Living Word Church of Tyler

Paul has spent the first half of his letter to the church in Ephesus unpacking the beauty and magnitude of the gospel in all that God has done for us in Christ. In chapter 4 we now see Paul giving encouragement and instruction to the church on how we are called to live and function as the body of Christ in light of God's grace.

Paul returns to his thought about the mystery of the gospel revealed, that all

people now can come to God through faith in Jesus Christ. He prays for the church to

be strengthened in their inner being, that Christ may dwell in them, that they may

understand the measure of Christ’s love, and that they would be filled with the fullness

of God. Then he exalts God with a doxology of recognition that God is able to do it all.

Paul continues his explanation of the mystery of the gospel revealed by

endorsing the plan of God in Paul’s own suffering as a proof that the gospel he

preached to them is true, and in fact is the very reason he is in prison. Paul never

grumbles or complains, but rather, joyfully embraces the trial for the sake of joining in

Christ’s sufferings as an example to the Ephesian believers.

Paul has expressed the clear gospel that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ for good works, and now shows that same gospel is for all people who become family. There is no race or nationality or heritage that separates those who are in Christ Jesus. We are one body joined together as a dwelling place for God’s Spirit.

The measurement of the gospel is seen most clearly in the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. God in His absolute sovereignty and grace has reached to the depths of depravity, robed Himself in sin to become sin for us, died the death we deserved and rose from the grave to give us a seat with Him at the right hand of God in the heavenly places. Therefore as recipients of grace we are empowered by God for good works.

Paul prays that the saints (all believers) would comprehend just how much God loves and values them, and then live with the confidence that comes from that love.

Paul starts this great book with a doxology and doctrinal treasure of the

nature and work of God in saving a people for Himself through His Son and giving them

an inheritance sealed by the Holy Spirit. God is the central figure in the plan of

redemption. Jesus is the central figure in the saving of sinners. The church is the

recipient of salvation to the praise of God’s glorious grace, making God the central

figure in every part of our salvation.

Paul's letter to the saints in Ephesus is a major encouragement to churches today. Ephesians declares the full gospel message in the first three chapters, and then describes how we should live as a result in chapters four through six.

Reckoning with the inescapable reality of an all-knowing, ever-present God can either be a radical threat or a pathway to transformative joy. You choose.

This Psalm is a celebration of God's nature and His works, specifically celebrating Him as Creator, Deliverer from Egypt, Provider, and One Who keeps His promises. All these actions of God are driven by His steadfast love that endures forever.