This is the first of 26 sermons I delivered on the Epistle to the Ephesians. They were presented at the Tanglewood Church of Christ in Odessa, Texas in 2013.

Of Paul’s 13 Epistles in the New Testament, two are commonly called “masterpieces” by biblical scholars. All recognize Romans as a masterful presentation of salvation by faith. In Ephesians by contrast, the Apostle provides a magnificent description of the riches God has provided by His mighty power for His people by grace through faith, and to His own glory and honor.

The Christians in Ephesus lived in a city built around the supposed power and to the glory of the goddess Artemis. It was an extremely wealthy city because of revenue generated by her temple. Believers in the Lord Jesus needed to understand that they had received far greater riches in Christ than they could ever have in the worship of Artemis. In today’s message, learn more about the great themes found in this small epistle.

Brief Outline

INTRODUCTION:

  1. A study of the Epistle to the Ephesians
  2. Relating the story of “Hetty” Green
  3. “Hetty Green is an illustration of too many Christian believers today. They have limitless wealth at their disposal, and yet the live like paupers.” – from Be Rich (Ephesians), by Warren Wiersbe

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EPISTLE: Along with Romans and Hebrews, Ephesians is unique in being primarily doctrinal instead of pastoral

MAJOR THEMES OF THE EPISTLE:

  1. The Eternal Plan of God is to reconcile all people to God in Christ and His Church
  2. All of God’s riches are available to those who are in Christ
  3. God’s full power is at work in the Church
  4. God’s plan was not just to reconcile people to God but to each other… Jew and Gentile can now be one
  5. The Holy Spirit indwells the Church and believers as a seal and a pledge
  6. Unity
  7. God is glorified in His Church and in the preaching of the Gospel
  8. Believers are to live in a way consistent with what they have been called to
  9. Paul is helping believers take on the full armor of God to stand against the evil forces of this dark world and the ruler of this world.