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 19th 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

Building on what he has previously said, Paul begins in verse 1 saying “For this reason…”, but then detours to talk about the mystery of the gospel, that the Gentiles would also be saved, before returning to what he was saying, in verse 14, telling the Ephesians how he was praying for the full effect of grace to become evident in the lives.

Application questions

• What does God want from you in your life’s little interruptions?
• Are you showing humility like Paul, or pride like Diotrephes? (who we read of in 3 John)
• Are you as interested in the things of Christ as all of heaven?
• Are you praying for the inner man more than the outer man? (for yourself, and others)