EPHESIANS- THE MYSTERY REVEALED
November 16, 2003 PM
Sermon Outline
EPH 3:1-6
INTRO: I have a great love and appreciation for the New Testament book of Ephesians. It is a letter filled with Gods purpose; filled with encouragement; filled with very practical help for the Christian life. From the book of Acts we learn great deal about the church in Ephesus. The apostle Paul work among the people of Ephesus for over two years (Acts 19:8-10). It was the elders of the church in Ephesus whom Paul asked to meet him in Miletus (Acts 20:17). It was a church with which Timothy apparently worked for some time (1 Tim 1:3). And, sadly, it was a church which was known for having left its first love (Rev 2:4). This letter is to people living in a superstitious, pagan place ... a letter to primarily Gentile people whose past has been utter sensuality.
I. IN THIS LETTER THE APOSTLE SPEAKS OF GODS PURPOSE
A. Eph 1:9-11 - Which he hath purposed in himself
1. in chapter 1 there are some wonderful words related to His purpose
2. this letter begins with marvelous truths and reminders which relate His purpose to us
B. Note some of them
1. at 1:3 - all spiritual blessings ... in Christ
2. at 1:4 - chosen ... in Him
3. at 1:5 - the adoption of children ... according to the good pleasure of his will
4. at 1:7 - redemption ... forgiveness of sins ... his grace
5. at 1:11 - in whom also we have obtained an inheritance
II. IN THIS LETTER THE APOSTLE SPEAKS OF EFFECT OF GODS GRACE
A. Eph 2:1 - The effect plainly stated
1. first, we must remember that out of Christ we were dead in sins
2. we are dead from Gods perspective - recall Lk 15:24 - we were without any eternal hope (Eph 2:12)
3. but in Christ we are alive - it was the act of God which quickened us
B. Eph 2:4-8 - Remember, it was Gods mercy, love, grace which saved us
1. now, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father - 2:18
2. now, Gentiles can enjoy benefits of citizenship and family - 2:19
3. and all of this is a reflection of Gods grace
III. IN THIS LETTER THE APOSTLE GIVES EMPHASIS TO THE CHURCH
A. Eph 1:22,23 - Jesus is the head of the church (which is His body)
1. in fact, the context draws our attention to the preeminence of Jesus
2. that of which Jesus is head must be of great importance
B. Eph 3:10,11 - Through the church the manifold wisdom of God is known
1. I especially like to note v. 11 - connect eternal purpose and Christ!
2. if the church has this connection (and it does), does this not demand from us, from humanity respect, response, faithfulness?
C. Eph 3:21 - Through the church God is glorified
1. if one is apart from the church (the body), he is apart from that which brings glory to God
2. so, Eph 4:1 - we are to walk worthy of our calling as members of body
D. Eph 4:4 - There is but one body, one church
1. and it behooves us to do all possible to be that church - the pattern?
2. we must be devoted to whatever it takes to be the church of which this letter speaks
IV. IN THIS LETTER THE APOSTLE GIVES DIRECTION FOR LIFE IN CHRIST
A. Eph 4:21-24 - Here is the how in a brief statement
1. put off - be renewed - put on ... its that simple
2. perhaps Rom 12:1,2 help a bit here - the renewal has so much to do with the new birth and the new mind which is conforming to the will of God
B. He then writes of numerous things relative to life in Christ
1. Eph 5:8-9 provides a foundation statement to underscore specifics
2. so, he speaks of relationships: of Christians, of husbands and wives, of parents and children ... all under the umbrella of walking as children of light
CLOSE: The letter concludes with a reminder that Christians are in great struggle which requires special armor. Without this armor we cannot stand against Satan ... period. But my closing thought is this question: are you in Christ?
Cecil A. Hutson
16 November 2003