Sermons From Ephesians - Executable Outlines

a. He shall “rule in the midst of [His] enemies”
b. At the right hand of God He shall “judge among the nations”
c. He shall reign “till He has put all enemies under His feet”
3. As Peter indicated in his sermon on Pentecost, by Christ’s resurrection and exaltation
He has been raised to sit on “David’s throne”, and is therefore truly “Lord” - Ac 2:30-36
[But how extensive is the “reign” or “authority” of Christ? Does He have only “partial” authority? As
we return to our text, we find Paul saying that...]
II. CHRIST IS FAR ABOVE ALL OTHERS, ALL ARE UNDER HIS FEET (21-22a)
A. CHRIST IS FAR ABOVE...
1. “all principality and power and might and dominion” - a likely reference to angelic beings
and evil spirits - cf. Ep 3:10; 6:12
3. “every name that is named” - this would include authorities here on earth
4. “not only in this age but also in that which is come” - both in the present dispensation, and in
the one to be ushered in at the consummation of all things
-- Sounds like Christ’s authority is all inclusive, doesn’t it?
B. ALL ARE UNDER HIS FEET...
1. As Christ Himself said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” - Mt
28:18
2. As Paul described Christ: “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of
lords” - 1 Ti 6:15; cf. Re 19:16
3. As Peter wrote: “angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him”
- 1 Pe 3:22
4. As John wrote: “the ruler over the kings of the earth” - Re 1:5
-- Can anyone say that Jesus has NOT begun His “kingly reign” in view of such
statements?
[Indeed, Christ was granted all this dominion when He ascended to heaven to sit down at the right hand
of God, as prophesied by Daniel (Dan 7:13-14), and as revealed by Jesus to the seven churches of
Asia (Re 2:26-27; 3:21). Clearly, from the viewpoint of Christ and His apostles, He was reigning over
all when the pages of the New Testament were being written.
But there is more amazing truth revealed in Paul’s “digression” and that is...]
III.CHRIST IS HEAD OVER ALL THINGS “TO THE CHURCH” (22-23)
Mark A. Copeland
A. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PHRASE “TO THE CHURCH”...?
1. Christ exercises His authority over all things “in the interest” of the church (Hendriksen); i.e.,
the rule of Christ is for the benefit of His church!
2. Because Jesus is Lord, all things work together for our benefit - cf. Ro 8:27
a. This is not to say that Christ will prevent hardship, persecution, even death
b. But through Christ all such things can used to our benefit and ultimate glory!
1) “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him” - Ro 8:35-39
Sermons From Ephesians 22