Articles

Ephesians Outline [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Ephesians Background Info (below)

Satanic Artifacts Burned Acts 19:19 (below)

Chosen for Holiness – Ephesians 1 (below)

The Life of Jesus Manifested in Our Lives – Ephesians 1 (below)

PRAYING BIBLICALLY, POWERFULLY, AND EFFECTIVELY (below)

I’M NOT WHO I ONCE WAS: Ephesians 2:1-3 (below)

Ephesians 2:4-10 – Grounded in Grace (below)

Made Nigh by the Blood of Christ (below)

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ Ephesians 3 (below)

Speaking the Truth in Love (below)

Ephesians 5:1-21 (below)

EPHESIANS
Outline

—–THE ORIGINAL WWW !!! – The glorious book of Ephesians naturally divides into 3 basic sections which form the acronym WWW – Worship, Work, Warfare – see outline below to help you better understand the mind of Christ revealed in this treasured epistle which has blessed countless sojourning saints for 2 millenniums now.

Let us observe from an overview perspective, the doctrinal letter the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to pen to “the saints which are at Ephesus.” (1:1) In Ephesians, the integral involvement of all three divine Members of the Godhead are seen in creation (Eph. 3:9), the redemption of mankind (1:4, 7, 13), the maturing of the body of Christ (4:4-6), and eternal well-being of His elect (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6). God’s will for His people’s maturity is stated in 4:5: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” One sure way to speak His truth in love is to devour the contents of this blessed letter, asking Him to make them an integral part of your life as He conforms you to His holy image. His new life in us should produce a transformation in the spirit of our minds, as we put on the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (4:23-24).

This book is a treasure chest of divine knowledge and essential jewels for Christian maturity for the church of Jesus Christ. Read it, study it, saturate and bathe your heart and mind in it, and pray it into your life. As you discover new platinum nuggets, record them on index cards to commit to memory. This will significantly benefit you personally and others as you share them.

As you go through this outline in your own Bible, feel free to reference, cross reference, and write notes in the margins. You are encouraged to use this outline as it best suits you for learning of the LORD and humbly, prayerfully instructing others.

Author: Paul, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1)

Date written: 60-65 A.D.

Theme: Some would say that Ephesians is the second doctrinal letter in the New Testament cannon, the first being the book of Romans which perhaps Ephesians builds upon.

Ephesians pictures the believer as positionally “seated together in heavenly places in Christ” (2:6). The redeemed are blessed in that the Father made us, chose us, and found us, saving us through the blood of His only begotten Son (Eph. 1:3-4, 7). He has made us to be citizens in His family (Eph. 2:19; 3:15). The believer’s wealth and walk with Christ are expounded upon in the first 3 chapters while chapter 4 and 5 deal with his walk, and chapter 6 with kingdom warfare. As a doctrinal letter, the book of Ephesians contains the highest of truth for the Church. This is in contrast to other New Testament writings which deal with order and the practical implementation of local church functions to build up the saints and win the lost to Christ in light of His soon return.

KEY TERMS in Ephesians:

“In Christ” appears 12x

“In him” appears 2x

The fact that the terms “in Christ” and “in him” appear 14 times in this all-important letter to all the saints in this period of grace, reveals that God wants us to apprehend who He is and who we are in Him. This will require God’s grace working in you, personal study, prayer, and meditation. By His holy blood we are in Jesus Christ, “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22) The believer’s identification is to be Christ – above all else (1 Cor. 2:2, 6:19-20; Gal. 2:20, 6:14). The way a person sees/views himself (identification) determines how he will live this life. What possesses us propels us. Being “in Christ” means being brought ever more by Him into a deeper and more intimate intertwining and oneness (Jn. 17).

KEY WORDS in Ephesians:

Below, look up and read each of the key word and term verses below as you prayerfully follow the divine design of love, and grace for His Church, including the unity of each member of His body.

“Love” appears 14x
“Grace” appears 12x
“Church” appears 9x
“Inheritance” appears 4x
“Unity” appears 2x

2 KEY VERSES of Ephesians:

Divine, Eternal Purpose Revealed:

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Ephesians 1:10

His Purpose/Goal for our Walk with Him:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT 1:18-19

God wants to open our spiritual senses to reveal:

“the hope of his calling” v18
“what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” v18
“the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe” v19

OBJECTIVE/GOAL OF THE TRIUNE GOD WITH HIS ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AS EXPRESSED IN EPHESIANS:

NOW: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13
IN ETERNITY: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (eternity to come) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Ephesians 1:10

God is going to bring all His children together in one place – the New Jerusalem.

