Ephesians
This Sunday we begin a new sermon series through the book of Ephesians. Written by the Apostle Paul around 60 AD, Ephesians is a letter to the church in Ephesus, a city in the Roman province of Asia. Paul wrote the letter to believers who were living in a culture very different from our own, yet the truths he teaches are timeless.
But before we begin asking what Ephesians teaches us, we need to answer a more fundamental question: Is it simply an ancient letter written by Paul almost 2,000 years ago? Or is it something more? In the opening verses, Paul introduces himself as “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” and addresses his letter to “the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus.” This introduction reminds us that Ephesians is not merely Paul’s advice or theological reflection. It is the Word of God, given through an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the people of God for our good.
That means Ephesians is not simply a book we study to learn more about Christianity. It is God’s Word to us. The same letter that was written to believers in Ephesus speaks to all who are “in Christ Jesus.” Its teaching, encouragement, correction, commands, and promises are for the church today.
As we begin this journey through Ephesians, then, we come with more than curiosity. We come ready to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives. For this is the Word of God for the people of God—and, through Jesus Christ, it is God’s Word for you.
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate on Ephesians 1:1-2, Acts 9:15, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, and this article on the Word of God.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” the Acclamation of Praise “Jesus Paid it All,” and the Hymn of Response “Blessed Jesus, at Your Word.”
Sermon Information:
Text: Ephesians 1:1-2
Title: The Word of God for the People of God
Outline
- We Must Receive Ephesians as the Word of God (v.1a)
- We Must Receive Ephesians as the People of God (v.1b)
- We Must Receive Ephesians as a Blessing from God (v. 2)