SERVING WITH HIS PURPOSES IN MIND (A review of Ephesians 2:11 to 3:13)

 

LET'S REVIEW EPHESIANS TOGETHER ...

EPHESIANS 

REVEALS A SERVICE accomplished through the Spirit. Eph. 2:11-22

SERVICE BASED-UPON ETERNAL PURPOSES revealed. Ephesians 3:1-13

We believers are a Temple Furnished with 

a “Refurbished & Renewed” Beauty. 

2:11-13

Remember: vs. 11 The frightful issues of alienation, racism, apartheid, bias, insecurity and hatred held down through (our lives) time.

At that Time we were  vs 12 Strangers & Aliens…

“But now…”  vs. 13 … what we “once were” is no longer significant!  Now “in Christ Jesus:” there is a new citizenship, a new hope and a new relationship or one could speak of our new and growing – intimate knowledge and walk with God! 

We have been brought together or in comparison to once being so ... “far-away” we are now brought “near” to God. Truly, both (Jews and Gentiles, as believers) are to remember their own past lives of rebellion toward God and the lifestyles of sinfulness that had separated them from God and others.

DISCUSS WITH SOMEONE: IN WHAT WAYS & WHY DOES SERVICE REQUIRE …

A new Man and a new body, called-out and unified. 2:14-17

STOP HERE AND CONSIDER & COMPARE

Peace — Enmity // New Man — reconciled ...

 FROM? AND TO WHOM?

 APPLICATION FOR BELIEVERS -  Today.

A Temple with a strong foundation and one door of access. 

2:18-22

“For through Him we both have access…” (2:18)

 

Access, once limited, is now available to both – to both believing Jew and the believing Gentile. Theologian Lewis S. Chafer, reminds us that “through Christ both – Jew and Gentile – have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” It is vital that we understand that the doctrine or truth regarding the “priesthood of the believer” is included in this teaching and that no priest or other authority figure (pastor or otherwise) should or can represent you – now that you have your access through Christ. 

Christ is our only High-priest and our only Mediator! We have access, direct access to the Father through Him. Thus the prayer ended by the phrase: “In Jesus name and for His sake (or His glory).” – is a most meaningful truth for the Christian living by the promises of the New Testament. One should be careful not to pray and not to use the Lord’s name “in vain” by praying insincerely or using the Lord’s name in a superficial or habitual way. 

Chafer further points out: “It is clear then, that: “the church is a new purpose of God” and he adds that we, then, rightly reject the contentions of so-called ‘Covenant Theologians’ – that the church in her present form is but a continuation of God’s one purpose from the beginning of the human family.” Chafer (and all Christians that interpret the Word of God literally and dispensationally) state that the very “fact that Jews are now invited into fellowship in the one Body with Gentiles is no warrant for the (mistaken) belief that the Old Testament saints are included in this new divine purpose.”

 ( Note: We will discuss this issue further in Ephesians chapter three. )

A Temple with a strong foundation and one door of access. 2:19-22

 2:19 In Christ, the church becomes a new “nation” and new “family” and the foundation is Christ, Himself! Christ is the chief cornerstone! 

A new organism – requiring a new and stronger foundation and a new door of access clearly is a call for a totally new entity! It is regrettable the the proponents of an increasing number of so-called “Messianic” movements are calling Hebrew Christians “back to their Judiastic roots” or to “rediscover their Jewish roots” and then too are starting their own so-called “Messianic Christian Synagogues” or “Hebrew Christian congregations.” 

If the enmity was linked to the Old Testament covenants, the Law of Moses and the Old Testament ordinances (2:15-16) and if Christ has destroyed all of these – bring all of this to and end – how can these para-church Messianic Movements teach exactly the opposite? The fact is that neither Jew or Gentile culture, religion, opinion or traditions have any further impact or influence on the salvation of the soul in this age of grace!  

