Christ.
The Power of Resurrection: The same power that raised Christ is active in believers today. It equips us to live victoriously and reflect Christ’s reign.
The Church as Christ’s Body: We are not merely recipients but participants in Christ’s rule. The church carries His authority and is called to manifest His presence in the world.
Reflection and Response
What does it mean to be chosen and sealed in Christ?
How does God’s plan to unite all things in Christ shape your worldview?
In what areas of life do you need to experience the power of His resurrection?
How can your local church reflect the reality of Christ’s authority and unity?
Key Takeaways
Ephesians 1 reveals God’s plan to unite all things under Christ.
Believers are spiritually blessed, adopted, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s exaltation guarantees our victory and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in us.
Conclusion
Ephesians 1 unveils the majestic reality that Christ is not only Savior but Lord of all creation. He is exalted above every power, and we, His church, are called to embody His authority on earth. As recipients of divine blessing and carriers of heavenly purpose, we are woven into a story far greater than ourselves—a story where Christ reigns and all things are made new in Him.