In giving Himself for us, Christ gives us all that pertains to His original nature; the Divine qualities of His nature as the manifested God; His knowledge, His wisdom, His power; all that is involved in His goodness, and He gives the qualities of His woman-born nature, as the Word made flesh. Not a tittle of His nature which was to be made known to the sons of men, but is unveiled in this sacrifice to their view in a greater glory than the creatures were able to exhibit Him.3. Commentary, Ephesians 4:25-5:2, Brian Peterson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015. Sermon on Ephesians 4.25-5.2 Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbours, for we are members of one another. THE DESIGN OF THE SAVIOUR'S INTERPOSITION. He has made us rich, fair, honourable, potent, yea, one with Himself.4. The necessity of His death impeacheth not the voluntariness of it. Martin, D. D.I. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds us “as a man thinks, so is he.” Thus, our view of the doctrine of Christ’s atonement will have consequences for our walks as Christians. More than 1,800 years have passed away since it was offered. | Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) | Download The Bible App Now And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a … IV. As the acceptation of it depended upon the will of the Lawgiver and Rector, so the acceptableness of it depended upon the will of the Redeemer. (1) How impotent! Changing the Unchangeable. Our text intimates that it was the person of Christ which rendered His sacrifice efficacious, and that because "He gave Himself for us." In the first place, if all this be true, then how awful is that man's state, that can hear of this atonement and find fragrancy in everything else except that one thing that is fragrant before God! Ephesians 4:25-5:2. It is a comfort to a diseased hospital that a physician is chosen and accepted by the governors that is able to cure every disease; it is no less a comfort to a guilty soul that there is a sacrifice sufficient to expiate every sin. He bestows upon them all things that Himself hath, so far as they are communicable. THE ACCEPTABLENESS OF THE SACRIFICE. This is essential to a sacrifice; it is an offering daily consumed. VIII. God was not absolutely bound to accept it for us. Christ's sacrifice was VOLUNTARY. Go back to the time of the flood. In this expression the allusion is clearly to the wine and oil, or rather, to the precious perfumes that were wont to be sprinkled on the sacrifices under the law, in order to counteract the offensive savour of that bloody service. But then —4. Offerings that were not sacrifices. 3. Go back to the time of the flood. Needs must that be fragrant to God that accomplished the triumph of all His attributes. Yet the glory the Son of God got hereby was an inconsiderable advantage to Him, compared with the benefits thereby purchased for man. The New Life: Ephesians 4:17–5:2. The sight of a wreck at sea, of a field spread with carcasses, of a country desolated, of houses burnt and cities ruined, and of the like calamities incident to mankind, would touch the bowels of any man; but the very report of them would affect the heart of charity. 3. WALKING IN LOVE, AS THE EFFECT WHICH THIS REDEMPTION IS INTENDED TO PRODUCE.1. Unity & Diversity: To Maturity from Ephesians 4:13–16. Look at the purity of His sacrifice. His substitution was acceptable to God, and available to the salvation of man. It is a desperate thing to refuse this sacrifice, which is so sweet to God. Why was all this? Ephesians 5:2. Alexander.I. Sermon Message (8) How absolute. They know but the fringe of flower and fruit which the search of a few short days has found. Jay.I. The Father is said to deliver Him, because the first motion of redemption is supposed to arise from the will and motion of the Father; yet the love of Christ was the spring of all mediatory actions, and His taking our nature on Him; and therefore He is no less said to give Himself, than the Father is said to give Him to us and for us. USE.1. Because the sacrifice went up as a "sweet-smelling savour," and a descending Spirit was the mark of God's infinite and eternal approval of it. Its Divine origin is not less evident than its antiquity. "All power is given to Him in heaven and earth" (Matthew 28:18), that as Mediator; but as God, He is coequal with His Father, and so omnipotent. He hath all things under His feet, all things that are in heaven and on earth. Love of our neighbour doth imply readiness on all occasions to do him good, to promote and advance his benefit in all kinds. 