Ephesians # 1 Introduction Eph 1-1

     We’re going to start a new series this week. We’re going to start on the book of Ephesians. Ephesians is probably 1 of the most concentrated book in the NT. Ephesians is not the best book for baby Christians to start in. It’s more for mature Christians who desire to Grow.

     I. That’s why I couldn’t teach on the book of Ephesians on Sunday mornings. When we get into the subject of spiritual warfare, I wont be able to go into it in depth, because that is so much to teach on when you’re going through an entire book.

          A. Those that are not as mature in the Lord, need this teaching in depth or they would become confused and could begin to do something in error.

              B. Not only does This book gives us some of the most profound teaching in the Word of God, but it also tells us how to put these teachings to use in our lives.

              C. The book of Ephesians was written by Paul during imprisonment in Rome.

                        1. Even though (EPH 1:1) Says that this book was written to the saints at Ephesus. Most ancient manuscripts omit the words “At Ephesus.”

                                  a. It’s worded like this, “To the Saints.”

                        2. It is most widely excepted that this book was 1st sent to the church at Ephesus, but then was to be sent to the other churches.

     II. The city of Ephesus was a seaport city. Most seaport cities become very wealthy and this was the case in Ephesus.

              A. People brought their money into the city, but along with their money they brought their devils with them.

                        1. Usually seaport cities have their problems, look at San Francisco.

                        2. Ephesus was known for the worship of the goddess Diana.

                                  a. They built a large temple in Ephesus just for the worship of Diana.

                                  b. 1 of the ways they worshipped her was by having sex orgies.

                        3. When you have such a large problem in a city it usually filters into the churches in that area, to some degree.

                                  a. This again is another reasons why Paul teaches on Spiritual warfare in this book.

              B. Ephesus is where Paul instructed believers who had been born again under Apollos’ ministry.

                        1. Apollos was probably an eloquent man, but was ignorant in NT teachings.

                        2. Paul had to go there and even teach them about the baptism in the HS.

                                  a. Look at ACTS 19:1-7

                        3. In the city of Ephesus, God did some special miracles.

                                  a. ACTS 19:11-12

                        4. It was also in the city of Ephesus that the 7 sons of Sceva were unsuccessful in trying to cast out demons. (ACTS 19:13-17)

                                  a. The reason for their failure was that they didn’t know Jesus.

                        5. Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 years during his 3rd missionary journey.

              C. Paul wrote the book of Ephesus in while he was in prison at Rome, somewhere around 61 AD.

                        1. This is where Paul wrote 4 of the NT Epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

                                  a. Colossians and Ephesians are sister books. There are many of the same truths found in both books.

                                  b. Even though there are many similarities in these 2 books, Ephesians main theme is the Church, where Colossians main theme is the Head of the Church, which is Jesus.

     III. The 1st ½ of the book of Ephesians is all positional truth.

              A. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 deal with who we are in Christ.

                        1. Where chapters 4, 5, and 6 deal with temporal truth and practical application.

                                  a. Paul teaches who we are in Christ and how to put that to work in our lives.

              B. What was the purpose for Paul writing the book of Ephesians?

                        1. Most of Paul’s writings dealt with problems in the church, but Paul doesn’t come right out to mention problems here.

                                  a. The book of Ephesians is basically a teaching book, teaching on the deeper things of God.

                                  b. It was to give them revelation upon the revelation they already had.

     IV. All right let’s go on to EPH 1:1

              A. 1st of all, Paul calls himself “An Apostle.”

                        1. The word “Apostle” comes from the Greek word “Apostolos” which means “Sent One.”

                                  a. It’s someone that is sent with a particular mission.

                        i. In (HEB 3:1) it says that Jesus the “Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” The word “Profession” means “Confession," but it can also mean our words.

                        ii. In other words, Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our words.

                   b. Jesus is the sent one to heaven, to be a mediator, for us, to speak our words and to present them to the Father.

                        2. The word “Apostle” also has a military meaning, it means “A sent one of highest rank.”

                                  a. (1 Corinthians 12:28) Says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

                                           i. These 3 are in order of importance, not authority. (Say it again.)

                                           ii. The 1 that is in authority in a church is the pastor. Apostles are not in authority in the local church. The same goes for Prophets, Evangelist, or any other ministry gift.

                                           iii. But in a different setting, like in an Evangelist meeting, the Evangelist would have the authority.

                        3. Back in (EPH 1:1) Paul says that he is “An Apostle by the will of God.”

                                  a. There are so many self appointed ministers out there today that it makes you sick.

                                           i. Notice that I said self appointed not God appointed.

                                           ii. If you’re not sure that God has told you to go into the ministry, back off, you will be judged by God, for deception and leading people the wrong way.

                                  b. If I had my choice I would back out of the ministry in 1 second. (Why?)

                                           i. Those that preach the word will face a greater judgment.

                                           ii. Not only am I responsible for my own life and judged when I blow it, but I am also judged when you blow it.

                                           iii. Did I do what I could, to teach you the Word of God, did I listen to the voice of the Lord about what to teach, about how to minister 1 on 1.

                                  c. The ministry gifts are called by God, not by man, not by a prophecy.

                                           i. God has to speak to you directly. If He hasn’t back off.

              B. Still in V 1 Paul says that this book is written to the saints.

                        1. The word “Saints” is usually translated “Holy.”

                                  a. If you are a Christian, you are Holy, you’re a Holy people.

                                  b. The book of Ephesians is written to you.

                        2. Paul ends V 1 by saying this book is also written “To the faithful in Christ.”

                                  a. There are the Saints and then there are the Faithful. Usually the mid-week people are the faithful.

Ephesians # 1 Introduction EPH 1:1.docx

Thurs. 2/15/96