The Prison Letters Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon

MAJOR ARGUMENTS

Paul utilizes the term “Ekklesia” or “church” to describe an actual gathering of local Christians on a regular basis, even though this term is also extended to the universal church, the body of believers. Ephesians seems to be concern with the unity of the church, and the ability of the church to live according to the precepts and teachings of Jesus (holiness). Impurity belongs to the past, and being blameless is paramount as one grows and is shaped into the holy temple in the Lord. The church and world seem to come to maturity as each one embraces and encourages love and service. In order for us to live in harmony and in union, we must be in union with Jesus Christ.
Salvation has been extended to humanity through being reconciled to God by Christ Jesus. The death of Christ overcame the divide that existed between Gentiles and Jews, and as a result it created a new humanity that was loving and unified. The process of being restored to God is made through Jesus Christ, providing man, woman and child the opportunity to access God the Father.
The Apostle Paul assures the readers and hearers of what God has brought to fruition while he solidifies the identity of believers in Christ. There is no illusion that to follow Christ, means to be removed from the pains and conflicts of the world. Thus, the believers who have been seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms are the same ones who are required to walk in this world and take a stand against opposing powers to uphold the Gospel.
As believers in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Jesus) guides and enables us
to live according to God’s will. Therefore, to be able to connect and be directed by the Holy Spirit, Christians have to lay aside self, worldliness, wants and desires, and they must lean completely on the power that comes and is of Jesus Christ. When the response to Jesus is found to be in truth and sincerity, His purpose for humanity becomes the mission, vision, goal and objective that is embraced.
The lordship of Jesus is elevated when God talks about what was consummated when
Jesus was raised from the dead. God’s plan is revealed through Jesus (vs. 1:10), which
brings unity in heaven and earth. Therefore, if a believer is in Christ Jesus, he/she belongs to a system, a movement that extends beyond the boundaries of the universe where everything is in concert, and the concert is in harmony. Hence, all believers become one family in Christ Jesus.

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Church Unity: Ephesians 1


Chapter Blueprint
• Greeting (1:1 – 1:2)
• Blessings/Redemption (1:3 – 1:14)
• Prayer (1:15 – 1:23)