BACKGROUND: • Ephesus large city / temple of Dianna • Written by Paul while in prison in Rome (house arrest) • Paul had previously lived there for about 3 years • Circular letter • Same church is written about in Acts and in Revelation(left 1st love)
OVERVIEW: “Christ in You” or “The Nature of the Church” Chapters 1-3= What has been done (position) Chapters 4-6= What we should do (practice)
PAULS DESIRES FOR THOSE IN EPHESUS: 1:15-19—That God would reveal Himself to us! For God to give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. • Wisdom=deep insight, understanding • Revelation=unveiling, uncovering That the eyes of their heart may be enlightened to see… • The hope (what to expect) of His calling • The riches (wealth) of glory (brightness) in Hisinheritance • The surpassing greatness of His power toward us
3:14-19—That God would work in us! That God would give to us… • Power and strength in the inner man • That Christ would be at home in our heart • A firm foundation of love • That we would understand the depths of Him • That we would know the love of Christ • Filled up with the fullness of God
THOUGHTS... --How do these prayers apply to verses 1-14? Paul will spread out a feast in vs.1-14—He wants them to be able to see it and partake of it!
--We need to pray this way for ourselves and each other (even as we study this book)
--It’s all about Him!! Read vs.1-14 1:1 • Paul was an apostle by Gods will—what am I according to Gods will? • Saints=most holy thing • Faithful-used of faithful in duty / also of one who believes (Acts 10:45). I think it is to the believers (they were still learning to be faithful 4:1) • In Christ Jesus-used 9X from vs.1-14 and 25X in the book of Ephesians— --in this small phrase is one of the greatest thoughts of the book --We will spend the rest of our lives trying to comprehend what it means to be in Christ!—but we can start now! --Try ending sentences with the phrase “in Christ”=we will see where we are putting our faith. Ex: “I can’t handle it anymore, in Christ”=LIE! “I’m so unlovable and alone, in Christ”=LIE • VS. 1=saints in Ephesus and in Christ---living in two realms at once • Chapter 1-3=in Christ Chapter 4-6=saints in the world (Ephesus) (two realms)
1:2 • Grace=Greek greeting / Peace=Hebrew greeting • We can have peace because of His grace • God our Father
1:3 • God Father of our Lord-refer to vs.2 we are in His family! • Blessed(man towards God)=root of English word –eulogy * to speak well of / worthy to be praised (Strongs#2128) • Blessed(God towards man)=God speaking well of us-*in His speaking action occurs. *Past Tense * to prosper • Every spiritual blessing=all we need for our spiritual life and beyond *every-all / complete –think of a struggle / desire to be used you do not feel equipped to handle—you have been given what it takes!! --Any spiritual blessing you need you have already been given! *spiritual blessing-look at the list from vs.3-14 *II Peter 1:3 • Heavenly places=spirit world 1:20 / 2:6 / 3:10 / 6:12 – *we have been given all the spiritual blessings of the spirit world • In Him-we do not experience these things outside of Him—We must step into Him for them to become active / alive-
1:4 • Just as=to the degree that / accordingly / best read as= in regards to the fact that He… We have all the spiritual blessings because He chose us, made us holy, blameless, and so on…
HE CHOSE US IN HIM Chose • He chose us (selected / singled out) out of humanity to Himself—the thought behind this word is one of preference among many choices • Didn’t I choose Him? Yes, only because He first chose me! • This was already understood by Israel-Duet.7:6-7 -It’s easy for us to believe that about them, well it’s just as true for us! • Rom.9:10-20…11:33-36—This doctrine has always been difficult for man to feel comfortable with or comprehend
Before the foundation of the world What are the implications of this? *Before we could do anything to deserve it *He has a plan for me in His design—it is part of His eternal plan, it has do with Gods grand design, not just a careless or short term(80year)plan—It stretches into eternity *He wants / desires me
In Him=is the only way that we are “choosable” –it is through the work of Christ that we are chosen. There is no way for us to be saved/chosen outside of Christ.
