Eph. 1:1-2 // Ephesians: MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

WELCOME

INTRO

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

In the coming weeks, we’ll unpack themes of spiritual blessings, unity in the body of Christ, and living out our God-given purpose with humility and gratitude.

Whether you want to grow in faith or find meaning in your life, this series will inspire and equip you to embrace your role in God’s masterpiece.

READ EPHESIANS 1:1-2

English Standard Version Chapter 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

AUTHOR

Paul: Apostle of Jesus Christ by God’s Will

Paul did, there was a certainty to the way he identified himself here. It was a deep sense of calling, a vocation - not a professionalism. This wasn’t just a job to Paul, this was at the very core of who he was.

Do you know who you are?

This is intimately tied to whose you are and important at the start, in the process and as we look to the end of this life on earth.

The message of Ephesians calls us to revisit the basis of our identity.

Do we understand ourselves chiefly as people defined by our careers, relationships, or worldly accomplishments? Or do we first see ourselves as those chosen by God's will, recipients of His grace, and bearers of His peace?

Applying this truth reshapes how we approach our jobs, relationships, and life's challenges. We are encouraged to stand firm in our identity in Christ and let it inform our decisions and interactions.

Paul made claims of his apostleship elsewhere in scripture - he connected it to a few areas of faith:

1 Cor 1:9 because he had seen the risen Christ

Gal 1:1 from Christ, not from men

2 Cor 5:20 commissioned as an ambassador of Christ

note how this calling, or vocation, or identity was from Christ and for Christ’s work.

Paul was convinced that God had a plan for his life—Are you? Vocational calling was not unique to Paul, it applies today no matter your season in life, day-to-day situations, background, upbringing, home, campus or workplace.

RECIPIENTS

Struggle

In 1 Corinthians (a previous letter to another church, written from Ephesus), Paul says, “But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me” (1 Cor 16:8-9).

In Acts 19 Paul mentions his long stay in Ephesus, which was about three years, the longest stay in his missionary journeys—three months in the synagogue, two years in the lecture hall, and “a while” longer (Acts 19:8,10,22).

One reason for the long duration was that he had many great opportunities for ministry.

Among them was the daily public teaching in the hall of Tyrannus.

Those opportunities involved great opposition, though.

In Acts 20:18-19 he says he served in Asia with tears and trials. In 1 Corinthians 15:32 he says he faced wild beasts in Ephesus. This might be a figure of speech, but it is likely a reference to what happened in Acts 19 in the amphitheater.

An important application we can discern from these texts relates to trials and the will of God.

Just because something is difficult does not mean you have moved out of the will of God.

The will of God does not mean you are free from opposition. In fact, opportunities and opposition are often mingled together.

Size of Ephesus

What made this a difficult region in which to minister? The size!

Ephesus is in modern-day western Turkey.

It was a busy port city, the fourth or fifth largest city in the world at that time.

Its massive amphitheater held about 25,000 people.

The city hosted athletic events similar to the Olympics.

It was at the junction of four major roads in Asia Minor.

It was the gateway of Asia that became the gateway of the gospel, as Paul’s ministry in the city reached out into “all . . . of Asia” (Acts 19:10).

Spiritual Warfare in Ephesus

If the size of this city alone was not enough to overwhelm a missionary, there was also tremendous spiritual warfare in Ephesus.

The city was known for different forms of paganism. Some were more sophisticated, others—candidly—were quite sleazy.

Perhaps this spiritually conflicted context of the Ephesians prompted Paul to write in the particular style he uses in this letter. He uses words like “authorities,” “power,” and “spiritual forces,” and he emphasizes Jesus’ lordship over all. Ephesus seems to have been obsessed with demons, magic, and idolatry, particularly the worship of Diana.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in Ephesians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 10).

Saints

Have you ever considered that Paul never uses the word ‘saint?’ It’s always plural, ‘saints.’

Christians are saints because they are members of a holy community, the community chosen by God, rescued by God, given purpose by God for His kingdom.

ILLUS: There was a little girl who was in her church and staring at the stained glass windows when she was asked the question: ‘What is a saint?’

‘a saint’ she said, ‘is a person that the light shines through.’

What shines through your life today? What would others say?

“Faithful in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). Pistos is the Greek word here for “faithful,” and it means “trustworthy.” It is also used in the active sense meaning “those who have faith,” a meaning that is more appropriate here. However, it must not be connected with “in Christ” and taken to mean those who believe in Christ Jesus. This was one of Paul’s most unusual words: “in Christ.” Those who are justified by grace through faith, receive Christ; they enter into union with Him, are made new persons, and incorporated into a new humanity.

Dunnam, Maxie D.. The Preacher’s Commentary - Vol. 31: Galatians / Ephesians / Philippians / Colossians / Philemon (p. 144).

Paul had a short stay in Ephesus, (Acts 19:9-10) beginning in the synagogue, speaking for three months. Then he went to the hall of Tyrannus, where he taught for two years. Paul was in a public auditorium or lecture hall where lectures were given at midday.

REMINDER: Like Paul, we should seek to find ways to share the gospel in our daily contexts.

This can look like:

doing a Bible study with colleagues before work begins

or a businessmen’s luncheon

or a student starting something at school during breaks.

Paul’s teaching eventually spilled out from the hall into the villages!

Miracles accompanied Paul’s message, confirming it’s power and authority from God.

Consider the result of Paul’s ministry here.

It was marked by awe, confession and repentance, and the exaltation of Jesus.

