1. 1 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Lesson 8

2. 2 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family The last verse of chapter three proclaimed the basic purpose for the existence of the church in the world: “...to Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ....” Chapters 1-3 unfolded the excellence of Christ’s work in executing the divine elements of God’s “mystery.” The task assumed by the Ephesian Christians in their conversion was also vital to their own ultimate salvation and to the salvation of others who might yet be attracted to the gospel.

3. 3 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Paul introduces the Ephesians’ responsibilities to heaven’s plan with “Therefore...” Paul’s first “rule” was aimed at Attitudes in the Family (vs.1,2). The second demand placed on the Father’s children concerned Unity in the Family (vs. 3-6). This unity and peace had already been achieved through Jesus’ blood sacrifice.

4. 4 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Unity and peace were equally important to the functionality of the spiritual family.

5. 5 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family There were seven reasons why doctrinal unity and personal peace were sustainable: a. There was one body in which both nations served God together on the same basis. b. There was one Spirit who had made possible the unity and peace among all nations which must now be maintained. c. There was one hope offered to all converts, no matter their backgrounds or national origins.

6. 6 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family There were seven reasons why doctrinal unity and personal peace were sustainable: d. There was one Lord from whom all Christians took their marching orders. e. There was one faith to be embraced and practiced. f. There was one baptism practiced in all the churches when the gospel was preached and men became obedient to its demands. g. There was one God and Father in this functional family.

7. 7 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family A functional family that included people from diverse religious and social backgrounds was not only possible, is was inevitable for the church at Ephesus, if they followed Paul’s prescription for unity and peace in all the activities of the church. Gifts for the Family had been provided to help them succeed in their great task of maintaining unity and peace among all parties (vs. 7-12). This grace was not special to the church at Ephesus.

8. 8 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Jesus’ power to provide “every spiritual blessing” (1:3) for His church once again is emphasized by Paul’s citation of David’s statement. “The lower parts of the earth” either refers to the earth itself, as opposed to heaven, or, it refers to Hades into which Christ “descended” after the crucifixion.

9. 9 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Nine spiritual gifts of different kinds are listed in 1Corinthians 12, and this probably is a complete list of gifts available to the early church. a. Some were made apostles with special gifts. b. Others were made prophets to teach the Lord’s truths. c. Evangelists were involved in preaching the gospel to the saved (2Tim. 4:5; 1Tim.4:6) and to the lost (2Tim. 2:25). d. Still others served the churches as pastors and teachers.

10. 10 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Teaching the family of God effectively would: a. Equip the saints for the work of ministry. b. Edify the body of Christ. c. Nurture the disciples until they came to the unity of the faith. d. Promote growth that would replicate the fullness of Christ’s image. e. Protect immature disciples from the dangers of their immaturity.

11. 11 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Teaching the family of God effectively would: f. Encourage every family member to become a teacher of the truth. 1. The ultimate goal for “we all” (vs. 13) was to develop into a fully grown spiritual body. 2. That goal would be reached when this immature body had “grown up” in every segment of the spiritual life.

12. 12 Ephesians - Christ and the Church Chapter Four... Verses 1-16 - The Church - God’s Functional Family Teaching the family of God effectively would: f. Encourage every family member to become a teacher of the truth. 3. Being “joined together” was the key to success as the early saints attempted to grow into the image of Christ.