Record both of the above verses on index cards. Prayerfully read over them 5 times each before continuing.

“One body” (4:4) Especially chapter two speaks of the union of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ’s one body. Jew/Gentile: No difference between Jews and Gentiles in Christ/salvation: Acts 10:45-48, 11:18, 13:46-48, 14:27, 15:3-23; 26:17-23, 28:28; Rom. 2:28-29; 3:9,29, 11:11-25, 15:9-18,27; 1 Cor. 10:32, 12:13, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:11, 3:6-8, Col. 1:27, 3:11

Made One Body by Christ’s Blood

Every born again, blood bought saint of Christ is “of the household of God.” Jesus came and He built the foundation of His kingdom “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:19-20

“The household of God” – picture being a child in the, under the blessed protection, command, privilege, authority, and provision of “the Almighty” Himself (Revelation 1:8).

NATURAL DIVISIONS IN EPHESIANS:

Ch’s 1-3 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Wealth in and Worship of Christ
Ch’s 4-5 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Walk with Christ
Ch 6 of the book of Ephesians deals with our Warfare in Christ with the enemy

By design God sets forth His wealth to and justification of the believer first (Ch.’s 1-3). He then gives instruction on how to walk out that new life of worship He has freely given us (Ch.’s 4-6), including guarding it by vigilant prayer and warfare (Ch. 6).

God, by whom “we have obtained an inheritance” and according to “the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will … hath purposed in himself,” according to “the good pleasure of his will,” to adopt us as His “children by Jesus Christ to himself.” (Ephesians 1:5, 9, 11)

The Involvement/Work of Each Divine Member of the Godhead is Seen in:

1. Creation of “all things” 3:9

2. Redemption Ch. 1 The involvement with each divine Member of the Godhead

– Chosen of the Father 1:4

– Redeemed by the Son 1:7

– “Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” 1:13

3. Sanctification of each individual redeemed saint and the corporate body of Christ in:

– “one Spirit” 4:4

– “one Lord” 4:5

– “one God and Father of all” 4:6

All these things have the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost done to secure the heavenly family eternally in His everlasting kingdom, where His Christ will be exalted and His saints blessed beyond fathom (1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21). Watch for this love theme throughout this letter (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6).

Prayers in Ephesians

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul pens two magnificent prayers effectual for all saints throughout the NT era. If we use these two monumental, Holy Spirit inspired prayers in Ephesians, our Father will change our lives. At this time, go read and simultaneously pray to your heavenly Father these prayers in Jesus’ name. Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Ask the LORD for these things to be manifested in your life and the life of His people, the world over.

Capturing a Few of the Treasures of Ephesians

Verses in Ephesians to write out on index cards with references and then read aloud five times each before proceeding:

1:3
2:8-10
3:16, 17, 20
This part of 3:9 – “God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”
4:3, 11-12
5:11, 21, 26-27
6:10, 17

Ephesus Background Information

The historical account of God’s work among the people in the city of Ephesus picks up in Acts 18. Origins and Background of the work of the LORD at Ephesus – Paul was in Ephesus ministering appr 10 years prior to writing his epistle to the Ephesians. John recorded the words of Jesus to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 in about 95 AD.

Saul participates in Stephen’s stoning. Acts 7:51-60. (33-34 AD)
Saul of Tarsus wreaks havoc on Christians. Acts 8. (33-34 AD)
Saul’s conversion: Confronted on the road to Damascus. Acts 9. (33-34 AD)
Paul pens the epistle to the Ephesian believers in prison (60-65 AD)
John the apostle receives the Revelation in which he records the message of Jesus to the church at Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7. (95 AD)

If you wish to research the record of the beginnings of the Gospel and origins of the church in the city of Ephesus, read Acts 18:18 – 20:38.

“Ephesus” appears 17 times in God’s Word beginning with Acts 18:19 and ending with the LORD Jesus’ letter to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:1-7. Much is given to us as followers of Christ in the work of God through Paul and others in the believers at Ephesus.