Holy and Blameless • That we would be=He chose us to be holy and blameless--it is done and continuous • Holy-set apart / sanctified / pure / consecrated • Blameless-without defect (as a lamb which was sacrificed in the O.T) • I Peter 2:9-10 / Rom.5:17 / IICor.5:21 / Phil. 3:9
Before Him • in His sight—when we hear this we tend to think, “Well in kind of unreal way, in theory, I’m holy and blameless”—The opposite is true! What if I said that I was going to have the eyes of God as I look at your life? You may shudder thinking of all I would see, because I would see the truth. In the eyesight of the One who knows all and determines what is true, we believers are holy and blameless in Christ.
In Love • Refer to holy and blameless or predestined? Both make sense, and does it really matter? We know His whole plan for us was done out of love.—But I believe it is connected to vs. 5 (not a politically motivated adoption—see notes on vs. 5)
1:5 HE PREDESTINED US THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
Predestined • marked out beforehand —the idea behind chosen in vs. 4 is who—the idea of predestined in vs. 4 is what God has chosen us to be
Adopted as sons *Gal.4:4-6 / *Rom.8:15-16 (refer to Rom.6:16 slave) • Idea of love-even if I’m charitable to a bum on the street give him $10-- invite him for dinner-- to the point of letting him stay at my house a couple of nights –give him a key—NONE COMPARE TO ADOPTION • New Identity and Rights-son brought into the family and given the rights as a child who was born into the family ex: plebian into patrician = a new identity and new rights • New Position-also used of emperors to chose an heir to the throne—it’s more than a charity case it puts us in an honored position and shows a plan for us
According to- • “in line with”—Like a millionaire handing out dimes, for a millionaire to hand out according to his riches the result would be extravagant gifts
Kind Intention • enjoyment / good intent / • He was pleased to make us His children
His Will • Wishes / Choosing / Craving / Decision / Plan--- this word has the idea of wanting and desiring something, but also the follow through to make it possible—The will of God which must be done * He wanted us and He took the step necessary to accomplish His desire • His will-not mans…this makes it easier for us to come to grips with the idea of predestination…It is what He has designed
1:6 HE HAS MADE US FAVORED IN THE BELOVED
To the praise of the glory of His grace • Connects verse 5 and 6-praising the character trait of God that makes this all possible
Praise • Applause / Boasting of / Admiration • We are the blessed recipients and should enjoy all the Good News keeping in view that it is all from and to Him!
Glory • Full Recognition • His Grace is glorified (fully recognized) in all He has done for us
Grace • The word is used many different ways and I believe that all meanings fit and are meant in this verse (glory=full recognition) • Undeserved Favor / Gracefulness-Elegance / Good Will-Favor / Kindness / Thankful (His gladness)
With which He has made us favored in the Beloved • It is by His grace
Favored • Only other place it is used =Luke 1:28 of Mary as in Hail Mary full of grace…What about Hail Rich full of grace • More than accepted!
In the Beloved • “the One He loves” / Jesus Christ
**READ ROMANS 8:30-39
1:7 IN HIM WE HAVE BEEN REDEEMED AND FORGIVEN
Our trespasses • Represents errors / faults in weakness / mistakes / offense / to overstep a boundry • Eph 2:1-3 -trespasses are connected to death -when we walk according to the world we walk according to Satans way -desires of flesh (what are these? Laziness, greed, anger, etc…) -acting on these desires -even if not desiring and acting on the flesh-we are children of wrath outside of Christ • What ways of the world are you still identified with? “small or big” Be specific!
Redemption • Basic idea=to release by payment • Theme of freedom in God’s Word -Egypt and Pharoah to kill Moses--Moses as type of Christ -Christ (Luke 4:16-21) Note 2 chapters earlier Herod tried to kill Him • Slavery in ancient Rome -from all walks of life -ways to become slaves—born / sold, sell-self / captured -celebration of Saturnela=slaves and masters switched places (false freedom) • We were slaves, but now we are redeemed -Gal.3:13- from the curse of the law -Rev5:9- To God -Rom 3:23-25 --- I Pet1:18-19—The cost!!
