Ephesians: A Study of Faith and PracticeSample

As we conclude our study this week, it’s helpful to consider how Ephesians 1 fits into the overall structure of Paul’s letter. Paul is extremely purposeful as he writes. He spends the first three chapters focusing on indicative statements (what is true about what God has done, is doing, or will do) and then moves to the imperative instructions (how we live in light of these truths). An example of how indicative and imperative statements work is something like this:

Indicative: “There’s a fire in the building.”

Imperative: “Get out of the building!”

Understanding the indicatives helps us understand the reasons for the imperatives. The order matters. Think of the difference between these two statements:

You are saved, therefore live a life of holiness to please the Lord.

Live a life of holiness to please the Lord so that you can be saved.

The first statement sets us free, the second one enslaves us to fear. Knowing what is true is vital for living in the truth of what we know. Therefore, Paul spends three chapters filling our minds with the good news of God’s work on our behalf to secure our salvation.

Paul also knows that the only way we can understand the truth of the gospel is by the Spirit’s power. For that reason, he’s on his knees in prayer for the church of Ephesus. We’ll close out our time in Ephesians 1 today by looking more in-depth at Paul’s prayer and taking the time to consider how his words can guide our prayers.

It’s so tempting to trust in what we can see to provide for what we need. We feel more at ease when we have plenty of money in our checking accounts. We feel safe because we have alarm systems. We tend to trust in our own experience or insights. It’s a good thing to save our money, lock our doors, and be thoughtful in our ways! However, we need a more secure place to put our trust. Only God is able to give us the provision, security, and wisdom we need. Trusting in God gives us a secure hope for whatever circumstances we may encounter, and no matter what is going on around us, the best action we can always take is to turn to God in prayer.

Prayer is one of the distinct features of Paul’s letters. In the midst of his travels and imprisonments, he consistently prayed for the church. Prayer was a vital aspect of Paul’s relationship with God and his relationship with others. He loved God, so he prayed to Him. He loved others, so he prayed for them. Paul understood that he couldn’t always be with the various churches that he loved, but he could always be remembering them in his prayers.

In verse 20, Paul shifts his prayer to include a description of Christ’s power. The church in Ephesus likely needed this reminder because, as one Bible commentator points out, “The message that the emperors were warrior gods, defeating their foes and bringing order to the world, appeared on coins and the reliefs of imperial altars (one of them found in Ephesus). Sometimes this imagery depicted the warrior emperor trampling his enemies underfoot.”

It’s easy to be pessimistic about the state of the world. Every day on the news we see images of violence, ungodliness, pain, and suffering. It can look like everything is spiraling out of control. The Ephesians would have experienced this sense of cultural dismay as well. However, Paul reminded them (and us): Jesus is on His throne! He reigns with power and dominion in this age and in the one to come. Everything is subject to Him. This knowledge gives us needed hope as we live our daily lives. Paul closes his prayer by alluding to a theme that will show up throughout the book of Ephesians—unity within the church. Paul gives a first hint of this concept when he describes the church as a “body” and Christ as our “head” (vv. 22-23).

I’ve found Paul’s explanation of the body to be such helpful imagery. Each of us is unique in our gifting. I may serve in one area and you may serve in another. Both of us are needed! When I see another believer using her gifts in a wonderful way, that doesn’t mean I should do what she’s doing. We’ve all been entrusted with spiritual gifts that we use to serve one another, to the glory of God. Our individual gifts are intended to promote unity within the church as God works in diverse ways through His people.

Both Paul’s praise and Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 highlight an overarching theme: It matters who you know. And it matters what you know about who you know. Paul’s benediction serves as a reminder to the Ephesians of the spiritual blessings that belong to them in Christ. It’s a terrible tragedy to be rich beyond measure and live like the poorest of paupers. Paul is desperate for them to know the hope of their calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the resurrection power that is at work in them through the Holy Spirit.

Close your week of study by reflecting on the spiritual blessings that are yours in Christ. (If you’re having trouble recalling them, make it a point to memorize them. They’re worth knowing by heart.)

As you think on each one, say a prayer for someone you love. Ask God to open the spiritual eyes of their heart so they may know the riches of their inheritance and set their hope fully on God’s grace, not their circumstances or efforts.

Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, we want to live a life of praise to God and prayer for one another.

For more of this study by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes, and Melissa Kruger, visit lifeway.com/ephesiansstudy