Ephesians 1–6
Common Theme
God’s eternal plan unites all things in Christ, forming a redeemed people who live in light of their new identity. This identity is expressed through unity, holiness, love, and spiritual perseverance empowered by God’s strength.
Questions
- How does understanding your identity in Christ shape the way you relate to others in the church and home?
- What does it look like to rely daily on God’s strength rather than your own?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the sovereign planner and gracious giver who accomplishes redemption according to His will and pleasure. He powerfully works in and through His people, equipping them with His own strength to stand firm against spiritual opposition.
Deeper
Ephesians 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, addresses the saints in Ephesus, wishing them grace and peace from God. He praises God for blessing believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ, chosen before the world’s foundation to be holy and blameless. God predestined believers for adoption through Jesus, leading to redemption and forgiveness of sins. Paul emphasizes the mystery of God’s will to unite all things in Christ and the inheritance believers have through Him. He expresses gratitude for their faith and love, praying for their enlightenment and understanding of God’s hope, inheritance, and power, which is exemplified in Christ’s resurrection and authority over all.
Ephesians 2
The text discusses the transformation from spiritual death to life through God’s grace and faith in Christ. It emphasizes that all were once lost in sin but are made alive with Christ, highlighting salvation as a gift from God, not based on works. The passage also addresses the unity of Gentiles and Jews in Christ, breaking down barriers and creating peace. Believers are no longer outsiders but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Together, they form a holy temple, a dwelling place for God through the Spirit.
Ephesians 3
In this passage, Paul, a prisoner for Christ, reveals the mystery of the Gospel, emphasizing that Gentiles are now fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ. He describes his role as a minister of this grace, tasked with preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ and illuminating God’s hidden plan. Paul prays for spiritual strength for believers, asking that they be empowered by the Spirit and rooted in love, enabling them to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love. He concludes with a doxology, praising God for His ability to do more than we can imagine, deserving glory forever.
Ephesians 4
The text emphasizes the importance of unity within the Body of Christ, urging believers to live in humility, gentleness, and love while maintaining the Spirit’s unity. It highlights the oneness of the body, Spirit, Lord, faith, and baptism, and acknowledges the grace given to each individual according to Christ’s gifts. The passage discusses the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ towards maturity. It contrasts the new life in Christ with the former way of living, encouraging believers to put off their old selves and embrace righteousness and holiness. The text calls for honesty, kindness, and forgiveness among members, warning against anger and corrupt speech, and emphasizes the importance of not grieving the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5
The text emphasizes the importance of walking in love and imitating God, urging believers to avoid sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. It encourages thanksgiving instead of crude talk and warns that those who engage in sinful behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. Believers are called to live as children of light, exposing darkness and understanding the will of the Lord. The passage also addresses relationships, instructing wives to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, and husbands to love their wives sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s love for the church. The text concludes by highlighting the profound mystery of marriage, where a man and woman become one flesh, and emphasizes mutual love and respect within the marital relationship.
Ephesians 6
The text emphasizes the importance of obedience and respect within family and work relationships. Children are instructed to honor their parents, while fathers are advised not to provoke their children but to raise them with discipline and instruction. Bondservants are encouraged to serve their earthly masters sincerely, as if serving Christ, while masters are reminded to treat their bondservants fairly. The passage also discusses the necessity of spiritual strength and armor to withstand evil forces, highlighting the importance of truth, righteousness, faith, and prayer. Finally, it includes greetings and encouragement from Paul, wishing peace and grace to the recipients.