Which of us has not dreamed of such glorious “get-evens”? 2:2 in which you formerly lived according to this world’s present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of disobedience, 2:3 among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest…. … 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. To what must we attribute our salvation? The dominion of Satan in the lives of the unsaved is broken and there is a new-found freedom experienced by children of God. In Wanted the gang of mercenaries is presented as a family with a home that looked like a castle. How enlightening is it for you to personalize the checklist of Paul with your life story? A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). ], “... in whom you are also being built together ...” [It is a community process. 2:11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh—who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands—. Ephesians 1 Ephesians 3 … The are many ways we can choose to enhance the centrality of Christ and to resist the distractions of the enemy. What does each element of Paul’s summary mean to you? Ephesians and Colossians Summary The Epistle to the Ephesians. ], 6. ], “... into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” [The Holy Spirit is our common bond.]. May we, as believers, celebrate Your rescue through lives sold-out to You. “... among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives ...”, 7. I will ask a fellow believer to pray in agreement with me for wisdom and will share with that prayer-partner the outcome of my sharing. << Ephesians 2 | Ephesians 3 | Ephesians 4 >> (Read all of Ephesians 3 ) The whole of chapter 3 is a parenthesis unfolding the mystery; and presenting at the same time, in the prayer that concludes it, the second character of God set before us at the beginning of the epistle, namely, that of Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and this is the way in which it is here introduced. ], “... and this is not from yourselves ...”. 2:2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 4:4-7), “... even though we were dead in transgressions ...”, “... made us alive together with Christ ...”, “... to demonstrate in the coming ages ...” [God allows imperfection, the result of rebellion, to continue because He knows that there remain many who can and will make a choice for faith and wants to give them that chance—He does not force the choice because then it is not genuine. What are some ways that you were clueless and hopeless, in your life, as a result of unawareness of the promise of a Messiah? Shmoop Bible guide: Lamentations Chapter 2 summary. I will do so humbly and respectfully, I will not condemn or pressure them, I will merely engage a conversation and allow the Holy Spirit to be in control. Of what are we afraid: Failure, pain, insignificance? This text presents the immeasurable nature of God’s grace which has totally changed both our reality and conduct forever. And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, a. 2:8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 2:9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast. (Hint: Fruits of the spirit, telling His-story, loving fellow believers, using our gifts fully.). The Lord God has given the incredible gift and sacrifice of Christ, taking our sins to the Cross and leaving them there—powerless—so that He might then offer us the perfect hope of salvation. It is critical to remember that Christ is in all and defines all and brings to all perspective and purpose and nothing we do as believers must ever be apart from Him as our center. Although the work which is accomplished in the creation of the members … Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a Biblically-accurate but less religious-sounding explanation of the Biblical phrases “brought near by the blood of Christ” and “in Christ Jesus”. The second part (Ephesians 3:14–21) of this chapter includes a personal prayer by Paul. 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Made Alive in Christ. E phesians is one of the most encouraging books in the New Testament. Today I will tell someone who is “considering Christ” my story of before and after salvation. He desired for Christ to dwell in the hearts of the church of Ephesus by faith (Ephesians 3:17). All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated—http://bible.org. Why is there such a major problem with worldly things displacing Christ in our gatherings and in our separate daily walks? Lord, You chose in the Garden of Eden to make a way to reconcile Your creation to you—and despite our continued rebellion even since You have never waivered. The apostles and the prophets taught what was necessary to an adequate knowledge-base, and they demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit to equip believers to be unified in the love of Christ; how is that explained and practiced in your fellowship? Paul wrote “In Him ...”, reminding them of the centrality of Christ to everything in the world of the believer. What impact does the meaning of the Biblical phrases “brought near by the blood of Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” have upon you? Each had power, privilege, and purpose. In books and movies like Harry Potter, young people turn to witchcraft for magical powers. He then returns to his job, where he righteously exacts revenge on all who “deserve it.”. He is the cornerstone upon which the apostles and the prophets built His Church. There was a great need to bring together those who loved and feared God among both Jews and Gentiles, those like Peter and those like Corneilius (Acts 10). What is an example of serving the Lord God through good works, as a believer, in your life? Lord, You have made Your redemption of humankind available to anyone who surrenders to the Lordship of Christ, regardless of age, gender, national origin, or race. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace. It was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. What are some teachings elsewhere in the Bible as to what “works” God expects of His children? 2. 