The Significance of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to a City of Pagan Worship
Sermon Sunday 6/23/2024
The Significance of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to a City of Pagan Worship
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, the capital city of the Roman province of Asia, is significant because Ephesus was a major center for pagan worship. The grand structures of the city were dedicated to pagan deities, making Ephesus an epicenter for such practices within the Roman Empire. Despite this, Paul visited Ephesus three times to spread the gospel, establish meaningful relationships and lay the groundwork for the Christian church there.
Paul instructed Aquila and Priscilla to remain in Ephesus to plant a church, which they did successfully. They also discipled Apollos, a preacher knowledgeable in the Old Testament but initially unfamiliar with Jesus Christ. Paul’s efforts in Ephesus included appointing Timothy as a pastor, further solidifying the church’s foundation.
In Revelation, Jesus warns the church in Ephesus about losing their fervor, urging them to return to true worship and maintain their relationship with God (Revelation 3:15-16). Unfortunately, today, Ephesus lies in ruins with no active Christian presence, reflecting their failure to heed this warning.
They Didn’t Hold to Jesus
The ruins of Ephesus serve as a reminder that the city’s Christian community did not adhere to Jesus‘ warnings. This historical context urges modern believers to hold on to Jesus and pursue a genuine relationship with Him. The Book of Ephesians is divided into two sections: the first three chapters focus on doctrine, while the last three emphasize the practical application of that doctrine. Paul teaches that Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ and that our relationship with God is solely through Jesus Christ.
We Ought to Rejoice in Christ
Rather than elevating individuals, we should rejoice in Christ and His work. Paul reminds us in the Book of Acts that true celebration should be in our salvation and relationship with God (Luke 10:20). Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us. It brings us into a relationship with the Father, and it is in Him that we should rejoice.
He Came to Live in Us as a Guarantee
The Holy Spirit lives in us as a guarantee of God’s promise, working to transform us into the image of Christ. Some misunderstand the gospel, thinking they can continue in sin. However, the Spirit of God calls us to holiness and empowers us to live righteously. Our unity and dedication to living without sin serve as a testimony to the world of Christ’s work in us.
That Same Spirit Unites Us in Christ to Be the Temple of God
We are His temple, and His Spirit unites us. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages us to maintain unity and peace. The unity we exhibit as a church serves as a powerful testimony to the world. Ephesians 5:18 further emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit and encouraging one another in worship and unity.
Singing and Making Melody in Your Hearts to the Lord
Ephesians 5:19-21 instructs us to sing and give thanks to the Lord, submitting to one another in the fear of God. We must walk in the wisdom of Christ, maintaining unity and proper relationships to be effective witnesses. Genuine submission to Christ involves turning away from sin and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us toward holiness.
Sermon
This letter, peed by the Apostle Paul, was specifically addressed to the church in Ephesus. It’s crucial to note that Ephesus, situated in the Roman province of Asia, held the status of being the region’s capital city. This elevated position meant that the grandest structures, akin to our modern-day churches, were dedicated to the worship of pagan deities. Ephesus was, in essence, the epicenter of pagan worship in the Roman province, with a larger population of pagan worshippers than any other location under Roman control.
Paul, a man of great courage and dedication, visited Ephesus on three different occasions to witness for Christ. He fearlessly entered a place where people openly and legally worshiped demons and preached the gospel. Throughout the Book of Acts, we see Paul making these daring missionary trips to Ephesus. During his time there, he established deep and meaningful relationships with others, a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the teachings of Christ.
You might remember a couple named Aquila and Priscilla. Paul instructed them to stay in Ephesus, plant a church, and minister to the people. Thus, the church at Ephesus was a result of their efforts. Another notable figure was Apollos, who preached the gospel using the Old Testament but did not know much about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla recognized his sincerity and accuracy but noted his incomplete doctrine. They took him aside, discipled him, and trained him in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Apollos then continued preaching in Ephesus.
Later, Paul appointed Timothy to be a pastor in Ephesus, adding to the rich history of Christianity in the city. In Revelation, we hear Jesus speaking to the church in Ephesus through John. Jesus warns them that they are losing their fervor for God. He says, “I would rather you be hot or cold. But if you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). This is a warning that the church is growing cold in their relationship with God and needs to return to true worship and a genuine relationship with Christ. Jesus tells them that He will remove their lampstand, meaning their witness for Jesus will be taken away if they do not repent.
Today, if we visit the location of Ephesus, there is no city and no Christian presence. The church in Ephesus did not heed Jesus‘ warning, and thus, their witness was removed.
They Didn’t Hold to Jesus
Ephesus is now just a place of ruins. Archaeologists have uncovered portions of the city, but there is no longer a city there. There is no church, no presence of Christianity because the people did not heed the warnings. They didn’t hold to Jesus.
We need to get back to holding on to Jesus and lifting Him up. Let’s not go through the routine of church, but let’s hold on to Him and pursue a genuine relationship with Him.
