“A new way of living” A fresh look at the book of Ephesians Clifton Community Church

A new way of living A new life (1:3-2:10) A new community (2:11-3:21) A new way of living (4:1-5:21) A new way of relating (5:21- 6:24)

Ephesus Most important city in Asia on the west coast of Turkey Ephesus was only 120 miles from Colossians Centre of roads from Persia, Egypt, Greece & Rome 11mile road lined with columns lead to harbour which was the export centre from Asia to Rome 1 of 12 cities in the Ionian league Had a theatre that held 24,000 and a temple to Diana The council of Ephesus was held there in AD431 and home of John the apostle

Ephesians The word Ephesians is missing from some early manuscripts – circular letter? Closest thing to a ‘systematic theology’ from Paul It has a ‘liturgical’ sound and feel to it First half is about what God is done Second half is about how we should respond A spiritual walk rooted in spiritual wealth – “be what you are” Neil Anderson – Freedom in Christ

A new life (1:1-14) A single sentence of praise! In Christ (x11), heavenly places (x5) God’s will (thelema), pleasure (eudokia) and purpose (prothesis) –Father electing (4-6) –Son Redeeming (7-12) –Spirit sealing (13-14) –Past (4-6) –Present (5-8) –Future (9-10)

Welcome (1:1-2) v1 – Paul is certain of his calling. Could add ‘through the Spirit’. v1 – Paul is certain of their status – saints, and that they’re faithful What we think of God, ourselves and others is fundamental to how we live v2 - Grace (charis) and peace (shalom) – Roman and greek greetings made holy. Grace is what comes from God and peace is the effect of that grace in our lives

v3 – “every spiritual blessing” blessed (eulogeo, eu – well, logeo – word) – to speak well of or to praise. Important to speak the truth, a ‘word’ isn’t silent, praise is external. God ‘spoke’ the world into being. Heavenly realms – the spiritual reality around us Every spiritual blessing – he has done everything in Christ

Father electing (4-6) v4a – we’re chosen in Christ v4b - before the world began v4c – to be holy and blameless v5a – in love he chose us v5b – to be adopted as sons v5c – that was his pleasure and will v6a – to the praise of the glory of his grace v6b - freely given through Christ v6c – accepted in the beloved

Son Redeeming (7-12) v7a – redeemed at a price v7b – our sins forgiven v7c – part of the riches of his grace v8 – he’s lavished his grace on us with wisdom v9 – this is God’s will, pleasure and purpose v10 – in God’s time everything will be in Christ

Son Redeeming (7-12) v11a – we have an inheritance in him v11b – we’re chosen according to purpose v11c – he works out everything according to his will v12 - by trusting in Christ we bring praise to His glory

Spirit sealing (13-14) v13 – depends on our trust v13b – faith comes through hearing and hearing through the word v13c – after you believed you were sealed v14a – he’s the down payment, the engagement ring v14b – until Christ returns for his inheritance v14c – to the praise of his glory!