Christ The King
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (C); Ezekiel 34:11-17 (E); Ezekiel 34:1-16, 23-24 (L); Ezekiel
34:11-12, 15-17 (RC)
As the shepherd for his people, Yahweh will seek the lost, gather and feed his sheep with David as the prince among them. A popular metaphor for a religious-political leader in Judah was "shepherd." False shepherds, says Ezekiel, led Judah to ruin and captivity. So, Yahweh will be her shepherd who will bring his sheep out of captivity in Babylon, feed them with justice and restore them to their former homeland. The nation will be restored under a Davidic leader, a Messiah, a son of David.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (E, L); 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 (RC)
God has put all things in subjection to Christ. On this Christ the King Sunday we see Christ as the king over death. His resurrection was the first person to rise from death. Since he rose, the Christian dead will also rise. At the end of time he will deliver his kingdom to God. All enemies, including death, will be defeated by King Jesus. Then the Son will subject himself to God the Father than God may be everything to everyone.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23 (C)
There is no greater than the ascended Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46 (C, E, L, RC)
Christ the King will judge the nations. At the end of time Christ is to come as judge of the nations. As shepherd-king Jesus will separate the sheep and goats, the good and the bad. The basis of the separation is the nations' ministering or lack of ministering to the hungry, thirsty, sick and imprisoned. The passage is not primarily an appeal for social justice or economic aid. The main point of the parable is the coming separation of the good and the bad who are destined either for heaven or hell. It should also be noted that what was done to Christ was done not to people in general but to "the least of these my brethren." The brethren are Jesus' disciples.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 100 (C) - "Know that the Lord is God (v. 3)."
Psalm 23 (RC) - "The Lord is my shepherd (v. 1)."
Psalm 95:1-7a (E, L) - "We are the people of his pasture (v. 7a)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son."
Hymn Of The Day
"The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
Theme Of The Day: The Kingship Of Christ
Gospel - The King will judge the nations - Matthew 25:31-46
Lesson 1 - The Shepherd-King will gather his people - Ezekiel 34:11-24
Lesson 2 - The King will conquer the world - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
On this Christ the King Sunday, it is obvious that the kingship of Christ is the theme. The church year closes with a climax in which Jesus is crowned lord of all. His kingship is universal and eternal. The Gospel portrays Jesus as King-Judge of all nations. Lesson 1 is related to the Gospel by the fact that Jesus compares his sheep to himself. Paul depicts Jesus as the victor over the world with all things under Christ's feet, including death. The Prayer of the Day refers to the Theme of the Day: "King of all creation" and "the glorious and gentle rule of your Son." The Psalms pick up the idea of the sheep, but there is reference to "a King above all gods." The Hymn of the Day uses the phrase "King of kings and Lord of lords," and refers to the coming judgment.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46
1. When (vv. 37-39). "And when did we see thee ...?" Three times, the righteous asked the King the same question. They served Christ without knowing it. It was a natural, spontaneous and automatic expression of compassion for the needy. This answers the objection that his account puts salvation on the doing of good works. The deeds of love and compassion for the needy resulted from their possession of the spirit of Christ. They had the heart and mind of Christ, and thus they had concern for the hungry, naked and imprisoned.
2. Brethren (v. 40). This word identifies the "least." Matthew uses "brethren" for "disciples." His followers are the poor and needy. What is done for them is done for their Master. This precludes our making this passage a basis for preaching humanitarianism or ethical conduct. "The least" are Jesus' "brethren," his followers, not necessarily anyone who is in need. The point of the Lesson is not in our benevolent treatment of the destitute but in our response to the Master. If we love Christ, we will express that love in caring for his disciples.
