EPHESIANS
Theme: The Church
Author: Paul
Time: 57 AD
Ephesians church founded by Paul
Church was well developed and growing in tandem with Paul’s ministry
Paul is in prison while writing this book
Reflective book, a very positive book
Key Words:
Love - 19 times
Grace - 12 times
Faith - 10 times
Body - 10 times
Key Scripture:
Ephesians 4:15
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
The love that we have for one another causes us to propel each other forward but it also causes us to speak truth so we understand what we’re doing.
Growing up is a direct object into Jesus - through love, through truth. Maturity is the goal.
The church is a number of things but at the same time needs to mature.
Even though I’m the son of my father I still need to mature into manhood, into maturity, into Jesus
Structure:
Ephesians 1-3
Different identities of the church, body of God
Ephesians 4-6
Spiritual responsibilities of the church
We defend the kingdom by putting on the armor of God
Purpose of the Book:
1. Strengthen the love and strength in the believers
2. Encourage believer to put off the old man and put on the new man
In this new creation, we are more mature as we put on the new nature
3. Set forth the mystery of Jesus Christ and the church
The church is the bride who is preparing herself for marriage.
The church is always connected to eternity but is also militant on the earth
The gate of hell will not prevail. The army is at the gates of spiritual warfare
On the eternal scale, we are victorious but while we’re on earth we war for territory