Nandor Bezeczki

Author: Stephen Weller
41 Lessons
26,206 words, 139 minutes read time

Table of Contents

Ephesians – The Church: The Body of Christ

Ephesians – The Church: The Body of Christ

Introduction to Ephesians

BibleProject – Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Context for Ephesians

Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul the Apostle while he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome around AD 60–62. The letter was sent to believers in the city of Ephesus, one of the most important cities in the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was a wealthy commercial center, famous for its pagan worship, especially the temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. The city was deeply influenced by idolatry, magic practices, and Roman culture, making it a challenging place for Christians to live faithfully.

Paul had previously spent significant time ministering in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). Through his preaching, many people turned from idols to Christ, and the gospel spread throughout the surrounding region. Opposition also arose because the growth of Christianity threatened the local economy connected to idol worship. Because of this background, the Ephesian believers needed encouragement to remain strong in their faith and united in Christ.

The letter emphasizes God’s eternal plan of redemption through Jesus Christ and explains the spiritual blessings believers possess in Him. Paul teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not by human works. He also stresses the unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body, the church, breaking down former divisions through Christ’s sacrifice. The first half of the letter focuses on doctrine and the believer’s position in Christ, while the second half emphasizes practical Christian living, calling believers to walk in holiness, love, wisdom, and spiritual strength.

A major theme throughout Ephesians is the church as the body of Christ. Paul explains that believers are being built together into a spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit. The letter concludes with the well-known teaching about the armor of God, reminding Christians that they are engaged in spiritual warfare and must stand firm in the strength of the Lord.

Major Themes in Ephesians

1. The Believer’s Position in Christ

One of the central themes of Ephesians is the believer’s spiritual identity and blessings in Jesus Christ. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that believers are “in Christ,” meaning they are united with Him through faith. Because of this union, Christians have redemption, forgiveness, adoption, grace, and an eternal inheritance.

Key Verses:

2. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Paul clearly teaches that salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace and not human effort. Humanity is spiritually dead in sin, but God brings life through Christ.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 2:1–10

Major Emphases:

Humanity’s sinful condition
God’s mercy and love
Salvation as a gift
Good works as the result of salvation, not the cause

3. The Unity of the Church

Ephesians presents the church as one body made up of both Jews and Gentiles united in Christ. Through Jesus, barriers of hostility are removed, creating one new people of God.

Key Verses:

Major Emphases:

One body
One Spirit
One faith
Peace and reconciliation in Christ

4. The Church as the Body of Christ

Paul describes the church as the living body of Christ with Jesus as the head. Every believer has a role in helping the body mature and grow spiritually.

Key Verses:

Major Emphases:

Spiritual gifts
Ministry and service
Spiritual maturity
Growth in love and truth

5. God’s Eternal Plan and Sovereignty

Ephesians reveals God’s eternal purpose to bring all things together in Christ. Salvation and the church are not accidental developments but part of God’s plan from eternity.

Key Verses:

Major Emphases:

God’s sovereignty
Predestination and election
The mystery of Christ revealed
God’s glory displayed through the church

6. Spiritual Transformation and Holy Living

Believers are called to live differently from the world. Paul contrasts the old sinful life with the new life in Christ and urges Christians to walk in holiness, love, wisdom, and light.

Key Verses:

Major Emphases:

Putting off the old self
Renewing the mind
Walking in love
Walking in wisdom
Living by the Spirit

7. Love

Love is a dominant theme throughout Ephesians. God’s love is seen in salvation, Christ’s sacrifice, unity within the church, and relationships among believers.

Key Verses:

Major Emphases:

God’s love for believers
Christ’s sacrificial love
Love within the church
Love within the family

8. Spiritual Warfare

Paul concludes the letter by teaching believers about the reality of spiritual conflict. Christians must stand firm against spiritual evil using the armor of God.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 6:10–18

Major Emphases:

The reality of spiritual battle
Satan’s opposition
Dependence on God’s strength
Prayer and perseverance
The armor of God

9. Christian Relationships and Submission

Ephesians teaches that faith in Christ transforms human relationships. Paul addresses marriage, family life, and work relationships with Christ-centered principles.

Key Verses:

Ephesians 5:22–6:9

Major Emphases:

Mutual submission
Husbands loving sacrificially
Wives respecting their husbands
Children obeying parents
Fathers nurturing children
Integrity in work relationships

10. The Glory of God

Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes that God’s work in salvation and the church ultimately exists for His glory.

Key Verses:

Major Emphasis:

God’s redemptive work displays His wisdom, grace, power, and glory forever.

Chapter 1 – Our Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Bible Lessons

Paul opens with praise for God’s eternal plan: believers are chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. He then prays that they would grasp the hope, riches, and resurrection power available to them in Christ, who is exalted as head over all things for the Church.

1.1 Introduction to Ephesians

In modern times some have challenged Paul as the author of Ephesians, but there are sound reasons to believe that Paul is the author: (1) The letter explicitly claims to be Paul’s (1:1; 3:1), (2) The style of writing is Paul’s, and (3) It would be extremely odd for someone other than Paul to write so forcefully that his readers should “speak the truth” and “put away falsehood” (4:15, 25) in a letter that was deceptively forged! It is also clear that the letter was written to the churches in Ephesus and the surrounding region.

The letter was written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome around A.D. 62. It has two main themes: (1) The reconciliation of all creation by Christ to himself and God and (2) The uniting of people from all nations by Christ to himself and to one another in his church. This work was accomplished by the sovereign will and power of the triune God – Father, Son, and Spirit.

Unlike Paul’s earlier letters, that addressed specific problems, there was no problem at Ephesus that prompted this letter. He wanted them to know that he was in confinement in a prison in Rome. “It is highly possible that Ephesians was written primarily to ex-pagan Christians who had made their way out of a pagan past but needed to be taught why and how (in that order) to live for Christ and to the Jewish Christians there in Ephesus to explain to them the mystery (1:8, 3:3,9) of God’s including the Gentiles into the family of faith.” (See Link) “The letter declares that the Christian mystery (gospel) of salvation, first revealed to the Apostles, is the source of true wisdom (perhaps an indirect repudiation of Gnostic claims to esoteric knowledge of the supernatural) and that salvation through Christ is offered to Jews and Gentiles alike. The writer affirms that there is but “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (4:5–6), who united all things in Christ, through whose death all humans are redeemed. The author exhorts his readers—parents and children, masters and slaves—to lead exemplary Christian lives and to arm themselves with the “shield of faith,” “the helmet of salvation,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (6:16–17), in order to resist the wiles of the devil.” (See Link)

For information on the ancient city of Ephesus, please refer to the introduction to Ephesians in the ESV Study Bible, pages 2258 – 2259.

Not having negative issues to deal with in Ephesus gives the letter a pervasively positive tone.

1.2 Ephesians 1:1-2, Paul’s Greeting

^1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: ²Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1 – 2 RSV)

In the previous lesson we introduced the letter Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus. In this letter we will cover his greeting to them.

Paul, referring to himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, emphasizes that his authority is equal to those of the original who were chosen by Jesus Christ as shown by Matthew 10:1 – 7, Acts 1:24 – 26, and Galatians 1:1. The Galatians verse includes Paul. To be an apostle it was essential that they had seen Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 1:22; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:7 – 9). These apostles established the church and governed it under Jesus Christ. They had the authority to speak and write the words of God as did those in the Old Testament (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Corinthians 13:3; Galatians 1:8 – 9; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:15; 2 Peter 3:2; 3:15 – 16). Paul was called to be an apostle as he traveled to Damascus (cf. Acts 9; 22; 26; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8 – 9; Galatians 1:13 – 17). With Paul headed to Damascus to round up Christians and ending up being one when he arrived, clearly was the will and act of God.

Paul is writing to the saints who were in Ephesus, those who by grace through faith were born again, and who are found faithful in Christ Jesus. To be faithful is to be steadfast in affection or allegiance. Our faithfulness is a commitment to adhere to the One God who is true and supreme and to keep His commandments.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. Grace is generous, free, and totally unexpected and undeserved. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 ESV). Grace came through Jesus Christ (See John 1:17). It is by his grace that we are justified (See Romans 3:24). We think of the kindness of God’s grace in all that he has done for us and continues to do for us.

Biblical peace is more that the absence of conflict. It includes completeness, soundness, wholeness, and welfare. Peace is taking action to restore a broken relationship. Peace is a characteristic of God’s love (See Galatians 5:22). The peace of God surpasses all understanding, and it will guard our hearts and minds (See Philippians 4:6 – 7). This peace that is beyond understanding is available from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. It is available to born again believers.

This brings us to the end of Paul’s greeting which is shorter than normal and leads us to a study of the spiritual blessings we have in Jesus Christ.

1.3 Ephesians 1:3-10, Chosen

^1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:3 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered Paul’s greeting to believers in Ephesus. In this lesson we begin a study of the spiritual blessings we have in Jesus Christ.

In the Greek, verses 3 to 14 form one long sentence and contains seven important truths concerning our salvation: (1) Chosen, v. 4, (2) Adopted, v. 5, (3) Graced, v. 6, (4) Redeemed, vs. 7 – 8, (5) Knowledge of the mystery, vs. 9 – 10, (6) Received an inheritance, v. 11, and (7) Sealed with the Spirit, vs. 13 – 14.

As believers we, through being born spiritually, have a third father. 1 John 3:10 identifies two kinds of children and two fathers: (1) children of God who practice righteousness and (2) children of the devil who do not practice righteousness. The third father is our earthly father. The eternal God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through his death and resurrection made it possible for God to be our father. It is this God and Father that we who are in Christ are to bless or praise. To be in Christ is described in John 15 to be like a branch that is attached to a vine and draws life from it and bears fruit to God’s glory (See 15:4 – 5).

We bless God because he has done something for us, like providing for our salvation, eternal life, and the presence of the Spirit within us. We bless God with our words of thanks and praise, and he blesses us with acts of kindness. The statement, “who has blessed us” suggest his blessing was past and present. There will surely be blessings also in heaven. What Paul is saying in verse 3 is that we as believers have many operating assets from God for the present and we need to take ownership of these and use them in serving him to produce results that have eternal outcomes.

This brings us to the first of seven important truths about our salvation, “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” We should always give thanks to God because he chose us to be saved (See Thessalonians 2:13). Even when we were dead in our trespasses, God made us alive together with Christ (See Ephesians 2:5). “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).

What was true during the time of Moses when God chose a people for himself is true today. He has chosen us as a people holy to him. We were chosen to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the people who are on the face of the earth (See Deuteronomy 7:6). We are treasured because it cost him the sacrifice of his Son to redeem us. As his chosen people, we were not called for impurity, but in holiness.

We will break here and then look at the second important truth in the next lesson.

1.4 Ephesians 1:5-10, Predestined for Adoption

In love ^1:5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:5 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we managed to cover the first important truth concerning our salvation. From Ephesians we will be looking at seven in total, which are: (1) Chosen, v. 4, (2) Adopted, v. 5, (3) Graced, v. 6, (4) Redeemed, vs. 7 – 8, (5) Knowledge of the mystery, vs. 9 – 10, (6) Received an inheritance, v. 11, and (7) Sealed with the Spirit, vs. 13 – 14. In this lesson we will cover adoption.

There are two important truths contained in verse 5: (1) predestined and (2) adoption. In Romans 8:29 – 30, Paul lists five words related to this same topic of salvation. Those words were: foreknowledge, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. God foreknew who he was going to choose for salvation and those chosen he predestined to be adopted to himself as sons and daughters. Before that adoption can happen, God has a date in history chosen when the person will be born physically and born spiritually because of being justified through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When God predestines someone, it means that he previously ordained or appointed that person to some position and would one day cause it to happen. In verse 5 that position would be the person becoming a son or daughter of God. A beautiful example of that process was Paul. On the road to Damascus with the arrest, imprisonment, and possible murder of believers on Paul’s mind and in his heart, God stops him and informs him that he has been chosen to be his and to disciple the ones he wants to destroy, making him one of them. In the beginning, God had predestined Paul to be adopted as a son through Jesus Christ. This was clearly not Paul’s will when he left Jerusalem with letters for Jewish leaders in Damascus to help him round up believers. It was God’s will to choose Paul for salvation and for adoption as a son for himself. It was not my will that I would become a believer and one day go to China as a missionary and then one day begin my journey of writing bible lessons over the New Testament.

God has a sovereign will and he has a plan he is in the process of executing. As Satan attempts to draw all humans to himself to worship him and not God, God is in the process of taking some from him and causing them to be born again to populate the kingdom of God, to enjoy his love and the kindness of his grace for an eternity.

In this context, election and predestination refers to God’s decision to save some and allow the rest to die in their sin. Justice demands their death based on the command given to Adam. But God being rich in mercy chose to save some through the death of his Son. In this God exercises the purpose of his will in that he cannot be restrained by any outside force. His will is to pour out his grace and goodness on those he chose in Jesus Christ.

1.5 Ephesians 1:5-6, Graced

In the previous lesson we looked at the idea of God predestining certain people for adoption to himself as sons or daughters through his Son Jesus Christ. This to be done according to the purpose of his will. In this lesson we will look further as the purpose of God’s will in doing this.

Basically, verse 1:5 is about our redemption but that is not his ultimate purpose. Our redemption is for our benefit, but through our redemption God has a purpose for himself. He provides something we desperately needed, our salvation, but in return he wants something from us. It cost God the sacrifice of his Son and he expects something in return on his investment.

God raised us up from the miry clay of our sin and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (See Ephesians 2:6) and from that position we are to offer up praise of his glorious grace. Having been crucified with Christ we are now to allow him to live his life through us (See Galatians 2:20) to the praise of his glorious grace. Natural man desires to seek glory for himself but as believers we are to seek to honor God through our service to him and through our praise and thanksgiving for the outpouring of his love and grace into our lives.

To be “in the Beloved” means that we have been placed or baptized into Christ. We have put on Christ (See Galatians 3:27) through being born spiritually. Through faith we have been justified or made right before God. Being in Christ the Beloved, God sees us as though he is seeing Christ and there, we are in a position to receive his blessings, the kindness of his grace.

We need to backup and look at the phrase “to the praise of his glorious grace” from which comes our word “graced.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 ESV). It was because of God’s grace that he chose us and placed us in Christ the beloved. “[We] were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13 ESV). That act of our salvation is an expression of God’s grace and his sovereign will.

Of the seven truths we are covering concerning our salvation, we have now covered the first three: chosen, adopted, and graced. In the next lesson we will cover the fourth, which is redeemed, which is found in 1:7 – 8.

1.6 Ephesians 1:7-10, Redemption and a Mystery

^1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the third truth which was “graced.” In this lesson we will look at redemption and the knowledge of the mystery.

To “redeem” is to ransom (to rescue) someone from captivity or from slavery. The best example in the Old Testament was the exodus of God’s people from slavery in Egypt. This rescue is expressed in Exodus 15:13 ESV: “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.”; in Deuteronomy 7:8 ESV: “but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”; in 2 Samuel 7:23 ESV: “And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods?”; and in Micah 6:4 ESV: “For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”

The best example in the New Testament is the exodus of God’s people from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (See Colossians 1:13). Egypt paid an enormous price in the release of God’s people and in the exodus from the domain of darkness, from the slavery of sin and death, there was an enormous price paid by God. The Son of God was sent to earth to take on a body of human flesh through a virgin birth and then as the Son of Man, Jesus Christ lived a perfect life qualifying as our Passover Lamb who took our sin and went to the cross and died in our place and through that death he justified us (made us right before God) and redeemed us from the curse of the law and released us from the bondage of sin and death.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22 ESV) and thus the blood of Jesus Christ was required for God to forgive us of our sin. God could have allowed justice to unfold and allow all of humanity to die in its sin with no hope of rescue or he out of his love could provide a way to show mercy and lavish his grace upon us. God chose to sacrifice his Son so that we could experience salvation.

God had given a command to Adam and if he failed to obey it, he and all his offspring would experience death. God knew he would fail (his insight) and in “all wisdom” he had a plan for our salvation which was a “mystery of his will” that would take time before it could be understood. God had a purpose in his plan, “which he set forth in Christ.” When the time was right, Jesus Christ arrives on the scene and through his death and resurrection, he sets into motion the awesome reconciliation of all “things in heaven and things on earth,” beginning with our redemption.

For God to demonstrate his love and grace he needed a people dead in their sin that require the unspeakable sacrifice of his Son. What greater love is there than for one to sacrifice his life for the need of his enemy (See John 15:13)? The cost of this demonstration was the sacrifice of God’s Son and the cost of a countless number of souls that will spend an eternity in hell, but out of this, God is redeeming a people that will experience his love and the kindness of his grace for an eternity.

1.7 Ephesians 1:11-14, Inheritance and Sealed

^1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹²so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ¹³In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the meaning of redemption and how the plan of salvation was a mystery that was not understood until the coming of Jesus Christ. In this lesson we will look at the last two important truth, from our list of seven, which is our inheritance and being sealed with the Spirit.