This dramatic account culminates with the burning of books, which probably contained spells, incantations, and other cultish practices.

It was a spiritual awakening.

Can you imagine those wrapped up in false religions, cults, and superstition burning their books and worshiping Jesus?

Not everyone was thrilled with this movement, however. Luke mentions that Paul “stayed in Asia for a while,” and then he writes, “During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way” (Acts 19:22-23).

These Christians were turning “the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) in Ephesus.

In the Acts accounts, Christianity was referred to as ‘the way.’ It was a new way of life. It was entirely different from other religions. It was centered on Jesus, who said He was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

This holy disturbance led to some serious opposition.

Many of us live in a culture filled with idolatry, superstition and the occult, demonic activity, public sexual immorality, materialism, a love for education devoid of God, and the worship of political leaders.

Remember, the gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful enough to break through these forces and bring people to saving faith in Jesus Christ. There is only one Lord. Proclaim Him with boldness.

MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS (OVERVIEW)

ILLUS: MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

Just as an artist carefully paints a masterpiece, layer by layer, stroke by stroke, we are each a work of art being crafted by the Master Creator. In the book of Ephesians, we are reminded of God’s Word as the foundation for our lives, guiding us in the process of becoming who we were designed to be.

God’s Word serves as the finely tuned master brushstrokes that create a clear picture of the flourishing life we were intended for. As we allow His Word to shape and transform us, we see progress in our journey towards becoming more like Christ.

With each brushstroke of truth, love, grace, and mercy, God is creating a masterpiece in us. Just as a painting evolves and becomes more beautiful with each layer added, we too are continually growing and maturing in our faith.

May we trust in the hands of the Master Artist, knowing that He is creating something magnificent in us. Let us surrender to His guidance and direction, allowing His Word to be the foundation upon which our lives are built.

Deeper understanding of the Gospel

Magnifies the importance of the local church

Contemporary nature gives Grace-filled encouragement and Practical answers to basic questions in the Christian Life

Why worship? (Eph. 1:3–14) What should we pray for? (Eph. 1:15–23) What is so amazing about grace? (Eph. 2:1–10) Who are we? (Eph. 2:11–22) Why is the church a big deal? (Eph. 3:1–13) What should we pray for? (Eph. 3:14–21) How can we be unified? (Eph. 4:1–16) How do “new” people live? (Eph. 4:17–32) How can we imitate God? (Eph. 5:1–14) What is God’s plan for marriage? (Eph. 5:15–33) How should we parent? (Eph. 6:1–4) How should we see our vocation? (Eph. 6:5–9) How do we fight? (Eph. 6:10–24)

Exalting Jesus in Ephesians The Message

The key thought in Ephesians is the phrase “in Christ.” Ephesians shows us that God is forming a new humanity through Christ, by the Spirit. It describes how Jesus Christ died for sinners, was raised, is exalted above all His competitors, and is now the head of the cosmos and the church. Through our union with Christ, we share in these same events—we are raised with Christ and seated with Him (2:5–7). This great salvation is owing to the grace of God (2:8–10).

Observe also these “formerly … but now” expressions:

• We were dead in sin, but now we are “alive with the Messiah” (2:4).

• We were separated from Christ, but now in Christ Jesus we “have been brought near” (2:13).

• We were “foreigners,” but now we are “fellow citizens” (2:19).

• We were darkened in understanding, but now we have “learned about the Messiah.” We have put off the “old self” and put on the “new self” (4:20–24).

• We were “darkness,” but now we are “light in the Lord” (5:8).

Paul describes the transforming power of the gospel throughout the letter.

Our Position - who we are in Christ (1:3-3:21)

The focus is not what we must do, rather what God has done for use

Verbs are mainly passive

New life in Christ

Exalting Jesus in Ephesians Our Position—Who We Are in Christ (1:3–3:21)

We have been chosen and adopted by the Father (1:4–6).

We have been redeemed by the Son (1:7–12).

We have been sealed with the Spirit (1:13–14).

We have been given resurrection power (1:19).

We have been given eyes to see the lordship of Jesus (1:15–23).

We have been brought from death to life by grace through faith in Christ (2:1–10).

We have been raised and seated with Him in the heavens “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (2:5–7 ESV).

We have been created for good works (2:10).

New community in Christ

Our Practice - How we are to live in Christ (4:1-6:24)

Attention turns to the responsibilities of the saints

Verbs are imperatives

Pursue unity and Purity in Christ

Pursue submissiveness and stability in Christ

New people pursue different lifestyles than the surrounding culture.

That was a challenge in Ephesus, and it is a challenge today.

CLOSE

English Standard Version Chapter 6

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Paul closes this letter to the saints with an admonition (warning, charge or counsel for living based on the authoritative Word of God with a positive end.)

This admonition is to love Jesus incorruptibly, that is: simply and purely.

Reading this book, studying together in the coming months, should increase our love for Jesus and direct our affections toward his church.

The final reference to the church in Ephesus isn’t in Ch.6, V.24 - it’s in Revelation 2 - a church that had lost it’s first love.

How do you go from a church with an amazing history to one that has abandoned it’s mission? Corrupted love.

Sure, they could spot heresy, but their right thinking didn’t lead to a right practice.

We must ask ourselves: Is our service to Jesus mechanical? Do we love Him, or are we just using Him for our own ambitions?

Jesus told them to repent.

That is what we must do if we have lost love for Christ: return to praising Jesus, with our lips and with our lives, for who He is and what He has done.