EPHESIANS The Church
Purpose:
To strengthen the believers by explaining the nature and purpose of the church.
Author: 6 Chapters:
Paul in approximately 60 A.D.
Background/Themes
Paul spent about 3 years starting the church in Ephesus. This book is written to the believers in Ephesus to encourage them to protect and support the church, embrace the Holy Spirit and each one’s respective calling and prepare to face the dark forces on the spiritual battlefield.
He wrote it between 60 and 62 A.D. while under house arrest. This letter is from Paul” (Ephesians 5:2) may have been written by Timothy in Paul’s name.
Paul met with the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38) that was filled with sadness because he was leaving them for what he thought was the last time.
Curious Facts
Diaspora
Diaspora def.: a spreading of a people across geographic areas. The gospel spread like a flame in a dry forest, fanned by the persecution of the disciples and the early believers. God uses adversity for good; we are taught in Paul’s epistles (letters) to the churches. Persecution was a major explanation for speed of fulfilling a part of the Great Commission.
Influence Centers
Ephesus was one of the five major cities that made up the Roman Empire along with Alexandria, Antioch, Corinth and Roman. It was a commercial, political and religious center. Paul went to places where his messages about Christ rapidly spread.
Religious Business
The Greek goddess, Artemis was a housed in the temple in Ephesus. Many merchants benefited from sells goods, statuettes and services related to Artemis.
Kingdom Builder Teachings
Live a life filled with love, following the example (modeled) of Christ (Ephesians 5:2). We are always on a Spiritual battlefield while on this side of eternity. When we obey God’s will for our lives, he always provides the resources we need.
The Church
The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, not modern ideas but the spiritual heritage given to them in Ancient Times. We are to live in peace with each other. We are also to put Christ at the center of our lives by placing all our priorities under his control
Generosity Paradox
Paradox: God’s generosity exposes our scarcity. Our scarcity is tied to the human condition. Does your scarcity mentality discourage others from the banquet of life? We all have places of poverty: Material, Spiritual, Mental.
Our poverty is often hosted by our fears. The generosity Paradox: the deeper our understanding of our true condition, the greater our awe of God’s grace.
Key Words
Unity: In Christ
Ephesians 1:1b - To the Saints
Ephesians 1:9-10 - Mysteries
Ephesians 1:11 - Chosen
Ephesians 2:14 - Peacemakers
Ephesians 3:18-19 - Immeasurable
Ephesians 3:20-21 - Exponential Impact
Unity: In the Church
Ephesians 4:1 - Calling
Ephesians 4:2-3 - Unity
Ephesians 4:13b - Habits
Ephesians 4:26-27
Ephesians 4:28 - Work Generously
Ephesians 4:29 - Words
Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind
Ephesians 5:10 - Pleases
Ephesians 5:15 - Intentional Living
Ephesians 5:17 - Disciplines
Ephesians 6:11 - Armor
Ephesians 6:12 - The Battle
Ephesians 6:13-15 - Armor
Ephesians 6:18b - Stay Alert
Key
Word Scripture Verse Insight
To the Saints Mysteries
Ephesians 1:1b
“To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
This letter was for the believers of Ephesus but for believers in the surrounding areas, as was a circular letter.
Ephesians 1:9-10
“He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
Fullness refers to Christ filling the Church with gifts and blessings. His plan could not be understood until Christ arose from the dead.
Ephesians 1:11 Chosen Peacemaker
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”
When we respond to Christ’s love by trusting in him, his purpose becomes our mission. We, believers, are saints because of God’s Grace.
Ephesians 2:14 “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people...he broke down the hostility that separated them.
Key Word Scripture Verse Insight
Immeasurabable
Ephesians 3:18-19
Exponential Impact MC Ephesians 3:20-21
“(You) may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge...”
God’s love is long, wide and deep. This doxology or prayer of praise, describes a foundational pillar for a healthy church.
Ephesians 4:1
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ”
“Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
God’s immeasurable power is irrational, and unexplainable. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to His miraculous ways today.
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Discern what the Master is calling you to do.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Always be humble, gentle and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together in peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue in this way together.
Key Word Scripture Verse Insight
Habits
Ephesians 4:13b
Anger Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:28 Work
“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun do down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Paul’s list of do’s and don’ts: don’t lie, let anger control you, use abusive language, or get drunk. Do give generously to others, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, stay away from sexual immorality, and sing his praises.
Bitterness, resentment and rage all stem from anger fueled by unmet expectations. Unmanaged it will result in resentment, bitterness or even rage. Anger often results in regrettable destructive choices.
“Use your hands for good, hard work and then give generously to others in need.”
God has a purpose for our lives. We will be blessed in our labor when we recognize it honors Him and we are generous with our fruit.
Words
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
We are to build up, encourage and love our brothers and sisters in the church.
Key
Word Scripture Verse Insight
Be Kind MC
Pleases
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
We cannot receive God’s forgiveness fully without forgiving others.
Intentional
Ephesians 5:10 “Find out what pleases the Lord.” Seek God’s will by studying the ways of Jesus, revealed in the Gospel and study Paul’s letters to the church.
Disciplines
Ephesians 5:15
“Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.”
Ephesians 5:17 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Reflect on these questions: -Where do I desire invest my life each day?
-What must I avoid?
-What do I seek to become?
It takes discipline to be a faithful disciple. Simple but hard. Additives: prayer, worship, fellowship, confession, praise. Deductions: give away (generosity), abstain from sin, sacrificially fast, be still and silent.
Key Word Scripture Verse Insight
Armor
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God. “Put on all of God’s armor so you can be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.”
The Battle MC Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness…”
Armor
MC Stay Alert
Ephesians 6:13-17
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth...”
Ephesians 6:18b “Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
When we become believers in Christ, we simultaneously become enemies to Satan. The Holy Spirit within us, protects us, but we must understand that attacks from the Enemy will come.
Theses are the symbols of God’s armor.
Integrate prayers into your pattern of thinking. Let your eyes see places that need God’s strength in the Holy Spirit.
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