From Ephesians 1:4 – 14, we listed seven truths concerning our salvation, which are: (1) Chosen, v. 4, (2) Adopted, v. 5, (3) Graced, v. 6, (4) Redeemed, vs. 7 – 8, (5) Knowledge of the mystery, vs. 9 – 10, (6) Received an inheritance, v. 11, and (7) Sealed with the Spirit, vs. 13 – 14.

There is a difference of opinion about the meaning of “obtained an inheritance” with some thinking that it relates to God claiming a portion of the people for himself (See Deuteronomy 4:20; 32:9). With the coming of Jesus Christ and his work on the cross, God has claimed a people who are born again as his. In that sense we are his inheritance. Since we are in Christ, we have an inheritance as described in 1 Peter: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3 – 5 ESV).

Having been predestined points back to verse 1:5 where we were predestined to be adopted as his sons and daughters. Going back to our study of Romans, in Romans 8:29 (ESV) we read: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” In verses 29 – 30, we found five important words: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. These five words represent five acts of God in the process of providing, according to his will, our salvation. The inheritance that is waiting for us is part of that work of God.

“We who were the first to hope in Christ” refers to early church believers. They were the first fruit of all who were to follow them. As we mentioned in our study of 1:6, God provided our redemption and in return he looks to our response of praising his glory.

When those who are chosen, hear “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” there is a response of faith and as we believe in him, we are born spiritually and as evidence of that we “are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” This being sealed can mean one of two things: (1) It can mean that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves us until we receive our inheritance, or (2) It can mean that he certifies that we have been accepted by God. In our context of “inheritance” it seems that the first view is more relevant here, as Paul says, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” When we see our inheritance and for the first time fully realize what it is we will not be able to restrain ourselves from offering up praise to his glory.

1.8 Some Personal Thoughts

In the previous lesson we looked at the last two items in our list of seven. In this lesson I would like to make some comments about the seven items in our list and look back to Romans 8:29 – 30 one more time.

As we worked our way through Ephesians 1:3 – 14, I kept thinking back to Romans 8:29 – 30 and the five words that describe God’s acts in our salvation. The five words that clearly stand out there are: foreknew (or foreknowledge), predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Those words express a clear progression in the process of our salvation.

Before the foundations of the world were laid, God knew Adam would disobey his command, resulting in a fallen human race. In his wisdom, God had a plan of salvation which included the selection of certain persons for salvation according to his sovereign will. That foreknowledge led to God predestining the outcome of those he chose. During a particular time in history, God called to life each one chosen, first to physical life and then to spiritual life. Since those called were dead in their sin, provision had to be made through the sacrifice of God’s Son to provide a robe of righteousness (See Isaiah 61:10) to justify them (to make them acceptable) before God. Then the final step in our salvation is the promise of being glorified.

Finishing Ephesians 1:3 – 14, I am not pleased with my structure around the seven words of truth concerning our salvation. In hindsight, I wish that I had selected the following six words: chose (1:4), predestined (1:5), redemption (1:7), forgiveness (1:7), inheritance (1:11), and sealed (1:13). Like the words from Romans, these six describe acts of God in our salvation.

From out of the mass of human history, God would choose a remanent for himself, and those chosen he predestined (determined beforehand) that he would conform them to the image of his Son (See Romans 8:29). This act of conforming first required those chosen, who were spiritually dead in their sin, to be born spiritually. Currently they were clothed with garments of self-righteousness which needed to be replaced with garments of salvation and covered with an outer garment, the robe of righteousness (See Isaiah 61:10). To accomplish that required the sacrifice of God’s Son. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ not only provided for our redemption, but it also made provision for God to forgive our sin. As part of our salvation is God’s promise of an inheritance as described in 1 Peter (See 1 Peter 1:3 – 5). As a guarantee that we would receive that inheritance, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

From these two lists of words, I have selected three that I use in my morning prayer. Those three words are: choosing, causing, and adopting. “Father, thank you for “choosing” me and “causing” me to be born again and then “adopting” me into your family as a child of yours.”

As I close this note, my prayer is “Father, thank you for so loving the world that you were willing to sacrifice your Son for our salvation.” God did not need to do that but because of his love for us he did.

1.9 Ephesians 1:15-19, Hope and Riches

^1:19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:19 – 23 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the first part of Paul’s prayer. In this lesson we will finish his prayer.

This power of God that is directed toward us who believe is described as immeasurable and was used by God in the work he did “in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (1:20). God raised Jesus Christ up, losing the pangs of death because it was not possible for him to be held by it (See Acts 2:24). God’s power raised him up and exalted him at the right hand of God (See Acts 2:33) and there in heaven at the right hand of God, angels, authorities, and powers have been subject to him (See 1 Peter 3:22). It was God’s great power that accomplished this, and there will be a similar demonstration of power when man is renewed and exalted to the high honor of being made an heir with God.

With Jesus Christ seated at God’s right hand in heaven, he is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (1:21). Paul is laboring for words to express the highest conceivable position of dignity and honor and glory. God uses this same power in raising up the sinner from death of sin to the life of honor of believing. In being “far above” means “high above” or “greatly exalted.” Jesus Christ was not merely “above” the ranks of the heavenly beings, as the head, he was not even one of their own rank, but he was placed above them. He was infinitely exalted over them, as of different rank and dignity. This would not be possible if Jesus was only a man. Jesus Christ was truly Man and truly God and he was exalted above all. There is no other name that is named greater than “Jesus Christ,” not only in this age but also in the one to come. He is Supreme above all.

In that lofty position, all things are then placed under his feet as prophesied in Psalm 8:6 ESV: “You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.” This is fulfilled by Jesus Christ exaltation over all creation and as his head over the church. Paul mentions this role of authority in 1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV: “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”

When I think of the human body, I can see it in different ways. One of those ways is to see it as a collection of various parts, as Paul did when he spoke of the eye, the head, and the feet in 1 Corinthians 12:21. The body of Christ is described to have many members or parts (See 1 Corinthians 12:20) and each one of these members contains the Holy Spirit (See Romans 8:9). He is the power that binds us together into one body. Christ and the Spirit are God with Christ in authority over the Spirit. In Creation the Father made plans, Christ spoke those plans, and the Spirit produced. Christ is the head of the body and has connection to each member through the Spirit. In that sense one can say, “Christ in us.” Christ can speak and the Spirit prompts the appropriate members into action. Members of the body can respond back through the Spirit to Christ the head. What a beautiful and marvelous unity this body will be in bringing members, the Spirit, and Christ together is such expressions of love, worship, and service.

Both Paul and John speak of this fullness. In Ephesians 3:19 ESV: “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”; and in John 1:16 ESV: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

“Who fills all in all” suggest that there is no place where he is not, and which he does not fill. This is thus an expression denoting the omnipresence of Christ.

1.10 Ephesians 1:19-23, Power

In the previous lesson we looked at the first part of Paul’s prayer. In this lesson we will finish his prayer.

“Who fills all in all” suggest that there is no place where he is not, and which he does not fill. This is thus an expression denoting the omnipresence of Christ.

Questions with Answers

1. What does Paul reveal about the believer’s identity in Christ in Ephesians 1:1–2?

Answer:

Paul begins by addressing the believers as “saints” and “faithful in Christ Jesus.” This immediately establishes identity before instruction. A saint is not someone who has reached perfection, but someone who has been set apart by God for His purposes. Believers are holy because they belong to Christ, not because of personal achievement.

The phrase “in Christ” is one of the most important expressions in Ephesians. It means the believer’s entire spiritual position is found in union with Jesus Christ. Our acceptance, righteousness, inheritance, and hope are not based on ourselves but on Him. Paul also offers grace and peace; grace being God’s unearned favor and peace being reconciliation with God and inner spiritual rest.

This reminds us that Christianity begins with who we are in Christ before it moves to what we do for Christ.

2. What spiritual blessings has God given believers according to Ephesians 1:3?

Answer:

Paul declares that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” This means believers already possess the full riches of salvation. These blessings are spiritual rather than merely material, eternal rather than temporary, and heavenly rather than earthly.

These blessings include election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, revelation, inheritance, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of future glory. Paul emphasizes that these blessings are already ours because of Christ’s finished work.

This truth changes how we pray and live. We are not trying to earn God’s favor; we live from the position of already being blessed. Gratitude replaces striving, and confidence replaces insecurity.

3. What does it mean that believers were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)?

Answer:

Paul teaches that God chose believers in Christ before creation itself. This reveals the eternal nature of God’s saving plan. Salvation was not God’s reaction to human sin; it was part of His eternal purpose.

The purpose of this choosing was that believers should be “holy and blameless before Him in love.” Election is not merely about privilege—it is about transformation. God chooses people so they may reflect His holiness and live for His glory.

This truth should produce humility rather than pride. No believer can boast in salvation because salvation begins with God’s gracious initiative. It also gives great assurance, because our salvation rests in God’s eternal purpose rather than unstable human effort.

4. What does adoption mean in Ephesians 1:5, and why is it significant?

Answer:

Paul says believers are “predestined unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.” Adoption means believers are brought into God’s family with full rights as sons and daughters.

In Roman culture, adoption carried legal permanence and inheritance rights. The adopted child was fully accepted into the new family and treated as a rightful heir. Paul uses this idea to show that believers are not merely forgiven servants; they are welcomed children.

This means Christians can approach God as Father with confidence, love, and security. Adoption removes fear and replaces it with belonging. We are not spiritual outsiders trying to gain entrance; we are family members with full access to the Father through Christ.

5. What is the meaning of redemption through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 1:7)?

Answer:

Redemption refers to being purchased and set free. In biblical language, it often refers to the release of slaves by the payment of a price. Paul says that believers have redemption through the blood of Christ.

The price of our freedom was the sacrificial death of Jesus. His blood represents His life given in our place. Through that sacrifice, we receive forgiveness of sins according to the riches of God’s grace.

This shows both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of grace. Sin required the death of Christ; forgiveness is never cheap. Yet grace is abundant, overflowing, and sufficient. Redemption means we are no longer slaves to sin, guilt, or condemnation—we belong to Christ.

6. What is the “mystery of His will” mentioned in Ephesians 1:9–10?

Answer:

The mystery Paul describes is God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ. In Scripture, a mystery is not something impossible to understand, but something once hidden and now revealed by God.

That mystery is that God’s plan of redemption centers in Christ and reaches beyond individual salvation to the restoration of all creation. Christ is the center of history, and all things in heaven and earth will ultimately be brought under His rightful rule.

This gives believers a grand view of salvation. Christianity is not just about personal forgiveness—it is about God restoring the universe under the lordship of Jesus. This truth gives hope in a broken world because history is moving toward Christ’s final reign.

7. What does it mean to have obtained an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11)?

Answer:

Paul says believers have obtained an inheritance according to God’s purpose. This inheritance includes eternal life, the kingdom of God, resurrection glory, and everlasting fellowship with God.

An inheritance is something secured by family relationship, not earned by labor. Because believers are adopted children of God, they are heirs with Christ. God Himself is also described as our inheritance, meaning our greatest reward is not merely heaven but the presence of God forever.

This truth encourages perseverance. Present suffering is temporary, but eternal inheritance is secure. Christians live not merely for present comfort but for future glory prepared by God.

8. What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14)?

Answer:

Paul teaches that after hearing and believing the gospel, believers were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. A seal in the ancient world represented ownership, authenticity, and security.

The Holy Spirit marks believers as belonging to God. He is evidence that salvation is real and that God’s promises are certain. Paul also calls the Spirit the “earnest” or guarantee of our inheritance, meaning He is the down payment of future glory.

This means salvation is not fragile or uncertain. The Spirit assures believers that they belong to God and that future redemption will be completed. His presence brings conviction, comfort, guidance, and confidence in daily life.

9. Why does Paul pray for spiritual wisdom and revelation for believers (Ephesians 1:15–18)?

Answer:

Paul does not pray primarily for physical comfort or material success, but for spiritual understanding. He asks that believers may know God more deeply, have enlightened hearts, and understand their hope, inheritance, and God’s power.

This teaches that spiritual sight is essential for Christian maturity. Many believers possess truth intellectually but need deeper understanding spiritually. Paul desires that truth would move from the mind to the heart.

Real strength comes from knowing God rightly. Spiritual wisdom produces endurance, worship, confidence, and faithful living. The Christian life is strengthened not merely by more information, but by greater illumination from God.

10. What is the significance of Christ being seated at God’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20–23)?

Answer:

Paul describes Christ as raised from the dead and seated at God’s right hand, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion. This position represents supreme authority, victory, and kingship.

Jesus is not merely risen; He reigns. Every earthly power, spiritual authority, and future force is under His lordship. He is head over all things for the church, meaning His authority is exercised for the good of His people.

This gives believers deep confidence. The church does not serve a defeated Savior but a reigning King. No enemy, government, trial, or spiritual power can overturn Christ’s rule. Because He reigns, His people can live with courage, hope, and assurance.

Paul ends by calling the church His body, showing the intimate union between Christ and believers. The exalted Christ is not distant from His people; He fills and sustains them as their living Head.

Chapter 2 – From Death to Life by Grace

Bible Lessons

Paul contrasts the believer’s past spiritual death with new life in Christ, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith and the unity of Jews and Gentiles as one new people in Christ.

2.1 Ephesians 2:1-3, Childres of Wrath

^2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ²in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. (Ephesians 2:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the thanksgiving and prayer of Paul. With this lesson we begin another short section devoted to understanding that our salvation is by grace through faith.

As we might expect this paragraph is one long sentence in the original Greek and is one of my favorites that I often quote from. It begins by describing our sinful condition (2:1 – 3) and then God shows up and some amazing things happen (2:4 – 10).

In Genesis 2:15 – 17, God took man and placed him in the garden of Eden to care for it. In that garden there were trees containing fruit that was good to eat and there was one other tree described as “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” God commanded man not to eat fruit from that tree because if he did, he would surely die. We all know what happened and as a result, we are now dead in our trespasses and sins (See 2:1). As Adam bit into the forbidden fruit, he instantly died spiritually and would die sometime later physically.

Before we became believers, we walked in those trespasses and sins, “following the course of this world.” In that spiritually dead condition, we lack understanding and had no interest to seek for God (See Romans 3:11) and instead we followed the influence of the world, serving the prince of the power of the air which was Satan. He is described as “the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Our father, Adam, was the one who was disobedient and as his offspring we are described as sons of disobedience. These disobedient ones are described in Luke 16:8 as “sons of this world.”

As disobedient sons, we lived “in the passions of our flesh.” These passions are described as desire of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life in 1 John 2:16. They are desires that are forbidden by God. “The desires of the eyes” is when we see something that incites covetousness, jealousy, or sexual lust. “The pride of life” is the desire in every human being to be his or her own god. Arrogance, self-promotion, and greed all stem from the pride of life.” Our focus was to please the desires or lusts of our bodies and minds and as a result we are described as “children of wrath.” This means that we are born into this world, spiritually dead, and under the wrath of God. Peter describes such a person as having “eyes full of adultery, insatiable sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!” (2 Peter 2:14).

We are in a hopeless condition. We are imprisoned by our sin and unless God does something we will remain in that hopeless condition and eventually die physically allowing our souls to enter eternal destruction.

2.2 Ephesians 2:4-10, But God

^2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved, ⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:14 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at our condition before we were saved. In this lesson, God shows up and does some amazing things.

We who were once following “the prince of the power of the air” were by nature “children of wrath” were being escorted into an eternity of existence under the curse of God. We were hopeless, blind to our sinful condition, dead in our sin. But God had a plan and being “rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.”

Being spiritually dead there was absolutely nothing we could do to generate spiritual life. It required God to cause us to be born again and showing mercy from his loving heart towards us, his helpless enemies, he provides us with spiritual life. We see his love to the general population in John 3:16 ESV: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son” as a sacrifice to provide for our salvation. Then out of the general population he chose a people for himself and those he more deeply loved and caused to be born again. Paul speaks of this in Colossians 2:13 – 14 ESV: “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 ESV).

Not only did God make us alive together with Christ, who was raised from the dead, but he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places. First God raised up Jesus Christ and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (See Ephesians 1:19 – 23) and then he raised us up and seated us with him. Why did God do this for us? “So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (2:7).

That immeasurable richness is expressed in Titus 3:4 – 7 ESV: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Paul then summarizes this work of salvation by the statement that we all know so well: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (2:8 – 9). That is what God does, but we must look at 2:10 and see that in exchange for our salvation, we have been assigned work to do. Through spiritual birth by his workmanship, we were created in Christ Jesus for a purpose, which is to serve him out of love and thanksgiving doing the work which he prepared for us to do. At the time God chose us he also assigned to us a work to do for him, and he expects us to do it. Unfortunately, today we seem to be more interested in working for our own benefit and not his.

2.3 Ephesians 2:11-13, Two Definitions

^2:11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands; ¹²remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the outcome of God’s mercy that extended from his great love for us. In this lesson, Paul continues the theme of our being a new creation that he introduced in 2:10.

Therefore, points back to 2:1 – 3 when we were unsaved and living in sin. Paul says to the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they were referred to as “the uncircumcision” by the Jews, who were referred to as “the circumcision” because of being physical circumcised. Paul reminds these Gentiles that “[they] were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (1:12). They who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ are now in Christ Jesus because of belief.

