The Epistle to the Ephesians
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives us a brief,
practical guide to Christianity. It centres on what Christ has done for us and
how we are to live as a result. Christ came to bring new life to all, both Jew
and Gentile. He saves, changes and empowers us so we might live in a manner
that spreads His kingdom on earth.
Ephesians 5:1-2“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved
children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up
for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Read: Acts 19-20 and the Introduction to Ephesians, if your Bible has one
During his third missionary journey, the Apostle
Paul spent three years in Ephesus. When he first arrived there were a handful
of men seeking God. At their first meeting, Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus
to these men and they received the Holy Spirit. Paul spent the next two years
sharing the Gospel in Ephesus, “so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in
the province of Asia heard the words of the Lord” (19:1-10). During his
ministry in Ephesus, Paul witnessed miracles, great waves of repentance and
riotous uproars from opponents. He built strong relationships with the
Ephesians, and especially so with the Church elders. We are witness to a moment
of intimate friendship when Paul says his final farewell to the Ephesian elders
(20:13-38).
Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians while he was
imprisoned in Rome. It was likely intended as a cyclical letter – one that
would be passed around between many churches in the area. Chapters 1-3 focus
primarily on what Christians should believe. Chapters 4-6 describe how a
Christian’s beliefs should be displayed practically through their lifestyle.
This format – beginning with right belief and then moving into right action –
is common of Paul’s letters to the Church.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Why is it important that believers balance right
belief with right action? Do you practice this in your own life?
2. Pray for the Canadian Church today. Pray that we
would grow in our beliefs, seeking the full truth of the Gospel. Pray that we
would not be complacent, but that we would have a constant desire for deeper
revelation of God’s truth. Pray also that this knowledge of truth would produce
a harvest of righteousness in the Canadian Church. Pray that believers in our
nation would be set apart from the world. Pray that our actions would reflect
God’s character to those around us.