Blood • Why blood?—Lev17:11 • It was the symbol for a sacrifice and appeasement to God (Rom.3:23-25) • In O.T. Lev 16 (it only took care of the problem temporarily) • Heb. 2:14-15 / 7:25-27 / 9:6-15, 25-26 / 10:1-14 CHRIST HAS TAKEN CARE OF IT ETERNALLY!!
Forgiveness • Literally=to send away (Lev16) • In secular Gr. literature=to release from obligation of marriage, debt, punishment etc… • We no longer have any obligation to our sin! • We have been separated from it!! -we don’t need to make excuses for it / feel guilt about it / justify it / minimize it / etc..
According to • This part of the verse tells us the extent to which we’ve been redeemed and forgiven. • See note on 1:5
Riches • Wealth / abundance
1:8 HE HAS LAVISHED HIS GRACE ON US
Lavished • Super-abound / more than enough / overflow • Think of drizzly day in Phx. Compared to Katrina or a tsunami
Application of 1:7-8=Believe the truth of what God has done to give me freedom and live in it—Walk boldly in truth—it may seem awkward like a slave who was freed to talk in the market place on the same level to an old master. What if I saw one of my students in a store and tried to tell them to sit down and be quiet? I have no right to this authority and the student has no obligation to me. We need to believe and behave this way in regards to sin!
SORRY FOR THE LARGE SECTION SKIPPED HERE...HOPE TO GET BACK TO IT SOON~
Ephesians 2:11-4:17
VS.11 Therefore…look back to 2:1-10 DISCUSS Remember-How often do you remember…write down some specifics you have been saved from -Deut. 5:15/8:2/9:7/15:15/16:12 Gentlies-anyone who is a non-Jew. Name given by Jews (others would not call themselves this name) So…How could an issue like circumcision cause a problem? It was instituted by God but became something that was held in self righteousness!
Some of the facts behind circumcision… • Symbol that mankind needed to be cleansed of the “sin virus” that has infected mankind. Romans 5:12/Col.2:11 (is this why God chose a sex organ?) • All men of a Jewish household (including slaves) had to be circumcised. This was based on a covenant that was made with Abraham, those that were not circumcised were “cut off from God’s people” (Gen.17:14) • Became law under Moses /through it strangers could become citizens and also could celebrate Passover (EX. 12:48) • Israel looked down on and considered all who did not observe it as enemies (Judges 14:3, 15:18 / 1 Sam.14:6 / Is. 52:1) • It was a sign of spiritual purity and a covenant (similar to a marriage vow) between God and man • As far as early Christians were concerned…some thought it was necessary for Salvation (Acts 15:1 & 5-21 / Gal. 5:1-4)
Q: Write about at least one person you have judged recently “outside of grace”. How have you spiritually judged another without considering them a “fellow beggar”. • GOD’S VIEW…Romans 2:23-29 / Col.2:9-11…body of death=sinful nature / circumcision of Christ=victory over sin
2 reasons why Israel had to be so different… --God wanted them to stand out and be noticed as He worked among them (as a light) --God wanted to make it difficult for them to be mixed with other groups (many laws) note: Israel used these reasons as a source of pride and isolation— Do I do the same thing?