When we look at the Book of Ephesians, we see that it is divided into two major sections. The first three chapters—out of a total of six—focus on doctrine. Paul often follows this pattern in his writings: teaching doctrine first and then explaining how to implement it. In Ephesians, the first three chapters teach the doctrine of salvation in Jesus Christ. The last three chapters explain why this doctrine is important and how our lives should reflect Christ because we belong to Him.
Let’s look at some key passages in Ephesians. Paul quotes the Ten Commandments, pulls from Isaiah, and references several Psalms. He teaches biblical doctrine from the Old Testament to the Ephesians, where both Jews and Gentiles worshiped together. Some Jews considered themselves superior because they were God’s chosen people from the Old Testament, saying, “I am of the bloodline of Abraham, and I believe in Christ. I belong to Abraham’s family, and I believe in Christ. So, I’m a super Christian.” But Paul explains that it doesn’t work that way.
Whether Jew or Gentile, we are in proper relationship with God only through Jesus Christ. When we put our faith in Him, we stand on equal ground. Paul emphasizes that being part of Abraham’s lineage doesn’t make someone a super Christian. Our human bloodline doesn’t matter; it is the blood of Jesus Christ that makes the difference. It’s by Him that we are united with the Father.
Throughout Ephesians, Paul explains the concept of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He highlights our relationship with God through Jesus. Ephesians 1:22 states, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22). This means God has placed everything under Jesus‘ authority and made Him head over the church, which is His body.
Paul further explains in Ephesians 2:1-5, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:1-5).
It is not by any work that we have done, nor by anything we can boast about. It is by the grace of Jesus Christ, the mercy of God, and Him alone that we have a relationship with the Father. Our salvation is not by our merit but by Jesus Christ and Him alone.
We Ought to Rejoice in Christ
Let’s not rejoice in ourselves. Let’s not lift ourselves up, nor should we elevate one another by saying, “This is a super pastor,” or “This is a great prophetess of God.” Let’s not pat a particular human on the back and say, “Oh, she has a special word from God,” or “He has special knowledge.” It’s not about the human; it’s about Jesus Christ and His name. We need to look to Him and Him alone.
When we see the work of God through a human, we must realize it’s not the human, but it is God. Think back to the Book of Acts. Do you remember the apostles working miracles? They did this in the Gospels as well. Jesus sent them out two by two, and they healed people, preached the Gospel, and cast out demons. When they returned, they told Jesus, “Hey, the demons are subject to us.” But Jesus replied, “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
We need to celebrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We don’t celebrate the miracles; we celebrate the personhood of Christ. We celebrate the blood of Christ, for it is by His blood that we are bought, cleansed, and set free from sin. We need to rejoice in Him. It’s through His crucifixion that He purchased us. He endured the wrath and took our sin upon Himself, nailing it to the cross, so that we can have life in Him. He suffered and died so that we can live.
Jesus traded places with us regarding sin. He took on what we deserved. We deserved punishment and death, but Christ was without sin. Even Pilate, the pagan governor, said, “I find no fault in Him” (John 19:6). The writer of Hebrews tells us that He was “tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God. He died once for all sin. It is in Him that we ought to rejoice. We rejoice in Him because it is His blood that cleanses us.
When we are cleansed, the Spirit of God comes to live inside us. In Ephesians, Paul calls this a deposit of the Spirit. The Spirit of God living in us is a promise of the hope to come. This is not a vague possibility but a guarantee that God will keep His promises. God has always kept His promises. He promised the Messiah in the Old Testament, and Jesus Christ came. Christ promised, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
Jesus said He would send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would live inside us. Paul explains this in Ephesians, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit’s presence is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His promise to never leave us alone.
Let us focus on Christ, rejoice in Him, and celebrate the work He has done for us. It is by His blood, His sacrifice, and His Spirit that we are redeemed and assured of our eternal inheritance.
He Came to Live in us as a Guarantee
He came to live in us as a guarantee, a down payment, a promise that God is adopting us into His family. We have already been adopted, but we are also in the process of being adopted. We have been changed by the promise in the blood of the Lamb, and He is working in us because He lives in us. He is strengthening and changing us day by day to be in the image of Christ.
The Holy Spirit is working inside us so that we will reflect Him. The work He does in us is proof that He is in us and that the power of God is real. When we live a life outside of sin, it is proof that the power of God is still at work.
However, some people misunderstand this. They think it’s okay to continue in their sin, saying, “I can still smoke, drink, or tell dirty jokes because I have liberty.” This is a severe misunderstanding of the Gospel message. The Gospel tells us that the Spirit of God comes to live inside us and cleanses us to be in the image of Jesus Christ. To be a Christian means to walk in the path that Jesus walked and live as He lives through us.
Yes, Christians do continue to sin because we are human and make mistakes. But we ought to strive not to sin and to live rightly with one another. When we live a life dedicated to Christ, we walk in the path led by the Spirit. The Book of Ephesians tells us to walk by the Spirit and be led by the Spirit, not just mentally trying to do the right thing, but empowered by the Spirit of God.