'Moreover, in giving Himself for us, Christ gives us all that pertains to His position as Lord of all.II. On the part of the sacrifice itself. Realtors tell us that an empty house is difficult to sell. To stand, e.g., in the presence of despair, and watch how hope begins again to brighten a brother's eye; to whisper some holy truth in the ear of grief, and then receive the rich reward of a smile of thankfulness; to put the cup of cold water to the parched lip, and then listen to the gurgle of a new joy as some poor sufferer drinks down what refreshes soul and body both — oh, this comes only in the lanes and the by walks of the path of love. This love of Christ is our refuge. (2) How poor! THE SATISFACTION AND DELIGHT WITH WHICH THIS INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST ON BEHALF OF HIS PEOPLE IS REGARDED BY GOD. It is a property of love to desire a reciprocal affection; for that is the surest possession and firmest union which is grounded on voluntarily conspiring in affection; and if we do value any person, we cannot but prize his goodwill and esteem. Paul says, "I urge you to walk in a way that's worthy of the calling you have received." If Christ see that an angel can serve one of His disciples, He gives some angel a commission to serve that disciple. On the part of the sacrifice itself. In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches from Ephesians 5:2 and instructs us on how this verse and Christ’s atonement apply to the lives of believers even after they are saved. "He offered Himself a sacrifice" (1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 9:26). (4) How hated! )Christ's redeeming loveJ. It magnifies His love because we were unworthy of its exercise.5. It doth not suffer a man with comfort or ease to enjoy the accommodations of his own state, while others before him are in distress; it cannot be merry while any man in presence is sorrowful; it cannot seem happy while its neighbour doth appear miserable: it hath a share in all the afflictions which it doth behold or hear of, according to that instance in St. Paul of the Philippians: "Ye have done well, that ye did communicate with (or partake in) my afflictions"; and according to that precept, "Remember those which are in bonds, as bound with them."V. The Scriptures are never satisfied with a mere general statement about the love of God— as this verse demonstrates, God’s love is specifically written about in the Bible because the specific acts of God demonstrate His love. It is an incomprehensible love (Ephesians 3:19).1. He is lofty; he swaggers as he walks; he answers those beneath him roughly. II. the eternal Majesty to require that sacrificial oblation should, for so many ages, form an essential part of His worship? (7) How powerful. So God delighted in the sacrifice of His Son, and said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." ... Sermon Message. (2) But the apostle means that we should make the love of Christ the motive as well as the model of ours. The sovereignty of Christ makes His love a wonder.2. 1. The necessity of His death impeacheth not the voluntariness of it. How is it enjoined? Look we at the work itself — look we at those for whom He was all this.II. It is your privilege, let it be your joy. (1) If once acceptable to God, then it is forever acceptable; if once sweet, it is always sweet. Consider the dignity of His Person.2. But near and in His death He was made perfect through sufferings; there was the extremity of His sufferings, there He became a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:9, 10; Hebrews 5:9). The sacrificial dedication of Christ for man was PERFECTLY PLEASING TO THE FATHER.(Dr. And so does the love of Christ appear to us, by what He has done for us. If you were unacquainted with the oak, and a full-grown tree were pointed out to you, and if you were then shown an acorn, and were told that out of that little thing would spring forth the monarch of the forest, you would not believe the statement, or you would say, if this happen it certainly will be a miracle,(S. Martin, D. D.)The sweet-smelling sacrificeR. As this love did not originate in time, but, from eternity, the delights of the Son were with the children of men; so it will never have an end.5. "(1) As the model of our love. Ephesians 4:25--5:2. 13, etc.). Many enter the lists with difficulties out of ignorance, but the willingness of our Saviour cannot be ascribed either to ignorance or forgetfulness.III. (2) But the apostle means that we should make the love of Christ the motive as well as the model of ours. Then comes the real kicker -- the rationale that forgiveness is to be done “as God in Christ has forgiven you.” The final two verses of the passage build on this, urging the community to be “imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1) and to “live in love, as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). THAT IT IS ONLY AS MAN IS BROUGHT TO REPLACE HIS DEPENDENCE ON GOD THROUGH THE MEDIATION OF JESUS CHRIST AS THE HELPER AND REDEEMER OF OUR RACE, THAT HE CAN RISE INTO THE ENJOYMENT OF THE GREAT SALVATION.(R. Take an estimate of the love of Christ from His sufferings. God cannot be deceived in His estimations, nor change His value of it, nor can the sacrifice ever become noisome. WALKING IN LOVE, AS THE EFFECT WHICH THIS REDEMPTION IS INTENDED TO PRODUCE.1. The gospel announces that all they have lost, and far more, they may find again in Christ. And are you to exercise no self-denial? 