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 - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #6
Psa 56:1-13. Simplicity means purity (2Co 11:3). Double-mindedness is the opposite of single-mindedness (Jam 1:8). "As" and "so" gives balance and clarity to the christian life. How can we find it? Col 2:6 says that our Christian walk is as simple as we received Him -- by Faith through Grace. The Greek "paralambano" mean receive a gift (Rom 10:17, Rom 6:23, 1Jo 5:11-12). "So walk" links to the past but also to what we possess (Rom 8:29-30, Joh 1:12, 2Co 5:17). "Look to the Rock from which you are cut" (Isa 51:1). "So walk in Him" is future. If we're trying to live the Christian life, we're not. "...If righteousness comes through the law, Christ died in vain" (Gal 2:21). Philosophy can rob us (Col 2:8). Rules and regulations don't make us spiritual (Col 2:21-23). (1) walk in fellowship (Eph 2:10, 1Jo 1:7, Amo 3:3); (2) walk in imitation of Christ (Eph 4:1) worthy means "equal weight"; we are called Christian and to that we are to walk worthy (1Co 11:1); (3) We are to walk in the power of the Spirit (Eph 5:1-2) in order to "walk in love" (Gal 5:16-22); (4) "Walk in the light" means to walk in obedience to the Word of God (Eph 5:8);
Scripture References: Amos 3:3, James 1:8, John 1:12, John 1:7, Psalms 56:1-13, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 5:8, John 5:11-12, Colossians 2:21-23, Galatians 5:16-22, Romans 6:23, Colossians 2:8, Ephesians 5:1-2, Romans 10:17, Galatians 2:21, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 2:6, Isaiah 51:1
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.