The Superlative Demonstration (Ephesians 2:7)

When God redeemed humanity, it wasn’t merely for us, it was also for Himself.

In this expositional study of Ephesians 2:7, Nathan Johnson looks at the superlative demonstration of God’s grace … now and for all eternity.

God is revealing the immeasurable abundance of His grace in our lives – a picture and declaration of His love, mercy, kindness, and grace.

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Listen to + Download the Study

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Key Passage: Ephesians 2:7

Ephesians 2:7 – “… so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

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A Simple Bible Study Resource

A DECLARATION OF GOD’S CHARACTER

• To the terms already used for God’s favorable disposition toward his people, “mercy” and “love” (v 4) and “grace” (vv 5, 7), is now added χρηστότης, “kindness,” denoting God’s sympathetic concern for the welfare of humanity, his goodness active on its behalf (cf. also Rom 2:4, 11:22; Titus 3:4). – from Andrew T. Lincoln, Ephesians, vol. 42, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1990), 110.
• Romans 2:4 – Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
• Webster 1828: “kindness ever accompanies love” (a demonstration of love)
  • the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate

SHOWING OFF GRACE

• “show”: to demonstrate, manifest, display,
  • legal terminology: words gives idea of “proving” as showing off evidence in a legal case
• Superlative!
  • “Immeasurable riches” of His grace
    • Riches: “abundance”
    • Immeasurable / Exceeding (hyperballo): to surpass, throw over or beyond, surpass, excel
      • 5x in NT (3 of which are in Ephesians, other 2 in 2 Corinthians)

TWO WAYS GOD SHOWS OFF GRACE

1. Lifts Up Jesus

• God is showing that His exceeding riches of grace is found in Jesus!
  • everything God gives you is found in the person of Jesus
  • God is proving His grace, kindness, and love by showing and lifting up Jesus
    • for all eternity Jesus is going to be a continual picture of the grace of God at work in humanity
• WHICH MEANS:
  • I am to remain focused upon, surrendered to, and dependent on Jesus now … and in eternity
    • God does not bring us into heaven as independent creatures but those still living in dependency and oneness with Him
      
    • I will forever be dependent upon His kindness and grace
    • I will need Jesus just as much then as I do now
      

2. Points to Us

• Our lives become the demonstrations of God’s grace
  • Not just in eternity but NOW
• We are to be the picture of God’s mercy, love, and grace to our world
• Is the only explanation of our lives Jesus Christ?
• 1 John 4.9: In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

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In Our Next Study Together …

I invite you to join me on this journey from the book of Ephesians to discover God’s eternal purpose, His plan for your life, and learn how to practically live out an abundant and fruitful Christian life. 

• The focus of our next study: Ephesians 2:8-9
  
• We will examine Ephesians 2:8-9 and the idea that we are saved by grace through faith.
  
• I encourage you to read through Ephesians a couple of times this week and focus specifically on Ephesians 2:1-10.

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About The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series

The Deeper Christian Bible Study Series in Ephesians is a Christ-centered practical in-depth verse-by-verse study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Join NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) as he expositionally preaches from this incredible book – which will help you grow in your faith, gain greater intimacy with Jesus, and understand how to study God’s Word.

Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. Deeper Christian equips Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.

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About NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson)

NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps Christians discover and experience a passionate love for God and His Word so that they can grow in their faith, live victorious lives, share the Gospel boldly, grow in their intimacy with Jesus, and transform the world through the indwelling life of Christ.
Read more about him here.