3. Me (v. 40). "Me" is used 14 times in this pericope. It refers to Christ. Is Christ the one who is hungry, naked and in prison? The sick "brother" is not Christ himself; the hungry man is not Christ. When we help the needy, we do it as to Christ. This is because Jesus identifies with the afflicted. When we love someone, we say to one who helps the beloved, "What you do for him, you do for me." Anyone who befriends your child is automatically a friend of yours.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
1. Shepherd (v. 15). Yahweh says he will be the shepherd of his people. A shepherd is considered a king in Hebrew writings. He acts like a king who cares for his people. He is a good shepherd, the perfect one. He does only good for his people; seeks, gathers and feeds them. He has compassion on the lost, the crippled and the weak. Nor does he neglect the healthy ones whom he feeds with justice. "My God, how wonderful thou art!"
2. Sheep (v. 11). If God is our shepherd, we are his sheep. As the Shepherd is all good, the sheep are the opposite. They get lost because of their rebellion. They stray from the flock. They are hungry, crippled and weak. We are a nation of sheep, easily led by one or the other shepherd into destruction. Like sheep we are followers and we need a shepherd to guide us. The problem is finding and following a good shepherd.
3. One Shepherd (v. 23). There seems to be a contradiction here: God says he is the shepherd and then he says he will set up one shepherd, David, over his people. There is really no contradiction here. God gives us a shepherd where we live on earth. He is the divinely appointed
who leads, cares and feeds the sheep in God's behalf. Our divine shepherd is in heaven; our human shepherd is on earth to do God's shepherding on his behalf. The son of David came to be our Good Shepherd. Today Christ sets over us shepherds (pastors) to feed and tend the flock of God.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
1. Fact (v. 20). "In fact, Christ has been raised." The resurrection is not a myth or legend, according to Paul. It is a fact - a hard, cold fact. This is important and worthy of emphasis because the whole Christian faith is built on that fact. The meaning of the cross and the deity of Christ depend on the resurrection. The empty tomb is the beginning of Christ's defeat of our enemies, including death. This conquest is the first step in a continuing conquest until the whole world is brought under subjection to Christ.
2. The end (v. 24). There is an end to the world, to the struggle between good and evil. It is an end that spells victory for Christ. He destroys every evil power in the world, and then gives the victory as on a golden platter to God the Father. This means that God and truth and love and justice will ultimately prevail. We know in advance that God will have the victory. We are on the winning side of this cosmic struggle.
3. Reign (v. 25). Christ rules during the time he conquers the evils of the world. This does not mean the millenium, a rule of 1,000 years, after a first resurrection. The reign of Christ begins with resurrection and continues in and through the church until the final victory at his Parousia. It is a reign that involves continual conflict with evil. The church is in a battle with Satanic forces. Because the church is the body of Christ, the church is the army of Christ fighting to subject all things to Christ.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46
God is God!
Need: We become so involved in and identified with the world that we forget God is God. The world seems to be stronger than God. Evil appears to be far more effective in the affairs of people than the forces of good. It is a fact that evil flourishes. This may give the Christians a fear of the outcome. Today's Lessons give us a perspective of world history. Ultimately God will dominate and exist while evil will be destroyed. This sermon is designed to bring hope, confidence and assurance to the people and to encourage a deeper faith in God as God.
Outline: God is God.
a. God is the Shepherd-King of his people - Lesson 1.
b. God in Christ is the judge of all nations - Gospel.
Alternate Outline: What God as King does -
a. The King cares for his people - Lesson 1.
b. The King judges his people - Gospel.
c. The King overcomes his enemies - Lesson 2.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46
1. "All You Wanted to Know About the End ..." 25:31-46
Need: Most of us have an interest and curiosity of what will happen to us at the end of the world. Is there or is there not a judgment? Is there really a heaven and a hell? This Gospel lesson makes certain affirmations concerning the end. Our people need to be assured of these facts, for they make a difference in our way of life.
Outline: What we learn from this text about the end.
a. Jesus is the judge of all people - v. 32.
b. There is a judgment, a time of accountability - v. 33.
c. There is a heaven and hell - vv. 34, 41, 46.
d. Compassion is the basis for judgment - v. 40.
2. The King's Commands. 25:31-46
Need: A major role of a king is to command. As king, Jesus in this Lesson gives several commands, two direct and one indirect. In our age of confusion and uncertainty, people long for someone to tell them what to do. At the same time, a command involves obedience.
