day 3

Read the files attached to your email and look at the pictures of Ephesus. Also read Ephesians 1.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1&version=NIV


1:1–2 Paul addressed his letter to the “faithful followers.” Thus the purpose of his letter was not to correct flagrant disobedience. Paul desired to teach the believers in Asia Minor about seeking the deeper spiritual life.

1:3–6 Paul brought praise to God for the blessings he gives to believers in Christ (1:3). For the “heavenly realms,” see 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 4:8; 6:12 (see also the Guiding Concepts section). The riches promised to believers in the heavenly realms throughout this letter prepare them for a successful battle with the forces of evil who are also part of the “heavenly realms” (6:12).

Paul next introduced the foundation of God’s blessing: the fact that believers are chosen by God (1:4–6). The spiritual blessings are described. God’s choosing of believers is directly related to their holiness in behavior (1:4). The doctrine of election (“chose us”) must be balanced with man’s responsibility (cf. John 3:36) and undergirded with the teaching that God is loving, sovereign, and just. “Predestined” (“His unchanging plan,” 1:5) means to mark out by boundaries beforehand. The words “praise of his glory” (1:12, 14) reflect the most important consideration in the universe—the glory of God (cf. Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31). The “one he loves” (1:6) is a reference to Christ.

1:7–12 Part of the spiritual blessing believers receive is redemption through Christ’s blood (1:7). The focus here shifts from God the Father to Christ and the present fact of redemption through his work. The word mean “redemption,” denotes release from a state of bondage and servitude effected by the payment of a ransom. The word “redemption” was used in the first century a.d. for purchasing a slave out of the marketplace and setting him free.

God not only paid the price for man’s redemption, he also graciously made it known (1:8–9). The “mystery of his will” (1:9) is the full gospel of Christ. This introduction prepares the reader for a further discussion in 3:1–12. A divine mystery is something not previously revealed and therefore unknown apart from divine revelation. Paul referred to the “mystery” in 3:6 as the union of believing Jews and Gentiles in one body in Christ.
The content of the mystery is the unity that can come through Christ and his gospel (1:10). Christ is the sum of all; he defines all thought, action, and rule. The corresponding result of the mystery is the redemption of all those who believe (1:11–12).

1:13–14 God identifies, or seals, believers with the mark of the Holy Spirit (1:13). The phrase “the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago” sums up the Old Testament hope that God would send his Spirit for power and wisdom (see, for example, Num. 11:29; Ezek. 36:26–27; Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor. 12:13). The sealing (guarantee) is elaborated in Ephesians 1:14. In ancient times the term “sealed” was used of an identifying mark, like a brand on a donkey, suggesting both possession and security. “Identified … as his own,” believers are possessed by Christ and secure in him.

1:15–16 What’s left after the great truths of Ephesians 1:3–14? Unceasing prayer (1:15–16). Paul’s prayer (1:15–23) is based on what God has accomplished for the believer through Christ.

1:17–23 Paul prays for the Ephesians’ full knowledge of God (1:17). The knowledge comes by the enlightening of the heart as to God’s hope, glory, and power (1:18–23). These truths are empowered by the resurrection and exaltation power of God (1:20–23). The resurrection and exaltation of Christ to God’s right hand (cf. Acts. 2:33–35) have great implications for the believer. They are the very center of the Christian’s life and are foundational for all Paul says throughout the letter concerning Jew and Gentile relations and power for waging spiritual warfare. The church is Christ’s body. In ancient times, being seated at someone’s “right hand” (1:20) was regarded as being in a position of honor and influence (cf. Ps. 110:1).


Discussion question

What would change in our lives if we prayed verses 17-19 everyday. What if we prayed that for our friends, our family, our nation?

Reflection question

How do you feel towards God today? Close? Distant? Challenged? Rejected? Other?