Ephesians is the great Pauline letter about the church. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ (Eph 4:15), the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God's plan of salvation known throughout the universe (Eph 3:9-10).
Yet this ecclesiology is anchored in God's saving love, shown in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:4-10), and the whole of redemption is rooted in the plan and accomplishment of the triune God (Eph 1:3-14). The language is often that of doxology (Eph 1:3-14) and prayer (Eph 1:15-23; 3:14-19), indeed of liturgy and hymns (Eph 3:20-21; 5:14).
The majestic chapters of Ephesians emphasize the unity in the church of Christ that has come about for both Jews and Gentiles within God's household (Eph 2:11-22) and indeed the "seven unities" of church, Spirit, hope; one Lord, faith, and baptism; and the one God (Eph 4:4-6). Yet the concern is not with the church for its own sake but rather as the means for mission in the world (Eph 3:1-4:24). The gifts Christ gives its members are to lead to growth and renewal (Eph 4:7-24).
Read especially Ephesians 6:10-17.
How is your armor? Do you have a belt of truth or a breastplate of righteousness (need to protect that heart of yours in battle)? How fast are your feet (peace is what you need)? We need to remember that only faith can shield us and that the message of salvation and the Word of God are needed to win. Indeed, our spiritual walk is a battle. How is your armor? Are there areas that you need to protect yourself? Are there areas that you need to go on the offensive?
Paul draws us a picture of the Christian faith that we can see and evaluate. Take a look in the mirror and ask the Holy Spirit to help you continue to grow your armor.
Yet this ecclesiology is anchored in God's saving love, shown in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:4-10), and the whole of redemption is rooted in the plan and accomplishment of the triune God (Eph 1:3-14). The language is often that of doxology (Eph 1:3-14) and prayer (Eph 1:15-23; 3:14-19), indeed of liturgy and hymns (Eph 3:20-21; 5:14).
The majestic chapters of Ephesians emphasize the unity in the church of Christ that has come about for both Jews and Gentiles within God's household (Eph 2:11-22) and indeed the "seven unities" of church, Spirit, hope; one Lord, faith, and baptism; and the one God (Eph 4:4-6). Yet the concern is not with the church for its own sake but rather as the means for mission in the world (Eph 3:1-4:24). The gifts Christ gives its members are to lead to growth and renewal (Eph 4:7-24).
Read especially Ephesians 6:10-17.
How is your armor? Do you have a belt of truth or a breastplate of righteousness (need to protect that heart of yours in battle)? How fast are your feet (peace is what you need)? We need to remember that only faith can shield us and that the message of salvation and the Word of God are needed to win. Indeed, our spiritual walk is a battle. How is your armor? Are there areas that you need to protect yourself? Are there areas that you need to go on the offensive?
Paul draws us a picture of the Christian faith that we can see and evaluate. Take a look in the mirror and ask the Holy Spirit to help you continue to grow your armor.
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