VS.12 The Gentiles were… • Separate from Christ -No hope as a nation / no Messiah—No atonement for sin • Excluded from the commonwealth -“alienated” or “estranged” from the nation of Israel -commonwealth=government with all it’s benefits (it was the “church” of the time) -think of how this was viewd in the Roman world…remember how Herod reacted to a new King (Christ) being born? The Jews talked of a new Kingdom (millennial) where they would reign • Strangers to the covenants of Promise -not a part of the promises of God to His people…particularly a Messiah -just as an illegal alien “has no rights” here -there were many promises given in the O.T. -Abrahamic Cov.=land (kingdom) / seed (King) / blessing (forgiveness) New Covenant=for Israel…Jer. 31:31-34 / Christ with Jews (Luke 22:14, 19-20) (Acts 13:32-33) • Having no hope -as a noun “expectation of something good” -Seneca (tutor of Nero / Rome’s leading intellectual figure) defined hope as “an uncertain good”…this is the definition our world uses today. --mention Danish-happiest country in the world because they have low expectations • In the world without God -lit. “atheist in the world” -in the world…all the hardships that it contains
THE FIRST THING WE MUST REALIZE AS WE STUDY GOD’S CREATION OF THE CHURCH IS THAT IT IS HIS WORK AND HIS POSSESSION!
VS.13 But Now… (read Eph. 1:9-12) In Christ Jesus-the beauty of this phrase!! Compare to separate from Christ Formerly-before (in Christ being far off is not presently true) We were far off-includes both the idea of being away from God and His people as a Gentile would have to live away from the Jews (act of receiving a proselyte=was called making Him near) -Acts2:39-you and your children (Jews) and those who were far off (Gentiles) Brought near- By the blood of Christ- Heb.10:11-14 / I Pet1:18-19 Why did Christ death have to violent? To show that it was paganism / wickedness…SIN that killed Him
VS.14 He Himself- Him and no other • Is our peace-(peace=to bind together that which is broken / put and end to war -didn’t make peace He is our peace -It’s not our attempts at relationship that build peace, it is a matter of being unified with Him -When Christ is disregarded then there is an absence of peace • Made both groups into one (Gal.3:28) • Broke down the barrier of the dividing wall -The dividing wall is the animosity that was caused by the Law -The wall of the temple illustrated this animosity /original purpose was to win over the Gentiles (Paul “in trouble”-Acts 21:27-29 / Signs posted about death to Gentiles who entered, which Roman law allowed) This is why we say we are in a new dispensation/ age …the age of the church
VS.15 Abolishing- render powerless / nullify So…has the Law been done away with? Yes and No Matt. 5:17 / Rom. 4:31 / Rom. 5:13 / Rom. 7:4-7 Moral law vs. Jewish ceremonial law -Moral law still lets man know they have fallen short of God’s glory--Matt. 5:27-29 -Jewish ceremonial Law is no longer a way to God--Heb.10:1-12
• Abolished the strife (hostility) that was caused by the Law…Law of Moses -the Law for the Jew-could not associate with Gentiles for fear of being unclean -the Law for the Gentile-caused them to be considered unclean • In His flesh= Jesus who was 100% God & 100% Man suffered the payment of our sin • Made (created) the two groups into one new (unprecedented, unheard of) man … …the church--Gal.3:28 / Rom. 10:12-13 / Col. 3:10-11 • Establishing peace-
VS.16 Reconcile- the idea is to take enemies and make them friends • In one body- I Cor. 12:27 • We are the body of Christ here on earth. • To God- Col. 1:13-20 • Through the cross- Col. 1:20 • Cross puts enmity to death- II Cor. 5:16-21 Ponder this… Keeping the entire passage of Eph 2:11-16 in mind, how are we to spread the message of reconciliation if we as a church are not united despite the great work that Christ has done to bring unity?
VS.17 Preach- to tell or announce good news Peace- binding together that which is broken To His disciples-John 14:27, 16:33 (look at the context…Remember peace is in Him!) His disciples announced peace through Christ- Acts 10:36 Peace in Christ is to be our message!
