This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Ephesians, the 49th book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 26th October 2025.

About this book

The letter to the Ephesians is very much one of encouragement, to live the new life we now have in Christ, and not one of correction in the same way that Paul wrote to the Corinthians or to the churches in Galatia. Indeed, the key in all this is who we are, and what we have in Christ. Indeed, in the opening 14 verses we read “in Christ Jesus”, “in Christ”, “in Him”, “in the Beloved”, “in Him”, “in Himself”, “in Christ”, “in Him”, “in Him” (again), “in Christ”, “in Him”, and“in whom” — and it is that foundation that we need, for as one commentator put it “if we simply think through, bask in, and meditate on the doctrine of what Christ has done for us, we find ourselves saying, “I want to serve Him.” Duty then becomes not a demand but a delight.”

About this passage

Here Paul continues to write to the Ephesians in light of what he has already written about our their (and our) position in Christ, that we should all walk worthy of all that God has done for us, and pursue unity in Christ. But then he’ll further explain, how God has called certain men to certain roles, not that they would be the ones who exclusively do the work of ministry, but that they might equip all the saints — that’s all of us — for the work of ministry. That every part would do it’s share, that each one of us would play our part in the body of Christ. That’s what the first half of this chapter will look at.

And then as we get to verse 17 and beyond, even into the final chapters of this letter, Paul will write about what Christian maturity looks like. How there should be a change of heart. A putting off of the old man, the old life — and a putting on of the new man, our new life in Christ. That is what he will write to these believers, and, if you are a Christian, to you too.

Application questions

• Are you walking worthy of what Christ has done for you?
• What are you doing to keep the unity of the Spirit in this church?
• What is the work of ministry that God has called you to?
• Have you put off the old man and his lusts, and put on the new man?