Ephesians Studies

1Timothy—Living in the USA not always easy.Overview of Ephesians and its relationship to Paul’s ministry and to ColossiansThe purpose of the churchCompare what they were (ch 2) with what they are to be (ch 4)Unity is not magic. It takes work. Unity is not necessarily comfortable. It means a life of service. [illustrate from OM and Ashiana] 2 socks: life from the master

2Timothy—divisions in Indian culture.The reality of the church. Made up of us. Strife. Example of UBS (note how being in the middle I was suspected by both sides)Why unity is even harder in a postmodernist timeBut look at disunity even in Christian marriages!Thus significance of Paul starting letter with “peace” (shalom)]See how Paul came to this understanding of gentiles (review in Acts, note role of Barnabas)Chapter 3. prosagoge, dwell in your hearts, inner person.Unity is not magic. It takes work. Unity is not necessarily comfortable. It means a life of service. [illustrate from OM and Ashiana] 2 socks: pulling away from me

3Andrew, searching for an understanding of unity (see Peace sermon)The unity God prepared for, builds, enables.Compare the training of the 12 (“to be fishers of men”)Ch 2, cfc h 4Name calling as means of people and unity building See info in Teachers Commentary

4Andrew understanding the need to be in his appropriate role (ending with song)What do we need to be doing now to build and maintain unity?A Comment from Paul Hiebert“The church’s task is neither to destroy nor to maintain ethnic identities but to replace them with a new identity in Christ that is more foundational than earthly identities.” See info in Teachers CommentaryTimothy concluding?

ELEMENTS

Why do people attend church? Cultural preservation? (See Scripture Union notes)

See notes in notebook.

A Comment from Paul Hiebert

“The church’s task is neither to destroy nor to maintain ethnic identities but to replace them with a new identity in Christ that is more foundational than earthly identities.”

SERMONS: Peacemakers. Peace.