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Letter to Ephesus:
What the Church Is Really About

Introduction:

      In the routine business of doing the Lord’s work, it is possible to lose sight of what the church really is all about.  Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus emphasizes that it’s not about us, but that what it really is all about is God.  Paul places the focus and emphasis on God when he discusses the church, worship, the gospel, and salvation.

Discussion:

I.         Praising God for Blessings (Eph. 1:3-14)

A.      All is for praise to God. v. 3, 6, 7, 12, 14

B.     All is according to His will. v. 4, 5, 9, 11

C.     All blessings in Christ!

1.      In Christ -- v. 3

2.      Spiritual Blessings -- v. 3 ...

      Not about me!  Not about this world!

II.       Growing to Greater Appreciation (Eph. 1:15-23)

A.      Knowing their good standing -- Continually prays that God gives them wisdom & knowledge of:

1.       Hope of His calling

2.       Riches of glory of His inheritance

3.       Greatness of His power

4.       Toward us → in the authority of Christ

      His Power!

III.      New Life With God (Eph. 2:1-22)

A.      Dead in sin   (v.1-10)

1.      Because of former behavior

2.      Mercy and love of God

3.      Not by our own works

B.     No hope and without God   (v.11-22)

1.      Brought near by Christ

2.      Who reconciles all to God

      We did not do this.  He did!

IV.    Getting the good news to everybody (Eph. 3:1-13)

A.      Paul has a great responsibility:

1.      People can know and understand -- v. 1-7

2.      To make all men see  -- v. 8-13

B.     Jews and Gentiles (all nations) members of one body, in one fellowship, heirs of one promise in Christ!

      Again, PRAISE!  Eph. 3:14-21  Our Great God!

V.      Walking Worthily of the Calling (Eph. 4-6)

A.      Keeping the unity of the Spirit -- (4:1-16)

B.     Not walking like everybody else -- (4:17-32)

C.     Walking in love -- (5:1-7)

D.     Walk as children of light -- (5:8-14)

E.     Walk wisely -- (5:15 – 6:9)

F.      Standing firm in face of opposition -- (6:10-20)

      Called to imitate God.

Conclusion:

A.      What Christianity is all about:

1.      Praising God for Blessings

2.      Greater Appreciation of God

3.      New Life from God

4.      Getting God’s message to everybody

5.      Walking Worthily of God

 

Glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin Church of Christ