Video

Ephesians Chapter Four

1. Eph. 4-6 is practical application for the deep Paterological theology of Eph. 1-3.
2. We are expected to walk in a worthy manner—summarized by the principle of Christian unity (Eph. 4:1-6).
3. We are expected to walk according to the grace gift the Lord supplied, for the edification of the entire body (Eph. 4:7-16).
   1. Christ the Victorious One is pleased to bestow gifts to His bride (Eph. 4:7,8).
   2. The Holy Spirit provides believers with spiritual gifts (Rom. 12; 1st Cor. 12), but the Lord Jesus Christ provides local churches with spiritually gifted believers (Eph. 4:11-12).
      1. In the Apostolic Age, Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers were the spiritually gifted believers that the Lord provided to particular local churches for their equipping and building up.
      2. In the Local Church Age, evangelists and pastor-teachers carry on that primary work-assignment.
   3. The function of the local church assembly is to equip and build up believers for the work of service, as we grow together to spiritual maturity.
4. We are to lay aside our old manner of life as unbelievers (Eph. 4:17-24), and live the new manner of life as recipients of God’s forgiveness (Eph. 4:25-32).

Ephesians Chapter Five

1. The summary statement for our walk is to be imitators of God, and walk in love (Eph. 5:1-2).  This is the unconditional, sacrificial, integrity love of God.
2. The walk of love, as children of light, means that believers are to have no participation in the unfruitful deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:3-7,11-14).
   1. The walk of love, as children of light, is a simple walk for the pleasure of God the Father (Eph. 5:8-10).
   2. The walk of love, as children of light, is a careful walk, redeeming the time and remaining sober-minded (Eph. 5:15-18).
   3. The walk of love, as children of light, is a thankful walk, praising the Lord from the heart (Eph. 5:19-20).
   4. The walk of love, as children of light, is a submissive walk, fearing the Lord and serving one another (Eph. 5:21-6:9).
      1. The submissive walk of wives (Eph. 5:22-24,32-33) and husbands (Eph. 5:25-33).
      2. The submissive walk of children (Eph. 6:1-3) and parents (Eph. 6:4).
      3. The submissive walk of slaves (Eph. 6:5-8) and masters (Eph. 6:9).

Ephesians Chapter Six

1. Submission to the Lord (Eph. 5:21-6:9) is essential for victory in the angelic conflict (Eph. 6:10-17; cf. 1st Pet. 5:6-9).
2. Believers in the Dispensation of the Church have the privilege of putting on and taking up the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10,13).
   1. ἐνδύω enduō ^#1746: get into, put on.
   2. ἀναλαμβάνω analambanō ^#353: take up.  In this sense, “taking” signifies undertaking the duties of an office or position: i.e. take a job, take office, take command.
3. Believers in the Dispensation of the Church that have put on, and taken up the full armor are equipped to do battle against the Satanic forces of darkness (Eph. 6:11-12).
   1. The battle is primarily defensive (1st Pet. 5:9), resisting (Eph. 6:13), standing firm (Eph. 6:11,13-14), and withstanding the flaming arrows (Eph. 6:16).
   2. The believer’s primary offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the (spoken/preached) Word (ῥῆμα rhēma ^#4487) of God (Eph. 6:17).
4. Believers in the Dispensation of the Church support one another’s spiritual combat operations through the communications network of prayer (Eph. 6:18-20).
5. The epistle closes with a recommendation of Tychicus and an appeal to peace, love, faith, and grace (Eph. 6:21-24).