Ephesians

Introduction

This is the second half of a two-part study on Ephesians.

The primary commentary for Lesson 11—covering Ephesians 3:14-21—is printed at the end of Ephesians Part 1, since it sums up the Scripture passage covered in the Lesson 10 Study Questions.

The commentary below is a general introduction to Ephesians Part 2, which begins with Ephesians 4:1.

The book of Ephesians focuses on God’s eternal purpose and grace. In Part 1 we began learning of the riches we have been given in Christ. We looked at humanity’s dilemma, saw the great lengths God has gone to in order to reconcile us to Himself, and saw that we have been saved not only for our personal benefit, but also to bring praise and glory to God.

In Part 2 we will see that God has not only reconciled individuals to Himself, but has reconciled these saved individuals to each other, breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free, thus creating what is known as the Body of Christ, the church.

We will discover the nature and purpose of the church—

that it participates in God’s plan and provides a visible expression of what God is actually doing

that it is God’s display case, where He shows not only the world but also the spiritual powers who seek to disrupt the work of God that He is accomplishing what He has announced He will do.

Following naturally from these awesome truths comes Paul’s plea to guard the unity of the church and to live responsibly.

And finally, Paul deals with spiritual warfare—the epic struggle between good and evil, between the prince of peace and the prince of darkness. It is a battle that stretches from one end of history to the other, a battle that rages across the planet and rages within every human heart. In the final pages of Ephesians, we will learn how to be effective soldiers, under our Lord and Commander, Jesus Christ—and we will learn the secret of ultimate victory in this epic struggle.

As the day grows more evil, we must endure and fight the battle here on planet Earth. But we eagerly look toward the end, toward our salvation, toward the triumphant return of our Lord and Commander, Jesus Christ.

Following the final commentary in Ephesians, Joy of Living has provided several supplements to the Ephesians study written by Ray Stedman:

Spiritual Gifts: what they aren’t, what they are, and understanding them

Spiritual Warfare: the reality, the enemy, and the victory

Spiritual Gifts Reference Chart

As we are moving closer than ever to the last days, as the darkness of the demon-dominated systems of this world closes in around us, Paul’s trumpet call sounds louder than ever: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

God has made a provision for us to defeat the schemes of the devil—and the power to defeat him begins with a humble recognition of our own weakness and of God’s great strength. God has provided the means by which we can stand in the fiery battle that rages not only around us but also within us. We can live in victory.

Study Questions

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