with Dr. David Moore
Scripture References: Ephesians 1:1-2, 15-23; Acts 9; Acts 18:22-26; Acts 19:1-10; Acts 20; Acts 26:16-18; Philippians 3:8-10
Intro: It's a privilege to explore the Book of Ephesians, a profound letter from the Apostle Paul. Paul, once a zealous persecutor of the church, encountered Jesus dramatically (Acts 9) and became His devoted apostle, especially to the Gentiles. This letter flows from his deep love for the church in Ephesus, where he invested years of ministry. His heart is captured in his opening prayer: "Paul... to the saints in Ephesus... Grace and peace... For this reason... I have not stopped giving thanks for you... I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." 1 (Eph 1:1-2, 15-17).
Key Points:
- The Context: Paul & Ephesus (Acts 18-19):
- Paul eventually arrived in Ephesus (a major, wealthy, pagan city centered around the Temple of Artemis/Diana, full of magic arts and religious confusion) on his third missionary journey.
- He ministered there for 2-3 years, establishing a thriving network of house churches that became a hub for evangelizing the entire province of Asia. A significant revival occurred, challenging pagan practices.
- Paul wrote Ephesians ~5 years later from Roman imprisonment.
- The Purpose: Pastoral Theology for a Growing Church:
- Not just abstract theology, but knowing God: Written out of deep pastoral care for a church now filled with Gentile converts from pagan backgrounds. Paul wants them established in the greatness and love of God, not just possessing head knowledge.
- Confronting Syncretism & Fear: Paul emphasizes Christ's absolute supremacy over all spiritual powers and authorities (Eph 1:20-23). Believers are seated with Christ (Eph 2:6), freeing them from fear of demonic forces or mixing old pagan beliefs with their new faith.
- Uniting a Diverse Church: Addresses Jew/Gentile tensions. Christ broke down the dividing wall, creating one new humanity in His body, the Church (Eph 2:14-18). Calls for unity and mutual forgiveness.
- Cultivating Christian Living: Connects profound belief (Ch 1-3) with transformed behavior (Ch 4-6). Knowing God radically rearranges life – walking worthy, imitating God, living differently than the surrounding pagan culture.
- The Core Prayer: Experiencing God (Eph 1:17-19):
- Paul prays for a "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" – a deep, experiential knowing that transcends reason alone – "so that you may know Him better."
- He prays for the "eyes of your heart [to] be enlightened" – inner illumination to grasp the incredible hope, the rich inheritance, and the resurrection power available to believers in Christ.
Conclusion: Ephesians is more than doctrine; it's a passionate plea from a spiritual father for his children to experientially know the glorious Father and the preeminent Christ. Paul longs for believers to grasp, deep in their hearts, the hope, riches, and power that belong to them through God's grace.
Call to Action: Reflect on Paul's prayer: Do we truly know God this way, beyond facts and doctrines? Or are we "truth technicians" like the speaker once was? God desires a deep, relational knowing. Let's ask Him, like Paul did for the Ephesians, for the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" that we might truly "know Him better." Spend time seeking His presence, asking for the eyes of your heart to be opened to His love, His hope for you, and His power at wo
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