Outline: Christ the King commands -
a. Come - to heaven - v. 34.
b. Go - to hell - v. 41.
c. Do - to determine your destiny - v. 40.
3. Christians Anonymous. 25:37-40
Need: The average Christian thinks in terms of doing good for credit. He is conscious of doing Christian work. In this passage we find Christians who serve without knowing they did good to Jesus. They helped the needy because they had the mind and heart of Christ. There was no thought of doing good to get recognition or reward from Christ. This is far different from the practice of giving people recognition for their service and from the practice of putting plaques with donors' names on each gift to the church. In this sermon we want to encourage people to be Christians Anonymous.
Outline: How to be a Christian Anonymous.
a. Have the mind and heart of Jesus.
b. Have compassion for the hurting people of the world.
c. Have a desire to fulfill a need.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
1. Is the Lord Your Shepherd? 34:11-16, 20-24
Need: "The Lord is my shepherd" - is he really? In this passage, God says he is our shepherd. Have we allowed him to be our shepherd? To have God as our shepherd, we commit ourselves to a relationship with him. This sermon is designed to help people examine this relationship.
Outline: Is the Lord your shepherd?
a. Is there a relationship of dependence? v. 14.
b. Is there a relationship of protection? - v. 15.
c. Is there a relationship of trust? - v. 24.
2. What God Can Do for You. 34:16
Need: The emphasis in this pericope is on what the Shepherd-King does for his people. Why be religious? What do you get out of your religion? There is no God like our God. No other God could be as good to us. Other gods are forever demanding things of us. Here is a God who cares for his people. He is a benevolent King-Shepherd. This goodness of God, if truly realized and appreciated, brings a response in terms of worship, gratitude and service.
Outline: What God can do for you.
a. Seek you who are lost - "I will seek the lost."
b. Help you who are handicapped - "I will bind up the crippled."
c. Strengthen you who are weak - "I will strengthen the weak."
d. Feed you who are strong - "I will feed them with justice."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
1. Victory to Victory! 15:20-28
Need: The Greeks put it this way: "IC, XC - NIKA," "Jesus Christ Victory." This monogram is often seen on altars, crosses and cornerstones of a church. Christ is the Victor, and he goes from victory to victory. It is important that our people realize that Christ is the conqueror and we in Christ share the victory. We are on the winning team. We are destined to win. This should fill us with good cheer and hope in the midst of discouraging circumstances.
Outline: Jesus goes from victory to victory.
a. He conquers death - vv. 20-22.
b. He destroys evil - v. 24.
c. He subjects all enemies to himself - vv. 25-27.
2. The Church in Combat. 15:25
Need: This text can be troublesome, but it has an important message for the church today. It is used by Pre-millenielists to support the view that Jesus will return to reign for 1,000 years during which he will put all enemies under his feet. Proper exegesis will not allow this position. Jesus' reign begins with the resurrection and he reigns through the church until he puts all enemies down. This will be at the Parousia. People need to know that Christ is in charge today, and that he is using us, the church, in his conflict with the world. The Christian life is a constant battle against evil. Paul suggests we put on proper armor for the battle against spiritual forces. The question comes to mind: To what extent is the church today waging war against the forces of evil in the world?
Outline: Through his body, the church, Christ -
a. Reigns in today's world.
b. Fights his enemies in the world.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23 (C)
No Greater One
Need: In this passage Paul makes the claim that there is no one, yes, no one, greater than Jesus. In today's religious climate, this may be hard to swallow. Many today would consider this claim to be outrageous bigotry. The trend today is to be tolerant of other religions in terms of pluralism and universalism. The truth of Christ's uniqueness needs to be proclaimed boldly.
Outline: God made his Son the greatest - Ephesians 1:20-23
a. No one has greater power - vv. 21-22.
b. No one has a greater name - v. 21.
c. No one else is head of the church - vv. 21, 22.
