EXPERIENCING RICH THINGS IN LIFE! It seems like some people have it all together! They just look like they are on it! They seem to have all the rich things in life! Is that privilege limited to them? How can I get it together and experience the rich things in life?

In this series, we are studying the Book of Ephesians.

In Ephesians, Paul, the author, introduces four metaphors to describe the people of God.

They are the body, the temple, the bride, and the army.

Our focus will be on these metaphors in terms of what they are to us and our relationship to Christ. In this video, we are providing an overview of the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians and how this letter applies to us today.

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Let Us Inviting God’s Presence:  

Dear God, thank you for the privileges you offer us; help us not forfeit them by failing to take advantage of what you have to offer us.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The rich things in life are not material possessions or wealth but rather spiritual blessings and experiences that come from a close relationship with God. These include:

1. Being Saved and Forgiven
2. Loving and Caring for Others
3. Trusting in God:
4. Growing Spiritually
5. Experiencing Spiritual Transformation:
6. Servicing Others: And
7. Having an Enduring Hope of Eternal Life

In other words, the rich things in life, from a Christian perspective, revolve around having a deep relationship with God, salvation through Jesus Christ, having love for others, growing spiritually, serving others, and having the hope of eternal life.

These spiritual treasures are considered far more valuable than any worldly possessions or achievements.

It is, therefore, not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with Christ and to have a rich experience in the things of God. This is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. By doing so, our lives will be productive and filled with good works. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

Sometimes we read and hear about those that seem to be very devout in their faith and think their experiences and achievements are out of our reach.

But that’s not true. Jesus died for everyone, and He is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children.

You see, the prophets and apostles didn’t develop perfect Christian characters by some miracles. They used the resources God had given them; they used what God had placed within their hands.

And anyone who puts forth the same effort will obtain the same results.

Paul in Ephesians 6:19 talks about the “mystery of the gospel,” and in (Ephesians 3:8) he speaks of the “unsearchable riches,” or vast wealth of Christ.” Then he assures them of his earnest prayers for their spiritual prosperity.  The Sanctified Life, pp. 83, 84 (adapted)

Paul wrote the book of Ephesians, which is a letter addressed to the house churches in Ephesus. This letter was to be read out loud in the presence of the members. Paul wanted someone to read his letter to the believers in all the house churches in the city of Ephesus.

You see, after Paul left Ephesus, the Christian movement in Ephesus grew. Soon there were many new house churches.

So, Paul sent Tychicus as his personal representative to visit these churches. As Paul’s representative, Tychicus was to visit the house churches and read Paul’s letter to its members.

In fact, the Book of Ephesians lets us know that the audience for these letters included all the members of the household: the father, mother, children, and slaves, according to Ephesians 5:21–6:9.

 At the time of this letter, a household included people other than the owner of the house, such as free persons who depended on the household for financial support and even customers. 

The assumption is that many of these people may have been there when Tychicus read Paul’s letter, and it is supposed that members from other house churches may have joined them.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is composed of 6 chapters. This letter should take less than 30 minutes to read. Read it preferably out loud. As you read it, think about what purpose Paul had when he wrote the letter.  What main point do you see in the whole letter? What does it say particularly to you? What specific point or points hit home?

The following is an outline of the letter. It contains 13 main ideas to help guide you as you read the letter.

1. Opening Greeting (Ephesians 1:1, 2). 2. Introductory Blessing (Ephesians 1:3–14).
2. Praying for Christ-Centered Wisdom (Ephesians 1:15–23).
3. Once Spiritually Dead in the Past; Now Alive with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1–10).
4. Christ Makes His church from Both Jews and Non-Jews or Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11–22).
5. Paul set as a Preacher of Christ to the Non-Jews or Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1–13).
6. Praying for Church Members to Experience and Know the Love of Jesus (Ephesians 3:14–21).

8 Seeking Peace and agreement in the Church (Ephesians 4:1–16).

9. Living the new life in Jesus (Ephesians 4:17–32).
10. Walking in the Light and Living a Life of Love, and Wisdom (Ephesians 5:1–20). (Split)
11. Letting Jesus Change Your Life and Lead You (Ephesians 5:21–6:9).
12. The Church as God’s “army” (Ephesians 6:10–20).
13. Closing Greeting (Ephesians 6:21–24).

Read the six chapters, then come back to finish this video.

Today, if you were to be one of the members listening to Tychicus as he read Paul’s letter, what key changes would you ask God to make in your life now after reading the entire letter?

Did you notice how Paul ended his letter to the Ephesians? What does this say about his deep desire for them? Continue to Part 5 Ephesians in Its Time: A Closer Look at Paul’s Letter

At the very beginning of His letter

Ephesians 1:1 and 2, we learn that Paul, the author of this letter, desires grace and peace for his hearers. It says:

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:1, 2)

Notice also that he not only begins his letter with the salutation of grace and peace for his hearers, but he also closes his letter with grace and peace: Look at Ephesians 6:21-24.

