Devouring the Word Ephesians Week 6 2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB)
Seven Weeks in Ephesians Week 1 Introduction and Greco-Roman culture Eph 1:1-14 God s planned spiritual blessings Week 2 Eph 1:15-23; 3:14-21 - Paul s prayers Week 3 Ephesus Eph 2:1-22 A believer s new position
Seven Weeks in Ephesians Week 4 Doctrine Recap Eph 3:1-13 Mystery and Ministry Week 5 Eph 4:1-32 Walking Part I (unity, and holiness) Week 6 Eph 5:1-6:9 Walking Part II (love, light and wisdom) Week 7 Eph 6:10-24 Spiritual warfare and conclusion
Ephesians - Doctrine 1. The Calling of the Church (Ch 1-3) A. Prologue (1:1-2) B. Praise for God s spiritual blessing (1:3-14) C. Prayer for wisdom and revelation (1:15-23) D. New position individually (2:1-10) E. New position corporately (2:11-22) F. Parenthetical expansion of the mystery (3:1-13) G. Prayer for strengthened love (3:14-21)
Ephesians Application 2. The Conduct of the Church (Ch 4-6) A. Walking in unity (4:1-16) B. Walking in holiness (4:17-32) C. Walking in love (5:1-6) D. Walking in light (5:7-14) E. Walking in wisdom (5:15-6:9) F. Standing in warfare (6:10-20) G. Conclusion (6:21-24)
Therefore.. Ephesians 5:1 This points back to chapters 4 The Church is called to unity The Church is called to holiness Be imitators of God as beloved children Christ is our example Children imitate their parents, we are to imitate Christ (be perfect - Matt 5:48; be merciful - Luke 6:36)
Ephesians 5:2 How do we imitate God? Walk in love Just as Christ loved you Christ willingly gave Himself up for us on the cross, the supreme example of love (John 10:11-18; Gal 1:4) An offering and sacrifice to God A fragrant or soothing aroma (i.e acceptable) (Gen 8:20-22; Ex 29:17-18; Lev 1:7-9; Phil 4:18) Love to the point of death, if necessary (1 John 3:16)
Ephesians 5:3-4 Things that are not to be named among the Church - they show selfishness and lack of concern for others Sexual Immorality Impurity (in thoughts and deeds) Greed Filthiness (obscenity, shameless talk and conduct) Silly talk (stupid words) Coarse jesting (vulgar, frivolous wit) Rather, give thanks!
Ephesians 5:5 People who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-11) Immoral persons Impure persons Covetous persons Idolaters The point is, walk in a manner worthy of your calling, not as unbelievers
Ephesians 5:6-14 Do not let anyone deceive you (v. 6) Empty words bring the wrath of God (Col 3:5-6) Sons of disobedience (those who commit such acts) Do not be partakers with them (v.7) You were formerly darkness (John 1:5, 3:19-20) You are now in the light (John 3:20; Rom 13:12-14) Do not participate in unfruitful deeds of darkness (v. 11) Expose such fruitless deeds (sins bear no fruit) This is referring to deeds of darkness being conducted by Christians (1 Cor 5:12-13)
Ephesians 5:6-14 Walk like you are in the light! (v.8) Yield fruit goodness, righteousness, truth (2 Pet 1:4-8) Learn what is pleasing to the Lord yield fruit! All things become visible when exposed to light (v.13) Light shows the true character of deeds Awake arise from the dead and Christ will shine on you! Repent, confess your sins (1 John 1:5-9)
Ephesians 5:15-17 Walk in Wisdom! Be careful how you walk Not as unwise, but wise Make the most of your time (Col 4:5) Why? Because the days are evil Do not be foolish Understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph 1)
Ephesians 5:18-21 Do not get drunk with wine which is dissipation Debauchery, licentious living, wasting your life Rather, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-26) Speaking to one another in hymns and spiritual songs Making melody with your heart to the Lord Always giving thanks for all things in the name of Jesus and God, the Father Be subject to one another in the reverence of Christ
Ephesians 5:25, 28-30, 33 Christ and the church are the model for marriage the Holy Spirit at work! Husbands Love your wife just as Christ loved the church (seeking the highest good for another person) Christ gave himself up for the church (unselfish) (John 10:11-18) Love your own wife as your own body (Gen 2:24) He who loves his wife loves himself Nourish your wife Cherish your wife Love your wife even as yourself
Ephesians 5:22-24, 33 Christ and the Church are the model for marriage The husband is head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church (1 Cor 11:3; Col 1:18) Wives Obey your own husbands, as to the Lord As the Church is subject to Christ wives are to be subject to their husbands See to it that you respect your husband
Ephesians 5:26-27 Christ gave Himself up for the church So that He might sanctify her Cleanse her by the washing of water with the word (Rom 10:8-11) Not baptism, but a metaphor for cleansing by the preached word that believers hear, accept and are cleansed from sin Why? So that He might present her to Himself In all her glory - radiant, in splendor No spot or wrinkle no taint of sin or spiritual decay Holy and blameless set apart, without blemish The church is Christ s bride (Rev 19:7-10)
Ephesians 5:31-32 For this reason A man is to leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, becoming one flesh (Gen 2:24) The great mystery the marriage of Christ and the church Another mystery! Human marriage is a reflection of the marriage of Christ and the church
Next week Walking, Part 2+ Spiritual Warfare Conclusion