Before going any further, we need to look at two terms Paul used. The first is the “commonwealth of Israel.” There is some difference of opinion on the meaning of this. The name “Israel” reminds me that God first chose the Jewish people for himself, but there was Abraham and to him God gave a promise that from him would be an offspring from which would come a people who would be found among all nations and people groups. That offspring was Jesus Christ and through his death and resurrection came a people that were born again. The Jews sought to obtain righteousness through their works, but through Abraham was established the fact that righteousness was to come from God as a gift of grace. Those who by grace through faith found salvation provided a people for God that extended beyond the Jews to include Gentiles. The context of our passage is about unity that God has established between the Jew and the Gentile and those who are born again are God’s people and referred to as the “commonwealth of Israel.”

Initially, Gentiles were not included among God’s chosen people and thus were alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. That is the second thing we need to look at. What are the “covenants of promise?” “The covenants of promise were those various arrangements which God made with his people, by which he promised them future blessings, and especially by which he promised that the Messiah should come.” (https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/ephesians/2.htm). Paul points out to the Gentiles there in Ephesus that at one time they were strangers to these covenants of promise and left without hope and without God in the world, but because of Christ coming and taking on a body of human flesh through a virgin birth and then living a perfect life under the law, he took our sin and went to the cross and died in our place and in the process he justified us before God and redeemed us from the curse of the law and set us free from the bondage of sin and death. All of what he did is available to those who by grace through faith receive the gift of salvation, and so, those who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ and have a living hope (See 1 Peter 1:3 – 5).

We are going to take a break here and pick up in the next lesson at verse 2:14 as we look at more of what Christ accomplish for us.

2.4 Ephesians 2:14-16, He Is Our Peace

^2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. (Ephesians 2:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the meaning of “the commonwealth of Israel” and “strangers to the covenants of promise.” In this lesson we will look at more of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us.

We ended the previous lesson by covering verse 13: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” In the search for unity between Jews and Gentiles, we find that Jesus Christ is our peace, and it was he who brought us together as one and broke down the dividing wall of hostility.

Originally people were divided into two groups: Jews and Gentiles or Jews and Greeks. Reference to Jews and Gentiles are found in such verses as (Acts 14:5; Romans 3:29; 9:24; 1 Corinthians 1:23), or Jews and Greeks is such verses as (John 7:35; Acts 14:1; 18:4; 19:10; 19:17; 20:21; Romans 3:9; 1 Corinthians 1:22; 1:24; 10:32; 12:13).

Jesus Christ is “our peace” which implies, first peace with God and then peace with others in the church, especially between the Jew and others. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was provided the ability to break down the wall of hostility that existed between Jew and Gentile or Greek, producing unity through spiritual birth, producing a new people created in Christ (See Ephesians 2:16).

Since there is the expression in 2:15 “the law of commandments expressed in ordinances,” the “law” spoken of would refer to the Mosaic law, which included commandments that were used to separate Jews from other people. Jesus Christ came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (cf. Matthew 5:17). By being in Christ we are no longer condemned by the law (See Romans 8:1). That transition from being condemned to not being condemned is well summarized in Hebrews 9:11 – 14 ESV: “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Through what Jesus Christ did, a new man was created in the image of Christ.

“The first man Adam became a living being referred to as the “man of dust,” but the last Adam became a life-giving spirit and we will bear the image of the man of heaven” (See 1 Corinthians 15:45, 49). From that last Adam, as promised to Abraham, came a new race of people who were spiritually alive. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross both Jews and Gentiles were reconciled to God in unity, thereby killing the hostility.

2.5 Ephesians 2:17-22, Made Members of the Household of God

^2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²²In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:17 – 22 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at how Jesus Christ broke down the wall of hostility that existed between man and God and between the Jew and other people. In this lesson we will look at the meaning of Jesus Christ being the cornerstone with the foundation being the prophets and apostles.

Isaiah speaks of “One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” (Isaiah 57:15 ESV). This “One” came in the flesh and preached peace to those who were far off (Gentiles) and those who were near (Jews). It was through Jesus Christ that both became a new creation, enjoying the benefits of redemption. It is through Jesus Christ, as born-again believers, that we have access to the Father through the Spirit who inhabits both Jews and Gentiles. Those who were both near and far off are through Christ no longer strangers and aliens but are now fellow citizens with the saints and are members of the household of God.

As Christians, we must know and be thoroughly convicted of who we are as saints and members of the household of God if we are to live as we should with God. As strangers, we had no understanding of the rights and privileges of members of the household of God. They were foreign to us. As aliens, we were non-citizens and did not enjoy the benefits provided to citizens. It was only citizens who had full protection and rights in the city. Paul was an example of a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia who had rights (See Acts 21:39).

There is some difference of opinion on the meaning of “built on the foundation of apostles and prophets.” The words “foundation” and “cornerstone” suggest a building as a metaphor with the foundation containing two unique parts that relate to prophets and apostle. God used his prophets to establish the Old Testament with the law and the Jews being the focus, but under the surface the elements of grace and faith were being formed with Abraham being the focus. God made a promise to him of a son through whom would come an offspring from which would come a special race of people known as born again believers. Then in the fulness of time, God brought forth his Son in the person of Jesus Christ who chose disciples who became apostles in Acts. With the addition of Paul on the road to Damascus, God had his team to form the New Testament. With the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament, the foundation was established. Old testament law exposed our sin and pointed to the need of a savior. New Testament grace through the work of Jesus Christ provided the needed salvation. The building being formed had a great foundation, but it needed a cornerstone, who God provided through Jesus Christ.

With the foundation in place and Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, the structure was now ready for grace working through faith to establish a holy temple in the Lord in which born again believers are being joined together indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Today we still study the prophets and the apostles, and we go and share the gospel, and God continues to add members to this magnificent holy temple. It is in Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, that we are being built together into a dwelling place for Go by the Spirit. God in the Spirit dwells in each of us and in that way, he dwells in this holy temple made without hands.

ibility to proclaim the gospel. He said in 1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Paul was given an assignment by God, and he had the responsibility to carry it out. Each one of us are a workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (See Ephesians 2:10). Unfortunately, many Christians ignore this assignment and spend time as friends with the world. With this responsibility given to Paul is the power to do the work.

Paul describes himself as “the very least of all the saints,” not as an expression of humility but because he was a persecutor of Christ (See Acts 9:4; 1 Timothy 1:13) and his church before becoming a believer himself. This responsibility, this provision of God’s grace, was to preach to the Gentiles (See Acts 9:15) the unsearchable riches of Christ. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33 ESV). In Ephesians 1:18, Paul speaks of the riches of his “glorious inheritance in the saints” and in Romans 2:4, he speaks of “the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience.” As born-again believers, God has enriched us in so many ways through the kindness of his grace.

Paul’s responsibility included “bringing to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things.” It was God’s plan to use Paul to explain the hidden parts of the gospel that were not understood before that were hidden in God. God had a plan for salvation, but that plan was contained deep within him, to be revealed in pieces at the appropriate times. The addition of “who created all things” at this point is not real clear but I think it is to suggest a parallel. God created all things and as part of salvation we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV). He who created all things will create a new you and me by grace through faith.

These new “creatures in Christ” form what is called the “church.” It was part of God’s plan to use this body of believers to make known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God. The wisdom of God is diverse and applies to all kinds of situations. This wisdom is not limited to us on earth but to also provide understanding for angels who wondered about our salvation. Peter spoke of this in 1 Peter 1:12 ESV: “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”

It was God’s eternal plan that salvation would be “realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It required the Son of God to come to earth and take on a body of flesh and then live a perfect life under the law to qualify as our Passover Lamb who took our sin and went to the cross to die in our place, and through that death he justified us before God and redeemed us from the curse of the law and released us from the bondage of sin and death. Because of this we can come to him with boldness and confidence through faith in him.

Paul is now in prison, not because of anything the Ephesian believers did, but because he was faithful to his calling to take the gospel to Gentiles.

Questions with Answers

1. What does Ephesians 2:1–3 teach about the spiritual condition of humanity before salvation?

Answer:
Ephesians 2 begins with a sobering description of humanity apart from Christ. Paul says believers were once “dead in trespasses and sins.” Spiritual death means separation from God and an inability to restore oneself spiritually. Humanity is not merely weakened by sin but spiritually lifeless apart from God’s intervention. Paul explains that people once followed “the course of this world,” lived under the influence of Satan, and fulfilled sinful desires of the flesh and mind.

This passage reveals that sin affects every part of human life—thoughts, desires, actions, and relationships. It also shows that all people share the same fallen condition regardless of background or status. Paul includes himself by saying “we all once lived” in this way. The passage emphasizes mankind’s desperate need for divine rescue. Salvation is not self-improvement or moral reform alone; it is the giving of spiritual life by God to those who are spiritually dead.

2. Why are the words “But God” in Ephesians 2:4 so important?

Answer:
The phrase “But God” marks one of the greatest turning points in Scripture. After describing the hopeless condition of sinful humanity, Paul shifts attention to God’s mercy, love, and grace. Humanity could not save itself, but God intervened. Salvation begins not with man’s effort but with God’s compassion.

Paul says God is “rich in mercy” and acted because of His “great love.” This reveals God’s character. He does not save because people deserve salvation but because He is merciful and loving. God made believers alive with Christ, raised them up spiritually, and seated them with Christ in heavenly places. These actions demonstrate the completeness of salvation and the believer’s new position in Christ.

The phrase reminds believers that salvation is entirely dependent upon God’s initiative. It gives hope because even the darkest spiritual condition can be transformed by God’s grace.

3. What does it mean to be “saved by grace” in Ephesians 2:8–9?

Answer:
To be saved by grace means salvation is a free gift from God and cannot be earned through human effort. Grace is God’s undeserved favor shown to sinners. Paul clearly teaches that salvation comes “through faith” and “not of works.” No person can achieve righteousness before God through good deeds, religious rituals, morality, or personal merit.

Faith is the means by which believers receive God’s gift of salvation. Even faith itself points back to God’s work and provision. Paul emphasizes this truth so that “no one may boast.” Human pride is excluded because salvation belongs entirely to God.

These verses are foundational to the gospel. They teach that eternal life is not based on human achievement but on Christ’s finished work. Good works are important in the Christian life, but they are the result of salvation rather than the cause of salvation.

4. How does Ephesians 2:10 balance faith and works?

Answer:
After teaching that salvation is not by works, Paul immediately explains the proper place of works in the believer’s life. Believers are “His workmanship,” meaning they are God’s creation, transformed through Christ. Salvation changes people so that they may live differently.

Good works do not produce salvation, but salvation produces good works. God has prepared a path of obedience and service for believers to walk in. This means the Christian life is purposeful. God not only saves people from sin but also calls them to reflect His character through holy living, love, service, and faithfulness.

This verse balances the relationship between faith and works beautifully. Works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation. A transformed life becomes evidence of God’s work within the believer.

5. What division existed between Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians 2:11–12?

Answer:
Paul reminds Gentile believers that they were once separated from the covenant people of God. They were “without Christ,” excluded from Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope, and without God in the world. Historically, Jews and Gentiles were divided religiously, culturally, and socially.

The Jewish people had received God’s law, promises, temple worship, and covenant relationship. Gentiles were viewed as outsiders. This separation often produced hostility and pride. Paul highlights this former condition so believers can fully appreciate the reconciliation brought through Christ.

The passage teaches that apart from Christ all people are spiritually alienated. Human divisions, prejudices, and barriers are ultimately overcome only through the gospel. Christ brings near those who were far away from God.

6. How did Christ bring peace between Jews and Gentiles?

Answer:
Paul explains that Christ Himself “is our peace.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus broke down the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles. He fulfilled the law and removed the barriers that separated people from one another and from God.

The imagery likely points to the wall in the temple that separated Gentiles from areas reserved for Jews. Spiritually, Christ removed this separation by creating “one new man” in Himself. Both Jews and Gentiles now come to God on the same basis—through faith in Jesus Christ.

This peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is reconciliation and unity. The gospel creates a new family of believers united in Christ. Ethnic, social, and cultural distinctions no longer determine access to God. Christ unites all believers into one body.

7. What does Ephesians 2 teach about reconciliation with God?

Answer:
Ephesians 2 teaches that reconciliation is accomplished entirely through Jesus Christ. Sin separated humanity from God, but Christ’s sacrifice restored that broken relationship. Through the cross, believers are brought near to God and given peace with Him.

Paul says both Jews and Gentiles now have “access in one Spirit to the Father.” This means believers can approach God directly because of Christ’s work. Reconciliation is relational. God is no longer viewed as distant or hostile but as Father.

The chapter emphasizes that reconciliation affects both vertical and horizontal relationships. People are reconciled to God and also reconciled to one another. The gospel creates peace with God and unity among believers.

8. What does Paul mean when he describes believers as “fellow citizens” and “members of the household of God”?

Answer:
Paul uses powerful images to describe the believer’s new identity. Christians are no longer strangers or outsiders. They are now citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His family. This language emphasizes belonging, security, and relationship.

As fellow citizens, believers share equal standing in God’s kingdom regardless of nationality or background. As members of God’s household, believers experience intimacy with God and fellowship with other Christians. The church is not merely an organization; it is a spiritual family united in Christ.

These truths would have been especially meaningful to Gentile believers who once felt excluded. Paul assures them that through Christ they fully belong to God’s people.

9. Why does Paul describe the church as a building and temple in Ephesians 2:20–22?

Answer:
Paul describes the church as being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. In ancient construction, the cornerstone determined the stability and alignment of the entire structure. Christ is therefore central to the church’s identity and unity.

The church is also described as a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit. Under the Old Covenant, God’s presence was associated with the physical temple in Jerusalem. Now God’s presence dwells among His people collectively through the Holy Spirit.

This imagery teaches that believers are connected together in God’s spiritual building. Christianity is not merely individualistic. God is forming a unified people who together display His glory and presence in the world.

10. What are the major lessons believers should learn from Ephesians 2?

Answer:
Ephesians 2 teaches several foundational truths about salvation and the Christian life. First, it reveals the seriousness of sin and humanity’s inability to save itself. Second, it magnifies God’s mercy, grace, and love in providing salvation through Christ. Third, it teaches that salvation is received by faith and not earned through works.

The chapter also emphasizes transformation. Believers are made alive in Christ and called to walk in good works prepared by God. In addition, Ephesians 2 highlights unity within the church. Christ removes barriers between people and creates one spiritual family.

Finally, the chapter reminds believers of their new identity and purpose. Christians belong to God’s kingdom, are members of His household, and are being built together into a dwelling place for God’s presence. Ephesians 2 calls believers to live with humility, gratitude, unity, and confidence in God’s grace.

Chapter 3 – The Mystery of Christ Revealed

Bible Lessons

Paul reveals the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in Christ, prays for spiritual strength, and magnifies the boundless love of Christ.

3.1 Ephesians 3:1, Introduction to a Mystery

^3:1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles; ²assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, (Ephesians 3:1 – 2 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at a possible interpretation of “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, [with] Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” In this lesson we introduce a rather lengthy statement Paul inserts between 2:22 and 3:14.

3:1 begins with “For this reason” as does 3:14, which continues the material of chapter 2. Verses 3:1 – 13 is an interruption of his thoughts being developed in chapter 2 for the purpose of elaborating on his call to apostleship.

Paul describes himself as “prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of Gentiles.” As we studied Paul’s previous letters and traveled with him through Acts, we witnessed several imprisonments or confinement he endured as he took the gospel to the Gentiles. At the time Paul wrote Ephesians he was a prisoner in Rome. During his ministry to the Gentiles, Paul suffered much on their behalf. An excellent summary of this is found at 2 Corinthians 6:2b – 10 ESV: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.”

Since Paul was in prison in Rome, because of his ministry to the Gentiles, and word of this had reached those in Ephesus, Paul was concerned that they might be grieved, thinking they were to blame. As a result, Paul puts together a rather long statement that covers verses 3:3 – 13. In Acts 9:16, God makes it clear that Paul would suffer greatly as his chosen instrument to carry the name of the Lord before the Gentiles. Paul is suffering in obedience to his assignment, not because of something Gentile believers did. As a result, Paul ends his statement by asking them to not lose heart over what he was suffering for them, which is their glory. We will see this as we study Paul’s statement.

Before we end this lesson let us consider the meaning of “stewardship of God’s grace that was given to [him] for [them].” God assigned Paul the task of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles and enabled him to accomplish that task with a gift of his grace even in the face of persecution. That gift of grace was not for Paul’s enjoyment but was to sustain him as he ministered to others. The message Paul had for them would come from a mystery of the past that God would reveal to him. That mystery we will look in the next lesson.

3.2 Ephesians 3:3-6, The Mystery

^3:3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. ⁴When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. ⁶This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:3 – 6 ESV ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced a rather lengthy statement Paul inserts between 2:22 and 3:14. We will begin this lesson by looking at the mystery God was going to make known to Paul.

