September 8th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: "Paul’s Summary of Christ’s Teachings & The Teachings of Jesus"
If Jesus is the Messiah (“Christ” in Greek), there is no greater investment in life than learning from Him and living life informed by His commands.
Messianic Expectation Revealed in Ancient Prophecies
A king-like ruler who will be a Son to God and committed to establishing God's kingdom on earth:
II Samuel 7:12-17 – God’s promise to David of a future king.
Psalm 2:1-12 – The anointed king will rule over the nations.
Isaiah 9:6-7 – The promise of a child who will reign in justice and peace.
Isaiah 11:1-10 – The righteous ruler from the line of Jesse.
A king-like ruler willing to serve us by paying the consequences through death for the evil things we have done:
Psalm 22:1-31 – A suffering servant who bears the anguish of sin.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who dies for the sins of many.
Application Summary:
Reflect on the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. These ancient promises confirm Jesus as the Messiah, who not only reigns but also sacrifices Himself for us. Trust in His willingness to bear the consequences of our sin, knowing He is both King and Savior. Let this knowledge deepen your faith and commitment to follow Him.
“Faith” is trusting Jesus into the future based upon who He has proved He is in the past.
Application Summary:
Faith is grounded in Jesus' proven history—His life, death, and resurrection. As you walk through challenges and uncertainties, remember what Jesus has done. His faithfulness in the past gives you confidence to trust Him with your future. Daily, remind yourself of how Jesus has come through before, and let that fuel your trust in Him today.
The Apostle Paul and the Book of Ephesians
Paul (Saul) was a devoted OT scholar who rejected faith in Jesus as honoring to God.
Acts 7:54-8:3 – Paul (Saul) persecuted early Christians.
Paul was personally confronted and given instructions by the resurrected Jesus.
Acts 9:1-22 – Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.
Paul became the most knowledgeable person in history of the teachings of Jesus necessary for our understanding.
Application Summary:
Paul’s journey reminds us that no one is too far from God’s grace. Even in our mistakes or past misunderstandings, God can turn our lives around. Let Paul’s life be a testimony of how God can transform and use anyone for His glory. Allow yourself to be open to God’s call, no matter where you are.
Ephesians 1:1 – "Paul, an apostle of Messiah (Christ) Jesus by the will of God to the saints who are faithful in Christ Jesus."
Application Summary:
Like Paul, we are called by God’s will. Reflect on how you can faithfully live out your calling in Christ Jesus. Are you committed to following Him and trusting His purpose for your life? Take time to align your actions with the will of God, knowing that you are chosen to live for His glory.
The Book of Ephesians Overview:
Ephesians 1:1-14 – How the Father, Son, and Spirit heal creation.
Ephesians 1:15-23 – Paul’s prayer for our growth in understanding.
Ephesians 2:1-10 – How God’s work changes my life personally.
Ephesians 2:11-22 – How God’s work changes my relationships.
Ephesians 3 – Why Paul knows God’s will so precisely.
Ephesians 4-6 – How we are now supposed to live life.
Application Summary:
Ephesians provides a roadmap for living a Christ-centered life. It begins with understanding the work of the Trinity in healing creation and moves to how God’s grace transforms both our individual lives and our relationships with others. Make it a habit to reflect on how God is changing you, and live out those changes by treating others with love and grace. Daily ask, "How is God transforming my life, and how can I live that out?"
We must be willing to learn in order to grow.
Like Paul, we all need reasons to believe and trust Jesus is the Messiah and worthy of our respect and obedience.
We should expect that Messianic teaching is deep with serious implications for the life we live as His followers.
Our minds are our most precious possession, and we need to prioritize learning as a life necessity.
Application Summary:
Growth in faith requires a commitment to learning. Just as Paul sought to know Christ more deeply, we too must continually seek to understand His teachings. Prioritize studying Scripture, reflecting on it, and applying it to your life. Make learning from Jesus part of your daily routine, knowing it will transform how you live and interact with the world.
Recommended Reading: Ephesians 1:1-14 (Daily or at least 5 times before next Sunday)
Application & Recommended Reading:
Take time this week to immerse yourself in Ephesians 1:1-14. Read it slowly, meditate on its meaning, and allow it to speak to your heart. Let this passage remind you of the spiritual blessings you have in Christ and encourage you to live in a way that reflects your gratitude for His grace. As you read, ask God to deepen your understanding and guide your walk with Him.