Following is an overview of the letter from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians. In upcoming sessions we will be working our way through the letter and learn the lessons in this letter.
- We are being called back to the teachings of the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians.
- Holy and blameless before God.
- Returning to our first love, Jesus.
- To Him who chose and adopted us, in whom we have redemption.
- To Him who redeemed us from our past walk according to the course of this world and the prince of the power of the air.
- To God who is rich in mercy and who loves us with His great love.
- To Him who raised us up with Himself to be seated together in heavenly places.
- Being saved by grace through faith.
- Through Him becoming saints and citizens of the family of God; his household; the Kingdom of God.
- Holy and blameless before God.
- We, together, and with Christ Jesus and Holy Spirit, become the Ekklesia He is building.
- To make known the manifold wisdom of God.
- Strengthened with might, His Spirit in our inner man.
- He, dwelling in our hearts by faith, that we be rooted and guarded in love.
- To know the love of Christ, which is beyond knowledge, that we may be filled with the fullness of God.
- That we may walk worthy of our calling, in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- As we walk in grace, the gift of Christ Jesus.
- Jesus gives us the gifts of the ministry in which we are to operate as His Ekklesia: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
- Gifts for building up and perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry.
- Until the time appointed by God.
- Until we all come in the unity of faith.
- And if the knowledge of the Son of God.
- Unto a perfect man.
- Unto the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ.
- But speaking the truth in love.
- Growing up into Him in all things.
- One body fitly joined together.
- We are to put off the old man, and the old ways, which are corrupt with deceitful lusts.
- Being renewed in the spirit of our mind.
- Putting away lying and choosing truth for the sake of one another, as one body.
- Not giving place to sin or the devil.
- Replacing sin with that which builds up one another and ministers grace.
- Being kind to one another and forgiving one another just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us.
- We are to walk in love; offering ourselves and the lives we live as a sacrifice to God.
- Walking in the light; redeeming the time.
- Understanding what the will of the Lord is.
- Giving thanks always for all things.
- Serving one another as needs arise.
- Living in right relationships; honoring one another.
- Preparing ourselves to be presented to God being spotless, without blemish.
- Loving one another even as we love ourselves.
- Walking in obedience and honoring God and one another.
- Living as servants of Christ, doing the will of God.
- We are to clothe ourselves in Christ Jesus, the armor of God.
- We are to be strong in the Lord and His might.
- We are to withstand in the evil day, having taken on the whole armor of God.
- We are to pray always, to God and for one another.
- We are moving into a new day and age in which a new Book of Acts will be written.
- God is pouring out His Spirit and grace upon those who will be overcomers.
- He is calling us back to our first love.
- Calling us to purity of heart and deed.
- No longer religious traditions with empty words and gestures.
This is where we need to live: in the letter to the Ephesians. We need to be doers of the word. Our call is to “Obedience in Love” as we navigate through this world.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:21-22