The Ephesian Letter
Ephesians 1:15-23

Introduction:

1. There is much to learn from this letter to the Ephesian brethren
2. Paul help established the church here Acts 18:19
   1. Aquilla and Priscilla left to continue
   2. Paul returned and stayed about 3 years Acts 19:1,10; 20:31
3. Paul begins by speaking of their blessing thru Christ 1:3-14
   1. Chosen 3-6
   2. Redeemed 7-10
   3. Inheritance 11-14
4. He then offers prayer that they would increase 1:15-23
5. Look this morning at the teaching given to help them increase

Discussion:

I. You Are Changed 2:1-22

1. You are made alive 2:1-10
   1. By God who
      1. "made us alive" (quickened KJV) 5
      2. "raised us up" 6
      3. "made us sit together in the heavenly places" 6
   2. Thru baptism Col 2:11-13
      1. Buried with Christ, then raised with Him Col 2:12; Rom 6:3-6
      2. Our trespasses were all forgiven Col 2:13; Acts 2:38; 22:16
   3. We are His workmanship created to good works Col 2:12
   4. We have truly become "a new creation"! 2Cor 5:17
   5. Not just save, but create people diligent good works! Tit 2:11-14
      1. "be ready for every good work" Tit 3:1
      2. "be careful to maintain good works" Tit 3:8
      3. "learn to maintain good works" Tit 3:14
2. Once were Gentiles Christ made both one 2:11-22
   1. Now fellow citizens - let's live accordingly! Rom 14:16-19
   2. Members of the household of God - let's behave and treat each other as the family of God! 1Tim 3:15; 5:1-2
   3. A holy temple in the Lord - let's be careful not to profane God's holy habitation! 1Cor 3:16-17; 6:19-20
3. Changed by the Gospel revealed to the Gentiles by Paul 3:1-21
4. Paul's continues his prayer for the church 3:14-21
   1. That they be strengthened by the Spirit of God 16
   2. So they can comprehend the love of Christ 18
   3. And thus be filled with all the fullness of God 19

II. Walk Worthy 4:1-6:9

1. Of your calling (vocation KJV) 4:1-16
   1. Called to be saints 1Cor 1:2,9
   2. Called by God thru the Gospel 1Thess 2:11-14
   3. Holy, Heavenly calling 2Tim 1:9; Heb 3:1-2
   4. Can be lost 2Pet 1:3,10
2. Walk differently 4:17-5:20
   1. Without corruption 4:17-31
      1. Alienated thru ignorance 18
      2. Put off old - Put on new 22-24
      3. Put off lying - Speak truth 25
      4. Put off anger - Forgive quickly 26
      5. Steal no more - Give to poor 28
      6. End corrupt communication - Speak unto edification 29
   2. With love 4:32-5:7
      1. Don't commit wrong against your brother
      2. God will hold it against you 5:5-6
   3. In light 5:8-14
      1. Walk in the light 1John 1:7
      2. As children of light 8
      3. Light makes manifest evil 13
   4. As wise 5:15-20
      1. With understanding 17
      2. Teaching one another 19
3. Walk in submission 5:21-6:9
   1. In the church 21
   2. In the family 22-6:4
   3. On the job 5-9

III. Stand 6:10-20

1. Stand against 6:10-13
2. Stand in 6:14-17
   1. Truth 14
   2. Righteousness 14
   3. Gospel 15
   4. Faith 16
   5. Salvation 17
3. Stand with the Word and Prayer 6:18-20

Conclusion:

1. What about you? Have you been called by the Gospel? Changed by obedience to the Gospel?
2. If so? Are you walking worthy? Do you stand firm against error, in the things of God, with the Gospel and prayer?
3. If not why not correct that today while you have time?