The Book of Ephesians...
was addressed to a group of believers, who, while rich beyond measure in spiritual gifts, lived as beggars. ... Since they had not accepted the wealth the Gospel provided for them. In ignorance they relegated themselves to being spiritual paupers. Paul's duty as their spiritual father was clear -- he had to get their attention, and offer suggestions about how to access the heavenly bank account that belonged to them... Feeling a bit spiritually sluggish? Then perhaps a good study of the book of Ephesians is just what the doctor ordered for you too!
To study the Book of Ephesians it is important to understand how Paul organized it. Chapters one through three were written to remind the church at Ephesus who they were in Christ. Paul understood that this was a church located in a densely populated metropolitan area with lots of distractions. Something akin to today's New York City or Chicago. So getting the believers to see themselves with spiritual eyes was important.
Chapters four through six thus becomes a 'spiritual orthopedic clinic.' A list of HOW TO'S strengthen the inner man. His key phrase in this text: "in Christ" (or its equivalent). It appears about thirty-five times. More than any other place in the New Testament. Ephesians primary focus is on the believer's responsibility to walk in accordance with his heavenly calling in Christ, to access the blessings that come along with sound choices.
The following is a simple outline of Ephesians that will help you spend some quality time in GOD'S GYM so to speak. That is, if you are interested in exchanging a flabby spiritual life for one that is rich and prosperous and fit:
PART I: PRIVILEGES OF THE CHRISTIAN
(chapter 1 - 3)
- Praise and reminder of our inheritance: (1:1-1:14)
- Paul models a prayer for revelation: (1:15-23)
- Reminder of who we used to be before God saved us: (2:1-22)
- Revelation of the Mystery of the Church and how to pray about that: (3:1-21)
PART II: PRACTICES OR RESPONSIBLITIES OF A CHRIST CENTERED LIFE
(chapters 4 - 6)
- Unity in the church: (4:1 -16)
- Building a spiritual lifestyle (4:17-5:21)
- Responsibilities in the home and at work: (5:22-6:9)
- Conduct in the midst of conflict: (6:10-24)
Happy studies!
1 comment:
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