“The Just Shall Live By Faith”
New King James Version Written by: David Hicks
Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
“Articles of Faith”
The Church of Christ
(A Study in Ephesians)
Lesson 1. Introduction:
The traditional title of the letter to the Ephesians is, “ Pros Ephesious ”, which is to say, “to the Ephesians”. The author and its recipients are identified in the first verse, note: Ephesians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus , and faithful in Christ Jesus:”
Many of the early manuscripts omit “ en Epheso” “in Ephesus ”. This has caused many to challenge the view that the letter was specifically to the Ephesians Christians. Since there is a lack of specific greetings; specific controversies directed at this church, it is truly a Christian treatise designed for a general understanding. This brings particular emphasis to the letters message as a universal template, designed to be used to this very day .
However, in the final greeting, the Apostle Paul mentions that Tychicus will make all things known to these Christians concerning Paul's affairs when he arrives (delivering this letter). Considering the amount of time that Paul spent in Ephesus ( Acts 19:8-10 ) and the emotional meeting at Miletus with the elders ( Acts 20:17-38 ), these brethren would be greatly concerned about Paul (knowing that he is in prison in Rome), note: Ephesians 6:21-24 “But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose , that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” So it was written to these Christians in Ephesus , but with a universal theme that would be shared and could be a foundation for all the churches.
Considering that Ephesus was a leading city of the region, and the main center of Paul's work and activity in Asia, it is understandable that it would be this church that Paul would ascribe an important letter for the foundation of Christ's church and its continued specific nature.
There was without a doubt a network for sharing information among the churches. This can be seen in the sister book to Ephesians, note: Colossians 4:16 “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”
These two books are dissertations that have universal themes and messages. If the letter to the Colossians theme is the Christ of the church and its internal discourse is directed at this theme, it is just as easy to say then that the theme in the letter to the Ephesians is the church of Christ and likewise its internal discourse is directed at this theme. As I mentioned earlier, unlike other epistles to specific churches (including Colossians), this epistle does not deal with specific problems in a local congregation. Instead, Paul addressed great themes that pertain to the Christian's position in Christ, as a member of the body of Christ, the church.
Ephesians 1:15-23 “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him , 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church , 23 which is His body , the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
The first three chapters of the letter are Paul's answer to this very prayer as he expounds upon the Christians spiritual blessings in Christ. The last three chapters focus on the conduct expected from those who are so richly blessed. Intertwined in the letter is also the framework for the work of the church (collective actions).
Now there are two very important points to make at this junction, before we get into our study:
I. The letter is written to Christians!
It is written to those who are already in a covenant relationship with God through the Savior (saints). Although there are references to what these Christians did that put them in this relationship, it is not a letter describing conversion. To know more about what these Christians did to gain the blessings ‘IN' Christ that Paul will discuss in detail, read Acts 19:1-10 , before we begin the next lesson. This will help us in dealing with references in the past tense of their conversion and entrance into the body of Christ.
II. The church is comprised of Christians!
The church that is discussed in this letter is not a building or structure. It is comprised of saints and thus not a physical structure but a spiritual one. When the Lord Jesus answered the questions of Pilate concerning Him as King, He said: John 18:36 “Jesus answered, “ My kingdom is not of this world . If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
We (saints, Christians) have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love ( Colossians 1:13 ) and comprise the spiritual body of Christ, the church (the term church comes from the Greek word, “ ekklesia ” which describes those who have been brought out of, or to be called out). To understand the spiritual nature of the church of Christ is to understand the spiritual work of the church and to understand that the church was never intended to be a physical social entity. This likewise will help us understand the difference between the individual work, walk, and service of Christians and the collective work, walk, and service of Christians.
The understanding of these two points will help us in our study to focus on the foundations of the church of Christ as the Holy Spirit has delivered. To understand these foundations is also to understand how to continue to restore them in our efforts to serve the God of heaven through Christ Jesus. Since it was the blood of Christ that bought us and brought us near ( Chap. 2:13 ), dare we not comply with the design, plan, and wisdom of God through Christ for His church?
This is just a short introduction that will serve as a spring board for our study. When appropriate we will deal with more of the history of Paul and the church at Ephesus . However, for now let's keep these points in mind as the goal of our study:
I. To understand the spiritual blessings “IN” Christ.
II. To recognize the foundations, work, and boundaries for the church of Christ .
III. To understand our individual role in support of the collective work of the church.
Focusing on these points will give us at the end of the study and overall understanding of the church, the fullness of Christ !
Next: Lesson 2, “In Christ”