Ephesians 1- Who Is Truly In Charge of the Church? Not Us!

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An Introduction to the Letter of Ephesians

Today we begin Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus. Ephesus was located in the Roman province of Asia, which is modern day Turkey. Ephesians was located near the Aegean sea by a major trade route which made it a very wealthy city. Ephesians was most likely written when Paul was in prison in Rome (61-62 A.D.), and along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon is called on of Paul's "prison letters". 

Some have called Ephesians, "A manual for the church". While Paul does address some contemporary issues like idol worship, the book mainly focuses on how we are made right with God by faith in Jesus, which is focuses on in chapters 1-3. Then in chapters 4-6 it teaches us how we apply so we can become mature Christians. Ephesians also focuses on the unity of the church, and why it is so important. Finally, Ephesians addresses practical matters like ministry, marriage, and how we should treat each other in the church. 

Here is what renowned New Testament theologian F.F. Bruce says about the letter to the Ephesians. 

The elevated themes of Ephesians make it highly praised and prized by commentators. Ephesians has been called “the Queen of the Epistles,” “the quintessence of Paulinism,” “the divinest composition of man” and even “the Waterloo of commentators.” Some say that Ephesians reads “like a commentary on the Pauline letters” and probably it has been best termed “the crown of Paulinism.” (Bruce) 

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Verses 3-14 are very poetic in nature and written so well stylistically that it has caused some people to doubt Paul's of the epistle. 

Here are some verses to note. 

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11 

This is a passage which is used as evidence for the doctrine of predestination. Importantly for Lutheran doctrine it clearly shows that God chose us before we could choose him. Good Lutheran theology is founded in the principle that God chose us first. This is where some of the rationale for infant baptism comes from.  In the baptism of a child, God chooses the child to be his son or daughter. Teaching a child what this means is given to parents and the church. Parents and the church need to teach and model to children and youth what it means to know Christ and follow him in the power of the Holy Spirit.  

There have historically been a long line of arguments between those who espouse the free will theory (we have the freedom to choose or reject God) and predestination (where God has chosen us before the beginning of the world). You can see how hard it would be to prove one or the other, especially since there are biblical verses which support both. 

The most profound thing I have ever heard regarding the dialectical tension between Free Will and. Predestination is this, 

"I believe as if I were predestined to be saved, but I minister as if everyone has a choice." 

As you can see I don't think this is a black and white issue. I think God leaves tension in certain doctrines so that we will appreciate both sides of the equation, which contribute to the ultimate truth.  Most Christian doctrines are very fairly black and white.  We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe is bible is inspired by God and never fails to do what God intended it to do. It's purpose is the lead people to saving faith in Christ and is faithful guide in all matters of life and faith. 

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

You can see the Trinity in these verses. Importantly Paul teaches that the we are given the promised Holy Spirit when we heard and believed in gospel of truth and salvation. As a result this Holy Spirit is a "seal", guaranteeing our inheritance as sons and daughters of God. 

The seal is therefore the Holy Spirit Himself, and His presence in the believer denotes ownership and security. The sealing with the Spirit is not an emotional feeling or some mysterious inward experience.” (Gaebelein)

The word guarantee (“down payment”) is used only in the New Testament of the Holy Spirit. He is our only down payment of coming glory; nothing else is provided – or needed. - Guzik

“For sealing there are needed the softened wax; the imprint of the beloved face; the steady pressure. Would that the Spirit might impress the face of our dear Lord on our softened hearts, that they may keep it for evermore!” (Meyer)

Why is this important? I can't tell you how many people worry about whether they will be saved and go to heaven. If we believe in Christ the gift of the Holy Spirit GUARANTEES us of our future inheritance. The people who struggle with this assurance focus on whether they do enough or are good enough to meet God's standards. But the simple answer is no, we are not good enough and that is why we need to put our faith in Christ. 

You don't have to worry about your salvation? Trust in Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. Then you never have to doubt ever again whether you are going to heaven. Why? Because Jesus has satisfied all of the righteous requirements of the Law because you couldn't. 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul then shares how thankful and grateful he is for the reports he has heard about the Ephesian church. He shows his pastoral heart by sharing how much he prays for them. It reminds us that we should not just pray for our own church, but churches all over the world. 

Paul's prayer is that the Spirit would open their eyes to see their standing before God and the incomparably great power they have been given through Christ. The power we have as believers is the same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead. Now that is some power! Jesus is seated above all rulers and powers at the right hand of the Father. 

Though it may not look like this in our present reality all things in the world, but importantly Jesus is the head of the church. This is such an important principle for the church. It is not "my" church or "your" church, but Jesus is the head of the church. It is his church and he rules over it. 

This was Paul appealing to the unity in the Ephesian church stating that our unity is in Christ not any one doctrine, denomination, or certainly an earthly leader. When leaders think the church is about them, they are in real trouble. 

As we keep our eyes focused on Christ, the church can be everything God wants it to be as He uses it to reveal his great love for all of the world by sending His Son!