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EPHESIANS
~~~~~~~~~
Introduction.
1. Applicable to the Church universal.
2. Ephesians deals with the Church, the body of Christ,
Colossians deals with Christ the head of the Body.
3. Major Divisions
a. The christians Glorious Privilege. Chs. 1-3
b. The christians Glorious Pathway. Chs. 4-6
4. Major emphasis:
a. Revelation of the PRAISE (character) of His glory
and POWER of the Church. Chapter 1.
b. Revelation of the POSITION of the Church. Chapter 2.
"Broken Barriers, seated in heavenly places".
c. Revelation of the PUZZLE (mystery) of the Church.
Chapter 3. "Jew and Gentile in Christ"
d. Revelation of the PERFECTION (maturity) of the Church.
Ch.4. key "unity".
e. Revelation of the PRESENTATION of the Church. Ch.5.
key "walk".
f. Revelation of the PREVAILING (victory) of the Church.
Ch.6. key "stand".
5. Other emphasis:
a. Sit "in heavenly places" Ch.2.
b. Walk "in love" Ch.5.
c. Stand "stand with loins girded" Ch.6.
I. THE PERCEPTION OF THE BODY Ch.1:4-6
In The Past
1. CONCEPT Chosen by the Father v.3.
a. Chosen in Christ v.4. "before the foundation of the
world".
Check John 17:24, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Rev. 13:8, 17:8
b. For what purpose? v.4. "that we should be holy without
blame in love."
Adopted of children by Jesus Christ v.5.
In The Present
2. CONSTRUCTION Redeemed by the Son v.6-9.
a. accepted in Christ v.6.
b. PROMISE FOR THE BODY CH.1:7-14
1. Redemption v.7. "through His blood"
2. Revelation v.8-9 "the mystery of his will"
3. Regeneration v.11-12 "The Praise of His Glory" made
new.
4. Revitalization v.13-14 "sealed with the Holy Spirit"
In The Future
3. CONSUMMATION Raptured
a. Rapture v.10 "gathered together in one"
Note. v.13. We are Sealed with the Holy Spirit.
III. PRAYER FOR THE BODY CH.1:15-16
Basis for praying was the a result which the sealing with the
Holy Spirit brought to light in the believers.
1. In the Moral Realm v.15 "Faith in God"
"Love for the saints"
2. Evident to others v.15 "I heard it"
3. Causes thanksgiving v.16 "cease not to give thanks"
4. Creates a spirit of prayer v.16. "Making mention of you
in my prayers"
IV. PURPOSE OF THE BODY CH.1:17-18
1. The ESSENCE of the petition v.17."the Spirit of wisdom"
Check: Isaiah 11:2
2. The EVIDENCE of the Enlightenment.
a. Changed will. v.17. "the eyes of your understanding
being enlightened" - opposed to blindness of heart.
Greek for eyes "Kardia" = will, emotions, intellect.
b. Changed direction. v.17."that you might know the hope
of His calling" - not my will, thine be done.
c. Changed purpose. v.17. "the riches of the glory of His
inheritance in the Saints."
What God gets out of us not what we get out of Him.
V. POWER OF THE BODY Ch.1:19-23
1. Operation of it in us. v.19. "which worketh in us"
2. Evidence of it in Christ. v.20-21
a. in His Resurrection. v.20.
b. in His Ascension v.20.
c. in His Exaltation. v.21-22.
3. Evidence of it in the Church. v.22-23.
a. working under His headship. v.22.
b. fills all things (the Church is the vehicle) v.23.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 2.
Revelation of the POSITION of the body.
I. Entrance into the Body. v.1-10. (past)
Or How we become members of the Body of Christ.
A. Our state by nature. v.1-3.
Our (old) Condition
1. Condition v.1.
Dead in trespasses and sin
trespasses = sin of flesh = human nature
sin = sin of mind = thought out
= deliberate
2. Characteristics v.2-3a.
Walked according to :
a. the world. v.2a.
b. the devil. v.2b.
c. the flesh. v.3.
lusts = cravings
flesh = human spirit
desires = will's (flesh & mind)
3. Consequence v.3b.
Children of wrath by nature. The universal depravity of
mankind. ( OBJECTS OF GOD'S WRATH )
B. Our standing by Grace. v.4-10. (present)
"But God who is rich in mercy and great in love to us"
1. what God has wrought v.5b-6.
a. quickened us together.
note.v.1. individually quickened
v.5. quickened together
b. raised us up together
c. made us sit together in heavenly places
2. why God has wrought v.7.
that He might show the exceeding riches of his
grace toward us through Christ
3. how God has wrought v.8-10.
a. by grace through faith.
b. not of works - boasting is excluded
c. we are His workmanship, created in Christ unto
good works, (that is a righteous life in Him.)