34:11-12, 15-17 (RC)
As the shepherd for his people, Yahweh will seek the lost, gather and feed his sheep with David as the prince among them. A popular metaphor for a religious-political leader in Judah was "shepherd." False shepherds, says Ezekiel, led Judah to ruin and captivity. So, Yahweh will be her shepherd who will bring his sheep out of captivity in Babylon, feed them with justice and restore them to their former homeland. The nation will be restored under a Davidic leader, a Messiah, a son of David.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (E, L); 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 (RC)
God has put all things in subjection to Christ. On this Christ the King Sunday we see Christ as the king over death. His resurrection was the first person to rise from death. Since he rose, the Christian dead will also rise. At the end of time he will deliver his kingdom to God. All enemies, including death, will be defeated by King Jesus. Then the Son will subject himself to God the Father than God may be everything to everyone.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23 (C)
There is no greater than the ascended Christ.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46 (C, E, L, RC)
Christ the King will judge the nations. At the end of time Christ is to come as judge of the nations. As shepherd-king Jesus will separate the sheep and goats, the good and the bad. The basis of the separation is the nations' ministering or lack of ministering to the hungry, thirsty, sick and imprisoned. The passage is not primarily an appeal for social justice or economic aid. The main point of the parable is the coming separation of the good and the bad who are destined either for heaven or hell. It should also be noted that what was done to Christ was done not to people in general but to "the least of these my brethren." The brethren are Jesus' disciples.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 100 (C) - "Know that the Lord is God (v. 3)."
Psalm 23 (RC) - "The Lord is my shepherd (v. 1)."
Psalm 95:1-7a (E, L) - "We are the people of his pasture (v. 7a)."
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things to your beloved Son, whom you anointed priest forever and king of all creation: Grant that all people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of your Son."
Hymn Of The Day
"The Day Is Surely Drawing Near"
Theme Of The Day: The Kingship Of Christ
Gospel - The King will judge the nations - Matthew 25:31-46
Lesson 1 - The Shepherd-King will gather his people - Ezekiel 34:11-24
Lesson 2 - The King will conquer the world - 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
On this Christ the King Sunday, it is obvious that the kingship of Christ is the theme. The church year closes with a climax in which Jesus is crowned lord of all. His kingship is universal and eternal. The Gospel portrays Jesus as King-Judge of all nations. Lesson 1 is related to the Gospel by the fact that Jesus compares his sheep to himself. Paul depicts Jesus as the victor over the world with all things under Christ's feet, including death. The Prayer of the Day refers to the Theme of the Day: "King of all creation" and "the glorious and gentle rule of your Son." The Psalms pick up the idea of the sheep, but there is reference to "a King above all gods." The Hymn of the Day uses the phrase "King of kings and Lord of lords," and refers to the coming judgment.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46
1. When (vv. 37-39). "And when did we see thee ...?" Three times, the righteous asked the King the same question. They served Christ without knowing it. It was a natural, spontaneous and automatic expression of compassion for the needy. This answers the objection that his account puts salvation on the doing of good works. The deeds of love and compassion for the needy resulted from their possession of the spirit of Christ. They had the heart and mind of Christ, and thus they had concern for the hungry, naked and imprisoned.
2. Brethren (v. 40). This word identifies the "least." Matthew uses "brethren" for "disciples." His followers are the poor and needy. What is done for them is done for their Master. This precludes our making this passage a basis for preaching humanitarianism or ethical conduct. "The least" are Jesus' "brethren," his followers, not necessarily anyone who is in need. The point of the Lesson is not in our benevolent treatment of the destitute but in our response to the Master. If we love Christ, we will express that love in caring for his disciples.
