INTRODUCTION

1. The Epistle to the Ephesians focuses on the Doctrine of the Church

2. The first two chapters describe how the Lord has provided for the Church all its needs

3. The latter chapters of Ephesians focus on the people who make up the church

 

THE CHURCH

1. The Foundation

a) The Apostles and Prophets

b) The Lord Jesus as the Chief cornerstone

2. The Living Stones

a) All believers

b) All members of the church

c) The Lord is fitting each one in to form and build the Church

 

WHAT WE ARE AS BELIEVERS

1. Believers are “dear children” of God Ephesians 5:1

a) We are greatly loved by our Saviour Ephesians 5: 2a

b) The Saviour has given Himself

i) As a sacrifice to God

ii) As an offering for our sins Ephesians 5:2

2. Believers must never forget their sinful past

a) Many were the sins committed

b) Great is God’s grace and mercy bestowed on repentant sinners

c) Despite our sinfulness, salvation was given by the grace of God

 

THREE CHALLENGES TO RISE UP TO

1. Walk in Love Ephesians 5:2

a) In imitation of God Ephesians 5:1

b) As the Lord Jesus has loved us Ephesians 5:2

c) As one filled by the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23

d) In obedience to the Lord John 13:34-35

2. You are light in the Lord Ephesians 5:8a

a) We are children of light Ephesians 5:8

i) Walk as children of light Ephesians 5:8

ii) Once, we walked in darkness Ephesians 5:8

b) Light and the Fruit of the Spirit

i) Light is necessary for any tree

ii) Through light, the tree grows strongly

i) In time it bears fruit

ii) Fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth Ephesians 5:9

iii) Light leads us to find out what is acceptable to God Ephesians 5:10

iv) No fellowship with darkness Ephesians 5:11-12

v) All things are made manifest by the light Ephesians 5:13

c) To awake to the call of the Lord

i) To all who sleep

ii) To all who are dead

iii) The Lord will give light Ephesians 5:14

3. Walk Circumspectly Ephesians 5:15a

a) Not as fools Ephesians 5:15b

i) But as wise people Ephesians 5:15c

ii) Redeeming the time Ephesians 5:16

b) Therefore do not be unwise Ephesians 5:17

c) Understand the will of God Ephesians 5:17b

i) Do not be drunk Ephesians 5:18a

i) Be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18b

 

WONDERFUL CONSEQUENCES

19 Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 Submitting to one another in the fear of [f]God. Ephesians 3:19-21

1. Great spiritual fellowship

a) In Psalms

b) In Hymns

c) In spiritual songs

d) Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

2. With thanksgiving in the heart

a) Giving thanks for all things to God the Father

b) Centred in the Lord Jesus Christ

3. Mutual submission

a) In humility

b) In honour and respect

 

CONCLUSION

1. Rising to the Challenges from the Lord and His word

2. Seeking always to make the Church stronger and wiser

3. Everyone has something to contribute