Sunday January 4, 2026

Sermon Title: Who we are, Why we're here, and What we need

Scripture: (Ephesians 1:1-2)

Series Big Idea: God unites and transforms believers in Christ’s Church 

Sermon Big Idea: God calls us saints, faithful, and set apart

Introduction: 

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by pointing believers to the abundant resources of grace and peace God freely pours out on all who belong to Him. When we feel spiritually inadequate, he reminds us that our strength and identity are founded not in ourselves, but in God’s faithful provision.

Who We Are: God’s Chosen and Faithful Saints (1:1): 

Paul grounds our identity not in our own efforts, but in God’s sovereign calling. We are saints, set apart and faithful because of who Christ is. This is our truest designation: chosen, made holy, and secure in Jesus by grace alone.

Why We’re Here: Set Apart By God’s Will (1:1): 

Our purpose is not incidental but anchored in God’s deliberate will; like Paul and the Ephesian church, we are called to live differently in order to fulfill His divine purpose. Every believer is set apart to shine as a light in the world, living daily for God’s pleasure and plan.

What We Need: God’s Grace and Peace (1:2): 

Paul highlights that what every believer truly needs is God’s grace. His unearned favor and His peace, which brings lasting security and unity in Christ. These blessings come only from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, equipping us to walk faithfully as His people.

Conclusion: 

We are not defined by our failures or circumstances but by God’s calling: saints, set apart, and placed here for His purpose. Rest in His grace and peace, embrace your true identity in Christ, and live dependently upon God’s provision so that the world might see His glory through us.

Ephesians 1:1-2 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Snodgrass, Klyne. Ephesians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

Vaughan, Curtis. Ephesians. Founders Study Guide Commentary. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2002.

Cole, Steven J. Ephesians. Steven J. Cole Commentary Series. Dallas: Galaxie Software, 2017.

Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Osborne, Grant R. Ephesians: Verse by Verse. Osborne New Testament Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in Ephesians. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Dockery, David S., ed. Holman Concise Bible Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Water, Mark. Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Brannan, Rick, and Israel Loken. The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible. Lexham Bible Reference Series. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. The Tyndale Reference Library. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

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