This “mystery” was not something totally unknown but something God had planned in the past and at the proper time he would reveal pieces of that plan at first through his prophets. It was a plan that provided for our redemption through his Messiah (See Colossians 2:2 – 3; 4:3; Ephesians 1:9; 3:9; 5:32; 6:19). The prophets spoke of a coming Messiah, but key elements of his coming were not understood and even when he did come in the person of Jesus Christ the plan was not understood by most Jews and they nailed him to a cross as an imposter and crucified him, not knowing their action continued to reveal more of God’s plan. As time continued even up to the time of Paul there were portions of God’s plan that were still not understood. God chose Paul, who had a brilliant mind and un unusual understand of the Old Testament, to make known that which was still not understood.

That revelation to Paul was mentioned earlier in Ephesians: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:7 – 10 ESV). When those in Ephesus read that statement, they should perceive that Paul was given insight into the mystery of Christ. The connection of God’s plan was not understood by “the sons of men in other generations,” but now it has been revealed to his holy prophets and apostles by the Spirit of God, with Paul being the key apostle God raised up for this purpose.

Paul now states clearly what that mystery is. He states: “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (3:6). Up to this point, the Jews saw Gentiles as unclean people to be avoided, but God’s plan was to unite Jews and Gentiles into the same family with both as equal heirs with one another and with Jesus Christ. We saw this in Romans 8:17 ESV: “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” and in Galatians 3:28 – 29 ESV: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

Accepting Jesus Christ as Messiah and including Gentiles in the plan of salvation is an issue not resolved by most Jews even to this day. However, the day is coming when even they will understand.

3.3 Ephesians 3:7-13, The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

^3:7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. ⁸To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, ¹⁰so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹²in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. ¹³So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at what the mystery was that was to be made known through Paul. In this lesson Paul speaks of the “unsearchable riches of Christ.”

Paul explains that he was made a minister by God according to his grace and as a minister, he had a responsibility to proclaim the gospel. He said in 1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Paul was given an assignment by God, and he had the responsibility to carry it out. Each one of us are a workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (See Ephesians 2:10). Unfortunately, many Christians ignore this assignment and spend time as friends with the world. With this responsibility given to Paul is the power to do the work.

Paul is now in prison, not because of anything the Ephesian believers did, but because he was faithful to his calling to take the gospel to Gentiles.

3.4 Ephesians 3:14-21, Strengthened with Power

^3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

^3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14 – 21 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the interruption of Paul’s thoughts being developed in chapter 2. He will now continue with those thoughts in this lesson.

“For this reason,” that begins 3:14 points back to the end of chapter 2 and now continues his thoughts from there. Bases on what he said there, he now bows his knees before the Father in prayer, and as he does, he thinks of what the Father has done in his worldwide work of redemption in Christ. God promised Abraham that from his offspring would come an “offspring” that would provide people in all the nations of the world. That “offspring” was Jesus Christ, and the people were those who through grace by faith were born again. Being humbled by this great work of redemption, Paul prays to the Father.

It is through the work of the Spirit in the inner man, or in the new creation God has brought forth through spiritual birth, that we are strengthened with his power to live holy and righteous lives. It is that power that enables us to do all things through him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). We are strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (Colossians 1:11).

At spiritual birth, Christ comes to dwell in our hearts in the form of the Spirit. Paul knows that and he is now praying for the indwelling power of the Spirit to begin work of developing deeper roots into Christ to be grounded in his love. John speaks of this in John 15, where we are to abide in Jesus Christ to draw life from him to produce much fruit. That power is needed for love, the fruit of the Spirit, to manifest itself in terms of “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV).

That power is to provide us with strength to be able to comprehend the amazing “breadth and length and height and depth” of God’s riches in Christ. How essential it is that we comprehend the incredible love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. To understand what surpasses knowledge is one of the great privileges of the Christian and is missed by so many Christians today because they fail to spend time in the word and with Jesus Christ and instead spend their time with the things of the world.

As I study to prepare these lessons over the past seven years, I have grown in knowledge but beyond that I have come to better understand what happens when God moves in and fills me with himself. There is growth in holy, pure, and righteous living. Knowledge fills the head, but God fills the heart and that is what affects our behavior. Believers today have so little comprehension of this that they see little benefit in spending time in the study of the word of God, and as a result they go through life missing an amazing benefit God has for them.

Paul then closes his prayer giving credit to God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (3:20). If only we would take time and allow God to bless us in that way, but instead we absorb ourselves with what the world has to offer. When we stand before God and realize what an opportunity we ignored, we will experience such horrible anguish for our loss.

“To [God] be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Questions with Answers

1. Why did Paul describe himself as “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” in Ephesians 3:1?

Answer:
Paul viewed his imprisonment not merely as the result of Roman authority, but as part of God’s sovereign purpose in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. His suffering was directly connected to his mission of proclaiming Christ to those outside the Jewish nation. Rather than seeing himself as a victim of circumstances, Paul understood that he belonged to Christ and that even his chains were being used for God’s glory. This perspective reveals Paul’s deep trust in God’s plan and his willingness to endure hardship so others could hear the gospel. His imprisonment became evidence of his commitment to the calling God had given him.

2. What is the “mystery” Paul refers to in Ephesians 3:3-6?

Answer:
The “mystery” is God’s previously hidden plan that Gentiles would become fellow heirs with Jewish believers through faith in Jesus Christ. In earlier generations this truth was not fully understood, though hints of it appeared throughout the Old Testament. Through Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile was removed, creating one united people of God. Paul emphasizes that Gentiles are now equal participants in the promises of salvation, members of the same body, and recipients of the same grace. This mystery reveals the greatness of God’s redemptive plan and demonstrates that salvation is based on faith in Christ rather than nationality, heritage, or adherence to the Mosaic Law.

3. How did Paul become a minister of the gospel according to Ephesians 3:7?

Answer:
Paul explains that he became a minister “according to the gift of the grace of God.” His ministry was not based on personal merit, education, or human achievement, but on God’s grace and power working in him. Paul had once persecuted the church, yet God transformed him and appointed him as an apostle. This demonstrates that ministry is ultimately a calling empowered by God rather than a position earned by human worthiness. Paul’s life is a testimony to the transforming power of grace and reminds believers that God can use imperfect people for His purposes.

4. Why did Paul call himself “less than the least of all saints” in Ephesians 3:8?

Answer:
Paul’s statement reflects genuine humility. He never forgot that he had once persecuted Christians and opposed the work of Christ. Although God had given him great revelation and authority, Paul understood that everything he possessed spiritually came from grace alone. His humility was not false modesty but a deep awareness of God’s mercy. At the same time, Paul recognized the greatness of the calling he had received—to preach the “unsearchable riches of Christ” to the Gentiles. This balance of humility and purpose is important for believers, reminding them that God’s work is accomplished through grace rather than personal greatness.

5. What are the “unsearchable riches of Christ” mentioned in Ephesians 3:8?

Answer:
The “unsearchable riches of Christ” refer to the immeasurable spiritual blessings found in Jesus. These riches include salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation with God, adoption into God’s family, peace, grace, wisdom, hope, eternal life, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. They are called “unsearchable” because their depth and greatness can never be fully exhausted or comprehended by human understanding. Paul wanted believers to know that Christ is infinitely sufficient and that all spiritual wealth is found in Him. The phrase emphasizes both the abundance of God’s grace and the endless glory of Christ.

6. According to Ephesians 3:10, what does the church reveal to the world?

Answer:
Paul teaches that the church reveals the “manifold wisdom of God” to heavenly rulers and authorities. The existence of the church—a united body made up of Jews and Gentiles reconciled through Christ—demonstrates God’s wisdom and power. Through the church, God displays His ability to redeem sinners, break barriers, and fulfill His eternal plan. This means the church is more than a human organization; it is a testimony to spiritual realities and a visible display of God’s work in the world. Believers collectively reveal God’s character, grace, and wisdom through their unity and faithfulness.

7. What confidence do believers have through Christ according to Ephesians 3:12?

Answer:
Believers have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Jesus Christ. Under the old covenant, access to God was limited and mediated through priests and sacrifices. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers can now approach God directly with assurance. This confidence is not based on personal righteousness but on Christ’s finished work. Paul emphasizes that believers do not need to fear rejection from God because they are accepted in Christ. Prayer, worship, and fellowship with God are possible because Jesus has opened the way into God’s presence.

8. Why did Paul tell the believers not to lose heart because of his suffering in Ephesians 3:13?

Answer:
Paul wanted the believers to understand that his suffering served a greater purpose in God’s plan. His imprisonment was evidence of his commitment to the gospel and had contributed to the spread of salvation among the Gentiles. Rather than discouraging the church, Paul’s trials should encourage believers because they showed the value and truth of the gospel message. Paul viewed suffering for Christ as honorable and meaningful. His attitude teaches believers that God can use hardship to accomplish eternal purposes and that suffering for the faith is never wasted.

9. What does Paul pray for in Ephesians 3:14-19?

Answer:
Paul prays that believers would be spiritually strengthened through the Holy Spirit, deeply rooted in love, and able to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love. He desires that Christ would dwell richly in their hearts and that they would experience the fullness of God. This prayer focuses on inward spiritual transformation rather than outward circumstances. Paul understood that believers need divine strength to live faithfully and to grasp the greatness of God’s love. His prayer reveals that spiritual maturity comes through a growing relationship with Christ and a deeper understanding of His love and presence.

10. What does it mean to comprehend the “breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love?

Answer:
This expression emphasizes the immeasurable greatness of Christ’s love. Paul uses expansive language to show that Christ’s love extends beyond human limits and understanding. The love of Christ reaches every kind of person, covers every need, and stretches throughout eternity. It is broad enough to include all believers, long enough to endure forever, deep enough to rescue sinners from sin and despair, and high enough to bring believers into fellowship with God. Paul desires believers not merely to know about Christ’s love intellectually, but to experience it personally and deeply in their lives.

11. What does Paul mean by being “filled with all the fullness of God” in Ephesians 3:19?

Answer:
Paul is describing spiritual maturity and fullness that comes from living in close fellowship with God. To be filled with the fullness of God means that believers increasingly reflect God’s character, love, holiness, and presence in their lives. It does not mean believers become divine, but that God’s transforming work increasingly shapes every area of life. As believers grow in faith and understanding, they become more spiritually complete and Christlike. Paul’s prayer points to the ultimate goal of the Christian life: deep communion with God and transformation into the likeness of Christ.

12. What does Ephesians 3:20 teach about God’s power?

Answer:
Ephesians 3:20 teaches that God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” God’s power is unlimited and far greater than human imagination. Paul reminds believers that God is not restricted by human weakness, limitations, or expectations. The same power that works in believers is capable of accomplishing purposes beyond what they can fully understand. This verse encourages believers to trust God with confidence, knowing that His plans and abilities surpass human understanding. It also reminds Christians that spiritual transformation and kingdom work are accomplished through God’s power rather than human strength.

13. Why does Paul end the chapter with a doxology in Ephesians 3:21?

Answer:
Paul concludes with praise because reflecting on God’s eternal plan, Christ’s love, and God’s power naturally leads to worship. The doxology directs glory to God for His work in the church and through Christ Jesus throughout all generations. Paul’s response to theological truth is adoration and reverence. This ending reminds believers that doctrine is not merely intellectual knowledge; it should lead to worship, gratitude, and awe before God. Paul recognizes that all glory belongs to God because salvation, unity, grace, and spiritual growth all originate from Him.

Chapter 4 – Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

Bible Lessons

Believers are called to live worthy of their calling, maintaining unity through humility, love, and truth, growing together into spiritual maturity as one body.

4.1 Ephesians 4:1-8, Walk in a Worthy Manner

^4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ²with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:1 – 8 ESV)

With the previous lesson we completed the doctrinal part of the letter to the Ephesians. With this lesson we begin the practical part of Paul’s letter.

Paul was a prisoner in Rome because of his faithful ministry to the Gentiles. His imprisonment suggests that what he proclaimed in chapters 1 – 3 was lived out and as a result it brought persecution against him. Having set an example, he now urges those in Ephesus to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [they had] been called.” God calls a people to himself (See Romans 8:30) as he did with Paul on the road to Damascus and as he called me one night 70 years ago as a teen. That call came with a responsibility to do assigned works (See Ephesians 2:10), to study the word of God (See 2 Timothy 2:15), to live in holiness (See 1 Peter 1:25), and to live according to the characteristics of love given in Galatians 5:22 – 23. These suggestions point us to Galatians 2:20 where we are to allow Christ to live his life through us.

How we walk in a worthy manner is listed out by Paul in 4:2, and is to be with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Think about these characteristics and try to imagine what your life would be like if you lived them out perfectly every day for the rest of your life. Life would be radically different. That is one aspect of life in heaven.

In addition to this, Paul adds to the list the desire to at times sacrifice our own desire to be able “to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Through Jesus Christ, God has established peace and it is our responsibility to do our best to maintain that peace.

From how to walk, Paul now changes his focus to a series of seven “ones” given in 4:4 – 6: (1) one body, (2) one Spirit, (3) one hope, (4) one Lord, (5) one faith, (6) one baptism, and (7) one God.

We will cover these in the next lesson.

4.2 Ephesians 4:4-8, One Body and One Spirit

^4:4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:4 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we focused on walking in a manner worthy of our calling and ended making a list of seven “ones”. In this lesson we will cover those seven “ones”.

(1) one body – This body is made up of many members, each of whom are spiritually born and possess the Spirit. Together, these members make up what we know as the “body of Christ” or the “Church or the “bride of Christ.” These members of the body were chosen by the sovereign will of God, according to our study of Romans 8, and created to have certain individual characteristics to perform various assignments in kingdom service for him. When this body is finally complete it will be one amazing masterpiece of God’s creation that will function together in unity with him throughout eternity. I cannot begin to comprehend what that will be like.

(2) one Spirit – Each human has one body, one soul, and one spirit, and at physical birth each is born with a dead spirit. The body of Christ of many members is one body and has one Spirit who inhabits each member of the body and ties us together as one. This one Spirit dwelling in the body of Christ the Church, parallels the one spirit each human has. After being born again, each human is spiritual alive and illuminates the soul. The Spirit, therefore, would illuminate the body of Christ.

(3) one hope – Christians do not have separate hopes but one and the same hope. Peter says that “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us]” (1 Peter 1:3 – 4 ESV). As believers we should all be looking ahead with the same hope.

(4) one Lord – Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV: “yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” The one Lord is the Son of God who came and took on a body of human flesh that we know as Jesus Christ.

(5) one faith – We as believers have one faith because we all believe in Jesus Christ and in the same doctrine and in the same gospel.

(6) one baptism – This does not refer to water baptism, but to the fact that we are all baptized into the body of Christ which is the work of the Spirit in regeneration.

(7) one God – Christians have only one God not many as some other religions have. Our one God we know as the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Three persons but one God.

Looking at these seven examples of “one” Paul is making a case for unity among believers there in the Ephesian church.

To each one of us who make up the body of Christ, grace was given in according to the measure of Christ’s gift. This grace does not refer to saving grace (See Ephesians 2:8 – 9) but to grace given in the form of gifts for the purpose of serving him.

Jesus Christ rose from the dead as evidence that he will raise each believer, we who were once held captive by our sin. To each of us who were born again he gave gifts according to the measure of Christ’s gift for the purpose of serving him.

4.3 Ephesians 4:9-11, The Lord Gave

^4:9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (Ephesians 4:9 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the list of seven “ones” that Paul listed. In this lesson we look at what Christ does.

In 4:9, Paul speaks of Christ ascending and descending. The Father sent his Son from heaven “into the lower regions of the earth” where he took on a body of flesh through a virgin birth. He descended from heaven to become the Son of Man who lived a perfect life under the law and then as our Passover Lamb, he took our sin and went to the cross and died in our place, and through that death he justified us before God and redeemed us from the curse of the law, setting us free from the bondage of sin and death. He then rose from the dead and forty days later he ascended (See Acts 1:3) back to heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father (See Acts 2:33). In 4:10, Paul describes the one who descended as the “one who also ascended far above all the heavens.”

Back in chapter 1, God “worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:20 – 23 ESV). He fills all things with his glory and power.

Verses 4:11 – 16, Paul mentions the gifts Christ gives for the purpose of edifying the church. In 4:11 are given five groups of people that perform the primary mission was to minister the word of God. These five groups are: (1) apostles, (2) prophets, (3) evangelists, (4) shepherds, and (5) teachers.

(1) apostles – Apostles were specifically called by Jesus Christ (See Matthew 10:1 – 7; Acts 1:24 – 26; Galatians 1:1) and had seen the risen Lord (See Acts 1:22; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:7 – 9). God used the apostles to establish and govern the church during the time of the Acts under leadership of Jesus Christ, and they were given the authority, like the prophets of old to speak and write the words of God (See 1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Corinthians 13:3; Galatians 1:8 – 9; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:15; 2 Peter 3:2; 15 – 16). Paul was unique as he did not see the risen Lord before he ascended into heaven, but he did see him on the road to Damascus (See Acts 9:3 – 4; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8 – 9; Galatians 1:13 – 17).