2. To them this would have been a cold, cheerless place. Nor could He be overruled to anything against His own consent.2. (1) How impotent! (2) His humility (Philippians 2:8). But are you blameless here?4. As the dignity of the person, so the purity of the sacrifice renders it fragrant to God, and efficacious for us.3. (5) Here is a full ground of expectation of all necessary blessings. "Herein is love"; not expected love, but surprising love. If this sacrifice be acceptable to God, it is then a perfect oblation.2. (5) What enmity! Jay. Thus was Christ sacrificed; His dying and bleeding on the cross answered the killing and bloodshed of the Levitical sacrifices, and His sufferings were correspondent to the burnings of the sacrifices (Hebrews 13:12, 13); His sufferings without the gate are held forth here as answering the burning of the sacrifices without the camp. The glory of God was that which He aimed at, and that which He perfected. 3. I do not say Christ as God, or absolutely; but as man, and in some respects. He does employ, for the use and service of those who trust in Him, all things. Let us, then, contemplate this stupendous sacrifice. For whom is this enjoined? Thus our love must resemble His. The Father's appointing Him to be a sacrifice, doth not impair His own willingness in undertaking. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Ye know that it was to prefigure the offering up, in the fulness of time, by Jesus Christ.2. (1) Christ loves men more than the best of men love one another. Not one of the fallen angels have, or ever shall taste of His love; but innumerable companies of men are restored to His favour. THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST, AS THE MEANS BY WHICH OUR REDEMPTION WAS ACCOMPLISHED.1. He willingly offered Himself in the first counsel about redemption to stand in our stead.2. (4) The sacrifice pacified, appeased, the Lord, made atonement, turned away His anger.(D. But this flame, where it is, cannot be confined to the breast and thoughts, but will break forth into action. Christ's sacrifice was of INFINITE VALVE AND SUFFICIENCY. II. III. H. Evans, M. A.I. He loved us when we had neither love nor beauty to attract His affections.2. WHY THIS VOLUNTARINESS WAS NECESSARY.1. The highest perfections of God's nature had a peculiar glory from this sacrifice. Drummond. "We ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16). (5) What enmity! 3 But ...read more. THAT THIS SACRIFICE IS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND EFFICACIOUS FOR US WILL APPEAR IN SEVERAL PROPOSITIONS.1. "He gave Himself an offering for us." To whom is this enjoined? By amorous expressions. The love of Christ is our refuge, but this love is also our pattern. As the effect of Adam's disobedience demonstrates the blackness and strength of his sin, so the fruit of this sacrifice evidenceth the efficacy of it.What was it that rendered this sacrifice acceptable to God, and efficacious for us?1. Thus was Christ sacrificed; His dying and bleeding on the cross answered the killing and bloodshed of the Levitical sacrifices, and His sufferings were correspondent to the burnings of the sacrifices (Hebrews 13:12, 13); His sufferings without the gate are held forth here as answering the burning of the sacrifices without the camp. (2) The things offered were to beef God's appointment, otherwise it had been not a true and acceptable sacrifice, but will-worship. This only can give a repose to our spirits, turn our fears into hopes, and our sorrows into songs. This only can give a repose to our spirits, turn our fears into hopes, and our sorrows into songs. Who will love one for a wife who is contracted to another, given her heart and self into his possession, and has long continued so? )Christ's sacrifice, a sweet-smelling savourJ. CHRIST GIVING HIMSELF FOR US, IS THE UTMOST WHICH HE COULD DEVOTE TO OUR SERVICE AND TO OUR USE. Scripture: Ephesians 4:32–5:2. 3. How willingly then should we part with our sins for Christ, and do our duty to Him! We have now to DRAW SOME INFERENCES FROM THIS SUBJECT. Forgive Just as God in Christ Also Has Forgiven You Palm Sunday. The whole creation is at enmity with man. Such were the persons and things which were devoted or dedicated unto God for the service of the tabernacle and of the temple. He gave Himself, nothing less than Himself; and that is more, incomparably more, than if He had given all the angels in heaven, all the treasures on earth for us; more than if He had given all the works of His hands. Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Christ loves us freely. We have now to DRAW SOME INFERENCES FROM THIS SUBJECT.1. LET ME OPEN THE EXAMPLE AND PATTERN HERE SET BEFORE US. (5) What enmity! So is it with love: you are not only to walk in love, but to live in it.2. How unfit, unworthy, unlovely. "Herein is love"; not merited love; but undeserved love. (3) Thirdly, He suffered this in our stead. charity doth hear it with an unwilling ear and a sad heart, although not particularly concerned in it. I do not wonder at people saying this is impossible. Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:8. This is essential to a sacrifice; it is an offering daily consumed. He had thoughts of love to us from eternity, and we were never one moment out of His mind since then (Isaiah 49:15).3. The first thing which strikes us as wonderful in this love of God is, that it should have sinners as its objects.2. 