Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Epistle to the Ephesians focuses on the Doctrine of the Church

2. The first two chapters describe how the Lord has provided for the Church all its needs

3. The later chapters of Ephesians focus on the people who make up the church

THE CHURCH

1. The Foundation

a) The Apostles and Prophets

b) The Lord Jesus as the Chief cornerstone

2. The Living Stones

a) All believers

b) All members of the church

c) The Lord is fitting each one in to form and build the Church

WHAT WE ARE AS BELIEVERS

1. Believers are “dear children” of God  (Ephesians 5:1)

a) We are greatly loved by our Saviour  (Ephesians 5: 2a)

b) The Saviour has given Himself

i) As a sacrifice to God

ii) As an offering for our sins  (Ephesians 5:2)

2. Believers must never forget their sinful past

a) Many were the sins committed

b) Great is God’s grace and mercy bestowed on repentant sinners

c) Despite our sinfulness, salvation was given by the grace of God

THREE CHALLENGES TO RISE UP TO

1. Walk in Love  (Ephesians 5:2)

a) In imitation of God   (Ephesians 5:1)

b) As the Lord Jesus has loved us   (Ephesians 5:2)

c) As one filled by the Spirit   (Galatians 5:22-23)

d) In obedience to the Lord   (John 13:34-35)

2. You are light in the Lord   (Ephesians 5:8a)

a) We are children of light   (Ephesians 5:8)

i) Walk as children of light   (Ephesians 5:8)

ii) Once, we walked in darkness   (Ephesians 5:8)

b) Light and the Fruit of the Spirit

i) Light is necessary for any tree

ii) Through light, the tree grows strongly

iii) In time it bears fruit

iv) Fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth.  (Ephesians 5:9)

v) Light leads us to find out what is acceptable to God.  (Ephesians 5:10)

vi) No fellowship with darkness   (Ephesians 5:11-12)

vii) All things are made manifest by the light   (Ephesians 5:13)

c) To awake to the call of the Lord

i) To all who sleep

ii) To all who are dead

Iii) The Lord will give light   (Ephesians 5:14)

3. Walk Circumspectly   (Ephesians 5:15a)

a) Not as fools   (Ephesians 5:15b)

i) But as wise people   (Ephesians 5:15c)

ii) Redeeming the time   (Ephesians 5:16)

b) Therefore do not be unwise   (Ephesians 5:17)

c) Understand the will of God   (Ephesians 5:17b)

i) Do not be drunk   (Ephesians 5:18a)

i) Be filled with the Spirit   (Ephesians 5:18b)

WONDERFUL CONSEQUENCES

19 Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 Submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:19-21

1. Great spiritual fellowship

a) In Psalms

b) In Hymns

c) In spiritual songs

d) Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

2. With thanksgiving in the heart

a) Giving thanks for all things to God the Father

b) Centred in the Lord Jesus Christ

3. Mutual submission

a) In humility

b) In honour and respect

CONCLUSION

1. Rising to the Challenges from the Lord and His word

2. Seeking always to make the Church stronger and wiser

3. Everyone has something to contribute