This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #48
We are in Christ Jesus - our position. We are the possessor of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (Col 2:14-15, 1Co 1:26-31). We have Christ in us (Col 1:27-29, Rom 8:9-11). Our practice ought to reflect our position, and our being the object of God's Love. What is our duty? Review: "In Christ" is the theme (Eph 1:3). We need to praise God because there is nothing He has withheld from us. We need to walk worthy (Eph 4:1). We have the equipment for warfare (Eph 6:10-17). The armor has been issued; it's ours. Paul was chained to a Roman soldier (Phi 1:13-14) when he wrote of the armor. On absolute Truth - as contained in the Word of God - hangs the provision of Righteous - imparted by faith in Christ (Eph 6:14) - the Gospel of Peace message (Eph 6:15) - requires faith (Eph 6:16) - resulting in salvation (Eph 6:17) - from which brings to mind the Truth (Eph 6:17) that answers the skeptic (Joh 14:26). Our communication is paramount (Eph 6:18). (1) the truth of God's word is the belt on which provisions and progress depends; (2) the Righteousness placed in our account is the breastplate that covers our vitals of our spiritual life - our deeper self; (3) the Gospel of Peace gives of sure footing on the battlefield of life; (4) active faith is our shield against doubt, fear, and temptation; (5) the assurance of our salvation is the helmet that guards our heart and soul (Phi 4:6-7); (6) specific utterances of God brought to our mind by the Spirit at just the right time is our only offensive weapon; (7) prayer is an act of worship which expresses devotion and dependence on God. We need to put the armor on daily for the duration, resolutely for success, and personally for our obedience.
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:16, Romans 8:9-11, Ephesians 6:15, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 1:27-29, Ephesians 6:14, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 2:14-15, Philippians 1:13-14, John 14:26, Ephesians 6:10-17, Ephesians 6:17, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 6:17, Ephesians 1:3
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.