The Apostolic New Testament Program

“Apostolic” simply refers to Christ’s apostles who were earnestly contending for and carrying forward His Gospel. After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated back at the right hand of the Father, Christ’s apostles made sure when Jesus saved souls, that those newly saved saints had the opportunity to receive the gift of the full measure of the Holy Ghost – an integral part of New Testament Christianity and without which the believer cannot and will not be powerfully used of God. Here is Paul, the apostle of Christ in Ephesus:

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:1-6

Here’s another example of the apostles of Christ making sure every believer was baptized with the Holy Spirit:

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God (got saved), they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17

BACKGROUND: More Information on God’s Work Among the Ephesian Saints

One background commentary on Ephesus reads: “The capital of Ionia, a celebrated city of Asia Minor, situated near the mouth of the Cayster, about forty miles southeast of Smyrna. It was chiefly celebrated for the worship and temple of Diana, which last was, accounted one of the seven wonders of the world. See DIANA. Paul first visited Ephesus about A. D. 54, Acts 18:19,21. This first brief visit was followed by a longer one towards the close of the same year, and continuing through the two following years, Acts 19:10 20:31. The church thus early established, enjoyed the laborers of Aquila and Priscilla, of Tychicus and Timothy. It was favored with one of the best of Paul’s epistles; its elders held an interview with him at Miletus, before he saw Rome, and he is supposed to have visited them after his first imprisonment. Here the apostle John is said to have spent the latter part of his life, and written his gospel and epistles; and having penned Christ’s message to them in the isle of Patmos, to have returned and died among them. Christ gives the church at Ephesus a high degree of praise, coupled with a solemn warning, Revelation 2:1-5, which seems not to have prevented its final extinction, though it remained in existence six hundred years. But now its candlestick is indeed removed out of its place. The site of that great and opulent city is desolate. Its harbor has become a pestilential marsh; the lovely and fertile level ground south of the Cayster now languishes under Turkish misrule; and the heights upon its border bear only shapeless ruins. The outlines of the immense theatre, Acts 19:29, yet remain in the solid rock; but no vestige of the temple of Diana can be traced.”

Paul rebuked the sin in Ephesus – “that they be no gods, which are made with hands.” (Acts 19:26) He was assailed for doing so as is a consistent reaction with the preaching or the original Gospel which begins with the command to repent (Matthew 11:12). Contrast this with the hirelings who set up churches in our cities today….. modern pastors aren’t rebuking anything, especially not themselves. They simply seek to set up and establish their church businesses and be able to make money for themselves and pay the mortgage….by entertaining the people, their prey. They coddle men in sin instead of calling them to repent before a holy God as did John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), the LORD Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles of Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:21, etc.).

Preaching the original Gospel of Jesus will stir devils and religious frauds (Matthew 23, etc.). All one has to do to behold such is to read the Gospels and book of Acts to witness the vicious diabolical attacks on Jesus and His apostles. There is a great difference between powder puff counterfeits and true disciples of Christ who deliver the message of the original Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:28-29

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace |

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Ephesians Narrated [podcast]

Ephesians 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by […]

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ [podcast]

The Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3 Paul gave no glory to the sinful men who imprisoned him. Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, The apostle took pleasure in these afflictions for the sake of Christ. We are reminded of his thorn in the flesh where Paul gave no glory to “the messenger of Satan” whom God allowed to afflict him … 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, […]

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ [podcast]

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his grace” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through […]

Abiding

Overcoming Temptation [podcast]

The only way to come out on top of temptation, of successfully putting it under foot, is via the crucified life.

“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7

Reading Romans 6 each morning, prayerfully, will guarantee the resurrection life and power of Christ reigning in your life.

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16

What leads up to actually committing a sin?

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

FFK = Fight. Finish. Keep.

“The time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

As an ambassador for Christ, Paul was nearing the end of his mission on earth and said he had “fought,” “finished” and “kept.”

IF YOU DON’T FIGHT YOU WILL FALL, YOU WILL FAIL! With God, failure is never final unless you don’t get back up.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Memory truth.

“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Repenting afresh.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

You must choose daily to “FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for theprize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 1:20

Prayer: LORD, imbue in my innermost being the resolve to know You, to walk with You, to love You supremely as the first loveof my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.