EPISTLE TO EPHESIANS study 1

Outline and introduction

Colossians focuses on the person of Christ, Ephesians on the church the body of Christ.   The church is described as a "new creation" (chapter 2v10) and a "new man" ( chapter2v15 and chapter4v24.)   The late John Stott wrote a booklet which he entitled "God's new society".   This world needs a new society and it is with us right now, largely unseen, yet wielding a powerful influence on the world.   It is the church of Jesus Christ which He predicted in Matthew 16v18, of which the letter to Ephesians is a full exposition.   It is not like Corinthians which was mainly written to solve issues in a local church, it deals with more  universal matters affecting all churches, in all places, in all times.   There is a tendency with some to over- emphasize local autonomy, at the expense of universal principles, which affect all churches who profess the name of Christ. The key thought in Matthew 16 v18 is "I will build my church".   This is the first mention of the church, and this is the overriding principle; it is His church;  the second mention is in Matthew18 where He deals with local issues.   The reality is that local churches will fall short of the ideal, but should always strive towards the perfection which is the body of Christ.   The great comfort to all of us is His assurance "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".   There is no doubt in my mind that "the pattern" referred to in the tabernacle of old finds it's answer in Ephesians.   The following are some leading thoughts which help to crystallize the beauty of the teaching;

• Chapter 1      The conception of the church
• Chapter 2      The construction of the church
• Chapter 3      The calling of the church
• Chapter 4      The conduct of the church
• Chapter 5a    The character of the church
• Chapter 5b    The consummation of the church
• Chapter 6      The conflict of the church

Chapters 1-3 are positional where we are seated with Christ in heavenly places; chapters 4-6 are practical where  we are walking on earth, and standing against the unseen enemy.   Having a firm grasp of the grace of God with the revelation of the Holy Spirit within, we walk on earth as new creatures and stand firm against a determined enemy.

The central message is God's blueprint for the world.   The language makes it clear; the repeated use of the phrase "according to" ( Greek  kata ) proclaims a very definite plan.   The evidence is overwhelming.   Literally kata means "down" and refers to the basis, the foundation of anything.   What is implied is that these things are the bedrock of God's dealings.

• Chapter 1v5   "...predestinated.......according to the good pleasure of His will".
• Chapter 1v9   "...the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure...."
• Chapter 1v11 "...predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will".
• Chapter 1v19 " ..the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe according to the working of His mighty power".
• Chapter 3v11 "..according to the eternal purpose, which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
• Chapter 3v16 "..that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory...".
• Chapter 3v20 "..According to the power that worketh in us....".
• Chapter 4v16 "..according to the effectual working in the measure of every part...."

A close look at these astonishing verses reveal that, not only is God working to a plan but that HE provides the means by which that plan will be fulfilled.   No wonder the apostle is overcome with praise to the God of matchless grace.   This plan is taking doomed human beings from the depths of sin to the heights of glory.   In contrast, the devil, who also has a plan, keeps men and women on the downward path. ( chapter 2v2.)