2:1 And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins. He continued his construction metaphor “... the whole building ...” [The corporate commonality of believers. But now you, who were once far off, have been made near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-17). “... that is now energizing the sons of disobedience ...” [From Adam and Eve on, all are sons—and daughters—of disobedience absent salvation. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a place in your walk, alone and in community, where you have allowed other things to displace Christ as the indispensable and irreplaceable center. Paul continued with a clarification of how saving faith is actualized: “For by grace you are saved though faith ...” [Faith is an act of the will, a 100% surrender of free will. May I seize every opportunity to “grow together” with like-minded intentional Biblical-Christians. ], “... by which the hostility has been killed.” [the curse at the Fall as recorded in Genesis.]. 2:21 In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians chapter 2. The Search OF the Savior: Why Jesus Came, Part 2 (Gal. We have now become “aliens” in this fallen world, whose prince is Satan. Are we not who we are as a result of Whose we are? Paul continued his explanation of how and why God has acted to redeem us: The amazing truth that the Lord God chooses to love us and chooses to show His love through the gift of grace that is our salvation. Q. When have you been confronted by an unsaved person who is unwittingly enslaved as Paul described? In the crass movie Wanted a young man, trapped in what he sees as a dead-end job as an “account manager” under the tyrannical supervision of an arbitrary and demanding boss, invents a persona of rebellion and re-creates the story of his life. When have you experienced or observed a community of believers either emphasizing Christ or allowing themselves to be distracted by something else. Summary of Ephesians 2. Chapter 2 speaks indeed of the body (v. 16); but the introduction of the house is a new element and requires some development. Eph. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a fellow believer who will be edified and encouraged to learn of the most-Biblical definition of “The Church”. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a new or troubled believer whom He desires to reach using you as His instrument of blessing. Chapter 2 This chapter contains an account, I. You may remember him from such New Testament letters as Romans and 1 Corinthians.This time, Paul's writing to the church in Ephesus and, boy, does he have a lot to say. 15:22], “... for good works ...” [This is post-salvation.]. Copyright © 2011 by David M. Colburn. “... according to this world’s present path ...”, 3. He who hath made both - Jews and gentiles, one church. "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS" Chapter Two OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER 1) To consider the riches of God's grace toward sinners, how we are saved by grace through faith 2) To understand the Gentiles' condition outside of Christ, the effect Jesus' death had on the Law, and what Gentiles can now become in Christ SUMMARY Having expressed his desire that his readers might … ], 4. Previous Next . "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS" Chapter Three OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER 1) To understand the "mystery" so long hidden that is now revealed, and the role of the church 2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Ephesians' enablement, what it means for us today SUMMARY In this chapter Paul reminds his readers of God's grace that has been shown him regarding the revelation of the "mystery". 2:14 For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility. This is a BibleSeven Study— “Ephesians”—prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in October of 2011. unless otherwise noted. In Ephesians Chapter 2, Paul said that God also made a covenant with the Gentiles. In the last half of the first chapter (vv. ], “He did this to create in Himself ...” [the body of believers; “The Church”, exists as an adopted part of the Lord’s family—a unique intimacy of ‘being’. He says that God has raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand in the heavenly places—”far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion” (1:21)—in other words, far … Do we not therefore have exceptional power, privilege, and purpose? He bowed on his knees (Ephesians 3:14), asking God to give the Ephesians strength through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Christian life is examined in terms of a “before and after” contrast resulting from divine intervention. Who we were is no longer who we are “in Christ”. I will commit to pray in agreement with them for wisdom as they walk through the process of adjusting their perspectives and priorities. Cancel {{#items}} {{/items}} Ephesians 2. What are some obvious evidences of evil in modern society as listed by Paul? ], “... to reconcile them both in one body to God ...” [the body of believers; “The Church”. Paul began by setting up the context “... you were dead in your transgressions and sins ...”, the he paused a moment to let that sink in. In his fantasy he is the heir to the “magical” powers of his murdered father, is recruited by an organization supposedly directed by fate to execute bad people, is befriended by a beautiful and deadly woman, endures severe injuries as part of his training, is “magically” cured, and goes on to be the hero of the story. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them. I offer the following commentary and summary for Ephesians in this article. Here we have yet another letter from the Apostle Paul. All Rights Reserved. How might you use that clarification to draw fellow Christians away from an obsession with buildings and organizations and instead to relationship (with God) and purpose (in Christ)? ], 5. I agree to pray in-agreement that they will partner with the Holy Spirit to purge any fear or misunderstandings that may stand in opposition to their full fellowship with their fellow believers. Ephesians Chapter 2 starts off with the words "And you" or “As for you…” in the NIV, which signifies a shift in focus or a comparison with the previous topic. 