(2) prophets – There are different views on the meaning of prophets at that time in the New Testament. In the early church they seem to have a close relationship to the apostles and may have had some similar qualities.

(3) evangelists – These people were specifically gifted to proclaim the gospel to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ. Two examples that come to mind are Philip and Timothy (See Acts 21:8; 2 Timothy 4:5).

(4) shepherds – Shepherds or pastors or overseers watched over and nurtured the church (See Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1 – 2).

(5) teachers – Evangelists are gifted to proclaim the gospel to lead people to salvation where teachers are gifted to do the work of disciple making. Teachers work with believers to help them understand the scriptures and apply them to their lives.

One last look at these five groups of people, in the early church the apostles and prophets wrote the New Testament and as they did evangelists took that gospel and began to proclaim it as they sought lost sheep to bring to salvation, and as they heard the gospel they responded through grace by faith and began to populate the church. As these came together, shepherds came into action and ministered to them, nurturing them in their faith. Teachers saw their new converts and they came long side and worked at making disciples out of them to do the work of making more disciples.

4.4 Ephesians 4:12-13, Building up the Body of Christ

^4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Ephesians 4:12 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered five different groups of people the Lord gave for the purpose of establishing and building up the Christian church. In this lesson we will begin by looking at what these gifted people are to accomplish.

These church leaders are not to do all the work but are to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” This training of new believers is to continue for as long as new believers are added to the church. How effective this training is will determine how healthy the church remains. As new believers are added to the body of believers, they are also given spiritual gifts to use as they apply their training to the work of ministry (See 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; 1 Peter 4:10).

Verse 4:13 lists four things the building up of the body of Christ is to accomplish: (1) the unity of the faith, (2) the knowledge of the Son of God, (3) a mature manhood, and (4) the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

(1) the unity of the faith – This unity would include holding the same truths and having the same confidence in Jesus Christ. In the high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed for this unity: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20 – 23 ESV).

(2) the knowledge of the Son of God – In Ephesians 3:14 – 19 is a prayer Paul prayed on behalf of believers in Ephesus. In 3:19 he prayed that they would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. This knowledge includes knowing Jesus Christ personally and understanding what he taught and did and the importance of applying to our lives as we walk in the Spirit.

(3) a mature manhood – As we apply this knowledge to our lives it is to result in a manhood. Other translations replace “manhood” with perfect man (BRG), full grown man (ASV), mature adults (CEB), and mature people (GNT) as examples. This is to suggest that we all are to experience growth in Christlikeness.

(4) the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ – To measure is to compare to a standard and that standard is Jesus Christ. Our maturity is to approach that of the person of Jesus Christ. His fullness is an expression of his human and divine perfection as in the Son of Man, fully man and fully God.

4.5 Ephesians 4:14-16, Speak the Truth in Love

x^4:14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. ¹⁵Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw that the work of ministry was to build up the body of Christ to the point of establishing the unity of faith. In this lesson we will see the importance of taking new believers who have just experienced being born again and as children help them grow into adults.

2 Timothy 2:15 (JUB) reads: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.” If we are not spending time in the word of truth we will remain as children who will still need a diet of milk and not solid food and as a result, we will be unskilled in the word of righteousness (See Hebrews 5:12 – 13). As a result, we are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” As children we will be unable to discern who the false teachers are and will follow their deceitful schemes into sin (See 1 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1 – 3; Jude 1:4; Revelation 2:2).

We are not to remain as children but are to grow up spiritually so that we can speak the truth in love to win others to the faith. We who have the truth must take care how we present it to others. There are some who have an agenda and use the word harshly to accomplish that agenda. We may use it as a club in judgment, or to argue or try to force sinners to pray the sinner’s prayer so we can add to our assumed salvation count, or to force them to accept our interpretation of certain verses. We are to come alongside the sinner and love the person and as a nursing mother we are to share the truth in love and gentleness and allow the Spirit to do the work of conviction and to show them their need of a savior.

As the truth is presented to believers it is to be used to lead them to greater maturity. The word of truth can show one their need, or what needs to be eliminated from their life, and then it can show what needs to be done to replace what was removed or to strengthen what remains. The soul needs to be nourished with the truth to encourage growth in Christlikeness. “We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

As at other times, Paul again uses the body metaphor to describe how the church is to grow. All members of the body are to be joined and held together by every joint. Paul is viewing each believer as, for example, like the forearm is attached to the upper arm with the elbow joint. All these limbs are joined together with joints and make up one body. One part of a joint is at the end of one limb and the other part of the joint to another limb. Both limbs must maintain good joint parts if they are to work well together. How we care for our part of the joint will determine how well the joint works and thus how well those limbs functions. When each part of the joint is healthy and is working properly then the whole limb will work properly and as all the limbs are working properly and growing then the whole body grows and builds itself up. Just as the truth is to be presented in love, this growth will also require an environment of love.

Whenever I think of love, I am reminded that it is the fruit of the Spirit who dwells within each believer, and when I think of that I am reminded of the characteristics of that love as given in Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” Those characteristics express the practical side of love as we present the truth and as we related to each other through our joints.x

4.6 Ephesians 4:17-19, Life of the Unsaved

4:17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. (Ephesians 4:17 – 19 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered a body metaphor as a means of expressing spiritual growth. With this lesson we start the process of working through a rather long list of characteristics that are to describe the life of unbelievers.

Paul begins by emphasizing the importance that his Gentile believers no longer walk as they did before salvation. He will explain to them in 4:22 – 24 that they must put off the old self and put on the new self. (See Colossians 3:9 – 10). Paul then reminds them what the old self was like. He then lists six characteristics of that old self: (1) futility of mind, (2) darkened understanding, (3) alienated from the life of God, (4) callous, (5) given themselves up to sensuality, and (6) greedy to practice every kind of impurity (4:17 – 19.)

(1) futility of mind – In Romans 1:21, Paul said they became futile in their thinking because although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him. Through their great learning then and today people think their minds are enlightened and reject the knowledge of God as foolishness.

(2) darkened understanding – In John 1:4 – 5, John said that in Jesus Christ there was life, and that the life was the light of men, and that light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5), and when God the Spirit comes to live in believers, light comes to remove spiritual darkness. Without God dwelling with a person, one remains in darkness and their understanding is darkened.

(3) alienated from the life of God – Their understanding is darkened because they as unbelievers are alienated from the life of God. To be alienated is to be separated from and have no interest in. They prefer to live for themselves and not for God who has restrictions on their behavior. Paul explains that they are alienated because of their ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. A hard heart is when one stops having kind or friendly feelings for someone or caring about something.

(4) callous – A callous heart is one that is insensitive, indifferent, and unsympathetic towards the sufferings of others. A callous person has ears that are hard of hearing, and they have shut their ears to any news about the gospel and its plan of salvation.

(5) given themselves up to sensuality – When one decides not to acknowledge God, he will give “them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves” (Romans 1:24); he will give “them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature” (Romans 1:26); he will give “them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28).

(6) greedy to practice every kind of impurity – These who turn away from God have no desire to practice righteousness but instead they practice every kind of impurity. All around us today we see this happening. It is hard to imagine that someday we will live in a pure and holy environment, and we will be totally free of sin.

4.7 Ephesians 4:20-24, Put Off the Old and Put on the New

^4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ! — ²¹assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, ²²to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, ²³and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20 – 24 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at how the unsaved lived. In this lesson we will look at putting off the old self and putting on the new self.

To “learn Christ” we are to come to Jesus Christ and take his yoke upon us and learn from him, for he is gentle and lowly in heart, and we will find rest for our souls (See Matthew 11:29). To “learn Christ” we must spend time in his word and with him. Consider the following thought I had one night as I lay on my bed thinking about my study of the word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2 ESV). Then the word became flesh (See John 1:14), who we know as Jesus Christ. Then in John 6, Jesus says some amazing things: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So, Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51 – 58 ESV).

The word is described a Jesus Christ and as we come to it and study verses, we are in a sense eating the flesh of Jesus Christ. We are taking Christ into us. As we study a passage, we are immersing ourselves into the word into Christ. We are in Christ. Thus, an essential part of the Christian life is to consume the word and if we do, we have eternal life (See John 6:57). The truth is in Jesus because he is the eternal word, and the word is truth.

To put off our old self is to put away our formal way of life which was corrupt through deceitful desires. We must put away such things as “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from [our] mouth’ (Colossians 3:8 ESV). We are to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV). We are to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness” (James 1:21 ESV). We are to “put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (1 Peter 2:1 ESV).

As we put off the old self, we are to replace it with the process of being renewing in the spirit of our minds. That renewing takes place through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (See Titus 3:5). It is something God does (See Psalm 51:10). This renewal process takes place day by day (See 1 Corinthians 4:16). We are renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (See Colossians 3:10). This is putting on the new self which is created after the likeness of God in true righteousness, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).

4.8 Ephesians 4:25-32, Life of the New Self

^4:25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ²⁶Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷and give no opportunity to the devil. ²⁸Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25 – 32 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the importance of putting off the old self and putting on the new self. In this lesson we look further into the life of the new self.

Therefore, points back to the truths covered in 4:17 – 24. Paul now will explain how to put these truths into practice in our lives. He begins by stating that the former way of life embraced falsehood which we put away after putting on the new self. He then proceeds to list seven things that new self should do: (1) speak the truth, (2) control our anger, (3) do honest work, (4) control our tongue, (5) do not grieve the Holy Spirit, (6) control our negative behavior, and (7) replace it with positive behavior.

(1) speak the truth – Zechariah says we are to “Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace” (Zechariah 8:16 ESV). In Colossians 3:9 (ESV), Paul says, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have putt off the old self with its practices.” Back in Ephesians 4:5 (ESV), Paul said, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” We are to speak in this way because like an upper harm is joined to the forearm with the elbow joint, we are joined to one another. As Paul says in Romans 12:9, we are many members contained in one body but members of one another and for peace in the body we are to speak truth (cf. Romans 12:5).

(2) control our anger – Paul does not prohibit anger, but it is to be expressed within certain guidelines. If at all possible, we are to refrain from anger (See Psalm 37:8) but if we are angry, we are not to let it consume us and we are not to let it spill over into another day because if we do, it opens the door for the powers of darkness to enter and cause us to sin. There are two kinds of anger: righteous and ungodly. Righteous anger is expressed when we are confronted with such things as child abuse, pornography, racism, homosexuality activity, sexual fornication, and abortion.” Jesus got angry at times with his disciples for their behavior or their point of view. He was somewhat angry with the scribes and Pharisees (See Matthew 23:1 – 26). Jesus is perfectly righteous, and holy and cannot endure the presence of transgression without responding in wrath because his anger is always righteous (See Romans 1:18; 1 Peter 2:22 – 23).

(3) do honest work – Paul describes one who is stealing for his benefit, and to him he is instructed to labor, doing honest work with his own hands. Paul was an example of working hard (See Acts 20:35). In 2 Thessalonians 3:8, Paul spoke of toiling and laboring day and night to provide for their needs to not burden those they were ministering to. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Paul instructed them “to aspire to live quietly, and to mind [their] own affairs, and to work with [their] own hands. A purpose in doing this was to provide for their needs, but to also have extra so they could share something with those in need. We are to be able to give and not hold back (cf. Proverbs 21:26).

(4) control our tongue – We now come to that real difficult part to control our tongue so that no corrupt talk comes out of our mouth. In Ephesians 5:4, Paul instructs the Ephesians to let “no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking” come from their mouth. He instructs the Colossians to put away all “anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from [their] mouth” (Colossians 3:8 ESV). That which we speak is to be good for the building up of those who hear us. Our words are to give grace to those who hear. Those words are to always be gracious, seasoned with salt to provide just the right answer (See Colossians 4:6).

(5) do not grieve the Holy Spirit – To grieve the Holy Spirit is to cause him sorrow by committing sin. The Jews rebelled and grieved the Holy Spirit and as a result he turned to be their enemy and himself fought against them (cf. Isaiah 63:10). At the time of our salvation, we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, the day of Christ’s return. Because of all the Spirit has done for us and his interest in us, let us not cause him grief with our sinful behavior.

Let us take a break at this point and cover points (6) and (7) in the next lesson.

4.9 Ephesians 4:31-32, Be Kind to One Another

^4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³²Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31 – 32 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the first five points of sinful behavior. In this lesson we will cover the remaining two.

(6) control our sinful behavior – It is our sinful behavior that grieves the Spirit. Paul gives six examples of things we are to avoid, things like (A) bitterness, (B) wrath, (C) anger, (D) clamor, (E) slander, and (F) malice.

(A) bitterness – A bitter person may be angry and unhappy because they cannot forget bad things that happened in the past. God tells us to see to it that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (See Hebrews 12:15). If one allows the root of bitterness to form it will not only affect you but those around you. If a root does form bring it to God in confession and seek forgiveness in removing it.

(B) wrath – Wrath and anger are closely related with wrath being an extreme form of anger, which is destructive as well as vindictive. This can lead the person to engage in extremely destructive behavior towards others and even self. God’s wrath can be viewed as an acceptable expression of holiness or justice towards a sinful people. For example, in Revelation we find God’s patience with a sinful world is running thin and then in chapter 15, seven angels are prepared to pour out seven bows of God’s wrath upon the earth (See chapter 16), and in doing that “the wrath of God is finished” (Revelation 15:1).

(C) anger – Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure that all individuals feel when they are hurt or challenged. Anger is not always a sin because Paul said in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. Anger is a natural human emotion and not a bad one in and of itself. The problem is what we do with the anger when we do feel it. If our anger is righteous, it seeks restoration, but unrighteous anger seeks destruction.

(D) clamor – Clamor is a great outcry, a loud and continuous shouting or exclamation.

(E) slander – Slander is spreading false information. The difference between slander and gossip is that slander is always false while gossip can sometimes be true. Slander is the act of harming a person or business’s reputation by telling one or more people something that is untrue and damaging about them.

(F) malice – Malice means extreme enmity of heart, malevolence, a disposition to injure others without cause, for mere personal gratification, or from a spirit of revenge.

These are all things unbelievers are known for and they are to be put away from us as believers.

(7) replace it with positive behavior – Instead of engaging in sinful behavior, we are to be (A) kind to one another, (B) tenderhearted, (C) forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us.

(A) kind to one another – Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. We are to treat everyone the best that we can no matter who they are or how you feel about them.

(B) tenderhearted – One who is tenderhearted is easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow, and are easily moved by another’s distress. Being tenderhearted is being very kind and showing a lot of sympathy.

(C) forgiving one another – “Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.” (Google search). To forgive is to release your rights regarding an offense.

As we think of all Jesus Christ did for us, then out of our love for him we must display these characteristics.

Questions with Answers

1. What does Paul mean when he urges believers to “walk worthy” of their calling? (Ephesians 4:1)

Answer:
Paul begins this chapter by shifting from doctrine to daily living. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, he explained the believer’s salvation, identity in Christ, and spiritual blessings. Now he calls believers to live in a manner that reflects those truths. To “walk worthy” means to live a life that matches the calling God has given. Christians have been chosen, redeemed, forgiven, united in Christ, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, their conduct should reflect humility, holiness, love, and obedience.

A worthy walk is not about earning salvation but about responding faithfully to grace. Paul emphasizes attitudes such as lowliness, gentleness, patience, and love because these qualities reflect the character of Christ. The believer’s life should demonstrate that the gospel has transformed the heart. Walking worthy means representing Christ in relationships, speech, attitudes, and actions every day.

2. Why is unity such an important theme in Ephesians 4:1–6?

Answer:
Paul stresses unity because the church is one body in Christ. Believers come from different backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and experiences, yet they are spiritually joined together through salvation. Paul reminds the church that there is “one body and one Spirit,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” and “one baptism.” This unity is rooted in God Himself and not merely in human agreement.

Christian unity does not mean uniformity. Believers may have different gifts, roles, and perspectives, but they share the same salvation and belong to the same spiritual family. Paul calls believers to preserve unity through humility, patience, and love because selfishness and pride easily divide people. Unity is maintained when believers focus on Christ rather than personal preferences.

The church becomes a testimony to the world when believers live together in peace and love. Unity reflects the reconciling work of Jesus, who broke down barriers between people and made them one in Him.

3. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts and leadership roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11–12?

Answer:
Paul explains that Christ gave gifted leaders to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles were given to strengthen and equip believers for ministry. The goal is not for a few leaders to do all the work while others remain passive. Instead, leaders are to prepare the entire body of Christ for service.

Spiritual gifts exist so the church can grow spiritually, remain grounded in truth, and function effectively. Every believer has a role in serving God and helping others grow. The church matures when believers use their gifts in love and obedience.

Paul also teaches that these gifts help protect believers from false teaching. Spiritually mature Christians are less likely to be deceived because they are grounded in biblical truth. Healthy churches are built when believers are equipped, active, and growing together in Christ.

4. What does Paul mean when he says believers should no longer be “children, tossed to and fro”? (Ephesians 4:14)

Answer:
Paul uses the image of unstable children being carried by waves and wind to describe spiritual immaturity. Immature believers are easily influenced by false teaching, worldly ideas, and deceptive philosophies because they lack a strong foundation in God’s truth.