 2:20. The Messiah, our Lord Jesus, has now united Jews and Gentiles into one Body (2:16-18), and this one Body is the Church (2:15-22). It is fair to say that both have effectively lost their identities to find a new identity and adoption in Christ. 

“In Colossians 1:15 Paul describes the Church as the Body of Messiah. Until then, there were only two entities: Jews and Gentiles. But now He has created a new third entity that is both Jewish and Gentile: the church, the Body of Messiah. The Gentiles are fellow citizens with the Jewish believers of the household of God (2:19); the foundation of the household, the foundation of the Church, is the Apostles and the New Testament prophets, with Jesus being the foundation stone (2:200; and this Church is now the Temple of God (2:21-22).”

 2:21 The Ephesian reference to the church as a “Temple” is one aspect of these passages that should be noted carefully and considered as most important – worthy of our study and careful understanding. 

It is important that we understand that we are talking about a “living” temple – a temple constructed with what Ezekiel referred to as “hearts of flesh” and not “hearts of stone” as he referred to the work of the New Covenant as a work of the Holy Spirit of God.  The danger of making Christianity impersonal, institutional or traditionally formal should be honest to most of us today! The church is not a building, nor an institution or denomination!

History provides us with two “very sad” accounts of the de-evolution of the “church” over the centuries. These accounts agree fully with the record of Revelation 2, and 3 and deserve a separate study. Nonetheless, history does explain how the unique relationship of Israel and God was at the very first confused at the Ecclesiological level; and,  then ultimately through Origen and by the influence of Augustine Israel’s literal millennial hope would also be lost at the Eschatological level, as well. 

This history is the story of the advance of the false doctrine of “Replacement Theology.”  In the first four centuries, though Millennialism was held in one or the other form by ; it is equally clear that I Clement,  the Epistle of Ignatius, the Epistle of Barnabas, the Letter to Diognetus, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Cyprian, Constantine’s religious policies, Cyril of Jerusalem and Tertullian all form a general testimony to their being impregnated with Greek Philosophy and a crude form of “replacement Theology” where Israel was now discounted and the church was increasingly adopting a church structure and liturgy that transformed Christian ministry and moved it far from the earlier New Testament teaching. Philip Schaff, among other historians, also speaks of this “gradual assimilation and adaptation of Judaism and a return to Old Testament categories of sacrifice and priesthood.” 

Just as Ecclesiology would change over the first three to four centuries, so too by the end of the Fourth Century eschatology would follow! With the allegorical teaching of Origen and the false teaching of Augustine the devolving process would be complete and the new Catholic church would accept replacement theology in both categories determining that it was truly Israel both in the sense of the liturgical and the existential-eschatological realm. Christ would be found in the Mass as a Ecclesiological and Soteriological Sacrifice and then would “reign” Eschatologically in and through the Sacraments and the church itself. 

For our study of the term “temple” in Ephesians 2:21-22 we need to understand that this use of the word “temple” is not a reference back or a link to the Jewish “temple” (or Synagogue, for that matter!). The term is used here in its most common meaning – the place where God’s presence abides – in this case – you individually need to see your body as the temple. 1 Cor 3:16-17 and 6:18-20 focus the issue around our moral standards and values in light of the fact that God abides in us! 

Many an academic has tried to make this “link” between the Synagogue and the Church, but this is only possible as they follow the error creeping into the church century by century and accept that error as normative and as pre-suppositional, which it is not! We must not forget that the New Testament alone is normative or pre-suppositional! The adaptation of “Levitical categories” and the assumption that the Old Testament is a thoroughly Christian book became standard practice. 

The Reformers only made matters worse and then, too, the authors of the various periods of Orthodoxy and Neo-Orthodoxy further confused the issue. So many of these Seventeenth to Nineteenth Century books are now being reprinted by the Reformed theological groups and are being made available today! With this popularisation of old English reformed “divines” comes the old errors - now being transferred as if they were Biblical and useful. Beware!

