Ephesians #6

"Those led by the Spirit are [Greek huios — adult] sons" (Rom 8:14-17) (note: this is in the sanctification section not justification). "The Spirit bears witness we are children [Greek technon — child]" (Rom 8:16). If we are children we have an inheritance; if mature sons we suffer and if we suffer are joint heirs (Rom 8:17, 1Pe 1:4-5). Paul's prayer: (1) God would grant spiritual strength, (2) that Christ would be at home in our hearts (Joh 14:21-23), (3) that we know the love of Christ that passes knowledge, (4) that we may be filled with the fulness of God (Eph 5:18). Three washings for the believer (notes ): (1) salvation (Joh 13:10), (2) confession (1Jo 1:9), (3) obedient fellowship (1Jo 1:7). It takes all of this to enjoy the fullness of the Spirit. Knowing the love of Christ is personal and not easy to describe "surpasses knowledge" (Eph 3:19). Only God can make love possible in our life (Eph 3:20). Every believer suffers in a way God chooses; to suffer with Him means to take Him with you. The Church is a called-out company like the Jews out of Egypt. He calls us out for a spiritual life. The distinctions of the Church Age: (1) we have completed scripture; (2) we have the Holy Spirit; (3) a unique spiritual gift; (4) the body of Christ — a unique people for unique time.

Notes on the spiritual walk of the believer  (Eph 4:1):

1. “walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7).



2. “walk by means of the Spirit” (Gal 5:16, 25)



3. walk “in spirit and truth” (Joh 4:24)



4. “walk in good works” (Eph 2:10; Tit 2:10, Tit 2:13-14; Tit 3:14).



5. “walk worthy” of our calling (Eph 4:1)



6. “walk no longer” as the unbelieving world walks (Eph 4:17).



7. “Walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8; Joh 8:12; 1Jo 1:7)



8. “walk in wisdom” (Eph 5:15-18)

Love (Eph 4:2), Hope (Eph 4:4), and faith (Eph 4:5); The bond of peace is the unity of reconciliation (Eph 4:3).

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE] 

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 5:8, John 1:9, Ephesians 4:5, John 4:24, Ephesians 4:17, John 13:10, Ephesians 4:4, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:1, Titus 3:14, John 14:21-23, Ephesians 5:15-18, Ephesians 3:20, Titus 2:13-14, Romans 8:17, John 1:7, Ephesians 3:19, Titus 2:10, Romans 8:16, John 8:12, John 1:7, Ephesians 4:3

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From Series: "Ephesians - Positions of Privilege in the Household of Faith - Colorado 2010"

Ephesians is a Prison Epistle along with Philippians Colossians and Philemon (see Eph 3:1 Eph 4:1 and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome the epistle expands on themes in Colossians much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church Ephesians shows the blessings of that ?fullness? enjoyed by the members of God?s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9?10; Eph 2:16?18; Eph 3:4?6; Eph 4:3?6; Eph 5:30?32; Eph 6:18?20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul?s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing. Taught in Colorado 2010. Lesson 8 was inadvertently not recorded.