Spiritual maturity comes through learning Scripture, growing in faith, and remaining rooted in Christ. Mature believers develop discernment and stability. They are not controlled by emotions, trends, or persuasive personalities but are anchored in the truth of God’s Word.

Paul’s warning reminds believers that growth is essential in the Christian life. God does not intend for His people to remain spiritually immature. As believers study Scripture, pray, obey God, and participate in the church, they grow stronger and become able to encourage and protect others as well.

5. What does it mean to “speak the truth in love”? (Ephesians 4:15)

Answer:
Speaking truth without love can become harsh, prideful, or destructive. On the other hand, love without truth can become weak, compromising, or misleading. Paul teaches that both truth and love must work together in the life of a believer.

To speak the truth in love means communicating God’s truth with compassion, humility, and a desire to help others grow. This includes encouraging others, correcting sin gently, teaching biblical truth faithfully, and avoiding dishonest or harmful speech.

Jesus perfectly demonstrated this balance. He never compromised truth, yet He dealt with people in mercy and grace. Christians are called to reflect His example in relationships within the church and in daily life. Truth guided by love builds up the body of Christ and strengthens unity.

6. Why does Paul describe the church as a body in Ephesians 4:16?

Answer:
Paul compares the church to a human body to show that believers are connected and dependent on one another. Just as every part of the body has a purpose, every believer has a role in the church. Christ is the head, directing and sustaining the body.

This picture emphasizes both unity and diversity. Different believers have different gifts and responsibilities, but all contribute to the growth and health of the church. No member is unnecessary or unimportant.

Paul teaches that spiritual growth happens as each believer faithfully serves and supports others in love. When Christians refuse to serve, the body becomes weaker. But when believers work together under Christ’s leadership, the church grows stronger, healthier, and more effective in ministry.

7. What does Paul mean by putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man”? (Ephesians 4:22–24)

Answer:
The “old man” refers to the believer’s former way of life before salvation. It represents sinful attitudes, desires, habits, and thinking that were controlled by the flesh and separated from God. The “new man” refers to the new life created through faith in Christ.

Paul teaches that salvation brings transformation. Believers are no longer to live according to their old sinful patterns but are to be renewed in their minds and live according to God’s righteousness and holiness. This involves an ongoing process of spiritual growth and obedience.

Putting off the old man is like removing old, filthy clothing. Putting on the new man is like dressing in a new way that reflects Christ’s character. Christians are called to reject sinful behaviors and pursue godliness because they now belong to Christ.

8. Why does Paul give practical instructions about speech, anger, work, and forgiveness? (Ephesians 4:25–32)

Answer:
Paul shows that genuine faith affects everyday behavior. Christianity is not merely about beliefs or religious practices; it changes how people speak, think, work, and treat others.

He instructs believers to speak truthfully because Christians belong to one another. He warns against sinful anger because uncontrolled anger gives opportunity to the devil and damages relationships. He tells thieves to work honestly and generously so they can help others instead of harming them.

Paul also commands believers to avoid corrupt speech and instead speak words that encourage and strengthen others. Finally, he emphasizes forgiveness, reminding believers that God forgave them through Christ. Since believers have received grace and mercy, they should extend the same grace to others.

These practical instructions reveal what a transformed life looks like. The gospel changes not only eternal destiny but also daily conduct and relationships.

9. What does it mean not to “grieve the Holy Spirit”? (Ephesians 4:30)

Answer:
The Holy Spirit lives within every believer and works to guide, strengthen, convict, and transform God’s people. When believers live in sin, bitterness, dishonesty, or disobedience, they grieve the Holy Spirit. This means their actions bring sorrow because they oppose the Spirit’s holy work in their lives.

Paul’s statement reveals that the Holy Spirit is personal, not merely a force or power. The Spirit desires holiness, unity, truth, and love among believers. Sin disrupts fellowship with God and weakens spiritual growth.

Paul reminds believers that they have been “sealed” by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, meaning they belong securely to God. Because of this relationship, Christians should desire to live in a way that pleases the Spirit rather than resisting His work.

10. Why is forgiveness central to Christian living according to Ephesians 4:32?

Answer:
Paul commands believers to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving because God has forgiven them through Christ. Christian forgiveness is rooted in the gospel itself. Every believer has received mercy that could never be earned. Therefore, Christians are called to extend grace to others.

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring sin or pretending wrong never happened. Instead, it means releasing bitterness, revenge, and hatred while entrusting justice to God. Forgiveness reflects the character of Christ, who showed mercy even to sinners.

Unforgiveness damages relationships, creates bitterness, and hinders spiritual growth. Forgiveness brings healing, peace, and restoration. Paul teaches that believers who truly understand God’s forgiveness will increasingly reflect that same mercy toward others.

Chapter 5 – Walking in Love, Light, and Wisdom

Bible Lessons

Paul calls Christians to imitate God by walking in love, avoiding impurity, living wisely, and reflecting Christ’s love in marriage as the model for the church’s relationship with Him.

5.1 Ephesians 5:1-2, Imitate God and Walk in Sacrificial Love

^5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ²And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished up the section about our new life in Jesus Christ. With this lesson we begin chapter 5 and a new section covering how we are to walk.

Therefore, starts a two-verse transition into a section of general instructions for holy living, and it also points back to our new life discussed in 4:17 – 32 and summaries it by saying we are to be imitators of God. It was written in Leviticus 1:16 ESV: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” If we are to be imitators of God, then we must imitate his holiness in all our conduct. God is love and was willing to sacrifice his son for our salvation. To imitate God, we are to show sacrificial love toward others. As God forgave us, we are to forgive others (See Ephesians 4:32). God showed us mercy and we should show others mercy (cf. Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36). God is perfect, so we must continue to grow spiritually in that direction and then one day through the resurrection we will be perfect like him (See Matthew 5:48).

God chose us and caused us to be born again and then he adopted us into his family as his beloved children. We are not God’s slaves trying to earn a merger wage, but beloved children who have a wonderfully rich Father, especially rich in love and grace. He did not have save us, but he did because he loved us and wants the joy of an everlasting relationship with us. Because of this should we not desire as his children be imitators of our loving Father?

In addition to imitating God, as listed above, Paul tells us to walk in love, not in sin as described in 4:25 – 31. When we are born again, the Spirit comes to live in us, and his fruit is love. That love is defined with eight characteristics given in Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” To walk in love is to demonstrate these characteristics with our lives. Beyond these characteristics, we are to love others as Jesus Christ loved us. That love was a sacrificial love as he was willing to sacrifice his life to meet a critical need we had. A sacrificial love is always willing to suffer for the benefit of someone else, just as Jesus Christ did for us. Such a sacrifice is seen as a “fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

This “fragrant” aroma points back to Genesis 8:21, when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma of the sacrifice Noah was offering on the altar and he said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done.”

The “offering” first points back to offering the priests made for his own sins and then for the sins of the people (See Hebrews 7:7), and then to Jesus Christ and the cleansing power of his blood that was shed for us (See Hebrews 9:14). Through the offering of his body, we have been sanctified once and for all (See Hebrews 10:10).

Imitating God and walking in sacrificial love, we are to avoid certain things to be covered in the next lesson.

5.2 Ephesians 5:3-6, Do Not Practice These Things

^5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:3 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we learned that our new life in Jesus Christ required us to imitate God and to walk in sacrificial love. In this lesson we will begin to look at the things we are not to engage in, things that would prevent us from holy living.

Beginning at 5:3 and extending to 5:21, Paul gives instruction in holy living. Verses 5:3 through 5:6 cover things we specifically are not to do. Having listed these unholy things, Paul then provides some reasons why we are not to do those things. That transition is stablished with the “Therefore” that begins 5:7 and extends through 5:14. A third section then begins with “Look carefully” at the beginning of 5:15 and extends through 5:21. That final section includes things we should be doing to express our “new life in Jesus Christ.”

Paul lists three things in 5:3 that “must not even be named among” us. Those three things are: (1) sexual immorality, (2) all impurity, and (3) covetousness.

(1) sexual immorality – Earlier in our studies, when we covered 1 Corinthians 6:18, we were told then by Paul to “flee from sexual immorality” and pointed out that “every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral persons sins against his own body.” Our bodies are members of the body of Christ and to engage in sexual sin we are taking a member of the body of Christ and making it a member of prostitute. This is a spiritual component that is not present with other sins. In Galatians 5:19, sexual immorality is described as a work of the flesh.

(2) all impurity – When we allow lust in our hearts it leads to impurity (See Romans 1:24). It is also described in Galatians 5:19 as a work of the flesh. In Ephesians 4:19, Paul speaks of people who are “greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” Impurity is one of those sins we are to put to death (See Colossians 3:5).

(3) covetousness – It is interesting to note that covetousness is associated with the lowest and most debasing sins. To covet something is as bad as committing a sexual sin. That seems quite remarkable. Therefore, there is little difference between a covetous man and a sexually active man.

In 5:4, Paul lists three more things that “are out of place” for us and instead of engaging in them let us use our words to give thanks. Those three things are to avoid are: (1) filthiness, (2) foolish talk, and (3) crude joking.

(1) filthiness – Filthy conversation is that which is obscene, or indecent. Literally, that which is shameful, or corrupted.

(2) foolish talk – Foolish talk is that which is tasteless, senseless, and stupid. It is talk which is not suited to instruct, edify, or profit. It is the idle “chitchat” which is so common in the world. As Christians, we should aim to have our conversation sensible, serious, and sincere. We should remember the warning of Jesus. He said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak (Matthew 12:36 ESV).

(3) crude joking – Crude joking is that which lacks taste, tack, or refinement. It is vulgar and tends to make people feel uncomfortable. It is talking about sexual matters in a rude way. Crude joking is an attempt to elicit laughing by crossing a line into impropriety. It employs the use of foul language and sexual innuendo.

In 5:5, Paul makes it clear that those who practice any of those six things “have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” To practice these things implies that one is unsaved and as a result will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In 5:6, the section is concluded with a warning that those who do the things listed are considered “sons of disobedience” and can expect the wrath of God to come upon them. Those who practice these things are unsaved, referred to as “sons of disobedience” and face the wrath of God. The Christian who commits these things is to confess their behavior as sin and seek forgiveness because Jesus Christ has taken God’s wrath in our place.

5.3 Ephesians 5:7-14, Walk as Children of Light

^5:7 Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ¹³But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:7 – 14 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at six things that we are not to practice because if we do, we are considered unsaved and headed to eternal death under the wrath of God. In this lesson we will look at how we are to walk.

“Therefore” points back to the things we as believers are not to practice and now directs us to “not become partners with those who do. Paul is not saying that we are to avoid them because we must share the gospel with them. It is that we are not to join them in doing those sinful things. Paul reminds them that before they were saved, they were living in darkness and doing those things, but now they are in the light and should walk as children of light. In Isaiah 2:5, those of the house of Jacob were reminded to come and “walk in the light of the Lord.” Jesus said to the crowd, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. (John 12:35 – 36 ESV). “God is light and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 ESV). The Spirit is God and God is love (cf. 1 John 4:8, 16) and the characteristics of love are: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV). Those who were raised from the dead are to walk in the light “in order that we may bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4).

In addition to walking as children of light, we are to try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Having been born again, we have been approved by God to be “entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV). As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the Bible which gives general principles, be we are to use wisdom and discern how to apply those principles to our lives. The book of Proverbs is an excellent help for us in doing this. By learning how to apply these principles to our lives, we are doing that which pleases the Lord.

As one who is now in the light, Paul reminds them to remember the kind of fruit they were getting from the things they did while walking in darkness, which they are now ashamed (See Romans 6:21). We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light (See Romans 13:12). We are to expose those things that are done in darkness. We are to reason frankly with our neighbor, lest we incur sin because of him (See Leviticus 19:17). “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20 ESV).

“For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret” points back to 5:3 where Paul tells them that “sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you.” Not only are these things being done today in the open, to speak of them seems to bring no shame. Jesus has a thought on this in John 3:20 – 21 ESV: “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” “For the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:9 ESV).

The quote that Paul makes is not from any one Old Testament reference but probably from several. For example, “Awake, O sleeper” probably comes from Isaiah 51:17; 52:21; 60:1; Malachi 4:2, The phrase “arise from the dead” probably comes from Isaiah 26:19 and “Christ will shine on you” from Luke 1:78 – 79.

5.4 Ephesians 5:15-21, Look Carefully at How You Walk

^5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ₁₇Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:15 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we were further instructed by Paul in how we should walk in the light. In this lesson we will continue with his advice.

The “then” that follows “look carefully” is the same as “therefore” and points back to the previous material and based on that we are now to look carefully at how we walk. Paul told the Colossians to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Colossians 4:5 ESV). It is the man of understanding that walks straight ahead (See Proverbs 15:21) as one who is wise. We are to walk in this way “because the days are evil.” “Making the best use of” could also have been translated as “purchase” or as “redeemed.” The best use of our time would be to use it as an opportunity to do good.

As we make the best use us of our time by walking carefully in these evil days, we are “not to be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.” His will would be to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our mind and to use that renewed mind in doing what is good and acceptable and perfect (See Romans 12:2). Paul tells the Thessalonians that it is the will of God to abstain from sexual immorality (See 1 Thessalonians 4:3). It is also God’s will that we give thanks in all circumstances (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18). In this context “the will of the Lord” refers to his general guidelines for life, his “revealed will” not to his “hidden will.” “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV.

5:18 is about control and what or who should control us. Getting “drunk with wine” releases our sinful flesh to do those things that an unsaved one would do, whereas being “filled with the Spirit” allows the Spirit to bring the best out of us in “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with [our] heart.” To be controlled by excessive wine is referred, by Paul, as “debauchery” which is far from the beauty of worshipping God with others. Being “filled with the Spirit” also leads to “giving thanks always and for everything.”

We are to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God with lips that acknowledge his name (See Hebrews 13:15). It is his name that is important because “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 ESV). It is also in his name that we make request to the Father (See John 14:13).

Part of walking carefully is to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. “Submitting to one another” refers to “submitting to others according to the authority and order established by God. Paul will discuss that order in 5:22 through 5:33.

5.5 Ephesians 5:22-24, Wives, Submit to Your Own Husbands

^5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:22 – 24 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at what Paul meant by being careful in how we walk. In this lesson we will consider God’s order concerning submission.

The ESV translation places 5:21 at the end of the section titled “Walk in Love” and then begins a new section about “wives and husbands.” It might have been better to place 5:21 as the first sentence of a new section titled “Submission to One Another” and include verses all the way to 6:9. In doing that provides us with three illustrations of submission: (1) wives and husbands (5:21 – 33), (2) children and parents (6:1 – 4), and (3) slaves and masters (6:5 – 9). Paul will cover these same illustrations of submission in Colossians 3:18 – 4:1.

Each of these illustrations begin with the one who is to submit: wives to husbands, children to parents, and slaves to masters. As each submits there is then a response about how the one being submitted to is to treat the one submitting. These three illustrations are three examples of how-to walk-in wisdom as covered in 5:15 – 21. The purpose of these illustrations is to provide us with a better understanding of how we relate to one another according to the authority and order established by God. Out study begins with the wife submitting to her husband.

First the wife is told to submit to her own husband (5:21 – 24) and then the husband is told to love his wife in return (5:25 – 33). It is so important that there be a balance between this submission and love, for without it there will be abuse. The wife is to submit to her husband as she would to the Lord because he is under authority to the Lord to submit to him. The order is wife to her husband and the husband to the Lord or Christ. Then, almost in the same breath, the authority of the husband is established and related to the authority of the Lord who was required to sacrifice for those who will be in submission to him.

The wife is to submit to her husband and can do so without fear if he loves her with a sacrificial love, just as he is to submit to the Lord because of his sacrificial love for him. The husband is head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Through marriage the wife becomes one with her husband, but it is the husband that is responsible to love her in such a way that she would allow Christ to sanctify her and cleanse her by the washing of water with the word (See Ephesians 5:25 – 26). Having established the importance a sacrificial love relationship on the part of the husband towards his wife, then she is able to freely submit to him as the church submits to Christ.

It is unfortunate how many pastors and teachers do not stress this balance between submission and sacrificial love in this passage and instead focus on the importance of the wife submitting to the authority of her husband which at times is very unhealthy if the sacrificial love is missing. In the next lesson we will watch Paul stress the importance of sacrificial love on the part of the husband.

5.6 Ephesians 5:25-33, Husbands, Love Your Wives

^5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. ²⁸In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰because we are members of his body. ³¹“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³²This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:25 – 33 ESV)

In the previous lesson we tried to stress the necessary balance between the submission of the wife to her husband with his sacrificial love for his wife. Without this balance there will be fear on the part of the wife and forced enslavement coming from the husband. In this lesson, Paul takes the husband aside and stresses the importance of his sacrificial love and points out that he should not expect her to freely submit to him without that love being expressed.

Clearly the focus in on “husbands” and their behavior is to love their wives, not demand submission, and they are to love their wives in the same way that Jesus Christ loved the church and sacrificed himself for her. If the husband is to expect his wife to submit to him it will cost him something, just as Jesus Christ had to go to the cross and die to establish salvation before people could or would submit to him in salvation. The husband must purchase his wife’s submission with his sacrificial love just as Christ did to receive ours.