The church of Jesus Christ is made up of the believers – the individual stones – the building blocks – who by their submission to one another, by their showing honour to those God has placed over them in spiritual watch-care and leadership, by their willingness to be under the discipline of the combined congregation and by their commitment to one another to love or care for one another bring to the “concept” of the church the spirituality that comes through and by Christ alone. As local church Christians submit to the control of the Spirit and allow the rich and overflowing role of the Word of God into their lives – a spiritual life surges through the local churches and then Christ’s Name is glorified before the lost and dying world around us! 

2:22. The ministry of the Spirit and 

the place of the Spirit within the Church is vital truth!

It is important, at this juncture that we cross-reference 2 Corinthians 3:3,6, 8,11-12, 17-18 with the thought of all believers being built-up together to form a ‘temple’ or this dedicated dwelling in which God dwells, or rather, indwells. The further vital teaching is that this ministry is one now to be accomplished by his Spirit alone.  With a clear understanding of 2 Cor. 3 the role of the New Covenant and of the Spirit of God working within the New Testament church and with the addition of chapter 4’s explanation of the church’s witness by the Spirit (4:4-6; 11).  In all of these passages an accurate Biblical picture of a church in action by the Spirit unfolds!

Looking back on Ephesians 2:13 and cross-referencing these issues with Ephesians 2:21 and linking these thoughts with 1 Peter 1:18-19 the following life changing perspectives will result, that we should understand that together with reconciliation, and redemption there is also the relational, or life-changing, motivations that set us apart to God and from the world. Now all of this is especially important to our daily living according to 1 Peter 1:21- to 2:1-12 for some of these following reasons: 

First, so that those who have been redeemed can have the “fervent love” for the brotherhood – i.e. submissive – pure love for one another and thus honour (by our obedience to the Truth – through the Holy Spirit) the Gospel!  

Second, so that by obedience and by rejection of evil we who have been redeemed can be in a position as a spiritual house (or Temple) to be used to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God. Such lives bring glory to God. 

Third, so that you as a redeemed child of God can be used of God to represent Him and His wonderful saving Grace to the world around you and so that on “the day of visitation” or  “day of inspection” your life will be a testimony before the unbelieving world of God’s love, grace and faithfulness!  

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EPHESIANS REVEALS THE MYSTERY

CONSIDER, PLEASE... 

3:1-2  Dispensations?   

3:3-4 Mysteries? 

3:5-6  Knowledge?

THE LOCAL CHURCHWAS DESIGNED AND PLANNED BY GOD TO DISCOVER A MYSTERIOUS UNITY THAT WOULD CREATE THE INNER STRENGTH FOR THIS NEW TEMPLE. 

 THE MYSTERIOUS UNITY - NOW REVEALED - IN THE SPIRIT 

EPHESIANS 3:1-5  

NOW ...discusses our having a special and 

unique union and unity as believers!

THE CHURCH -"A UNION." A NEW ADMINISTRATION AND PURPOSE FOR A NEW TEMPLE – THROUGH PERSONAL FAITH IN CHRIST 3:6-12

1. Ephesians Three is speaking to us as Christian who are living or operating in a new Biblical idea – that of a Biblical “local church” environment. The revelation or the mystery being revealed was a rather simple declaration on the surface of things: “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the Gospel.” (kjv)    

EPHESIANS 3:6-7 Calls us to BE what we are meant to be …” — 

FELLOW-HEIRS:

” – Gentiles should be understood and viewed in a new way and in a new light – within the new body – the Church, God’s own Temple. This unity is achieved when you and I (Jew and Gentile - alike) accept that we are in real spiritual union together, both now and forever!

2. 3:8-10  WE “ SHOULD BE … THE SAME BODY.”   Here, as in Ephesians 2:15, the “new man” and 2:16 the “one body” takes on a yet deeper understanding… here we have a personal relationship within our formal “heirship” and privileged position in Christ! Here we have a the declared message of the fellowship that results from experiencing to various degrees the … “unsearchable riches of Christ.” 