21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;

22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. (Ephesians 6:21-24) 

Furthermore, to assure his reader that he is, in fact, the writer, Paul again identifies himself in the middle of the letter and labels himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles.” In Ephesians 3:1: He says,

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— (Ephesians 3:1) 

And, in Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul talks about his work as a teacher and as an apostle or church leader.

Then, near the end of his letter, in Ephesians 6:20, Paul again talks about being in prison for his faith. Notice what he says:

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:20). (Split)

Finally, Paul, in Ephesians 6:21, 22, ends his letter with some personal, encouraging words:

21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;

22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.

(Ephesians 6:21, 22).

Although Paul clearly identifies himself as the writer of this letter, know that some Bible scholars don’t believe Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians.

But the letter shows that Paul is the writer, and most Christians accept the idea that Paul wrote this letter.

The fact that Paul is in prison could pose a problem for some believers, Therefore, Paul worries about the effect of his imprisonment on the Ephesians. He tells them in

Ephesians 3:13

13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:13)

It is believed that Paul wrote Ephesians around the time he wrote his other letters from prison. These letters include Colossians, as we can gather from Colossians 4:7, 8, and Philemon.

Thus, it is believed that Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while he was in prison in Rome, in about A.D. 62.

Beyond that, Paul doesn’t tell us much about the Ephesian people. That’s because the scope of his attention is on relaying his message.

For instance, Paul begins by talking about God’s decision to choose us before he created the world in Ephesians 1:4

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4).

Then he goes into detail about God’s gift of mercy in offering us salvation through His son Jesus Christ.

You will notice that Paul’s style of writing involves using long sentences, repeated expressions, and metaphors. He also uses this same style of writing in other places in the Bible.

One example is found in Romans 8:31–39. But the best example of his style of writing is Ephesians. Also, in Ephesians, you will find that Paul offers a lot of praise, prayer, and worship, such as in Ephesians 1:3–14; Ephesians 1:15–23; and Ephesians 3:14–21.

Ephesians also has some powerful sermons on important Bible truth. These are found in Ephesians 4:1–16; Ephesians 5:21–33; and Ephesians 6:10–20. (Split)

The point is, although, in prison, Paul’s purpose for writing Ephesians was to offer hope. Therefore, the central theme of Ephesians is Jesus Christ. Jesus is our hope.

Jesus Christ is threaded throughout the book of Ephesians. How does it bring hope to the Ephesians?

Continue to Part 6:  Ephesians: A Christ-Saturated Letter: A Promise for the Journey

Keeping in mind Paul’s style of writing, and the fact that he is in Prison, Paul announces the central theme of his letter to the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:9, 10, saying

9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)

Therefore, his message could be summarized using Ephesians 1:10, in which Paul paints a vision of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity and the role that the church is to play. (Split) Ephesians 1:10 tells us that God works through Jesus to fulfill His plan. That is, God has, through Christ, initiated His plan “to unite all things in him [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10, ERV).

How does God plan to join everything together? He uses His church. The church is to become a place, according to Ephesians 2:14, where Jews and non-Jews join as one people.

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14).

Paul lets us know in Ephesians 3:10 that God commands His people to work in concert with his divine plan. Working in unity with God is an indication to the powers of evil that God’s ultimate plan and purpose are advancing. 

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

(Ephesians 3:10).

Most noteworthy is that The Book of Ephesians is Christ-centered. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it is a letter centered around what Jesus has done for us. It is filled with Paul praising the work that God does for us in the person of Jesus. In it, Paul celebrates all the wonderful gifts God has afforded us because of Jesus.

Paul, in fact uses the words “in Christ” and similar phrases more than 30 times. Hence, throughout his letter, Paul is offering praise for what Jesus has done for us. So, As we study and read the letter, look carefully for the words that Paul uses to point to Jesus. It is through him that we can get it all together and obtain the right things in life.

It is Paul’s greatest desire that the Christians in Ephesus give their lives totally to God. So, he reminds them that they are a part of the church. In his letter, when he uses the word “church” he does not simply mean the “local” church.  The word “church” comes from the Greek word “ekklēsia” which means the universal, worldwide, or church at large. In other words, Paul when he uses the word church, he is talking about the whole church rather than just a local congregation.

You will also find that Paul in Ephesians uses many metaphors to help us better see the workings of the church.

The following is a list of four of these images:

1. The church as a human body. You will find this image in Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 4:1–16, 25; Ephesians 5:23, 29, 30.
2. The church is the same as a building or temple; we see this in Ephesians 2:19–22.
3. The church, as a bride; we see this metaphor in Ephesians 5:22–27. And finally,
4. The church as an army. This is pictured in Ephesians 6:10–20.

Each of these images is used to reveal to us God’s plan for His church, his universal church.

So, God expects us as members of his church at large to work together to fulfill his divine plan for His church. 

God is drawing together a transnational, multilingual, multiracial, cross-cultural community that fits the description of what John describes in Revelation 14:6-7 which says:

6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—

7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Therefore, Paul in Ephesians 1:9-10 says:

9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

Thus, it is His desire:

10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10). 

So, why not ask God to reveal to you how you can work in agreement with God’s grand plan for the universe so that you can receive the rich things in life?

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Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church

 7902 Wheatly Street

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