Discovering the Purpose of the Church in Ephesians
In a conversation with a seasoned church member, a profound insight emerged. While preaching through Ephesians, it became clear that the book is not merely about what the church should do, but rather about what God wants his church to be. This distinction is crucial, as it shifts our focus from human effort to divine purpose.
God’s Plan for the Ages
Ephesians reveals that God has a plan for the ages, which he will accomplish through the church. This plan involves forming the body of Christ, filling believers with his love, and enabling them to stand firm in Christ’s victory. The church is not simply a human institution, but a divine entity, crafted by God to fulfill his purposes.
The Interplay between Corporate and Individual Christian Life
In Ephesians, Paul highlights the interconnectedness of corporate and individual Christian life. The church, as a collective body, receives spiritual blessings, is rescued from wrath, and pursues peace between Jewish and Gentile believers. Meanwhile, individual believers receive the Spirit, are saved by faith, and must put on the new self, shedding the old self’s destructive tendencies.
A 12-Week Journey through Ephesians
Through this study, Eric Redmond invites us to explore Paul’s teachings on God’s astonishing grace. As we delve into Ephesians, we discover that the book is ultimately about God’s glory and his grace. God is glorifying himself through the church, ensuring that believers will be holy before him when he consummates all things in Christ.
The Centrality of God’s Glory
Ephesians emphasizes that God alone guarantees our inheritance, takes credit for salvation, and provides spiritual gifts to build up local churches. Rugged individualism is not the path to salvation or sanctification; rather, God saves and sanctifies, using our works to achieve his purposes.
Invitation to Review and Reflect
As we review Ephesians, we are invited to consider what God has made us to be, do, and have in Christ. This reflection enables us to shift our gaze from human accomplishments to the revelation of Christ’s accomplishment on the cross. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s plan for the ages, fulfilling our purpose as his church.
About the Author
Eric C. Redmond is a professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute and associate pastor of preaching and teaching at Calvary Memorial Church. He is a teaching fellow for the C. S. Lewis Institute and a fellow of the St. Augustine cohort of the Center for Pastor Theologians.
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