II. Enlightenment for the Body. v.11-22.
Jew and Gentile one in one body
"WHEREFORE REMEMBER" (your past life didn't have blessings.)
A. Our former Alienation v.11-12.
1. in respect to Covenant v.11.
a. Gentiles in the flesh.
b. Uncircumcision
2. in respect to Christ v.12a.
a. without Christ.
3. in respect to Citizenship v.12b.
a. aliens from the commonwealth of Israel
b. strangers from the covenant of promise
c. having no hope
d. without God in the World
B. Our Unification v.13-18. EVIDENCE OF UNITY
made nigh by Christ.
1. Announcement of it v.13.
a. made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2. Accomplishment of it v.14-16.
a. made us both one (Jew and Gentile)
b. broke down the middle wall of partition.
c. abolished the law.
d. reconciled both unto God in one body.
3. Assurance of it v.17-18.
a. preached peace to both.
b. both have access to the Father by one Spirit
through Hin.
C. Our Ultimate Designation v.19-22. METAPHORS OF UNITY
The new state of the Gentiles as Believers.
1. In respect to city = Freedom v.19a.
Fellow-citizens ( new name given. Rev.2:17 )
2. In respect to household = Fellowship v.19b.
Members of the Household.
3. In respect to sanctuary = Fulness v.20-22.
Built together in the Temple of Christ
a. Foundation = Apostles, Prophets v.20a.
b. Cornerstone = Christ. v.20b.
c. Superstructure = Jew and Gentile fitly framed
together. v.21.
d. Temple = Habitation of God. v.22.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER THREE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Revelation of the puzzle (Mystery) of the Church.
NOTE. The word "mystery" merely means, something is hidden
until the appropriate time to reveal it.
I. The Minister and the Mystery. v.1-13
A. Paul the Messenger, a prisoner v.1.
This phrase is caught up and carried on in v.14.
B. The Revelation of the Mystery. v.2-5.
1. in former ages hid, now revealed:
a. to Paul (his stewardship of the mystery, given
to him by revelation for us.)
b. to the apostles and prophets.
C. The Mystery. v.6.
NOTE. The mystery of the Church is that the Gentiles are to
have an equal portion with the Jews, God's chosen people Eph. 3:6.
All this was "by faith" Rom. 15:9-10; Gal. 3:8-9. This is a
radical thing that God would make Gentiles with the Jews "Co-heirs"
with Christ and "Co-members" of His Church.
1. That the Gentiles should be: v.6.
a. Fellow-heirs (joint-heirs)
b. Fellow-members (a joint-body)
c. Fellow-partakers (joint-partakers)
II. The Minister of the Mystery. v.7-13.
A. The source of this Ministry. v.7. (the calling of God)
"I was made a Minister" (a servant,"diakonos")
1. "according to the gift of God's grace."
In no way did this former persecutor earn the right.
2. "according to (by the effectual) working of His
power".
This ministry would have failed without Divine
Enablement.
B. The Purpose of this Ministry. v.8-9. (the message)
1. To preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches
of Christ. v.8.
2. To make men see the fellowship of the mystery. v.9.
(hidden in God from the beginning of the World.)
C. The Result of the Ministry. v. 10-13 (function of the
Church)
1. Display God's wisdom before Heavenly intelligences.
"to the intent that principalities and powers in
heavenly places might know the manifold wisdom of
God." v.10.
2. We have Freedom of access. Heb. 10:19-25
"that in Christ we have boldness of access". v.12.
3. That "we faint not because of Paul's tribulation".
v.13. Because we benefit as a result of them.
III. Those Ministered to because of the Mystery. v.14-21.
Paul's prayer for us to know able to understand the mystery as a
member of the family.
NOTE. Paul's first prayer in chapter one gives us three
WHAT'S. This prayer gives us four THAT'S, and is saturated in the
love of Christ.
A. THAT you be strengthened in the inner man.
By the Spirit according to the riches of His glory.