VS.18 For through Him John 1:3, 1:10, 3:17, 14:6 / Acts 10:43, 13:38 / Rom. 5:9, 8:37 / I Cor. 8:6 / Eph. 2:18 / Phil. 4:13 / Col. 1:19-20, 2:15, 3:17 / Heb. 7:25, 13:15 / I Pet. 1:20-21 / I John 4:9 *In other words…Romans 11:36 • The focus of the church is to be on Christ! This is the only way we will be unified! • For the church to function properly all we do needs to be done through Him. Access in one Spirit to the Father • Access-to bring near / used of having an audience before a King (note:Father) Our nearness and the Trinity…Father-John 20:17 / Son-Heb. 4:14-16 / Spirit-Rom.8:26
VS.19 So then- Now Know, understand, and believe all that has been mentioned in the proceeding verses. We are not • Strangers-a foreigner / unheard of / without a share • Aliens-a non-citizen / live along side, but not ranking as a citizen We are • Fellow citizens with the saints-an inhabitant with the right of citizenship and freedom • of God’s household-of ones family / kin -even more than drawing us near or granting us access He makes us family!
VS.20 Having been built- a work that has been accomplished (note: also present tense vs.21-21) • The foundation has been established, with Christ as the Cornerstone • Cornerstone-the stone that supports the main weight of a structure, all the building was oriented to this point. (sometimes capstone) • The foundation (apostles teachings) has been set according to Him. For the building to (church) to be built properly we must not depart from the apostles teachings. Ps. 118:22-23 / Matt. 21:42 / Acts 4:11-12 / I Cor. 3:10-11 / I Pet. 2:6-8 / I John 4:6
VS.21 The whole building-one building, not a complex! Being fitted together- a single term signifying parts of the body or a building being joined together in such a way that nobody can tell the difference (also used in Eph. 4:16) • The process of ancient construction in which blocks of stone were cut, rubbed, drilled for dowels and tested (Parthenon) -A building composed of individuals-I Pet. 2:4-5 • Together-a building is not built with bricks that are scattered • A continual process…presently Growing- to become greater in size / extent / quality • There are more bricks to be added and more is to be done Holy-set apart as dedicated for service to God Temple-a dwelling place for a god (they knew about temples…Artemis in Ephesus)
VS.22 You • Let there be no confusion we are the temple! • Here we move from the idea of the building being fitted together to us being fitted together. Dwelling- idea of settling down in a permanent home / habitation • From vs.12 “without God in the world” to vs.22 “the dwelling place of God” Individually(I Cor. 6:19-20) and Corporately(I Cor. 3:16) Spirit God dwelling in His church in Spirit “form” We are… a man (vs.15) a country (vs.19) a household (vs.19) a building (21) a temple(vs.21) a dwelling (vs.22)
CHAPTER 3 VS.1 For this very reason (refers to all the blessings previously mentioned) • Paul begins his second prayer of the letter (prayer#1=1:15-23—open eyes) -then interrupts himself to speak of his current situation and his ministry Prisoner of Christ Jesus • Under house arrest in Rome • Result of his ministry to the Gentiles (Acts21:19-22, 26-28, 33) VS.2 If indeed- surely • The Ephesians had heard of his ministry Stewardship-management of another’s business / idea of responsibility • What responsibilities have you been given? God’s grace given to me for you • What are you doing with the grace God has given you that is also meant for others? -Are you a reservoir of grace or a conduit?
