We have already explored the first part of the Apostle Paul’s epistle – the biblical book of Ephesians (see Immersing Yourself in Spiritual Growth), where we took a deep dive into the benefits of salvation through Christ.
Next, we are going to delve into the now revealed mystery of Christ:
As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. Eph. 3:4 – 6. NLT
I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Eph. 3:9 – 12. NLT
Paul is saying that God is using him as an instrument to further illuminate the Gospel, (as was relayed to him by our Savior Himself on the road to Damascus) – to bring all peoples under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
The apostle is placing a God-given charge on the church to cover the earth with His salvation message, the one that tells us that Jesus is the sacrifice that opened the doors of heaven, so that we, the children of God, can live in eternal communion with our heavenly Father.
Paul also reveals that those in heavenly places (angels and even evil spiritual forces) are closely watching Jehovah’s plan unfold – seeing Him glorified by the church of Christ and learning of the significant role of humankind.
He closes this section of his letter with a prayer to empower the church:
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.
Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand…how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Eph. 3:16 – 19. NLT
Paul would only pray for that which he knows is available from the immeasurable resources of our Creator – in this case, empowering us with the Holy Spirit (who is also the Spirit of Christ), who now dwells within us.
We are endowed with, and a hold a deep appreciation of, the full experience of Jehovah’s vast love for us through His Son, enriching our lives to the fullest. How so?
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more that we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20, 21. NLT
Up to now, the apostle has informed us of all the spiritual gifts we that have been bestowed with. Next, he begins to tell us how to apply them – first by enhancing unity in the church:
…lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Eph. 4:1 – 3. NLT
For there is one body (Christ’s) and one Spirit (Holy Spirit), just as you have been called to one glorious hope (eternal life) for the future.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and in all, living through all. Eph. 4:4 – 6. NLT
Moreover, Jehovah blesses us with diverse spiritual gifts through the grace of His Son to walk our walk for His kingdom:
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. Eph. 4:7 NLT
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church., the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Eph. 4:11 – 14. NLT
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Eph. 4:15, 16. NLT
This ‘Love Church’ then, must be filled with ‘Love Children’ – walking humbly in love and unity, exercising their spiritual gifts to edify one another in their kingdom purpose: delivering the salvation love of God, through Christ, as a beacon of light to those who still dwell in the darkness.
If we are going to be a member of the church of Christ, and stand as an image of that church to the world, we are going to have to step up to a standard higher than theirs:
…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. Eph. 4:22 – 24. NLT
…stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Eph. 4:25 – 32. NLT
What is our ultimate goal? Is it not to emulate Christ and spurn the ways of the world?
Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of the light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. Eph. 5:6 – 11. NLT
Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days…be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:15 – 20. NLT
At this point, Paul shifts from the examples we must be when we go out into the world, to how we should demonstrate these principles in our home: (see also 1 Pt. 3:1 – 7.)
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house].
Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring unselfish love], just as Christ also loved church and gave himself up of for her… Eph. 5:22 – 25. AMP
Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and mother [and be respectful to them.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate the to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:1, 2 & 4. AMP
Lastly, Paul ends his letter by imploring Christ’s followers to go out into the world of darkness and satanic opposition, to do what we were put here to do – gathering God’s lost sheep. He also reveals how to prepare ourselves for that endeavor:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Eph. 6:10 – 18. NLT
God has got you covered in every circumstance. You only have to take and use what is lovingly and freely given…
Goodnight and God bless.