Sermon Text

Ephesians 1:3-10

Ephesians 3:14-4:3

Typically Ephesians is divided into chapters 1-3 which is about the mission of God and 4-6 which is the mission of the church. Instead of viewing these sections as distinct, we study the transition from chapter 3 to 4 and see how they are in fact linked. The mission of God in the world as remembered leads to worship which leads to a new understanding which drives us to a new way of living in the world. Specifically we will focus on the abundance of a gracious and generous God and see this as an example of the purpose of worship.

We also see how Paul explains to the Ephesians and us that we are now part of the story and if we get the story then it will only make sense to live our lives in a way consistent with that story. This will necessarily include a new set of virtues that will set forth a counter vision to the broken world that surround us.