The good, the bad and the wicked. Eph.1:1
A. Epn.1:1à
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus,
the faithful in Christ Jesus.
1. The western world has misused the message in the book of Ephesians for the people in the world
telling them that they can be saved by faith alone.
2. The message is intended “to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ”!
Anytime any one uses this message on not yet saints is misleading and deceitful.
We know misleading and deceitful is sinful.
I think this was one reason why Jesus labeled those claim to preach in his name, cast out
demons and do many mighty works in his name as evil doers! Matt.7:21-23.
B. What do the saints in Ephesus mean?
1. The saints in Ephesus mean the saints in the church of the Lord in Ephesus.
2. The saints in the church are also the faithful in Christ Jesus!
3. The process for people in the world to become saints in the church à
Listen to word of the Lord, believe Jesus is Savior, repent and be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:36-38, 16:30-34
C. Why do we see bad and wicked people walking out of the church?
I often heard people said they are turned off from going to church because they saw bad and
evil people come out of the church building!
1. Two thousands years ago at Jesus’ time! John 8:31-32
To the Jews who having believed him, Jesus said,
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
We know the truth will set them free from sins!
This means those who are in the church are saints and faithful in Christ!
2. But as we can see those Jews “having believed Jesus” but do not do what he tell them!
They are not free from their sins!
In fact if you read on to verse 44 and 59 you will see Jesus called them children of the devil!
In verse 59 those Jews having believed him pick up stones to stone him!
3. Yes, I know you are thinking about this à there was a Judas in the twelve!
4. Apostle Paul said these in 2 Cor.11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen,
masquerading as apostles of Christ.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.
Their end will be what their actions deserve.
D. In the process of growing!
1. There was an interesting TV show called growing pain!
In the process of becoming a mature saint and faithful in Christ, there are much pains!
2. This happened in the church 2000 years ago! 1 Cor.5:1-5
It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is
not even among the Gentiles, that one (of you) hath his father's wife.
And you are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be
taken away from among you. … hand this man over to Satan, so that the flesh may be destroyed
and his soul may be saved on the day of the Lord.
3. The saints and faithful in Christ are “like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk,
so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”. 1 Peter 2:2
4. Showing favoritism is a sin! James 2:1-9
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
… But you have insulted the poor. If you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law
as lawbreakers.
E. When the time for your salvation is near!
The Lord will help you to over look the bad and the wicked!
you will see the good coming out of the church and be encouraged!
You will love to become a saint in the church and be a faithful one in Christ Jesus.
May God bless you and keep you always! Preach this on Sept, 26, 2010.