3. Me (v. 40). "Me" is used 14 times in this pericope. It refers to Christ. Is Christ the one who is hungry, naked and in prison? The sick "brother" is not Christ himself; the hungry man is not Christ. When we help the needy, we do it as to Christ. This is because Jesus identifies with the afflicted. When we love someone, we say to one who helps the beloved, "What you do for him, you do for me." Anyone who befriends your child is automatically a friend of yours.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
1. Shepherd (v. 15). Yahweh says he will be the shepherd of his people. A shepherd is considered a king in Hebrew writings. He acts like a king who cares for his people. He is a good shepherd, the perfect one. He does only good for his people; seeks, gathers and feeds them. He has compassion on the lost, the crippled and the weak. Nor does he neglect the healthy ones whom he feeds with justice. "My God, how wonderful thou art!"
2. Sheep (v. 11). If God is our shepherd, we are his sheep. As the Shepherd is all good, the sheep are the opposite. They get lost because of their rebellion. They stray from the flock. They are hungry, crippled and weak. We are a nation of sheep, easily led by one or the other shepherd into destruction. Like sheep we are followers and we need a shepherd to guide us. The problem is finding and following a good shepherd.
3. One Shepherd (v. 23). There seems to be a contradiction here: God says he is the shepherd and then he says he will set up one shepherd, David, over his people. There is really no contradiction here. God gives us a shepherd where we live on earth. He is the divinely appointed
who leads, cares and feeds the sheep in God's behalf. Our divine shepherd is in heaven; our human shepherd is on earth to do God's shepherding on his behalf. The son of David came to be our Good Shepherd. Today Christ sets over us shepherds (pastors) to feed and tend the flock of God.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
1. Fact (v. 20). "In fact, Christ has been raised." The resurrection is not a myth or legend, according to Paul. It is a fact - a hard, cold fact. This is important and worthy of emphasis because the whole Christian faith is built on that fact. The meaning of the cross and the deity of Christ depend on the resurrection. The empty tomb is the beginning of Christ's defeat of our enemies, including death. This conquest is the first step in a continuing conquest until the whole world is brought under subjection to Christ.
2. The end (v. 24). There is an end to the world, to the struggle between good and evil. It is an end that spells victory for Christ. He destroys every evil power in the world, and then gives the victory as on a golden platter to God the Father. This means that God and truth and love and justice will ultimately prevail. We know in advance that God will have the victory. We are on the winning side of this cosmic struggle.
3. Reign (v. 25). Christ rules during the time he conquers the evils of the world. This does not mean the millenium, a rule of 1,000 years, after a first resurrection. The reign of Christ begins with resurrection and continues in and through the church until the final victory at his Parousia. It is a reign that involves continual conflict with evil. The church is in a battle with Satanic forces. Because the church is the body of Christ, the church is the army of Christ fighting to subject all things to Christ.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Three Lessons: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Matthew 25:31-46
God is God!
Need: We become so involved in and identified with the world that we forget God is God. The world seems to be stronger than God. Evil appears to be far more effective in the affairs of people than the forces of good. It is a fact that evil flourishes. This may give the Christians a fear of the outcome. Today's Lessons give us a perspective of world history. Ultimately God will dominate and exist while evil will be destroyed. This sermon is designed to bring hope, confidence and assurance to the people and to encourage a deeper faith in God as God.
Outline: God is God.
a. God is the Shepherd-King of his people - Lesson 1.
b. God in Christ is the judge of all nations - Gospel.
Alternate Outline: What God as King does -
a. The King cares for his people - Lesson 1.
b. The King judges his people - Gospel.
c. The King overcomes his enemies - Lesson 2.
Gospel:
Matthew 25:31-46
1. "All You Wanted to Know About the End ..." 25:31-46
Need: Most of us have an interest and curiosity of what will happen to us at the end of the world. Is there or is there not a judgment? Is there really a heaven and a hell? This Gospel lesson makes certain affirmations concerning the end. Our people need to be assured of these facts, for they make a difference in our way of life.
Outline: What we learn from this text about the end.
a. Jesus is the judge of all people - v. 32.
b. There is a judgment, a time of accountability - v. 33.
c. There is a heaven and hell - vv. 34, 41, 46.
d. Compassion is the basis for judgment - v. 40.
2. The King's Commands. 25:31-46
Need: A major role of a king is to command. As king, Jesus in this Lesson gives several commands, two direct and one indirect. In our age of confusion and uncertainty, people long for someone to tell them what to do. At the same time, a command involves obedience.
