bible_ephesians_intro_lg_pdf.pdf |
* reading Scripture, hearing God *
Distinguishing Features of Ephesians
- No personal greetings (c.f. Romans 16), no mention of specific people other than the letter-bearer Tychicus (c.f Philippians 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:15-16), no local church crises / situation mentioned (Galatians, Corinthians) → a great letter that applies to all believers
- Builds on Colossians. In Colossians, the “cosmic Christ.” In Ephesians, the “cosmic Church.”
See Col 1:15-20. Eph 1:18-2:7.
Themes
The scale and scope of our salvation (death -> life, with implications for all of creation, for the unseen spiritual realm, for the nations)
Unity in the body because of our common salvation
Let's read through Ephesians. Notice easy outline: Chap 1-3 / Chap 4-6. what / so what. wow / now.
Practical Implications
Unity among believers, including those from different racial backgrounds.
A sense of the weightiness of being in God's family: our lives are to represent Christ to those around us and even to the unseen spiritual beings.
Relationships - Marriage, family, employment
Spiritual warfare
Week 1 homework (to continue your study of Ephesians during the week)
- Read Colossians at a medium to slow speed, asking God to help you see who Christ is.
- Read Ephesians at a medium to slow speed. Read it a second time if possible.
- Note any themes or passages in Ephesians that echo Colossians, especially in the teachings on the nature of Christ and of the completeness of our salvation. \
- Focusing on Ephesians 1-3: Notice that Ephesians 1-3 contains only one command. It is almost entirely theological teachings and prayers. Why do you think Paul does so much "theology" before he gives his practical applications? How helpful would this letter be for our faith if we only had chapters 4-6?
Looking ahead: Next time we'll begin to look more at the blessings of our salvation in chapter 1.
tjh 6.19.16