Paul wants the saints in Ephesus to know that they are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Jesus Christ. They were rich in the glory of God’s grace. He explains that to be “in Christ” is to be enriched. The Ephesian letter was written to explain the various manifestations of the glory of God displayed in the church. The letter is very clearly written to the rich – those blessed with every spiritual blessing. Do you have this sense of your own life – that you are rich? Do you identify yourself as someone who has been lavished with gifts from heaven?
In Ephesians, God is glorifying Himself through the riches found in Christ, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”
Ephesians 1:1
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles…”
Ephesians 3:1
“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:1
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.”
Ephesians 1:7–10
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
Ephesians 5:1–2
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:10–13
What is the purpose for God’s election and predestination of believers?
God’s election and predestination of believers is according to the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1:5,11).
How are people saved?
They are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9).
What is the mystery about Christ that has now been revealed?
That Gentiles should be fellow heirs along with the Jews in the promise of Christ through the gospel (Eph. 3:6).
What does Paul tell the Ephesians to “put off”?
The old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph. 4:22).
What is marriage a picture of?
Christ’s relationship with the church (Eph. 5:22–33).
What blessing generally follows children who honor their parents?
Wellbeing and long life (Eph. 6:1–3).