Outline: Christ the King commands -
a. Come - to heaven - v. 34.
b. Go - to hell - v. 41.
c. Do - to determine your destiny - v. 40.
3. Christians Anonymous. 25:37-40
Need: The average Christian thinks in terms of doing good for credit. He is conscious of doing Christian work. In this passage we find Christians who serve without knowing they did good to Jesus. They helped the needy because they had the mind and heart of Christ. There was no thought of doing good to get recognition or reward from Christ. This is far different from the practice of giving people recognition for their service and from the practice of putting plaques with donors' names on each gift to the church. In this sermon we want to encourage people to be Christians Anonymous.
Outline: How to be a Christian Anonymous.
a. Have the mind and heart of Jesus.
b. Have compassion for the hurting people of the world.
c. Have a desire to fulfill a need.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
1. Is the Lord Your Shepherd? 34:11-16, 20-24
Need: "The Lord is my shepherd" - is he really? In this passage, God says he is our shepherd. Have we allowed him to be our shepherd? To have God as our shepherd, we commit ourselves to a relationship with him. This sermon is designed to help people examine this relationship.
Outline: Is the Lord your shepherd?
a. Is there a relationship of dependence? v. 14.
b. Is there a relationship of protection? - v. 15.
c. Is there a relationship of trust? - v. 24.
2. What God Can Do for You. 34:16
Need: The emphasis in this pericope is on what the Shepherd-King does for his people. Why be religious? What do you get out of your religion? There is no God like our God. No other God could be as good to us. Other gods are forever demanding things of us. Here is a God who cares for his people. He is a benevolent King-Shepherd. This goodness of God, if truly realized and appreciated, brings a response in terms of worship, gratitude and service.
Outline: What God can do for you.
a. Seek you who are lost - "I will seek the lost."
b. Help you who are handicapped - "I will bind up the crippled."
c. Strengthen you who are weak - "I will strengthen the weak."
d. Feed you who are strong - "I will feed them with justice."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
1. Victory to Victory! 15:20-28
Need: The Greeks put it this way: "IC, XC - NIKA," "Jesus Christ Victory." This monogram is often seen on altars, crosses and cornerstones of a church. Christ is the Victor, and he goes from victory to victory. It is important that our people realize that Christ is the conqueror and we in Christ share the victory. We are on the winning team. We are destined to win. This should fill us with good cheer and hope in the midst of discouraging circumstances.
Outline: Jesus goes from victory to victory.
a. He conquers death - vv. 20-22.
b. He destroys evil - v. 24.
c. He subjects all enemies to himself - vv. 25-27.
2. The Church in Combat. 15:25
Need: This text can be troublesome, but it has an important message for the church today. It is used by Pre-millenielists to support the view that Jesus will return to reign for 1,000 years during which he will put all enemies under his feet. Proper exegesis will not allow this position. Jesus' reign begins with the resurrection and he reigns through the church until he puts all enemies down. This will be at the Parousia. People need to know that Christ is in charge today, and that he is using us, the church, in his conflict with the world. The Christian life is a constant battle against evil. Paul suggests we put on proper armor for the battle against spiritual forces. The question comes to mind: To what extent is the church today waging war against the forces of evil in the world?
Outline: Through his body, the church, Christ -
a. Reigns in today's world.
b. Fights his enemies in the world.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 1:15-23 (C)
No Greater One
Need: In this passage Paul makes the claim that there is no one, yes, no one, greater than Jesus. In today's religious climate, this may be hard to swallow. Many today would consider this claim to be outrageous bigotry. The trend today is to be tolerant of other religions in terms of pluralism and universalism. The truth of Christ's uniqueness needs to be proclaimed boldly.
Outline: God made his Son the greatest - Ephesians 1:20-23
a. No one has greater power - vv. 21-22.
b. No one has a greater name - v. 21.
c. No one else is head of the church - vv. 21, 22.
