The author of Ephesians is
undoubtedly Paul. He most likely wrote this letter in the early 60s.
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul
seems to be trying to get across to them the greatness of God’s grace and love
towards them. He reminds them of what God has brought them out of and how it
was only because of God’s grace. He also reminds them of God’s great love for
them, that he would adopt them into His own family and make each one His own child.
A. What is the author telling me in Ephesians 1:1-23?
Paul begins his letter stating who
he is and greeting his audience. Paul then goes on to tell how and why we have
been redeemed. We have been chosen by Christ before the foundation of this
world, to be adopted in to his family. It is through His blood that we have
been redeemed. We have been redeemed, so that He would be glorified. We, who
have trusted in Him, have been given an inheritance by Him. Therefore, Paul
gives thanks for them and for their faith in Jesus. Paul also prays for them,
that God would give them wisdom and knowledge in Him. Christ is far above all
things and He is the head of the church.
B. How should I respond to Ephesians 1:1-23?
I have been
adopted into Christ’s family, so He would be glorified. I have been redeemed by
His blood and saved by His grace. I have an inheritance waiting for me. I
should desire to grow in my knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ. There is no
reason to fear man or anything, because Christ is above all and so he has it
all in control.
A. Ephesians 2:1-3:21
Paul
reminds us that we had been dead in our trespasses. We walked according to this
world, desiring the things of the flesh. Yet, we have been saved by His grace.
He makes it clear that it was a gift from God and no works of righteousness on
our part. He speaks of the Gentiles once being aliens, strangers, and hopeless,
but through Jesus Christ they have the hope that is through His blood. The
Gentiles were once in enmity with Christ, but He himself is their peace and has
broken down the wall that separated them from the Jews. Therefore, we are now
citizens of the household of God and no longer strangers or aliens to Him. Paul
is desirous that others hear of the mystery of Christ, as well, thus, he
preaches Christ among the Gentiles. Paul prays that we would be strengthened in
the spirit and know the love of Christ that passes all understanding.
B.
I was once
an alien, stranger, and enemy of Christ. I had no hope at all. Yet, because of
Christ’s death on the cross, and the grace which he has given to me, I now have
hope. I am no longer an alien to Him, but a part of His family. I am a citizen
of His Household. Thus, I am now an alien and enemy to this world, but have
become a friend and a part of the family of God. Because the mystery of Christ
has been revealed to me, I should be desirous that others hear the good news,
too, and want to go tell them. God’s
love for me is past my understanding. The width and depth and length of
Christ’s love is far greater then I could ever imagine, yet I should desire to
understand it better each day.
A. Ephesians 4:1-6:20
We are exhorted
by Paul to live in unity with one another, bearing one another’s burdens. God
has given each one of us grace for the gift that we have been given, whether it
be teaching, prophecy, evangelism, etc., so that we can edify and build one
another up. We are a new man, thus we need to put off the old man, uncleanness,
lewdness, and greed. We are called to forgive each other just as Christ has
also forgiven us. We are to walk in love with each other just as Christ has
loved us. Paul reminds us that we are no longer living in darkness, but in
light, therefore, we need to be a light to all who we are around. We should not waste our time, but use it
wisely; we should encourage each other with songs and hymns; and we should give
thanks always. Paul goes on to say that wives are to submit to their husbands,
and likewise, husbands are to love their wives. For in so doing, they reveal a
picture of Christ and His bride, which is the church. Children are to obey
their parents; fathers are to train them up in the Lord; and bondservants are
to serve their master as unto the Lord. We are to put on the whole armor of God
so that we can fight against the enemies of God.
B.
Christ sets
an example to me to forgive and love others. God will give me grace to carry
out the special spiritual gift that He has given me, so that I can be an
encouragement to other believers. God ordained that the husband be head over
the wife, signifying Christ’s headship over the church. Nevertheless, Husbands
are to love their wife just as Christ loves the church. Likewise, wives are
called to submit to their husbands, just as the church is to submit to Christ.
If I am not armed with the whole armor of God, which is righteousness, truth,
preparation of the gospel of peace, faith, the Spirit, word of God, and
salvation, then I can not stand against the wiles of the Devil. I am called to
honor my parents and to serve joyfully, as unto the Lord, all who God place in
authority over me.
A. Ephesians 6:21-24
Paul brings
his letter to a close, saying that he sends Tychicus to them, so that they may
know his affairs and be comforted. He closes with His typical benediction of
peace and Grace to all who love Christ.
B.
Paul shows
his love for others in the way that he sends someone to them, so that they
would be comforted in their hearts. He also desires that peace and grace be
with them.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love
with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4-5. These
verses pretty much speak for themselves. God loved us so much that He would
save us, even when we were still dead in our trespasses. It was God’s grace and
love for us that has saved us.