Looking at 5:26 – 27, we find a difference of opinion of who the “he” is at the beginning of 5:26. Some think the “he” refers to the husband, while others think it refers to Christ. I side with those who think the “he” refers to Christ because only he can “sanctify” and cleanse someone, not the husband.

To sanctify her in this context probably means to set the church apart for service, to consecrate it into the Lord’s service through cleansing. That cleansing was to be done “by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Jesus said, “you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (John 15:3 ESV). Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) speaks to this cleansing: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” As we read and study the word, the Spirit uses it to point out the kind of person we are and then how to correct the problem. It is like looking into a mirror to see what needs to be changed. James also has a comment on this: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” James also says, “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” (James 1:25 ESV). If we look at his word and follow its instructions, God will bless our obedience.

Verse 5:27 points out that Christ is preparing the church, his Bride, to present to himself at the time of the marriage supper of the Lamb. “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted for her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” (Revelation 19:7 – 9 ESV). This has been the work of sanctification while we were on earth, but now at the resurrection the church, the Bride, is now holy and without blemish. All of this was possible because of the consecrating sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

Paul reminds these husbands of all Jesus Christ did for the church and instructs them to likewise sacrifice for the sake of their wives. That love for their wives should be like how they love their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself in his care for her she returns the kindness in her love for him.

Just as we nourish and cherish our own bodies, Christ also cares for the church, his body, and since we are members of that body, we as husbands should care for our wives. Up to this point, Paul has been speaking of two bodies, that of the husband and of the wife. Now he brings them together in marriage to become one flesh and thus the implication that as he cares for himself, he automatically must care for her since she is one with him. Just as husband and wife become one in marriage, Christ becomes one with the church. This oneness is seen as a profound mystery that we will one day understand.

In summary then, Paul tells the husband to love his wife as he loves himself and the wife is to respect the husband as the husband respects the Lord. As the wife is loved, she is then not afraid to submit, and as the wife respects the husband, he is moved to love her.

Questions with Answers

1. What does Paul mean when he says believers should be “imitators of God” in Ephesians 5:1–2?

Paul calls Christians to imitate God by walking in love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. The foundation of the Christian life is not merely obeying rules but reflecting the character of God. God’s love is sacrificial, holy, forgiving, patient, and purposeful. Jesus demonstrated this love perfectly through His life and death on the cross. Believers imitate God when they forgive others, serve selflessly, speak truthfully, and live in ways that honor Him. Paul emphasizes that Christian conduct flows from identity—we are “beloved children,” and children naturally reflect their Father. The cross becomes both the model and motivation for holy living.

2. Why does Paul strongly warn against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed in Ephesians 5:3–7?

Paul explains that these sins are incompatible with the life of God’s kingdom. Sexual immorality, impurity, and greed reflect selfish desires that place personal pleasure above God’s holiness. Greed is closely connected to idolatry because it elevates earthly desires to the place God alone should hold. Paul is not teaching salvation by works, but he is showing that persistent, unrepentant sin reveals a heart not transformed by Christ. Believers are called to live differently from the surrounding culture. Instead of participating in sinful practices, Christians are to pursue holiness, gratitude, purity, and obedience. Paul warns them not to be deceived by people who minimize sin or excuse ungodly behavior.

3. What does it mean to “walk as children of light” in Ephesians 5:8–14?

To walk as children of light means to live openly in righteousness, truth, and purity because believers now belong to Christ. Before salvation, people live in spiritual darkness, separated from God and unable to see spiritual truth clearly. Through Christ, believers become “light in the Lord.” Paul says the fruit of light consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Christians are therefore called to expose darkness rather than participate in it. This does not mean acting harshly or self-righteously, but living in such a way that the truth of Christ becomes visible through their conduct. Paul also calls believers to awaken spiritually and live with awareness of God’s presence and purpose.

4. Why does Paul emphasize wisdom and careful living in Ephesians 5:15–17?

Paul urges believers to live wisely because the days are evil and life presents constant spiritual dangers and distractions. Wisdom involves understanding God’s will and applying His truth in daily life. Christians must carefully consider how they use their time, choices, words, and opportunities. Paul tells believers to “redeem the time,” meaning they should make the most of every opportunity to serve God and glorify Him. Foolish living wastes time on sinful or meaningless pursuits, while wise living seeks God’s purposes. Spiritual maturity requires intentional living guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

5. What is the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5:18?

Paul contrasts two controlling influences. Drunkenness places a person under the control of alcohol, often leading to reckless behavior, poor judgment, and moral failure. In contrast, being filled with the Spirit means living under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produces worship, joy, thanksgiving, encouragement, and submission to God. A Spirit-filled believer is not characterized by chaos or self-indulgence but by transformed attitudes and actions. Paul describes Spirit-filled living through worshiping together, singing spiritual songs, giving thanks continually, and living in humility toward one another. The Christian life is meant to be continually directed by God’s Spirit rather than worldly desires.

6. How do worship and thanksgiving reveal a Spirit-filled life according to Ephesians 5:19–20?

Paul teaches that Spirit-filled believers naturally express worship and gratitude. Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs reflects hearts centered on God rather than self. Worship strengthens faith, encourages other believers, and glorifies Christ. Thanksgiving also reveals trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness. A grateful heart recognizes God’s grace even during difficulties. Complaining and bitterness often reveal spiritual weakness, while thanksgiving demonstrates dependence on God and confidence in His purposes. Paul is not saying believers must ignore hardship, but that they should continually remember God’s faithfulness and salvation.

7. What does “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ” mean in Ephesians 5:21?

Mutual submission means believers humbly serve and honor one another out of reverence for Christ. Biblical submission is not about inferiority or oppression; it is about placing others before self in love and humility. Jesus Himself modeled this servant-hearted attitude. Within the church, believers are called to seek unity, peace, and the good of others rather than insisting on selfish ambition or pride. Submission grows out of reverence for Christ because Christians recognize His authority and desire to reflect His character in relationships.

8. What does Paul teach about marriage in Ephesians 5:22–33?

Paul presents marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church. Wives are called to respect and support their husbands’ leadership, while husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church. The command to husbands is especially significant because Christ’s love is self-giving, protective, pure, and nurturing. Biblical leadership is not domination but loving service. Paul emphasizes unity in marriage, describing husband and wife as “one flesh.” Marriage therefore becomes both a covenant relationship and a living testimony of the gospel. Christ’s love for the church provides the ultimate example for every Christian marriage.

9. Why is Christ’s relationship with the church central to Paul’s teaching on marriage?

Paul uses marriage to reveal a deeper spiritual truth about Christ and His people. Jesus loves the church sacrificially, sanctifies her through His Word, and remains faithful to her completely. Earthly marriage is meant to reflect these realities. The relationship between husband and wife should therefore display love, faithfulness, unity, grace, and commitment. Paul calls this a “great mystery” because marriage ultimately points beyond itself to God’s redemptive plan in Christ. Understanding Christ’s love transforms how believers understand relationships, commitment, and service.

Ephesians 6 – The Armor of God and Spiritual Warfare

Bible Lessons

Paul concludes by urging believers to stand firm against the devil’s schemes, putting on the full armor of God, and living in constant prayer and perseverance.

6.1 Ephesians 6:1-4, Children, Obey Your Parents

^6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), ³“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” ⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1 – 4 ESV)

The previous lesson on husbands loving their wives was not an easy lesson to write as it had some difficult thoughts to try to explain. In this lesson we will look at another relationship, and that being between children and parents.

Paul did not tell the wife to obey her husband, but to respect him. Looking at three proverbs we find the following instructions: “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction” (Proverbs 1:8); “My son, keep your father’s commandment” (Proverb 6:20); and “Listen to your father who gave you life” (Proverb 23:22). Concerning the mother: “forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverb 1:8; 6:20); and “do not despise your mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22).

In Mosaic days the child’s relationship to the parent was different than today. For example: “Whoever strikes his father, or his mother shall be put to death” (Exodus 21:15); and “Whoever curses his father, or his mother shall be put to death” (Exodus 21:17). In the New Testament children being disobedient to their parents is listed among the grave sins (See Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2), so obedience is important. Even though the wife is to submit to her husband, that is not to lessen the child’s respect for their mother.

There is some debate over the phrase “obey your parents in the Lord” because it seems to imply that obedience is important if the parents are believers and not important if parents are not believers. Since the context does not support that interpretation, it is thought that maybe a scribe added the three words “in the Lord” at some later time for some reason. It appears that the verse should read “Children, obey your parents, for this is right.”

In addition to obedience, children are to honor their father and mother, however obedience is part of honoring them. That honor is connected to a promise from God. To honor is to promote an easier and longer life in the land. Remember if a child struck or cursed a parent that child could be put to death. There were earlier commands of God that came with a promise, such as the command God gave to Abram when he commanded him to walk before him and be blameless and if he did then God would make a covenant with him to multiply him greatly (See Genesis 17:1 – 2). However, this command here about children honoring their parents is the first and only commandment in the ten commandments with a promise.

Having given instruction to the children, Paul now directs his attention to the one who is to be obeyed and honored. Fathers (and mothers) are not to provoke their children to anger. Parents are to be careful not to be domineering and/or thoughtless in their actions towards their children, especially if the child is obedient. Provoking a child may result in them becoming discouraged (See Colossians 3:21) and become angry.

Parents have a God given responsibility to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. The instruction given to us as parents by the Lord is to be passed on to the children. We are to teach them diligently and talk of these things when we sit in our homes and when we walk with them and put them to bed and when they get up (See Deuteronomy 6:1 – 9).

6.2 Ephesians 6:5-9, Bondservants, Obey Your Earthly Masters

^6:5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, ⁶not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, ⁸knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. ⁹Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. (Ephesians 6:5 – 9 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the relationship between the child and the parents. In this lesson we move on to the next relationship; that being the relationship between bondservants and their masters.

In our western culture, 6:5 might read, “Employees, obey your earthly employers.” In either case, those working for someone else are to be obedient and perform their tasks. At the time Paul wrote this letter, about one third of the population of Ephesus was made up of slaves and were an integral part of the family they worked for. Paul is not condoning slavery but is giving instruction to those slaves who are working for believers. They are to be subject to their masters with all respect, not only to the good and gently but also to the unjust (See 1 Peter 2:18), and their obedience is to be with fear and trembling because they are under authority. They were to serve with a sincere heart as if they were serving Jesus Christ.

Paul then describes what it is like to serve Christ with a sincere heart. Their service is to accomplish the given task and is not to be done in such a way that it attracts attention by being a people pleaser (See Galatians 1:10). Their service is to be from the heart as if they were doing God’s will. The service is to be rendered as if it was being done for the Lord and not man. With an attitude of serving man, one will possibly receive man’s reward, but to serve with an attitude of serving Christ, the servant will receive back from the Lord for whatever good he does (See Psalm 62:12). God does not ignore or forget selfish service. This principle is true no matter whether the person is a bondservant or is free.

Paul then turns to the masters and instructs them that their treatment of their slaves is to be how they would treat the Lord. It is to be done without threating (See Leviticus 25:43) knowing that they as well as you are serving the same Master who is in heaven. With the Lord there is no partiality shown between his treatment of either the slave or the master for he will judge both fairly. The Lord does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart to see their motive (See 1 Samuel 16:7).

6.3 Ephesians 6:10-13, Strength from the Lord

^6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:10 – 13 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the relationship between the bondservant and his master. With this lesson we begin our study of the whole armor of God.

Reading through 6:10 – 20, one can see three topics or subsections: (1) strength from the Lord (6:10 – 13), (2) stand firm (6:14 – 17), and (3) consistent prayer (6:18 – 20). Paul begins the section with “Finally” which suggest he is nearing the end of his letter. What he has to say in this final section applies to those at Ephesus as well as to us. He speaks of the importance of relying on the Lord’s resources in our struggle against our spiritual enemy.

(1) strength from the Lord (6:10 – 13) – Realizing that our enemy is spiritual in nature, we will soon realize that our human strength is not sufficient to withstand the enemies’ attacks against us. Paul instructs us to learn to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. To be strong in the Lord will involve several things. The first is to grow strong in faith (See Romans 4:20), the second is to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (See 2 Timothy 2:1), the third is to be strong in the word of God (See 1 John 2:14), and the fourth is to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in our inner being (See Ephesians 3:16). To be strong in the Lord implies that the strength we need to stand against our enemy is to be drawn from the Lord in ways suggested above. Being strong in the Lord describes the connection to the Lord through which his power, or might, is to flow. “Might” can then be seen as his power that flows through a strong connection.

To receive that power from the Lord requires preparation on our part. His power will provide us with strength if we have on the whole armor of God, for without it we will not be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Those schemes will affect us from the spiritual realm because Paul tells us in 6:12 that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

At first it may seem that our struggle is against “flesh and blood” but those we might wrestle with, for example under persecution, are simply pawns used by the powers of darkness to do their work. Paul then lists four entities that are our enemies: (a) rulers, (b) authorities, (c) cosmic powers, and (d) spiritual forces. These terms vary from translation to translation with overlap, so no attempt will be made to describe a uniqueness about each but to simply say that this list gives a sobering glimpse into the devil’s allies that are arrayed against us.

These spiritual forces are exceedingly powerful in their exercise of cosmic powers of this present darkness. The signs and wonders they will perform during the tribulation period to draw people to worship and serve the beast will be truly amazing and powerful. Their ability to assemble multitudes to form armies to stand against the Lord and his army or even to attempt to draw believers away from the Lord will be very strong. Even today the powers of darkness are arrayed against the church in the form of persecution nearly worldwide and the infiltration of the world into the western church. If we as believers are going to stand firm against this evil force of spiritual darkness, we are going to need to have on the full armor of God. The pieces of this armor are listed and described in the next lesson.

6.4 Ephesians 6:14-17, Stand Firm

^6:14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Ephesians 6:14 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the first of three subsections of 6:10 – 20. Those three sections are: (1) strength from the Lord (6:10 – 13), (2) stand firm (6:14 – 17), and (3) consistent prayer (6:18 – 20). In this lesson we will cover the second subsection.

(2) stand firm (6:14 – 17) – When the enemy comes before us, we are not to retreat but to stand firm because the Lord has not left us defenseless. He has provided us with the complete armor of God that protects us from head to foot. That armor includes a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and a sword. These items are metaphors for the spiritual resources provided by Christ for us. Truth and righteousness are mentioned in 6:14, the gospel in 6:15, faith in 6:16, and salvation and the word of God in 6:17.

The subsection begins with the command to stand, not to retreat. James adds a bit more detail by saying that we are first to submit ourselves to God then turn to resist the devil and he will flee from us (See James 4:7). Why various spiritual resources are assigned to various armor items is not clear in some cases.

Truth is important, as it sets one free (See John 8:32), but it also protects one from a lax view of morals, of obedience and our walk with the Lord. Truth keeps the soul focused, determined, and always on guard. One who has no consistent views of truth, is one that is open to assault from an adversary. I am sure Paul had reasons for associating truth with the belt.

To associate righteousness with the breastplate, which covers the vital parts of the body, suggest that integrity of life and righteousness of character is necessary to defend us from the assaults of Satan. It was the incorruptible integrity of Jesus Christ that saved us from the temptations and deceptions of the devil. If we expect to stand against the power of temptation and deception, we must have on the robe of righteousness (See Isaiah 61:10). Integrity of character is essential for a successful stand against the powers of darkness.

Paul then speaks of shoes for the feet and associates them with the gospel of peace. This might suggest the importance of sharing the gospel with others (See Mark 16:15). That gospel is the good news that God purchased peace by the death of his Son and offers it to sinners who believe in Jesus Christ. We have the good news that God’s omnipotent wrath against sinners has been taken away through the death of Jesus for sin, and everyone who believes is reconciled to him freely by grace. Thus, in the place of enmity comes peace.

Why would Paul mention peace right in the middle of a passage dealing with spiritual warfare and conflict and armor? Because the aim of our warfare is that people would accept the terms of peace that God presents, namely, faith in Jesus Christ: “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. . . that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:14, 16 – 18 ESV).

The good news of peace is that when Jesus Christ died and shed his blood for sin, two kinds of enmity were overcome. The enmity between God and repentant sinners was ended and the enmity between races and factions in Christ was brought to an end. So, Christ became our peace. That is the gospel of peace which is our defense against the lies of the enemy.

The shield used by the Roman soldier was a large rectangular wooden shield about 4 foot high, covered with leather on the outside. Before a battle in which flaming arrows might be shot at them, the soldiers wet the leather covering with water to extinguish the arrows. The Roman legionaries could close ranks with these shields, the first row holding theirs edge to edge in front, and the rows behind holding the shields above their heads. In this formation they were practically invulnerable to arrows, rocks, and even spears. In a spiritual sense, faith is like those shields in that with it we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

The purpose of the helmet is to protect our head from injury and possible death. Our salvation protects us from the curse of the law and sets us free from the bondage of sin and death. In the event of physical death at the hands of the enemy, our salvation assures us of victory and eternity with our Lord.

