Scripture References: Acts 19:1-41; Ephesians (Overview); Romans 8:29; Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 25:31-46
Intro: Welcome! We're embarking on a 10-week journey through Ephesians, the "Alps of the New Testament." This awe-inspiring letter reveals Jesus as Redeemer, Lord of History, Peacemaker, Cornerstone, Treasure, Gift-Giver, Model Husband, and Mighty Warrior. Our goal isn't just head knowledge but heart transformation – to know and experience Him (as David Moore prayed last week). Today, we continue introducing Ephesians by looking at Paul's work in Ephesus (Acts 19) to see the kind of church this letter aims to develop.
Key Points:
- Ephesians Develops a Spirit-Born & Spirit-Filled Church (Acts 19:1-7):
- Paul's first action in Ephesus: Encountering disciples who hadn't received the Holy Spirit. He laid hands on them, they were filled, spoke in tongues, and prophesied.
- Key result: Boldness for witness and ministry.
- Ephesians Emphasis: Repeated calls to live by the Spirit, be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). Spiritual birth and ongoing filling are foundational.
- Ephesians Develops a Church Sensitized to Spiritual Realities (Acts 19:11-20):
- God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul (healings, deliverance).
- Counterfeit spiritual power was exposed (Sons of Sceva), leading to fear of God and honor for Jesus' name.
- Believers repented publicly, burning expensive magic scrolls (~$8 million worth) – acknowledging and rejecting false spiritual power.
- Ephesians Emphasis: Awareness of the unseen realm, spiritual warfare, our position against principalities and powers (Eph 6). We must avoid becoming numb like the Sadducees who denied the supernatural.
- Ephesians Develops a United, Mobilized Church Focused on Advancing God's Kingdom (Acts 19:8-10, 21-41):
- Paul taught persuasively for over two years, resulting in the Word spreading throughout the province of Asia Minor (~size of California) from the strategic city of Ephesus.
- Opposition arose when the Gospel disrupted the economic/religious system tied to Artemis worship.
- Positive vs. Negative Definition: Paul succeeded not by attacking Artemis directly, but by proclaiming the superior reality of Christ ("calling to something," not just from something). People burned their scrolls because they found something better.
- Avoid being a "bounded set" (defined by boundaries/what we don't do). Be a "centered set" (defined by proximity to the Center - Jesus). Focus on engaging with Christ. (Ref. Matt 25 - sheep defined by positive actions).
- Ephesians Emphasis: Unity (Eph 4), equipping all saints for ministry (Eph 4:11-16), walking worthy (Eph 4:1), advancing the Kingdom.
Conclusion: Acts 19 shows Paul establishing a church in Ephesus characterized by the Holy Spirit's power, awareness of spiritual reality, and a mobilized focus on positively proclaiming Christ, which transformed the region. The letter to the Ephesians aims to nurture and develop these same characteristics in believers: dependence on the Spirit, spiritual sensitivity, unity, and missional engagement centered on Christ.
Call to Action: As we study Ephesians, let's be open to more than information. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh, to sensitize you to spiritual realities beyond the material world. Examine your faith: Is it defined more by what you avoid or by active engagement with Jesus? Pray for God to mobilize you for His purposes. Prepare to engage with the "grou
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