The same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives inside us and gives us the power to walk without sin. It enables us to face temptation and say, “No, I will not submit because I belong to Jesus Christ.” When others tell us it’s okay to sin a little every day, we can say, “No, the power of God lives in me.”
If we do sin, the Bible tells us, “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). This means that when we make mistakes, we shouldn’t make it a habit. Instead, we should say, “Oh God, forgive me. I realize I’m wrong and sincerely sorry. Empower me not to do it again.” We can strive towards perfection, though we may not reach it on earth. The Bible tells us to be holy because God is holy.
Why should we live without sin? Why should we avoid certain behaviors, language, or content? Because the Word of God tells us to be holy. We ought to be set apart, dedicated to living so that His power is displayed in us, and we can be a witness for Him. The Holy Spirit came as a deposit to live in us and empower us to be His witnesses.
Being His witness means living the Bible, not just quoting it. What if someone goes to church faithfully, quotes the Bible, and even preaches, but lives sinfully outside of church? They are not allowing themselves to be submissive to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit encourages us to turn away from sin, and we must listen to Him, say no to sin, and yes to the path Jesus takes.
Jesus lived as a human, fully experiencing our temptations and struggles, yet He did not sin. We need to be like Jesus. When we mess up, we need to turn to Him and ask for strength, instead of condemning ourselves and giving up. We must trust in Jesus and build proper relationships with those around us.
Ephesians 2:18 tells us, “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This means we have access to the Father by the one Spirit, both Jew and Gentile. The Spirit of God lives in us, uniting us as the temple of God. Just as the Spirit filled the temple in the Old Testament, He fills us today, displaying His power in our lives.
That Same Spirit Unites Us in Christ to Be the Temple of God
We are His temple. He is active in us, and we ought to be actively pursuing Him. We should be kind because He is at work in us. Ephesians 4:2-3 states, “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We ought to pursue unity with one another. Christians ought to be united with one another. If we are not united, then we caot be in one accord. Amen.
Remember when the Holy Spirit came, they were praying in one accord. Later in the Book of Acts, in chapter 4, they prayed again for boldness because the chief priests said, “Do not preach in the name of Jesus.” So, the apostles prayed for boldness, and they prayed in one accord. We need to pray in one accord. We need to have proper relationships with one another to be in one accord. We need to build unity among ourselves. We need unity among believers.
Did you realize that the unity we have in the church is a testimony to the world that the work of Christ is active in us? The fact that we love one another is the testimony to the world that we truly belong to Jesus. When the church is out of unity, when the church bickers, argues or does not get along, it gives the world a reason to say, “If that’s the way God is, I don’t want any part of Him. If that’s what it means to be Christian, then what’s the point? Because I can argue with people at work. I can argue with people in my own family. Why do I need to go to church and get into an argument?”
We need to have church unity to prove the love of Christ. We ought to pursue the love of Christ among each other. We need this unity. If we don’t have proper unity, we caot have proper worship. If we are not united, then we caot have proper worship. We ought to worship together.
Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Here, Paul is talking about unity among all those who believe, not just biologically Jew or Gentile, but everyone who believes in Christ needs to have unity.
Let’s begin reading in verse 15:
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:15-19).
Let us be united in Christ and be His temple, reflecting His love and power through our unity and worship.
Singing and Making Melody in Your Hearts to the Lord
Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:19-21).
We need to walk the way of a Christian. If we do not walk circumspectly, if we don’t walk in the wisdom of Christ, then we caot submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. We need to have the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. We need to have Christ at the center of everything we do. If we do not do this, then we caot be His witness. We need to have unity in our church. We need to have unity among the believers so that we can be His witness and walk in the fear of the Lord.
Have you genuinely submitted to Him? Have you indeed given yourself to Him? Or are you holding on to sin? Are you trying to walk as the fools walk, as the Gentiles walk, holding on to their old religion, holding on to your past, or do you truly crave an intimate relationship with Him? Do you recognize that Spirit who is deposited in you for your hope of the future? Does that Spirit of God in you push you forward to do more Christ-like activities? Do you recognize the Spirit of God inside of you pulling you toward the heart of the Father? Do you recognize the Spirit of God inside of you saying, “No, don’t do that. Wait a minute. Don’t do that. Don’t say those words. Don’t do that again”?
If you recognize that, that’s Him bringing you under conviction. Repent from these things and hold on to Him. If you don’t recognize that, then you need to get into prayer and get into the Word because He is active inside of you, calling you into holiness. The Word of God tells us to be holy because He is holy, and He is active inside of us, drawing us to holiness.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You. Thank You, Lord, for calling us into holiness. Thank You, Lord, for working inside of us. Help us, Lord, to hear from You. Help us that Your Word will penetrate through our heart, that our minds will meditate on Your Word day and night. Help us to be holy as You are holy. Holy Spirit, help us to hear Your guidance. Give us the strength to submit to You, to turn away from sin, and hold on to You. Give us the unity that we need so that we can be a true witness for You. Thank You, Lord.
Amen.
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