B. THAT Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. v.17.
C. THAT we may be able to:
1. comprehend (grasp) v.18.
2. To know the love of Christ (which passeth knowledge)
a. The breadth, to all mankind everywhere, all the
time. (both Jew and Gentile)
b. The length, From everlasting to everlasting.
c. The depth, Christ's humiliation provides
unfathomable redemption.to all.
d. The height, the exaltation of Christ - above
all. providing exaltation for the redeemed.
(to be filled with all the fullness of God.)
D. THAT you may be filled with all the fullness of God. v.19.
IV. Doxology to Him who calls.
A. Source (from where we receive) = He is able.
B. Measure (in which we receive) = Exceedingly abundantly
= Above all we ask.
= According to the power
that works in us.
C. Purpose (in receiving) = Unto Him be glory in
the Church.
= Unto all generations.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INTRODUCTION
Ephesians 1:22-23
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be
head over all things to the church, which is his body, THE
FULLNESS OF HIM that filleth all in all."
God has used many different pictures in his word to give us a
fuller understanding of the depth of unity he desires. "As thou,
Father art in me and I in thee." John 17:21. Unity of the
Godhead.
I. EXHORTATION TO UNITY (Eph.4:1)
The most significant truth about the church is that it is a
unity, "There is one body" Eph. 4:4.
"Now are ye one body in Christ" 1 Cor.12:27
Jesus prayed, "That they all may be one, as thou, Father art
in me and I in thee, that they may also be one with us. That
the world may believe that thou hast sent me." John 17:24
Paul exhorts us to walk in unity. Eph. 1:1,"Walk worthy of
the vocation wherewith ye are called."
II. ESSENTIALS (CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS) TO WALK IN UNITY
(Eph. 1:2)
A. Lowliness = Humility
A thankful sense of dependence upon God. The opposite of
pride and conceit. Humility looks upward, pride looks
self-word.
B. Meekness = Gentleness and Kindness (submissive)
An unresisting, uncomplaining disposition which
enables us to bear without irritation or resentment
the taunts and injuries from others.
C. Longsuffering = Enduring (enduring patiently)
An enduring, un-wear-out-able spirit which knows how to
outlast pain or provocation. Opposite to short temper,
short fuse.
D. Forbearing = Patience (patiently enduring)
A patient spirit which goes on loving in spite of their
faults and weaknesses.
III. EVALUATION OF UNITY. (Eph. 4:4-6)
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit" Eph.4:3
NOTE. Endeavoring = "SPUDAZO" = Make earnest effort
Derived from = "SPUDE" = Speed
A. We need to recognise that unity of the spirit already
exists in the body of Christ. (It is only possible to
keep something that already exists.)
B. How do we keep the unity of the spirit?
By walking worthy. Eph. 4:1-2
C. What is the unity of the spirit?
1. Paul lists seven things which are the churches
essence of oneness in the spirit.
2. First of all there is, one body,
one spirit,
one hope,
- the body is vitalized by one spirit and moves
progressively toward one hope.
3. Secondly, loyalty to one Lord gives birth to
one faith which is signalized by obedience in
one baptism.
4. Last, of all one God and Father of all. Every
unity exists and is sustained by him.
D. The Giver and the Gift. Eph. 4:7-10. Unity through Gifts
Christ the example of ministry shows the rewards of
humility.
IV. EQUIPPING FOR UNITY. (PROVISION FOR PERFECTION)
(Eph. 4:11-13)
1. Means - 5 Ministries (Each ministry is "according to
the measure of Christ" within that minister.
2. Evidence - Maturity
- Edification
Into the "unity of the faith" through understanding
Christ.
1. Means of Maturity = "Unity of faith"
Relationship brings harmony and single vision.
Isa. 52:8
2. Level of Maturity = "Perfect Man"
Maturity both individually and collectively.
3. Measure of Maturity = "Stature of Fulness Christ"
The capacity to represent Christ in every person
and ministry completely.
V. EXPLANATION OR REASON FOR UNITY: (PROTECTION FROM DECEPTION)
The Alternative - Eph. 4:4
1. Spiritual Retardation. "No more children"
(infant)
2. Instability. "Tossed to and fro and carried
about"
3. Prey for deceivers. "Slight of men, cunning
craftiness"
VI. EXPANSION THROUGH UNITY (PROGRESSION BY RECEPTION) Eph. 4:16
Unity in all by all, functioning in unity.
