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.
Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #1
The Divine Mentor (the Holy Spirit), Jesus promised to the disciples before His departure. He introduced the "living water" in Joh 7:37-39. The Spirit worked with old testament saints (Zec 4:6, Joe 2:28) but now works in us. This was anticipated in the Old Testament (Isa 12:3, Isa 43:20, Isa 44:3, Isa 55:1). Joh 13:10-15 has the Spirit pre-figured in the cleansing water Jesus washes their feet (1Jo 1:9). Jesus' command in Joh 13:34-35 "love one another" is impossible without the Spirit (Rom 5:1-5, Gal 5:22-23, 1Co 13:1-13). In Joh 14:12-17 the Spirit is the "Paraklete"("called along side") -- the Helper. His character as Mentor: mother comfort (1Th 2:7); father as teacher of children (1Th 2:11); coach urging an athlete (2Ti 2:1); commander urging soldiers in battle (2Ti 2:3). Spirit is Truth (Joh 13:25-27) is involved in our recall -- He guards and gives peace (Phi 4:6-7). Joh 15:1-7 says the Spirit is the "fruit-bearer". Joh 15:26-27 says the Spirit is "witness" (Act 1:8). Joh 16:5-11 says the Spirit is conviction -- convicing men. Joh 16:12-15 says the Spirit is guidance (1Ki 19:1-13). He'll keep us from deception (Luk 21:8), deliver us from fear (Luk 21:9), provide us a witness (Luk 21:13), give us endurance (Luk 21:19), guide us where we need to be (Luk 21:21), give us joyous expectation (Luk 21:28), warn us of danger to our heart (Luk 21:34), and give us a watchfulness (Luk 21:36).
Scripture References: Zechariah 4:6, Luke 21:8, John 13:10-15, Luke 21:34, John 13:25-27, John 7:37-39, John 16:12-15, Isaiah 55:1, Luke 21:28, John 14:12-17, John 16:5-11, Isaiah 44:3, Luke 21:21, Galatians 5:22-23, Acts 1:8, Isaiah 43:20, Luke 21:19, Romans 5:1-5, John 15:26-27, Isaiah 12:3, Luke 21:13, John 13:34-35, John 15:1-7, Joel 2:28, Luke 21:9, John 1:9, Luke 21:36, Philippians 4:6-7
From Series: "The Divine Mentor"
The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.