This sermon study covers the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, and uncovers all that is true of us, if we are in Christ. There are so many blessings and assurances that we have in Jesus because of the gospel. In a day where identity is seldom clearly defined, we can stabilize ourselves by constantly reminding us of our gospel identity!
Ephesians 1:1-6 — Out of This World
As we begin studying the book of Ephesians, we notice that Paul is writing to people who are already believers in Jesus. His primary purpose in the first few chapters is to really tell them who they really are now! And every single one of these things is true about us, if we have placed our faith and trust in Jesus for salvation. We have access to some “out of this world” spiritual blessings!
Ephesians 1:7-14 — But Wait! There’s More!
Paul continues his thoughts on who we are in Christ, and specifically uncovers the idea of our wealth in Christ. We are unbelievably wealthy in Jesus. In this message, we discover that the riches we have in Christ are different and far superior to the riches the world has. And we are challenged to think and live in light of this spiritual wealth!
Ephesians 1:15-23 — My Prayer for You
Paul transitions in these verse to what he is praying for in regards to the Ephesian Christians. He understood that although everything he had just said is true about those who are in Christ, the sad reality is that some still live a life that is contrary to that gospel identity. But he wants them to fully experience how that impacts your heart, mind, and actions. And so he shares with them what he is consistently praying for them.
Ephesians 2:1-10 — But God
As the apostle Paul continues helping the Ephesians understand their gospel identity, he takes the time to remind them of who they were prior to being saved. Sometimes we forget just how bad off we were before we came to know Jesus. In this message, we are reminded of how bad we used to be, how good God is, and how we should consistently respond in faith.
Ephesians 2:11-22 — No Longer Strangers
In this message, we see how the blood of Jesus Christ not only reconciled us to God, but also reconciled us to other people. Just as the Gentiles were alienated from the promises of God to Israel, we were completely alienated by our sin. But now in Christ, instead of alienation, there is reconciliation. And because of this, we should strive to live in unity with each other.
Ephesians 2:19-22 — More Than a Building
When Paul told the Ephesians that they were a temple of the Lord, fitly framed together for the habitation of God, they understood full implications of this. In this message, we trace what “temple” is through the whole of Scripture, and see something amazing about our Gospel identity. It’s a truth that can blow our minds, fill our hearts, and motivate us further to live holy lives for God!
Ephesians 3:1-13 — Suffering Well
As Paul writes to the Ephesians, he takes a moment to write about the suffering he is facing by being imprisoned. But it isn’t a complaint. It isn’t even a prayer request. Instead, he tells them that his suffering is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill his calling. Through this passage, we learn that because of our gospel identity, we can see that our hardships have a purpose to dispense and display the grace of God.
Ephesians 3:14-21 — Indestructible Identity
Paul finishes his thought that began in chapter 3 and says that he is praying for the Ephesian believers to really comprehend all of the truths that he has written to them about. He doesn’t pray that they would DO anything. He prays that they would KNOW something. And ultimately, what he points to is that all that they are in Christ is an identity that cannot be destroyed because the Spirit of God is strengthening us, the love of God is grounding us, and the power of God is working in us.
We hope that this sermon study has encouraged you to see all that is true about you in Christ! If you would like to continue our study in the last 3 chapters of Ephesians, check out our sermon study Gospel Living!
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