Ephesians (Series) (Page 2)
The Basis for Unity
Ephesians 4:4 Paul tells us that Christian unity is grounded in the shared realities believers have in Christ: one body, one Spirit, and one certain hope. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasized how this oneness centers on the Trinity and is lived out through the worldwide church as one body, the Spirit’s uniting work in salvation and sanctification, and confidence in Christ’s return.
Attitudes for Unity
Ephesians 4:2-3 Ephesians 4:2–3 calls the church to maintain the unity of the Spirit through humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. In this sermon, Pastor Rod Bunton emphasized that unity is not something Christians create but something they must actively maintain and make visible by cultivating those attitudes together.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:2 The apostle Paul instructs believers to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love as they preserve the unity of the Spirit within the body of Christ. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that true unity in the church requires the right disposition and virtues, warning that pride is the greatest enemy of this unity and that believers must adopt a humble attitude that puts others above themselves.
Walk in a Manner Worthy of the Calling
Ephesians 4:1 Paul urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” marking a transition from doctrinal teaching to practical application in the Christian life. Pastor Rod Bunton explores how this verse serves as a topic sentence for the entire section, emphasizing that the worthy walk is a process of sanctification rooted in right doctrine and requires steady, purposeful action that reflects our effectual calling to holiness.
Filled with All the Fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19b-21 Paul concludes his prayer for the Ephesian believers by asking that they may be filled with all the fullness of God, followed by a doxology praising God’s infinite power and glory. Pastor Rod Bunton explores this prayer about sanctification, examining how believers are called to gradually become more like Christ by imitating God’s attributes and being transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power at work within them.
Comprehending the Love of Christ
Ephesians 3:17b-19a In Ephesians 3:17b-19a, Paul prays that believers would be rooted and grounded in love, having the strength to comprehend the immeasurable dimensions of Christ’s love alongside all the saints. Pastor Rod Bunton focuses on understanding agapē love—a willful, intentional love from Christ that surpasses intellectual knowledge and calls believers to pursue endless growth in comprehending how deeply they are loved.
Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit
Ephesians 3:14-17 In Ephesians 3, Paul prays for God’s enablement, asking that believers would be given what they need to live lives that please Him. Pastor Rod Bunton highlights Paul’s first request: that God would strengthen them with power through the Holy Spirit in their inner being, so they can grow in godliness.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
Ephesians 3:14-16 Paul prays for believers to be spiritually strengthened, recognizing that knowledge alone is insufficient for Christian growth and that divine enablement is essential for living worthy of our calling in Christ. Pastor Rod Bunton introduces us to this prayer and tells us that it serves as a hinge between the doctrinal first half of Ephesians (about our calling) and the practical second half (about our conduct).
The Purpose of the Ministry of the Mystery
Ephesians 3:10-13 Paul explains that the church serves to reveal God’s manifold wisdom to the heavenly rulers and authorities, fulfilling God’s eternal purpose that was planned before creation and realized through Christ Jesus. Pastor Rod Bunton shows us that through Christ’s work, believers now have access to God, and Paul’s sufferings in spreading this gospel ultimately bring glory to the church as people are being saved.
A Minister of the Mystery
Ephesians 3:7-9 Paul was made a minister by God’s grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles and reveal the mystery hidden for ages. Pastor Rod Bunton asks us whether we truly see Christ as an immeasurable treasure worth sacrificing everything to gain.
The Mystery of the Partakers of the Promise
Ephesians 3:1-7 The mystery of Christ, revealed to Paul by divine revelation, is that Gentiles and Jews are united as one body in the church, sharing equally in God’s promises through the gospel. Pastor Rod Bunton teaches that Paul’s ministry, empowered by God’s grace, proclaims this unity despite facing persecution from those who resist this truth.
A Prisoner of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 3:1-3 In Chapter 3, Paul, after explaining his mission to foster unity between Jews and Gentiles, addresses his current predicament. Pastor Rod Bunton explores this new chapter and sheds light on the reasons behind Paul’s imprisonment.