Topics: Jesus, Ephesians
I. Jesus is risen
* Jesus is the Living One who was dead, and is alive forevermore!
- These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead (Ephesians 1:19, 20).
- When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades" (Revelation 1:17, 18).
- Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power (1 Corinthians 6:14).
II. Jesus is exalted
* Jesus is exalted above all authorities and intercedes for the saints!
- And seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:20 b).
- For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9?11; see Romans 8:34).
- For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority (Colossians 2:9, 10).
III. Jesus is Lord
* Jesus is Head over the church and Lord of everything!
- And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph. 1:22, 23).
- Know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15b).
- He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 15th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Jesus Is
An important Guideline of Life Groups:??Each Life Group meeting needs to make sure "it's all about Jesus" whether you're having fun fellowship, eating food or studying Scripture. Jesus wants to be the center of all our activities, thoughts, words and actions.
Getting Started:
- The title is purposely simple and yet profound. How would you complete the title "Jesus is . . ."? Do you realize it is full of all-encompassing possibilities?
- What are some of the "I AM" statements that Jesus said about Himself? Can you list the Scriptural references to these identity testimonials?
Discussing Truths:
- Paul is praying that we experience resurrection power which God brought about when He raised Jesus from the dead! Are you praying for that power in your life (Phil 3:10)?
- Why is the resurrection of Jesus so central to our Christian living (1 Cor 15:12-20)?
- How can you walk in triumphant victory because Jesus is exalted far above all rule and authority and power and dominion (Eph 1:20, 21; Col 2:15; 2 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:37)?
- When did Jesus declare that "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18)?
- What does the meaning of the title Messiah/Christ as "The Anointed One" suggest to you in your spiritual journey of making Jesus Lord of your life (1 John 2:20, 27)?
- Which analogy of the Church is your favorite picture: Body, Building, Bride, Army, Vine/Branches, Family . . .?
- How can you enhance the church to be the pillar and support of the truth (1 Tim 3:15)?
Now What? Application:
- What areas of your life do you need to yield to Jesus? control so that He will have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18)? Keep Him as your first love (Revelation 2:4, 5)!
- How are being used by Jesus Christ in the church, which is His body? Do you see His power flowing through you as His hands and feet in ministry?