The “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” which is mentioned last is our weapon of offence. Our resource in battle is the word of God and is to be wielded like a two-edged sword, in the mighty power of the Spirit. “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). We need to learn how to properly use the sword; we need to “Do [our] best to present [ourselves] as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV).

Do we have on the full armor of God and know how to use the sword of the Spirit to stand against the evil one and to advance into his kingdom to rescue lost sheep and deliver them to the kingdom of our beloved savior (cf. Colossians 1:13)?

6.5 Ephesians 6:18-20, Consistent Prayer

^6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18 – 20 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the second of three subsections of 6:10 – 20. Those three sections are: (1) strength from the Lord (6:10 – 13), (2) stand firm (6:14 – 17), and (3) consistent prayer (6:18 – 20). In this lesson we will cover the third and last subsection.

(3) consistent prayer (6:18 – 20) – In our conflict with the evil one, we receive strength from the Lord and are to stand firm in the face of our enemy, arrayed with the full armor of God, and with the sword of the Spirit in hand and in an attitude of prayer we move against the powers of darkness and seek to rescue lost sheep from the kingdom of darkness by proclaiming the gospel of peace.

Our source of strength was identified, the armor needed for protection described, and with the sword of the Spirit in our hand we need one most important thing if we are to be successful and that is prayer, because prayer releases the Lord’s power to strengthen us in our stand, draws us and holds us together as the Lord’s army to withstand and advance against the enemy. Prayer is essential, for without it, failure is assured.

Jesus taught his disciples that they ought always to pray and not lose heart (See Luke 18:1). To pray in the Spirit is to obtain his help in our weakness, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (See Romans 8:26). We are to continue steadfast in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (See Colossians 4:2). “With all prayer and supplication” reminds me of Philippians 4:6 – 7 in which we are reminded to bring our anxiety to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to obtain his peace, which surpasses all understanding, which will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

Because of the spiritual power of darkness arrayed against us and with the devil prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (See 1 Peter 5:8), we are to keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. The focus is not to be just on ourselves but for all the saints, for we are in this battle with the powers of darkness together and we need to stand together.

Paul also requests prayer for himself, but in so doing he is suggesting how we are to pray for one another. He seeks prayer, that words would be given to him that he is to speak to be able to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel. All of us are to be engages in proclaiming the gospel of peace as a means of obtaining peace with our enemy. Even when we are being tortured, sharing the gospel may be the only time it may be heard and there are some who have repented and then they themselves were persecuted against.

Paul proclaimed the gospel, as have many believers, and ended up as ambassadors in chains, but even in that condition we continue to proclaim the gospel and to do it boldly. We need to pray for strength to proclaim even when under attack, because that is our main offensive weapon.

6.6 Ephesians 6:21-24, Paul’s Final Greetings

^6:21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

^6:23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ^6:24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:21 – 24 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished covering the main body of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. With this lesson we will cover Paul’s final greetings and then look forward to the next letter Paul wrote.

Paul is in prison in Rome, and he is aware that those in Ephesus might be concerned over how he is doing, and so he tells them that he is going to send his beloved brother, Tychicus, who will tell them everything. Tychicus had served Paul faithfully for some time. We first met him in our study of Acts where he was mentioned in Acts 20:4. We find him mentioned in the final greeting in Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7, and Titus 3:12. In 2 Timothy 4:12 he is being sent by Paul to Ephesus.

In 6:21, Paul gives two reasons why he is sending Tychicus to them: (1) that they may know how he is doing, and (2) that he may encourage their hearts. It is also possible that he will bring this letter to them.

As Paul closes the letter, he mentions four important things: (1) peace, (2) love, (3) faith, and (4) grace.

(1) peace – This peace is not as the world gives but the peace that is from God (See John 14:27). It is a peace which surpasses all understanding that will guard one’s heart and mind (See Philippians 4:7). Peace is one of the characteristics of God’s love (See Galatians 5:22) and is available to all who are born again and have the Spirit dwelling within them.

(2) love – Three key verses come to mind about love: John 16:12 ESV: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.; 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV: “Let all that you do be done in love.”; and 1 Peter 4:8 ESV: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Paul instructs them to love with faith.

(3) faith – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV). Faith is being certain about realities we believe are true, but we cannot see with our physical eyes. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).

(4) grace – Grace is God extending his favor to us. We are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). The essence of the gospel is grace (Acts 20:24). Grace is given to the humble (James 4:6). Through grace we are given eternal comfort and good hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The source of grace and truth is the Son of God (John 1:14). Grace and mercy are not the same. Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion; it is often spoken of in the context of God not punishing us as our sins deserve. Grace includes kindness and compassion, but also carries the idea of bestowing a gift or favor.

Peace, love, faith, and grace are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul then closes the letter with the statement: “Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”

Questions with Answers

1. Why does Paul call children to obey their parents “in the Lord”?

Answer:
Paul teaches that obedience to parents is not merely a social expectation but a spiritual responsibility connected to honoring God. The phrase “in the Lord” means that Christian children are to obey their parents as part of their obedience to Christ Himself. God established the family structure, and honoring parents reflects respect for God’s authority. Paul also reminds believers that this command carries a promise—well-being and blessing. Obedience trains children in humility, respect, and submission to righteous authority. At the same time, “in the Lord” shows that obedience must remain consistent with God’s truth. If human authority contradicts God’s commands, loyalty to God comes first. Paul presents the Christian home as a place where faith is lived out daily through love, respect, and godly relationships.

2. What responsibility does Paul give to fathers in raising their children?

Answer:
Paul commands fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This means parents are not to lead harshly, unfairly, or abusively. Constant criticism, unreasonable demands, neglect, or inconsistency can discourage children and create bitterness. Instead, fathers are called to nurture their children with patience, wisdom, and godly teaching. Christian parenting involves guiding children toward Christ through instruction, correction, encouragement, and example. The home becomes one of the primary places where spiritual truth is taught and demonstrated. Paul emphasizes balance: discipline must be firm yet loving, and instruction must point children toward the character and truth of God.

3. What principles does Paul teach servants and masters that apply to work relationships today?

Answer:
Paul instructs servants to work sincerely and wholeheartedly, serving “as to the Lord and not to men.” Though the original setting involved servants and masters in the Roman world, the principles extend to modern workplaces. Believers are to work honestly, diligently, and faithfully even when no one is watching. Their ultimate Master is Christ. Paul condemns merely working for appearances or human approval. Instead, Christians should perform their duties with integrity because their labor is an act of worship to God. Masters, likewise, are commanded to treat others fairly and without threats, remembering that God shows no partiality. These instructions teach that all people stand equal before God. Christian ethics transform workplaces by promoting honesty, humility, fairness, respect, and accountability.

4. Why does Paul tell believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”?

Answer:
Paul recognizes that the Christian life involves spiritual conflict that cannot be overcome through human strength alone. Believers face temptation, deception, spiritual opposition, and attacks against faith. Human wisdom, determination, or morality are insufficient to defeat these spiritual forces. Therefore, Paul directs believers to depend upon God’s power rather than themselves. Strength comes through union with Christ, prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s promises. The Christian life is not lived independently but through continual dependence on the Lord. Paul wants believers to understand that victory over spiritual darkness is possible because God’s power is greater than every enemy.

5. What does Paul mean by the “whole armor of God”?

Answer:
The armor of God represents the spiritual resources God provides for believers to stand firm against spiritual attack. Paul uses the imagery of a Roman soldier to describe the believer’s spiritual preparedness. Each piece of armor points to an aspect of God’s truth and protection. The armor is necessary because the Christian battle is spiritual rather than physical. Believers must actively put on truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, readiness in the gospel, and God’s Word. The armor reminds Christians that spiritual victory comes through living in God’s truth and relying on His power. Paul emphasizes that believers are not defenseless. God equips His people to resist temptation, endure trials, and remain faithful.

6. Why does Paul say the struggle is not against “flesh and blood”?

Answer:
Paul teaches that the deepest conflict believers face is spiritual, not merely human. While Christians may encounter opposition from people, the ultimate battle involves spiritual forces of evil working against God’s purposes. Satan seeks to deceive, divide, discourage, and destroy faith. This understanding changes how believers respond to conflict. Christians are not called to hate people or treat others as the true enemy. Instead, they recognize that spiritual darkness influences the world. This perspective encourages prayer, wisdom, compassion, and dependence upon God rather than bitterness or revenge. Paul reminds believers that the gospel is about rescuing people from darkness, not fighting against them as enemies.

7. What is the significance of the belt of truth?

Answer:
The belt of truth represents the foundational role of truth in the Christian life. Just as a soldier’s belt secured and supported the armor, truth holds together the believer’s spiritual life. This includes both the truth of God’s Word and personal honesty and integrity. Satan is described in Scripture as the father of lies, so truth is essential in resisting deception. Believers must know, believe, and live according to God’s truth. A life grounded in truth provides stability, discernment, and confidence. Without truth, spiritual confusion and compromise easily take hold.

8. How does the breastplate of righteousness protect believers?

Answer:
The breastplate protected a soldier’s vital organs, and spiritually it represents the righteousness believers have in Christ as well as righteous living. Through faith, believers are declared righteous before God because of Christ’s sacrifice. Satan often attacks through guilt, accusation, and condemnation, but believers stand secure in Christ’s righteousness. At the same time, Christians are called to live upright and obedient lives. Holy living guards the heart from the destructive effects of sin. Paul shows that both salvation and daily obedience protect believers spiritually.

9. What does it mean to have feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace?

Answer:
Paul describes believers as prepared and steady because of the gospel. Roman soldiers wore sturdy footwear that enabled them to stand firm in battle. Spiritually, the gospel gives believers stability, confidence, and readiness to move wherever God calls them. The gospel of peace brings reconciliation with God through Christ, removing fear and hostility. Because believers have peace with God, they can stand firm during trials and also carry the message of peace to others. Paul emphasizes that Christians are not only defenders of truth but also messengers of hope and reconciliation.

10. Why is faith described as a shield?

Answer:
Faith functions as a shield because it protects believers from the attacks of doubt, fear, temptation, and accusation. Paul describes the enemy’s attacks as “flaming darts,” suggesting intense and dangerous assaults against the believer’s mind and heart. Faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances are difficult. It believes God is faithful, good, and sovereign. When temptation or discouragement comes, faith extinguishes those attacks by holding firmly to God’s truth. The stronger and more active one’s faith becomes, the more protected the believer is against spiritual defeat.

11. What is the helmet of salvation?

Answer:
The helmet protected a soldier’s head, symbolizing the protection salvation gives to the believer’s mind and hope. Salvation assures believers that they belong to Christ and have eternal life through Him. This confidence guards against despair, fear, and spiritual confusion. The hope of salvation strengthens believers during suffering and spiritual warfare. Knowing that Christ has already won the victory gives courage and endurance. Paul reminds Christians that their security rests not in themselves but in God’s saving work through Jesus Christ.

12. Why is the Word of God called the sword of the Spirit?

Answer:
The sword is the only offensive weapon listed in the armor of God, representing the power of God’s Word in spiritual battle. Scripture reveals truth, exposes lies, convicts sin, and guides believers in righteousness. Jesus Himself used Scripture to resist Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. Believers overcome deception and temptation by knowing and applying God’s Word. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to strengthen, teach, and equip Christians. Paul emphasizes that believers must not only possess the Bible but actively use it in daily life.

13. Why does Paul place such importance on prayer in spiritual warfare?

Answer:
After describing the armor of God, Paul commands believers to pray “at all times in the Spirit.” Prayer expresses dependence on God and keeps believers spiritually alert. Without prayer, believers may rely on their own strength instead of God’s power. Prayer strengthens faith, brings wisdom, and invites God’s help in times of temptation and struggle. Paul also emphasizes praying for other believers because spiritual warfare affects the entire body of Christ. Prayer unites Christians and reminds them that victory comes through God’s power rather than human effort.

Answer:
Although Paul was an apostle, he still recognized his need for God’s help in proclaiming the gospel courageously. At the time of writing, Paul was imprisoned, yet his concern remained the spread of the message of Christ. Boldness does not mean absence of fear but faithfulness despite fear or opposition. Paul desired clarity and courage to proclaim the mystery of the gospel faithfully. His request teaches believers that sharing Christ requires dependence upon God. Even mature Christians need prayer for courage, wisdom, and perseverance in ministry.

15. What is the overall message of Ephesians 6?

Answer:
Ephesians 6 teaches believers how to live faithfully in relationships and how to stand firm in spiritual warfare. Paul shows that the Christian life affects the home, the workplace, and every area of life. At the same time, believers must recognize the reality of spiritual conflict and rely fully on God’s strength. Through the armor of God, prayer, faith, and the Word, Christians are equipped to remain steadfast. The chapter ultimately points to victory through Christ. Believers are not left defenseless or alone; God provides everything necessary for faithful living and spiritual endurance.

Ephesians – The Church: The Body of Christ

Introduction to Ephesians

Context for Ephesians

Major Themes in Ephesians

1. The Believer’s Position in Christ

2. Salvation by Grace Through Faith

3. The Unity of the Church

4. The Church as the Body of Christ

5. God’s Eternal Plan and Sovereignty

6. Spiritual Transformation and Holy Living

7. Love

8. Spiritual Warfare

9. Christian Relationships and Submission

10. The Glory of God

Chapter 1 – Our Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Bible Lessons

1.1 ​Introduction to Ephesians

1.2 Ephesians 1:1-2, Paul’s Greeting

1.3 Ephesians 1:3-10, Chosen

1.4 Ephesians 1:5-10, Predestined for Adoption

1.5 Ephesians 1:5-6, Graced

1.6 Ephesians 1:7-10, Redemption and a Mystery

1.7 Ephesians 1:11-14, Inheritance and Sealed

1.8 Some Personal Thoughts

1.9 Ephesians 1:15-19, Hope and Riches

1.10 Ephesians 1:19-23, Power

Questions with Answers

1. What does Paul reveal about the believer’s identity in Christ in Ephesians 1:1–2?

2. What spiritual blessings has God given believers according to Ephesians 1:3?

3. What does it mean that believers were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)?

4. What does adoption mean in Ephesians 1:5, and why is it significant?

5. What is the meaning of redemption through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 1:7)?

6. What is the “mystery of His will” mentioned in Ephesians 1:9–10?

7. What does it mean to have obtained an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11)?

8. What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14)?

9. Why does Paul pray for spiritual wisdom and revelation for believers (Ephesians 1:15–18)?

10. What is the significance of Christ being seated at God’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20–23)?

Chapter 2 – From Death to Life by Grace

Bible Lessons

2.1 Ephesians 2:1-3, Childres of Wrath

2.2 Ephesians 2:4-10, But God

2.3 Ephesians 2:11-13, Two Definitions

2.4 Ephesians 2:14-16, He Is Our Peace

2.5 Ephesians 2:17-22, Made Members of the Household of God

Questions with Answers

1. What does Ephesians 2:1–3 teach about the spiritual condition of humanity before salvation?

2. Why are the words “But God” in Ephesians 2:4 so important?

3. What does it mean to be “saved by grace” in Ephesians 2:8–9?

4. How does Ephesians 2:10 balance faith and works?

5. What division existed between Jews and Gentiles in Ephesians 2:11–12?

6. How did Christ bring peace between Jews and Gentiles?

7. What does Ephesians 2 teach about reconciliation with God?

8. What does Paul mean when he describes believers as “fellow citizens” and “members of the household of God”?

9. Why does Paul describe the church as a building and temple in Ephesians 2:20–22?

10. What are the major lessons believers should learn from Ephesians 2?

Chapter 3 – The Mystery of Christ Revealed

Bible Lessons

3.1 Ephesians 3:1, Introduction to a Mystery

3.2 Ephesians 3:3-6, The Mystery

3.3 Ephesians 3:7-13, The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

3.4 Ephesians 3:14-21, Strengthened with Power

Questions with Answers

1. Why did Paul describe himself as “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” in Ephesians 3:1?

2. What is the “mystery” Paul refers to in Ephesians 3:3-6?

3. How did Paul become a minister of the gospel according to Ephesians 3:7?

4. Why did Paul call himself “less than the least of all saints” in Ephesians 3:8?

5. What are the “unsearchable riches of Christ” mentioned in Ephesians 3:8?

6. According to Ephesians 3:10, what does the church reveal to the world?

7. What confidence do believers have through Christ according to Ephesians 3:12?

8. Why did Paul tell the believers not to lose heart because of his suffering in Ephesians 3:13?

9. What does Paul pray for in Ephesians 3:14-19?

10. What does it mean to comprehend the “breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love?

11. What does Paul mean by being “filled with all the fullness of God” in Ephesians 3:19?

12. What does Ephesians 3:20 teach about God’s power?

13. Why does Paul end the chapter with a doxology in Ephesians 3:21?

Chapter 4 – Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

Bible Lessons

4.1 Ephesians 4:1-8, Walk in a Worthy Manner

4.2 Ephesians 4:4-8, One Body and One Spirit

4.3 Ephesians 4:9-11, The Lord Gave

1.1 Introduction to Ephesians