The whole body -
a. Fitted Together = Fitly joined together.
b. Fastened together = Compacted... every joint
(broken bones knit) supplieth.
= Interpersonal Relationships
c. Functioning Together = Effectual working of every
part makes increase.
= A whole body "Every Joint,
Every Part" Col. 2:9
NOTE: Ezek. 37:7-10
The regathering of Israel a pattern of reuniting of
the members of Christ's body.
First, NOISY ACTIVITY - "There was a noise, and behold
a shaking". Then, a joining, "Bone to his bone"
Finally, FUNCTIONING ACTIVITY - "a mighty army stood
upon its feet"
BODY - Unity in Life.
"For as the body is one, and hath many members,
and all members of that one body, being many, are one
body, so also is Christ" 1 Cor. 12:12-22
Each member of the body is necessary, and each has its
own function, yet all are at liberty to function in its
own unique way.
NOTE: Liberty, NOT Independence. The body is
IN/TER/DEPENDENT. Members functioning in life, bringing
unity into life.
ARMY - Unity in Vision and Purpose.
"And the breath came into them, and they lived, and
stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army"
Ezek. 37:10.
An army is never aimless, but is disciplined,
prepared and has unity of vision and purpose.
VI. ENCOURAGEMENT AND WALK Eph. 4:17-32
1. Walk in the new man. Note. v 24. not as the World.
A. The walk of the Old Man. v.17-19
Corrupt according to deceitful lusts. v.22.
B. The walk of the New Man. v.20-32
Created in righteousness and holiness.v.24.
Putting off the Old Man - putting on the New Man
Head Christ, taught by Him, learned Christ. v.20-21
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 5.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introduction.
Walk in unity = Eph.4:1-16
Walk in the new man = Eph.4:17-32
Walk in Love = Eph.5:1-7
Walk in Light = Eph.5:8-14
Walk in wisdom = Eph.5:15-6:9
Walk in Warfare = Eph 6:10-24
I. Walk in Love. v.1-7
1. in Childlike love. v.1
A. Followers of God as dear children.
2. In Sacrificial Love. v.2.
A. as Christ did.
3. In Holy Love. v.3-7
A. not fleshly
B. not in defilement of speech.
C. a holy life is the evidence of a true saint.
a sinful life is evidence that one is not a true
believer, and has no part in God's kingdom.
D. judgement is sure on sin. v.6.
therefore live separate from sin. v.7
II. Walk in Light. v.8-14
1. You are light in the world. v.8 Note. Matt. 5:14
A. A resurrection has taken place. Out of the darkness
of sin, into the life of light - Christ. v.14.
check John 8:14; John 5:24-26.
B. Light that proves. v.9-10
what is acceptable unto God.
C. Light that separates. (reproves) v.11-14
from the unfruitful works of darkness
from shameful things done in secret.
III. Walk in Wisdom. 5:15-21
1. Redeeming the time.
2. Understanding what the will of the Lord is.
3. Be filled with the spirit. v.19-20
Evidence of a life filled with the Spirit is four fold.
A. singing with praise. = praiseful
B. making melody. = joyful
C. life of thanksgiving. = thankful
D. submission one to another. = humble
NOTE. This could termed The Spirit-filled Domestic Life.
IV. Walk in Right Relationships in Marriage. Eph. 5:22-33
1.Wives v.22-24,33b.
"In subjection to their own husbands in every thing as the
Church is her head even Christ." v.22-24
The husband is the head.
The wife should reverence the husband. v.33b.
2. Husbands v.25-33a.
"Love your wives", (as your own body). v.28.
as Christ loved the Church. v.25.
A. Greatness of Love. (gave Himself for it)
(story Yonggi Cho and railway train, man gathering
coal, saves his sons life but lost his own).
B. Reason for Love.
Love is required by God for the husband to repay
the wife for her submission.
a. "Husbands Love your Wives" v.25
b. "so aught men to love their wives" v.28.
c. LOVE = to will to love
d. AUGHT = to owe , to be a debtor.
C. Result of Love.
a. "That he might sanctify and cleanse ---
by the--- word." v.25.
b. RHEMA = a revelation, a Revealed word.
3. Husband and wife (interpersonal) relationship.
The unity of a man and Wife is as the unity of Christ and
the Church.
