Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Having reminded the Ephesians of what they have been saved from (vv. 17–19), Paul goes on to remind them of what they have been saved for (vv. 20–24). 

Paul proclaimed the gospel in Ephesus for three years (Acts 19:1–22). Those who heard the message of salvation and believed became new creatures, who turned from paganism to the living God (1:13–14). As disciples they enlisted in Christ’s school – He became both their teacher and their curriculum (Matt. 28: 18–20). Now they are to grow in holiness. 

They must put off the old nature (v. 22). At conversion the Ephesians flung off the old way of life (1 Thes. 1:9–10), like taking off filthy clothes. They must continue to fight against sin, putting it to death every day (Col. 3:5–9). It is easy to flirt with sin; we do not take it or its consequences seriously. We get near to the edge, thinking we can easily back away. Instead, we must learn to hate sin (Prov. 8:13; Rom. 12:9). Will you declare war on sin, asking God to help you to resist its seductions? How does the old nature manifest itself in your life? 

They must be spiritually renewed (v. 23). The Ephesians became new creations at their conversion (2 Cor. 5:17). They must be renewed every day by the power of the Holy Spirit (1:17; 3:16; 5:18) through the agency of the Word (Col. 3:10, 16; Rom. 12:2). Living the Christian life in our own strength and power is not simply difficult, it is impossible! But God has not left us to ourselves; we have the power of God’s Spirit to help us. If there is a gravity about sin, then the supernatural power of God defies gravity. How do we come to experience the Spirit’s help in our battle with sin? 

They must put on the new nature (v. 24). The Ephesians were clothed in the righteousness of Christ when they first believed (1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 3:7–11). Now they must deliberately clothe themselves in Christ daily. Sanctification is the process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ (5:1–2; Col. 3:12–14). Paul gives a helpful description of what this will look like when talking about the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23). In the next section Paul explains how this works in practice (4:25 – 5:7).

Reflection

Think about everything you have already learned in these studies in Ephesians. What is the incentive for living a holy life (Gal. 2:20)? What are our God-given resources that enable us to do so (2 Pet. 1:3–4)? What are the biggest challenges to holiness in your life?