2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 2:18 so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. “... so that we may do them.” [We are allowed to choose to serve God well or poorly.]. ], “... through the Cross ...” [Where the power of death was broken for all who surrendered in faith, dying to the world and the dominion of Satan, being born anew in Christ. Ephesians 2 – God’s Way of Reconciliation A. He said that Christ’s blood also covers their sins in order to bring them close to Him. Today I will cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He leads me back to a right place with Christ. The apostle describes, The conjunction of the gentiles with Israel, Ephesians 2:14,15.And, The conjunction of both with God, Ephesians 2:15 - 18. Are we provided with what we truly need? In this portion, Paul recognises the barrier that existed between Jew and Gentile. ], “... being joined together ..” [Causing believers to live in Biblical unity is a process, not an event. “... in which you formally [or previously] lived ...”, 2. Paul then reminded them that they also were strangers to the knowledge of God, something the Jews did possess. Paul reminded the people that Jesus arose and “preached peace” so that all are welcomed to accept His gift through the Holy Spirit. Chapter Summary Ephesians 2 Essay On. ], “... in the Lord ...” [The centrality of Christ again. Spiritual Blessings in Christ. Break down ideas. They were never alone, backed up one another, were provided with the best of everything, and acted in ways designed to change the world. In Ephesians chapter 2 we see God’s grace in action towards the Gentiles. The double-gift of Christ to Gentiles, they (mostly “we”), not only gained the knowledge that a Messiah was needed and was coming, but the knowledge that He has come and He welcomes us now to His salvation-party as an honored guest—if we will but come in faith. Click here to download these questions as a PDF file Day One. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us: We are to “partner” with Him and invite Him to do whatever He has to do to shape us into useful servants of His perfect will. “... that God prepared beforehand ...” [He wanted Adam & Eve to stay clean and do this. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone whom He has led to ‘consider-Christ’. 2:19 So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. He also reminded them that Jesus came and “preached peace” to both Jew and Gentile in order to bring them together in faith and together in the Holy Spirit. Now begins, after the intervening clauses, Ephesians 2:2-3, the resumption, and that with the subject, which Paul already had in mind at Ephesians 2:1. May I celebrate Your gift with a life sold-out to You. The Apostle Paul, having reminded his readers of the glory and promises of God, as well as our need for His grace and provision, moves on to our new standing before God, both as individuals and, corporately, as a family of Believers. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned. «Previous Chapter Next Chapter» Ephesians 3 (King James Version) 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto … Obviously, if it is true that salvation is all by God’s grace, it … The nature of our pre-salvation selves was, eternally-spiritually dead. The strong desire of Christ that His children be unified (based on Biblical Christian principles, not the invented parameters of man, such as "political correctness" or "speech censorship", which are intended to restrict the condemnation of sin). 2:20 because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. We are “saved by grace” because we could never have been saved through Works alone. How would you explain the Biblical phrases “brought near by the blood of Christ” and “in Christ Jesus” with someone to whom they would be very foreign expressions and perhaps even unpleasant expressions? Ephesus was the chief city of the coastal area of Asia Minor. Lord, You have offered us rescue from destruction, because the enemies deception constantly leads humankind into sin. Paul began by speaking to the Gentiles, reminding them that they lacked the Jewish hope of a Messiah, and were labeled “uncircumcised” by those who associated ritual circumcision with works-salvation. Okay, so these Christians are good now, but it wasn't so long ago that they were living pretty sin-filled lives. The need for reconciliation. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap. Today I will share as the Holy Spirit guides and ask if the person sees any parallels between their lives and what Paul described. Paul used again the term “saints” to describe “fellow citizens” and “members of God’s household.”, He further explained that who they were as believers was because they “have been built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets ...”, Then, Paul used another construction metaphor “... with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.”. The key personalities of Ephesians are the Apostle Paul and Tychicus. How do you express the proper Biblical definition of “The Church” as the community of believers? The book of Ephesians is a Prison Epistle (letter written while in prison). Commentary on Ephesians 2:1-10 View Bible Text . See Ephesians 2:8-9 (printed below) It is by grace that you … “Works” cannot earn salvation, salvation was only made possible by the gift of God and may only be received by accepting the Lordship of Christ—surrendering everything else, the entire world and our free will. Today I will share the Lord God's priority that we be united in the love of Christ. Of the miserable condition of these Ephesians by nature (v. 1-3) and again (v. 11, v. 12). Summary ; Ephesians Chapter 2; Study Guide. 1. Paul said that the Gentiles were no longer strangers. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author. The Lord led me to transfer from my then-current masters studies at the State university to the seminary where I earned my masters in cou... More, 4. (1) Christians are alive from the dead. The Paul concluded that although they had been “far away” they “... had now been brought near by the blood of Christ” and were “in Christ Jesus”—peers with all believers, Jew and Gentile alike. 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