The Wife is the Husband's own body
a. To be loved, that he might sanctify her and make
her glorious.
b. To be nourished, to bring to maturity, "I taught Her
everything I know."
c. To be cherished, to cover with comfort.
d. To be joined, cleaved to, to be glued to.
Members of His body, flesh of His flesh, bone of His bone.
A man leaves his father to woo and wed his bride and cleve
to her.
4. Relationship of Christ and the Church.
A. That of lover.
" Christ Loved the Church" v.25.
B. That of Redeemer.
"Gave Himself for it" v.25.
C. That of Headship.
"The husband is head of the wife, even as Christ
is head of the Church". v.23.
D. That of Sanctifier.
"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the
washing of the word". v.26
E. That of satisfier.
"He nourisheth and cherisheth it". v.29.
F. That of glorifier.
"to present it to Himself a glorious Church". v.27
a. Past Christ gave Himself.= sacrifice v.25
b. Present that He might = sanctify it. v.26
c. Future that He might present it to Himself
v.27.
V. Walk in Right Relationships in Life. Eph. 6:1-9
1. Children Eph. 6:1-3
a. obey your Parents.
b. honour your Parents.
2. Fathers Eph. 6:4
a. Provoke not your children to wrath
b. bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord.
3. Servants Eph. 6:5-8
a. obey your masters ... with good will ... not as
men pleasers, but Christ pleasers.
4. Masters Eph. 6:9.
a. do to your servants as you do unto the Lord.
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 6.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introduction.
Paul was in prison watching his prison guard. From the
natural he derived this deep spiritual lesson on Christian
warfare.
I. Walk in Right Relationships in Life. Eph.6:1-9
1. Children Eph. 6:1-3
a. obey your Parents.
b. honour your Parents.
2. Fathers Eph. 6:4
a. Provoke not your children to wrath
b. bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord.
3. Servants Eph. 6:5-8
a. obey your masters ... with good will ..not as men
pleasers, but Christ pleasers.
4. Masters Eph. 6:9.
a. do to your servants as you do unto the Lord.
II. Walk in Warfare. Eph. 6:10-24
The warfare of the Church.
A. Forewarned.
a. finally. v.10.
b. be strong. v.10. = be endued
= be clothed
not a self effort, clothed,endued.
c. power of His might. v.10.
Power = manifest power
Might = power as an endowment
d. put on. v.11.
= be enveloped in, to hide in.
e. whole armour. v.11.
= all the armour.
= the full or complete armour.
1. The source of our strength. v.10.
The Lord and His Power - He is our Captain.
2. The source of our armour. v.11a.
God.
3. The enemy, not flesh and blood. v.11b-12.
a. The devil.
b. Principalities.
c. Powers.
d. Rulers of darkness of this world.
e. Spiritual wickedness in high places.
Margin = Wicked spirits in heavenly places.
4. The Whole Armour for the Overcomer. v.13-24.
v.11. = stand
v.13. = able to withstand.
v.13. = having done all to stand.
a. The girdle of truth.
For the loins, a belt to hold all the armour in
place also to support the sword.
TRUTH. Appropriating truth.
= one thing knowing truth,
= another thing doing it.
b. The breastplate of righteousness.
for the vulnerable parts. Righteousness pure
living.
= breastplate covered the vital organs. Heart etc.
= Heart seat of emotions. love - hate.
= Gall = poison is emitted to cause to hate.
c. the shoes of preparedness.
for the feet. Prepared to go = Luke.11:19 "power
to tread on Scorpions."
Power to kick against the Pricks.
d. The shield of faith.
For to hold.
= a big wooden shield covered with leather
= put together they form an impregnable barrier.
e. The helmet of salvation.
For the head. watch what you put on ir in your
head.
f. The sword of the Spirit.
For to wield.
Which is the word of God.
Word = rhema = a revealed word or command.
g. Prayer in the Spirit and watching.
We must keep in communication with the captain of
our salvation.
praying always. = on every occasion
with all prayer = general praying
supplication = strong pleadings.
"The Spirit maketh intercession with groaning
which cannot be uttered."
III. The Warfare.
1. Standing against the wiles of the devil. v.11b.
= Withstand in the evil day. v.11b.
= Having done all to stand. v.13.
= Stand therefore. v.14.
2. Wrestling = close combat.
3. Quenching the fiery darts of the wicked.
4. Praying always. = communication with our Captain.
5. Watching the battle and the enemy.
vigilant, a constant alertness maintained by the power of
the Spirit.
