What
was the church in Ephisians like?
The church in Ephesus
(Acts 19) was one of the main areas Paul worked from around his 3rd
trip. Ephesus was a place where people were known to fate, magic and mystery.
Act.19.13-16.They had many gods, and they had to serve them in different ways to
try to make them turn things in favor of the worshipper. In general the gods
did not want good thing – but maybe if they did different to please the gods,
they could manipulate the gods. This was the mindset that Paul addresses in the
letter. The new converts needed a whole new way of seeing themselves and
relating to God (2.12-13) He started to preach in the synagogue (Acts19.9-12)
but decided to leave the synagogue, and took the believers with him. God gave Paul
power to perform unusual miracles in Ephesus.
He stayed there at least to years. In Acts 19.18 - many who became believers confessed their
sinful practices. In 19.23 it says serious trouble developed in Ephesus
concerning the “way”. But the roman major calmed the confusion – and Paul
decided to leave right after. Paul has
also a long speech to Ephesus in Acts 20.16-38. He sent Titus to Ephesus (1.Tit.1.3,
2.Tit.1.18, 2.Tit.4.12) and the church is mentioned in Rev.1.11, 2.1
Paul wrote this book while
imprisoned in Rome around 60-62 AD to remind them of their new identity in
Christ. ( SVB 1516)
What
is the main idea in is this letter?
CH1-3 Wealth
in Crist, Paul is showing who God is and what He has done for us. All
the riches He has, and there is no one like Him. “.1.15,2.1-3,6,7
Ch.4-6.9
Christian walk: 4.1,4.12,5.2,5.8,5.18
Ch.6.9-24 Christian warfare, clothe yourself in the gospel: think of
what God has done for me!
Our identity and purpose in Christ. We are
united with “united with Christ” 2.12-14
It
honors God to think right about Him
What
does this letter show about the Character and Nature of God?
Grace is a gift from
God 2.4
God is so rich in mercy and he loves us so much.2.4
He unites 2.14
God is able through His mighty power at work within
us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 3.20
He gives each one of us a special gift
through the generosity of Christ. 4.7
He makes us His beloved children
.5.1
He has light and gives it to us. 5.8
God in heaven has no favorites. 6.9
Personal
Application:
The teaching this week has been almost too
much, and it is hard to describe it short and still get the main things in. It was
so good for me today what Scott said that Ephesians is like that for all – Paul
also – that’s why he pray so much for the people so that them may grasp more of
this. The prayers in Ephesians have been important for me, and so much more
now. 1.3-14, 16-20.
Point
of Passion:
Sharing the new or
confirmed revelations in this season with the Parents of teenagers/ Youth
Workers in Church.
I think my teaching for the parents will be
the same as my Personal application – to pray this over ourselves and children
– so we can all grow in understanding the incredible greatness of “god’s power
for us who believe”. 1.3-14, 16-20.
Sources: Source View Bible (SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts (NB), Faith in
Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching
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