Stone's Hill Community Church
Our series is called "Letters from Prison" - which is a study of Paul's prison epistles or letters. We've covered Philippians and Philemon. Now, we look at Ephesians!
Even though Paul is chained up in prison (Ephesians 6:20), he feels incredibly blessed—and he wants his Christian readers, then and now, to realize how incredibly privileged we are as well. This letter to the Ephesians is really nothing more than a description of the riches that we have in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasized these riches a great deal: Ephesians 1:7 talks about the riches of His grace, at the end of the verse. Chapter 3:8 talks about the unsearchable riches of Christ. Chapter 3:16—the riches of His glory. So you have the riches of His grace, the riches of His glory and the riches of His Son. In other words, God is unloading all of His riches in the book of Ephesians. The vault is open! The word grace is used 12 times in this book. There are enough resources in heaven to… cover all past debts, present liabilities and future needs and still not diminish your account. That’s God’s plan.
This letter is about that... and it's about us...Welcome to "Ephesians". And welcome to Stones Hill Community Church and Online Notes!
Welcome!
We welcome you to Stone's Hill today!
A typical Stone's Hill service has music (feel free to sing out); some announcements (things that are upcoming that you can be a part of); a message out of the Bible (God speaks to us through his Word); and an opportunity for you to respond to the message (either immediately in the case of a decision that needs to be made OR in the future as you live out the message in your life.)
So relax and enjoy your morning! We're so glad you are here!
Ephesians 5:21-33 NIV
Letters from Prison - Ephesians 5:21-33
“Mawwiage Is What Bwings Us Togevah”
- Sidewalk Sign in Seattle
What every spouse wants and needs...
1. He wants and needs you to affirm his leadership. She wants and needs you to lead. 5:22-24
Be attentive in conversation.
2. He wants and needs your sacrifice. She wants and needs your sacrifice. 5:25-27
Be encouraging in hardships.
3. He wants and needs your tenderness. She wants and needs your tenderness. 5:28-30
Be gentle in disagreements.
Talking Points: Three Pictures in Ephesians 5:25-27
There’s all kinds of things playing in verses 25-27. In order for us to understand this sanctifying love, I want us to think of three pictures or layers: a Jewish picture, a Prophetic picture, and a Marital picture.
The Jewish picture is this: A bride’s wedding day...
The Prophetic picture is this: Jesus and the church...
The Marital picture is this: You and your spouse...
Ultimately, marriage points to the spousal love of Jesus Christ. You need Him to do marriage.
Will you receive Him today? Would you take the place of this Man in self-sacrifice? Would you take the nails from His hands - and live a crucified life?