Ephesians by Ryan Lowery (2015)

In the opening of the book of Ephesians, the author Paul communicates the fundamental truths for spiritual growth. The focus is on the meaning of predestination, free choice, God's omniscience, and the spiritual blessings we receive as children of God.

The author Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus to grow in their understanding of God. First, that they understand the hope or conviction of his calling. Secondly, that they recognize the rich inheritance they are for the Lord. And finally, that they see the greatness of his power. Paul prays that through a greater understanding of these things the Ephesians will increase in their confidence in God's promises.

This teaching outlines the opportunity we have to receive Christ and walk with God. As a Christian, we are no longer defined by our sin and selfishness but instead can choose to follow God's leadership for our lives.

The Author Paul gives the first command so far in the book of Ephesians - that the people would remember who they were before their relationship with God. It was God's intention to unite all people by first showing the world who he was through the nation of Israel. Now God intends to show the world who he is through the love of his people. When believers go out into our world we too need to remember our lives before we knew God.

The author Paul encourages the Ephesians not to lose heart despite circumstances. He ruminates on his own circumstances (being imprisoned) and emphasizes his confidence in God's plan. The teaching focuses on the fulfilled mystery of Christ and how God's plan has been consistent from the beginning; this can assure us of God's purpose despite our circumstances.

Paul stands strong in his faith despite his circumstances. He is imprisoned yet confident that God is powerful and his mission to spread the love of Christ will continue. Paul's focus on eternity and God's promises help him recognize his circumstances are temporary. This challenges us on how we tend to deal with our difficult circumstances. Often we seek sympathy or try to disconnect from our problems rather than focusing on eternity and God's strength.

Paul calls for the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of God. This means living confidently in God's love and grace as opposed to trying to earn God's love or forgiveness. This teaching features a three minute sound clip from the movie "Saving Private Ryan".

Paul calls on the Ephesians to recognize their new identity because of the grace they have received from God. People have a tendency to want to be their own god and rule their own lives rather than honor their identity of being an eternal child of God. In a secondary passage, Romans 7, Paul expresses his frustration with his old self and the enslaving habits of sin.

Paul continues to expound on the new self by calling on the Ephesians to be others-focused. Paul speaks to anger, bitterness, selfishness, and finally to our basis for forgiving others, Christ himself. If love is to transform us in the manner God intends, we are to respond to our emotions in a selfless way and seek peace and restoration in relationships.

Paul outlines how the transforming love of God should affect the behavior of those following Him. This teaching touches on sexuality, materialism, and coarse speech. Our behavior in these areas can be transformed by the love of God so that we think of others before ourselves.

Speech is a primary topic of Ephesians 4 & 5. Speech is powerful and can have dramatic effects on our lives to build up or cast down. As believers we are called to encourage and admonish one another according to God's will.

This passage speaks to the roles set out by God for a good marriage. Men and women are prescribed different roles according to Paul. This teaching examines those roles, primarily leadership and respect, and what impact those have on the family when played out as God intended.

Paul gives instruction to the church regarding parenting. Both this passage and Colossians 3 indicate the importance of a balance between discipline, healthy boundaries, and love. Biblical parenting is counter cultural and might be met with criticism, but the instructions from the Bible help establish healthy families based on the loving intentions of God rather than the trends of culture.

This controversial passage addresses slaves and masters but is also generalized to employees and superiors. There is a temptation to prioritize career and success rather than God and relationships. While we are responsible to glorify God in our work we are called to prioritize according to what God says is most important rather than our cultural trend to worship career.

Paul explains spiritual warfare and this teaching focuses primarily on biblical teaching concerning God's adversary (Satan). Satan's goal is to get humanity to forsake God and worship ourselves. Our cultural representation of Satan is inaccurate and belittling. A clear understanding of Satan and the world system prepares us to recognize Satan's schemes.

Paul explains spiritual warfare through the imagery of a soldier's armor. He describes 1) The belt of truth, 2) The breastplate of righteousness, 3) Feet prepared for the Gospel, 4) The shield of faith, 5) The helmet of salvation, and 6) the sword of the Spirit. This is how we have been equipped to battle Satan.