1.Ephesians: The Origin, Nature, and Purpose of the Church One Body! Christs One Head Of The Church

2. Pastor Dave Kooyers Valley Bible Fellowship Box 433 Boonville CA 95415 www.ValleyBibleFellowship.org (707) 895-2325 God bless you as you examine His Word, Your servant in Christ, 2Cor. 4:5, Dave 3. EPHESUS 2004 4. Welcome To Ephesus 5. Ephesus Harbor Silted 6. Ephesus View From Harbor 7. Clay sewer pipes 8. Christian Symbols 9. That distant flat valley would have been where Paul sailed, all silted in. 10. Library of Celsus 11. Earthquake Coverage 12. Christian Symbols 13. Ephesus, Theater 14. Ephesus, Theater & street ruins 15. Ephesus Was Great Ephesus was capital of the Roman province of Asia, and one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. It proclaimed its title, The first and the greatest metropolis of Asia or "Lumen Asiae" meaning the light of Asia. 2nd. largest city of the 1st. Century. 250,000500,000 population. 2nd. largest library, amphitheater seats 25,000, beautiful harbor, great water canal system. 16. The magnificent Library of Celsus 17. What About The Book Of Ephesians? 18. The Christmas Story Starts Before The Foundation Of The World creationmoments.Com Ephesians 1:3-4 "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: 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." The story of Christmas begins with the beginning of the work of the Son of God. And His first work is recorded in Genesis chapter 1. The story of His love for us that led Him to give up the glory, beauty and perfection of heaven to come to our dirty, dusty, pain-filled world begins not in Bethlehem, or in the Old Testament prophets. We must go to the beginning of His story lest His birth become simply the beginning of another story of a tragic and misunderstood life 19. The Christmas Story Starts Before The Foundation Of The World creationmoments.Com The cross of Golgotha stands firmly planted in Genesis chapter 1. Even before the creation, Christ's pain and suffering on that coarse structure was anticipated. Ephesians 1:4 reveals that even before the foundation of the world God's plan of salvation was already in place. Even the coarse Roman soldiers knew that His robe could not be cut into pieces without destroying it. Likewise, the Bible is one complete piece woven of one thread. Cutting out anything leaves the whole thing to unravel. To remove the beginning of the story of the Word and His work in Genesis is to remove the foundation on which His work of salvation stands. Yes, the Christmas story is far more than the story of the birth of an important baby. It is the center of the story of creation itself! 20. Ephesians: The Origin, Nature, and Purpose of the Church One Body! Christs One Head Of The Church 21. Ephesians Is Theological Its about the church, the body of Christ Its an Owners Manual for the body of Christ Extremely important at this time! No local problems No personal greetings or conclusions Encyclical Eph 1:1 in Ephesus, not in some good Mss 22. The Divisions The Book Of Ephesians DLK divides it; Chapters 1-3 = Our Position Chapters 3-6 = Our Practice 23. Dividing The Book Of Ephesians Our Position Chapters 1-3 tell us about our position and identity in the church, the body of Christ. Who we are, where were seated, and who were in? Our Practice Chapters 4-6 tell us how our position in the body of Christ should direct our walk 24. The Divisions The Book Of Ephesians Eric divided it; Sit, Walk, Stand Chuck Smith: The book falls into three natural divisions. Ruth Paxon sees it as the wealth of the believer. Chapters 1-3. The walk of the believer chapter 4:1 to 6:9. And the warfare of the believer. 6:10 to end. Watchman Nee and many others saw it as the position of the believer, seated together in Christ Chapter 1-3; our walk 4:1-6:9 and our stand 6:10 to end. 25. The Ephesian Church Starts Ac 18:18-21 Paularrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 26. The Ephesian Church Grows Ac 18:24-26 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27. Who Are These Ephesians Acts 19:1-41 Diana in Roman religion was the goddess of wild animals and the hunt. She is almost indistinguishable from the Greek goddess Artemis. An important center for her worship was located at Ephesus. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) in Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 28. Ac 20:17, Paul Departs Ephesus Ac 20:17-18 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Ac 20:27-28 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God Ac 20:31Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Ac 20:32 "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace Ac 20:37-38 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. 29. The Temple of Apollo 30. Who Ministered To These Ephesians Paul Priscilla and Aquila Apollos some disciples Alexander Timothy Mary John 31. Pauls Prison Epistles God didnt write the Bible as a dry theological treatise, but as a vibrant history of His dealing with and interacting with His people. Its personal, relational, instructional, and more engaging than any best selling novel. This forces us to interact with the text and God more. Not just a set of rules for us, and facts about God. So we must read the story, then determine, from the example, what God would have of us, and who He is, and whats in store. Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians 32. Ephesians Main Theme The Unity of Christs body the church Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 33. Key Verses in Ephesians Eph 2:2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit Eph 4:12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 34. Lets Read Eph. 1:1-14 Eph. 1:3-14 is one sentence in the Greek, longest sentence in Bible, 1 main verb in vs. 3= blessed, 35. Eph 1:4 Ephesians 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 36. Eph 1:10, When Under Christ? Eph 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 37. Eph 1:10, When Under Christ? Eph 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 38. Eph 1:10, Dispensation, Administration Eph 1:10 to be put into effect NIV KJV, NKJ Ephesians 1:10that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times CSB Ephesians 1:10for the administration of the days of fulfillment (NET, NAS , NAU) ESV Eph. 1:10as a plan for the fullness of time So many translations; 39. So Many Translations A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible. Then, one day, she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus ? