The second half of Ephesians 5 and the beginning of chapter 6 deal with what is called "household code". Paul has been teaching with how we deal with society, how we deal with the church community, and now he begins to teach on how we deal with those within our household. The household was a core aspect of his time, and must be read in the context of his time. Ultimately, Paul is inviting the Ephesians, as a whole community, to live a life of mutual submission that benefits all.

Chapter 5 of Ephesians beings to deal with some weightier issues within the believer. Those who are given to sin that not only affect their own lives, but affect the lives of those around them. How do we handle this type of sin? Paul says to expose such deeds of darkness. Does that mean expose the sinner, or the deed? Paul confronts these things with grace and courage. He won't back down from calling out sin, but his intent is for the restoration and redemption of the person.

As we wrap up chapter 4, Paul is going to now begin to give specific ways we can cultivate and 'attain' the unity in Christ that he began talking about at the beginning of the chapter. We are united in Christ, yet, we are to "work properly" to attain that unity, growing together, being built up in love. It takes commitment, dedication, and work on each individual's behalf within the community.

As Paul begins gets going in this second section of the book of Ephesians, he switches from what God HAS done (ch 1-3), to what God IS doing (ch 4-6). His first order of business... We are united in Christ, but that isn't always easy, it takes work, commitment, both to self and the community. So, he encourages them that they must give up their old man so that they can take up the new one in Christ Jesus. Just like Jesus invited, Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me! As each of us do this, we each individually thrive, and the community grows in health and love.

As we start chapter four, the portion of Paul's letter telling the Ephesians what God is doing in them, and what He desires to do through them, because of what He has already done in Christ (chapters 1-3), Paul starts with talking through what it means to be united together, as a community, in Christ. We are to be one in Christ. Paul emphasizes there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God & Father of all. This is why and how we are one body with many members, to the praise, glory, and ministry of God in the earth!

As Paul wraps up this portion of the letter to the church in Ephesus, he prays for them. Even though he is the one in prison, he is the one in chains, he prays for the church, and tells them not to worry about him! What's his prayer? That they would be able to receive and comprehend the love of God, his immeasurable power at work in them, and they mystery of God's salvation!

Ephesians 3 starts with, "For this reason...". Which means we can't start at Ephesians 3, we have to go back, and look at what Paul is talking about. Paul continues to lay a solid foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, encouraging and reminding the Ephesian church of what God has done!

In our series Understanding Ephesians, we are looking at the 2nd chapter of the letter Paul writes to the church in Ephesus.

In our series Understanding Ephesians, we are looking at the 1st chapter of the letter Paul writes to the church in Ephesus. This is the foundation of the rest of the letter. We are the church, the body of Christ, called to be IN Him, having received spiritual blessings that mark us as His own!