Ephesians & ColossiansSpring Quarter 2012

Chapter 2God’s Plan For Our Salvation

• Remembering the former separation (11)• Understanding the former separation (12)

1. Separated from Christ (Christless)2. Aliens from Israel (stateless)3. Strangers to the promise (homeless)4. No hope (hopeless)5. Without God in the world (Godless)

• Remedying the former separation (13)– Brought near by the blood of Christ

Chapter 2God’s Plan For Our Salvation

• Christ is our peace (14)1. Within ourselves (14)2. With other people (14-15)3. With God (16-18)• Christ reconciles Jew & Gentile• Christ brings all men to God through His gospel of peace• Through Christ all men have access in One Spirit

– No longer strangers/aliens, but fellow-citizens with the saints (19)• Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets

(20)

Chapter 2God’s Plan For Our Salvation

• Construction of the Temple– No longer strangers/aliens, but fellow-citizens with

the saints (19)– Built upon the foundation of the apostles and

prophets (20)– Christ is the chief cornerstone (20)– Fitly framed together (21)

• Purpose of the Temple (22)– A habitation/dwelling place for God– By/through/in the Spirit

Chapter 3The Revelation of the Mystery

• Once a mystery, now revealed (1-7)– Gift of God’s grace to Paul for the benefit of his

hearers– It was by revelation that God made known the

mystery to Paul – Revealed by the Spirit– Mystery involved the Gentiles

• Paul was a minister of this “mystery” (8-13)

Chapter 3The Revelation of the Mystery

• Paul’s task as a minister of this “mystery” (8-13)– To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches

of Christ– To make all see the fellowship of the mystery• From the beginning hidden in God• Now made known by the church• Made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly

places• God’s eternal purpose fulfilled in Christ

– Through whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him

– Thus they should not lose heart over Paul’s tribulation on their behalf

Chapter 3Paul’s Second Prayer (14-21)

• The invocation (14-15)• The petition (16-19)– Strengthened by the Spirit (16-17)• According to the riches of His glory • With might through His Spirit in the inner man• That Christ may dwell in hearts through faith

– They might comprehend the love of Christ (18-19)• Rooted and grounded in love• To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge

– They might be filled with all the fullness of God (19)

Chapter 3Paul’s Second Prayer (14-21)

• The doxology (20-21)– Glory to God for what He is able to do!(20)• He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that

we ask or think• According to the power that works in us

– Glory to God in the church! (21)• By Christ Jesus• Throughout all the ages• World without end