SUMMARY

Paul is writing from a Roman prison to a church he planted years earlier. Paul uses this letter to recap what God in Christ Jesus has accomplished and its implications,As theologian John Stott puts it:
• “ThelettertotheEphesiansisamarvelouslyconcise,yetcomprehensive,summaryoftheChristiangood

news and it’s implications.”

The plan of God, as we’ll see over the next number of weeks, is to grant us a whole new identity, destiny and purpose, to create a new community, the church, made of all races and nations, to transform the way we live and interact with each other, in our thoughts, words and actions, to even reshape society and long established institutions, and finally to confront the very powers of hell itself.

Verses 3-14, when originally written was one long, elegant, effusive sentence, saying a lot in a short amount of space. Paul’s tone is exultant, celebratory, even worshipful, and well it should be since he is elaborating on the amazing plan and activity of God in rescuing and redeeming his people and his creation.

From the repeated words and phrases we identified three emphases of the passage

1. GOD HAS A PLAN & HE IS WORKING IT OUT – which brings assurance in a world that is still in process

2. IN CHRIST JESUS YOU ARE PART OF IT – which hammers home where are security lies, being “in Christ” IT’S ALL TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY – which shifts the focus from us to him

3.  There is a LOT to digest in this passage, and any meditation on or memorization of these verses will greatly reward the believer: strengthening their faith, reorienting their focus, and eliciting worship.

QUESTIONS:

1. Which parts of the passage most resonated with you? Brought you joy? Gave you hope?
2. Are there sections that gave you pause or questions?
3. How would your life be affected if you were able to keep the truths in this passage foremost in your mind?

4. What are some creative ways you might go about keeping these glorious truths in front of you?