THE CHURCH     IS DESIGNED BY GOD AS "A UNION" THAT IS A NEW GLORIOUS STRENGTH AND LOVE TO BE FOUND WITHIN THE INNER TEMPLE – GRANTED ACCORDING TO HIS RICH GLORY 3:13-16

3. The practicality of these verses are quickly lost to those who would rather reduce the church to something without specific pastoral care, or specific congregational love. The glory referred to here must be seen in the light of Christian tribulation. 
4. Now, Tribulation for the Christian ... is a privilege and those who have been proven faithful by tribulation deserve our high regard. In 2 Corinthians 4:15 Paul explains that – in reference to the tribulations he has discussed in verse 8 to14 …all these things “… are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” Then he refers to the same “losing heart” or “fainting” in verse 16 that is referred to in verse thirteen in our Ephesians 3 text. In 2 Corinthians 4:17 speaks of how these tribulations (that abound to the glory of God) also work or produce for us an “eternal weight of glory.”  It is important for us to understand this “glory” that Paul says is yours. One rightfully should ask: “what is the point or purpose of this glory?”  The answer comes in part in verse 21 when Paul explains that “unto Him (God the Father) be glory in (or by the ministry) the church by Christ Jesus to all generations” or “thoughout all ages”.

A VERY SPECIAL PRAYER: 

Paul’s prayer now recorded for the Ephesians and for every congregation and believer up to this day has a two-fold application or level of understanding. We are being called to personally and congregationally prepare ourselves to join Paul in this prayer and we are also called upon to submit to (allow or cooperate with) the Spirit of God as He “answers” this prayer in and through our daily living. 

1. Many Christians experience some uncertainty or confusion about some of the aspects of prayer. Prayer is said to our Heavenly Father & as the Eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who loves us ... as his creation and his re-creation through the redemption, reconciliation and justification available through the work of His Son on the cross. Prayers are ended in the name of our Savior, i.e. “in Jesus’ Name” or in other words in the authority of Jesus’ own name. We do not address Christ or Jesus since we are in fact approaching the Father through the High Priestly mediation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

2. The role of the Holy Spirit in our prayer life is founded in His own purpose, personhood, and personality as the equal and full member of the Triunity of the Godhead. The Spirit of God acts within the Eternal Plan of God as the One who indwells us personally, directly and as the One who provides us the inner power and strength - something that we will learn about in this next verse, verse sixteen.

3. For all believers;  In verse 15 we understand that his prayer to the Father is for “the whole family in heaven and earth.” The reference to this genuine Brotherhood of all who have trusted in the coming Messiah as their Redeemer and now all those who have believed in the finished Work of Christ (Messiah) now that He has died for our sins, been resurrected and is seated at the right hand of His heavenly Father. You and I are a part of this “whole family” and it is to this family’s Father, in Heaven that Paul now looks to in personal and public prayer! Paul is praying for us just as Jesus had prayed for us in John 17:20 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word:” What a blessing to be a part of a family of centuries of faith and hope in Christ Jesus! What a blessing to have the prayer of Christ, Himself, the Apostles and Generations of believers all focused on praying for God’s blessings on His children to His Glory!

4. In one sense the first three chapters of Ephesians have been focused on the Truth regarding the outworking of God’s Plan of Salvation and our position as “set-apart-ones” – Saints are those saved and sanctified positionally as God’s Adopted and Blessed Children. One could say the first three chapters are a rather more “doctrinal” portion of Paul’s letter. This is true since it unfolds the Truth regarding the ‘mind’ or plan of God for us to understand. 

The references, that we have already looked at, regarding our Glorification – point out that our being finally set-apart to and with God in Eternity is the truth regarding ‘Sanctification.’ But for now, let us return to the present and the practical…

EPHESIANS 3:16. THE GLORY OF THE FATHER – THE POWER OF HIS SPIRIT.