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin ?" 40. Eph 1:10, Dispensation, Administration KJV, NKJ Ephthe dispensationof the times 3622 oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah} Meaning: 1) the management of a household or of household affairs 1a) specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other's property 1b) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship 1c) administration, dispensation Origin: from 3623; TDNT - 5:151,674; n f. [GING] , management of a household, administration, office Lk 16:24; Col 1:25; commission 1 Cor 9:17; stewardship Eph 3:2. Plan of salvation 1:10; 3:9. Training in the way of salvation 1 Ti 1:4, * [economy] 41. Eph 1:10, The Times, Plural KJV, NKJEphthe dispensationof the times , noun genitive masculine plural common from [GING] , , time, i.e. point of time as well as period of time 42. Both are plural present, past, future=5 At Least, Eph 2:7 the coming ages NIV Eph 3:9 which for ages past NIV 43. Ephesians, The Times, 5 At Least KJV, NKJEphthe dispensationof the times Eph 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. [DLK, present age=times of the Gentiles] Mt 11:11not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Eph 3:9the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God 5 at least 44. What Is A Dispensation? Bible.org A dispensation is an administration, a system of management. Every four years, our nation elects a new president. When the president takes office, he creates a new administration. Usually, this involves a new emphasis or philosophy (at least in terms of his campaign promises), new legislation proposed to carry out his plans, and new appointed officials (such as the cabinet). Certain things do change from one administration to the next. Other things seem to remain changeless from administration to administration. 45. What Is A Dispensation? Bible.org Certain elements are common (1) Divine revelation (2) The making of a covenant (3) The declaration of rules and regulations which are pertinent to the new dispensation (4) A clarification of the relationship between men and God. (5) A new dispensation signals the need for change, but it also reveals continuity. DLK adds; Starts with breaking Gods Law, resulting in judgment of God 46. Jesus Taught Dispensations Lk 16:16-17 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. Mat 11:11 47. How Many Dispensations? graceambassadors.com 48. How Many Dispensations? www.matthewmcgee.org 49. How Many Dispensations? 50. Eph 1:11, Chosen, Predestined Eph 1:11 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, God doesnt make bad choices Chosen by God is the greatest security possible 51. Eph 1:11, Chosen, Predestined Eph 1:11predestined according to the plan 4309 proorizo {pro-or-id'-zo} Meaning: 1) to predetermine, decide beforehand 2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity 3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand Pro= before Horidzo= marking out 52. Eph 1:13-14, Holy Spirit Is A Deposit Eph 1:13-14Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance NET Notes (Eph 1:14) 36 tn Or "first installment," "pledge," "deposit." sn Down payment. The Greek word (arrabon) denotes the first payment or first installment of money or goods which serves as a guarantee or pledge for the completion of the transaction 53. Lets Read Eph. 1:15-23 54. Eph. 1:15, Your Love = Your Faith Eph 1:15your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints Remember that they are commended for their love your faith = your love your love = your faith Jas 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 1 Co 13:2if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing Gal 5:6The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love 55. Eph 1:16, Not Stopped Giving Thanks Eph 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 1 Th 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV 56. Why Pray Without Ceasing? Eph 1:17so that you may know him better Eph 1:18your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you Good reasons to be obedient! 57. Eph 1:18, His Glorious Inheritance Eph 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Eph 5:25-27Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word. Mt 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 58. Eph 1:18, Our Inheritance Dont confuse our inheritance with His Eph 1:13-14the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance 1 Pe 1:4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you, 59. Eph 1:22-23, One Body This little book of Ephesians uses the word body 11Xs in the NIV Eph 1:22-23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. 60. In Only One Generation Ephesians was written from Rome during Paul's imprisonment, approximately 60 A.D. Only about 35 years later Jesus dictated a letter to the Ephesian church. By the time John wrote Revelation 2:4, Jesus said the church had forsaken your first love, and needed to return. They were just being religious. They had kept out the savage wolves of Ac 20:29 but forsaken Jesus. 1/6th of Pauls uses of love are to the Ephesians. 61. THE END 62. NET Notes (Eph 1:3)Eph 1:314 comprises one long sentence in Greek, with three major sections. Each section ends with a note of praise for God (vv. 6, 12, 14), focusing on a different member of the Trinity. After an opening summary of all the saints' spiritual blessings (v. 3), the first section (vv. 46) offers up praise that the Father has chosen us in eternity past; the second section (vv. 712) offers up praise that the Son has redeemed us in the historical past (i.e., at the cross); the third section (vv. 1314) offers up praise that the Holy Spirit has sealed us in our personal past, at the point of conversion.