VS.3 The mystery that was revealed and written about before…Eph. 1:8-12
VS.4 Insight into the mystery of Christ • What was the mystery that Paul speaks of here? -some say the revelation of the church (was the church revealed in O.T?) -some say the equality of Jews and Gentiles in the church (a more conservative view, which fits into the revealing of the church) I Cor. 2:6-10 / Rom. 16:25-26
VS. 5 Revealed- made known / recognized • How? -through the Holy Spirit -to apostles and prophets
VS. 6 Gentiles are… • Fellow heirs • Fellow members of the body • Fellow partakers of the promise of Christ (Messiah) -Col. 3:10-11
VS. 7 Minister- one who executes commands / a servant / waiter • Another way of saying this verse… -through the working of God’s power Paul was given a gift of grace through which he was able to become a minister
VS. 8 Least of all saints- less than the least / leastest Unfathomable riches- can’t be searched out / wealth • Poor preaching a message of wealth
VS. 9 And- another part of Paul’s ministry Bring to light- illuminate / enlighten Administration- fellowship / intimacy Has been hidden • Even though not clearly revealed in the O.T. it was obviously His plan from the beginning (I Cor. 2:6-10 / Rom. 16:25-26)
VS. 10 So that- referring to why it was brought to light or now revealed Manifold (marked with many colors / intricate) Wisdom (supreme intelligence) May now be known- recognized (opposite of vs. 9) Through the church • This is how God’s wisdom will be made known To rulers and authorities in heavenly places • God’s design is to use His church to make the angels marvel
VS. 11 This- referring to what was written in vs. 10 Eternal purpose- God’s plan from before the ages Was accomplished through Christ Jesus
VS. 12 In Christ we have… Boldness- freedom of speech Confident access- a trusting reliance in moving to / approaching • Heb. 4:14-16 / I Pet. 5:6-7
VS. 13 Paul’s view of his imprisonment… • Does not want the Ephesians to lose heart (to faint / be wearied out) • Because the tribulations (pressing together / pressure) is for their glory (splendor / brightness)
VS.14 For this reason (based on blessings / what God has done / His purpose) • Our prayers should line up with God’s eternal purposes NOTE: What does Paul NOT pray for the Ephesians? Bow my knees • Sign of deep prayer (usually standing with hands raised) • Attitude and posture of humility Father- a title of honor, acknowledging Him as the Originator, and the One who looks after us • We are to Him as our Heavenly Father (Luke 11:2 / Rom. 8:15 / Gal. 4:6) • Remember we are part of His household now (Eph 2:19)
VS.15 From whom…its name (refers back to the Father from previous verse) • God is the Father of our new family • We are unified with even those believers who have already died
VS.16 Given according to the riches of His glory • What kinds of gifts / “bank” does our Father have? (millionaire giving gifts) • Eph. 1:7-8 – what has already been given to us To be strengthened (made strong) with power (dynamite / II Pet.1:1-4) Through His Spirit in the inner man • Where is your strength? II Cor. 4:16-18
VS. 17 Christ may dwell in your hearts • Not speaking of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (note: Christ) • John 15:1-11 / I John 3:24 / Rev. 3:20 Through faith- the “key ingredient” to Christ being at home in our hearts Rooted- fixed or established (think of trying to pull out a tree stump) Grounded- to lay a foundation / make stable (His love needs to be our base)
VS.18 Comprehend- to lay hold of / obtain / seize / make ones own possession With all the saints • How would this affect a gentile group? I believe they were primarily Gentiles (notice how much Paul tells them of their new identity and confirms that they are part of the body –read from chpt 1….Then tells them how to walk in it 4:1 & 4:17--- I believe this is where we fit---NEED TO TAKE POSSESSION OF IT! • Chapter 1-3 lets them know their new identity and place in the church • Chapter 4-6 tells them how to live in their newness Breadth-fullness / to the corners of the earth Length-greatness of the number of blessings we have received Height-of heaven Depth-the deepness of the sea / beyond examination
VS.19 Know-to learn / gain knowledge of / become acquainted with / Jewish saying for sexual intercourse) Surpasses- exceeds / thrown far beyond Filled up- full to the brim / complete Fullness of God- as a ship filled with sailors, soldiers, oarsmen , and cargo—but also speaks of the completeness of His plan
VS.20 Now to Him-all glory and attention in to be on Him (vs.21) Able- (has the power / dynamite) to Do (make / produce / execute / carry out) Far more abundantly-(hyper-beyond-superior / extraordinary) Beyond all we ask (beg / crave) or think (ponder / consider) According (through) the power (dynamite)
VS.21 Glory-splendor / brightness / excellence In the church • Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesians would know and experience the love and power of God in themselves by seeing Gods great plan for the church. • God will glorify Himself through the church In Christ Jesus • How amazing that we get to named amog Christ as a way that God will bring glory to Himself • Forever and ever (for eternity)