The cause or reason for Paul’s prayer, just as we have already stated, was about his response to the unfolding of the mystery regarding the church being formed as a new Temple of God – a new point of His habitation!  The core teaching regarding this new body - the church of Jesus Christ is centred in this body of Christ, being formed from genuine born-again believers – as a living and active or truly functioning unit.  The church, whatever else it may well be, is formed from those who have true faith in Christ Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. These references to this new temple, the new man, this new body are all references to the acts of God in removing all distinction, specifically between Jew and Gentile. 

This truth has brought Paul to his knees in worshipful prayer asking the Father to grant the Christian believers in the church at Ephesus (and then too - all of us, as well) an inner blessing of, through and for the heart or spirit – of our inner man. This blessing is something Paul realizes is essential for the church to exist without racial bias and hatred. This blessing – the answer of this prayer, is essential for our hearts to change and become like the new heart promised by God in Jeremiah 31:33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Or as in Ezekiel  11:19 “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh.” + verse 20; (36:26)

The inner man of the born-again – regenerated, blood washed, redeemed, reconciled, justified and adopted child of God is meant to undergo a genuine “change of heart” based on or changed according to the “riches of His glory.” The result will be inner spiritual strengthening or spiritual maturing (with wisdom from above – See: James 3:1-18) of the heart that allows the temple, the body, the fellowship, the fellow heirship, the participation in the very promises of God. 

The End of Prejudice to be found in the Church: 

The indwelling of the Spirit and the resulting unified assembly of the Saints can now freely operate outside of prejudice, bias, racist or divisive Spirits. This amazing gift is the gift of selflessness, concern for one another, or the re-prioritisation of others before ourselves and it is whatever else it is – it is your commitment to the good of others over even your own good – to the Glory of God. This gift is the gift of love, God’s love – active in your hearts within the church – John 15:12 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

NOW, WE WILL SEE THE CHURCH IS MEANT TO BE "A UNION." WITH A NEW STABILITY AND COMPLETENESS FOR THOSE WHO FORM THIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE – TO HIS GLORY. 3:17-21

FIRST, THEN, THE CHURCH MUST ACT AS -"A UNION." WITH ITS NEW STABILITY AND A NEW COMPLETENESS FOR ALL THOSE WHO FORM THIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE – TO HIS GLORY. 3:17-21

The stability of our walk of faith is individually and collectively endangered by allowing congregations to succumb to institutionalisation with its focus on the organisational, intellectual, academic and abstract. 

Chapter three not only rounds-off the first section of the letter to the church at Ephesus, but chapter three, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, reveals a new level of unity created for all who believe and revealing a new “place” of worship – a new temple. 

God is revealing His plan to meet with us, be for us and bless us in a new point of contact – a new coming together – a new place of meeting … never before understood. The believer individually and collectively becomes the very Temple of the Living God! 

This is, God … in Christ: with us and by the Spirit: in us!

We have now come to the end of the first section focused on God’s Truth (Biblical Doctrine) and the unfolding of God’s own plan, a plan to bless us that is formed around the very nature of God Eternal! 

The mystery of the union of Jew and Gentile to make one new people – a new dispensation – a new way of operating in the world, is now unfolded so we can cooperate with the will of God. These Old Testament truths were limited to abstract prophetic declarations and lacked understanding of their future fulfillment. 

To understand the God inspired logic of Paul is important for us all. Paul has clearly presented some most amazing truths in the previous paragraphs of chapter three and in all his letter to Ephesus. We have seen the foundational basis for the mystery of a New Covenant ministry called the church (or the assembly or the called-out ones) has just been revealed! The core teaching is that Jew and Gentile are now being formed into one body of which Christ is the Head! We are made fellow “partakers of His promise” – the New Covenant.

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