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 - July 23, 2000
In, but not of #4
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Upper room discourse has bookends: Joh 13:1 Jesus loved the disciples to the "uttermost"; Joh 17:24-26 "that the love which You have love Me may be in them". Criteria for fellowship is cleansing (Joh 13:10, Joh 15:2-3, 1Jo 1:7-9, 1Jo 2:1-2). Power for fellowship rests in the Holy Spirit (Joh 14:17, Joh 14:26, Joh 15:26). Promise: if you take advantage of moment-by-moment fellowship with Jesus Christ, He will disclose Himself to you (Joh 14:21, Joh 14:23, 1Jo 3:16). Jesus lived His life from the basis of who He was (Joh 13:1-3, Joh 13:31-32, Joh 17:4). Position is not practice; we are clean, but we need to be cleansed; we are His friends, but if we obey Him (Joh 13:10-1, Joh 15:1-3, Joh 13:17, Joh 15:14-15). The world can know because it sees the evidence in us (Joh 17:14-19, Joh 17:21-23). Experiencing our position is the goal. Our birth in Christ we forget (Jam 1:18). Scripture shows us who we are. We need to reflect Christ (Jam 1:21-25). Because are "beloved" we should love on another (1Jo 3:16-23, 1Jo 4:7-21). "If you know these things you are blessed if you do them".
Scripture References: John 14:21, John 13:10-1, John 13:10, James 1:18, John 15:26, John 17:4, John 17:24-26, John 17:21-23, John 14:26, John 13:31-32, John 13:1, John 17:14-19, John 14:17, John 13:1-3, John 15:14-15, John 2:1-2, John 4:7-21, John 3:16, John 13:17, John 1:7-9, John 3:16-23, John 14:23, John 15:1-3, John 15:2-3, James 1:21-25
From Series: "In but not of"
This series is a follow-up on the theme of the Arizona camp -- 'In. but not of...'.