Regeneration

The Living Church demonstrates the Gospel through their relationships—this is really the point of 4:17-5:21. But in the next section, Paul points to three specific relationships that demonstrate the Gospel, in this case, marriage. Marriage demonstrates the Gospel most explicitly because we are Christ’s bride. As such, our relationship with Christ helps us guide our marriages, which are marked by mutual submission. Somehow, if each partner submits to the other, “leading” and “submitting” happen. Singleness, though not addressed in this passage, also demonstrates the Gospel. “This mystery is profound and I am saying it refers to Christ and the church” (v. 32).

The Living Church is at war—not with a culture, not with a nation, not with a people—but with unseen spiritual forces that seek to destroy her and her members.

The Living Church “walks in the way of love” (v. 1) because we are “children of light” (v. 8). As children of the light, we live thoughtfully and wisely—which has more to do with our talk, as well as drinking, and hiding deeds of darkness.

Paul turns his attention to two other day-to-day relationships that have tremendous importance in demonstrating the Gospel. The first is parenting, the second is employees (slaves) and employers (masters). Both of these passages are under the “control” of 5:21, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” By submitting, we make more room for God.

August 16 - Finding God Across Generations by

The Living Church lives out its identity; in this passage, Paul begins his instructions for Christian living. These verses really unpack 4:15, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” As such, this chapter deals with our talk: speaking truthfully to our neighbor, and speaking wholesome words to one another. These are basic instructions for one-ness.

The Living Church has been equipped to accomplish its mission. We are united by the Spirit, by one hope, by one Lord, by one baptism—but to manifest this unity to the world, we have been given a variety of gifts. God’s best gifts are people, and these gifts are exercised by people for His glory. A highlight of this passage is Paul’s insistence that it is not the pastor that does the work of ministry, but the people who are equipped by the pastor for the work before them. The end result of this gifting is deeper unity with Christ and one another. This Sunday will be a big push for our ministries—especially Bible Club, Children’s Ministry, and others.

The Living Church is not a building or a place, it’s a living, breathing organism that moves. Those who are “in Christ” are His missionaries into the world. “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” Being a missionary means being a servant to all people in order to demonstrate the Gospel. Yet, this is challenging—the very task causes paul to “kneel before the Father” (3:14) and ask for spiritual strength. We are afflicted, but we are heard in prayer—and this prayer moves mountains.

In the Living Church, we are united—we are one new humanity (15). As a result, the new standard of our living is peace. This is a “mystery” (3:7), but takes its shape as we learn to love one another, forgive one another, and protect one another. This Sunday we will celebrate communion—a living demonstration that we are made one.

We Are Saved - Ephesians 2:1-10 In the Living Church, identity precedes action. Those who belong to Jesus were once “dead in [their] transgressions and sins.” Through faith, Jesus has “made us alive.” In short, we are saved—not by what we can do, but what Christ has accomplished. As a result, we are God’s “workmanship,” his poem, his song, through which He demonstrates “the immeasurable riches of his grace.” An interactive element using the “I once was… But now am…” formula will help drive these precious truths home.