Enthroned and Enabled
We should have spiritual rest and relaxation because we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ, and we can overcome the world by living according to our heavenly position and having faith.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that believers, being seated in the heavenlies with Christ, should experience spiritual rest rather than worry. He highlights the biblical command to not fret over evildoers and to rest in the Lord, drawing from Paul's teachings even while imprisoned. Epp reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven, and by recognizing our position in Christ, we can overcome worldly troubles. He encourages believers to live by faith, appropriating their spiritual resources to share in Christ's power and victories. Ultimately, Epp reassures that despite tribulations, we can find joy in Christ's triumph over the world.
Text
Ephesians 2:1-10
Because we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ, we should have spiritual rest and relaxation. However, many who know Christ as Saviour are characterized by worrying.
The Bible says, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity" (Ps. 37:1).
The believer is commanded, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil" (vv. 7,8).
We need not worry, "for our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20).
Paul was writing these great truths from a dungeon in Rome, but he was deeply conscious of his position in Christ. This was the secret of his victorious living. He realized what his spiritual resources were in Christ.
Christ has been set "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph. 1:21).
He has been raised far above everything and everyone else. He is not contaminated by the things of this world. As we live according to our heavenly position in Christ, we will not be contaminated by the world either.
This involves having a proper attitude of the heart and mind and living by faith. As we appropriate what we have in Christ, we will share in the power and conquests of that exalted position.
"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Sermon Outline
- I. Our Position in Christ
- A. Seated in the heavenlies
- B. Far above all principality and power
- C. Not contaminated by the world
- II. The Secret of Victorious Living
- A. Realizing our spiritual resources in Christ
- B. Living according to our heavenly position
- C. Having a proper attitude of the heart and mind
- III. The Power of Faith
- A. Appropriating what we have in Christ
- B. Sharing in the power and conquests of our exalted position
Key Quotes
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” — Theodore Epp
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity” — Theodore Epp
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should not worry because our conversation is in heaven and we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- We can live victoriously by realizing our spiritual resources in Christ and living according to our heavenly position.
- We should have a proper attitude of the heart and mind by having faith and appropriating what we have in Christ.