1. The first thing which strikes us as wonderful in this love of God is, that it should have sinners as its objects.2. The merit of His death depended not upon His mere dying, or upon the penal part in that death, but upon His willing obedience in it, in conjunction with the dignity of His person; without this, He might have breathed out His soul without being a victim.II. He gave Himself.IV. A man’s conduct is determined by his doctrine. 4. Necessary on the part of justice.3. We read, indeed, of the practice, before we read of the precept enjoining it; but from the former, we may fairly infer the latter. And, in this sense, Christ gives to His disciples Himself. (2) How poor! 3. THE INTERPOSITION OF CHRIST ON BEHALF OF HIS PEOPLE: "He hath given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God."1. Christ loves us freely. 2. He is lofty; he swaggers as he walks; he answers those beneath him roughly. Christ offered Himself a sacrifice of expiation for His people.To give you distinctly the evidence which the Scripture affords for this great and fundamental truth, take it in these severals.1. It ought to be a constant love like that of Christ. "He loved us, and gave Himself for us." Not that it is altogether the same, but that it most resembles it. Another charitable practice is, to comport with the infirmities of our neighbour; according to that rule of St. Paul, "We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves"; and that precept, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."6. Greear 4/18/2010 Ephesians. In giving Himself for us, Christ gives us all that pertains to His original nature; the Divine qualities of His nature as the manifested God; His knowledge, His wisdom, His power; all that is involved in His goodness, and He gives the qualities of His woman-born nature, as the Word made flesh. We are to love as Jesus loved. THAT IN THIS SELF-SACRIFICING LOVE OF CHRIST THERE WAS SOMETHING PECULIARLY ACCEPTABLE AND WELL-PLEASING TO GOD.IV. He cannot meet any creature, but harbours a secret hatred, and would be ready to manifest it at God's command. Clarkson, B. D.)Christ's sacrificeDr. There was no external compulsion brought to bear upon Christ which He could not have successfully resisted; but with an entire concurrence of His will, He gave Himself up.II. It is a desperate thing to refuse this sacrifice, which is so sweet to God. It is a desperate thing to refuse this sacrifice, which is so sweet to God. I do not wonder at people saying this is impossible. 2. In 2:2, he mentions how we used to walk in our sins. EPHESIANS 4:25-32 – THE GOSPEL RESPONSE. (5) Christ loves man as Himself, in some respects more. Another thing which is incomprehensible in the love of Christ to sinners is, that among men, all of whom were equally lost and helpless, it should select a certain number as its objects and leave all the rest under condemnation and depravity, as they were before.3. (2) How poor! His engagement was an act of choice, liberty, and affection.2. Finally, the love of Christ to His disciples is tender, condescending love. The necessity of His death impeacheth not the voluntariness of it. A third characteristic of the love of Christ is its degree of intensity, which is unparalleled.4. (1) How impotent! (4) The person to whom they were offered was God, and Him only.3. This is a sermon on Ephesians 5:2 ***** Sermon on Ephesians 5:2 ***** By: Rev. It is evident in that distinction His love has made betwixt both fallen by sin. As this love did not originate in time, but, from eternity, the delights of the Son were with the children of men; so it will never have an end.5. He was above any obligation to that work He so freely undertook for us. "Herein is love"; not ordinary love, but unequalled love, love to which there is no parallel, and to which there never can be. When the magnificent work of creation was finished, Jehovah is represented as resting from all His work which He had made, and surveying it with delight. Clarkson, B. D.)Christ's sacrificeD. The whole course of His life manifests this willingness. Necessary in regard of acceptation. The sacrificial dedication of Christ for man was PERFECTLY PLEASING TO THE FATHER.(Dr. That Christ might be like them, He took human nature; that they might be like Him, He communicates the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). It has not lost one iota of its acceptance before a holy God. He consists of Divine and human, and so does man in some sense. The other sort of offerings were sacrifices, such as were offered so as to be consumed and destroyed, and to be deprived of life, if they were things that had life. Ephesians 4:25--5:2 | Search Results | Sermon and Worship Resources This Week We are bound to love one another. So God delighted in the sacrifice of His Son, and said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." "An offering and sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling savour." Jay. "Herein is love"; not expected love, but surprising love. It magnifies His love because He did not wait to be asked. His substitution was acceptable to God, and available to the salvation of man.4.