Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS

GREETING (1:1-2)

I. THE BELIEVER'S POSITION IN CHRIST (1:3-3:21)

A. The Believer's Spiritual Blessings in Christ (1:3-14)

1. Chosen by the Father (1:3-6)
2. Redeemed by the Son (1:7-12)
3. Sealed by the Holy Spirit (1:13-14)

* Intercessory Prayer for Divine Wisdom and Enlightenment (1:15-23)

B. The Church-the Body of Christ (2:1-3:21)

1. 1. 1. Raised to New Life in Christ and Seated with Him in Heavenly Places (2:1-10)
      2. Reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles (2:11-22)
      3. The Mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (3:1-13)

* Intercessory Prayer for Spiritual Strength (3:14-21)

II. THE BELIEVER'S CONDUCT IN THE WORLD (4:1-6:20)

A. Walking in Unity with other Believers (4:1-16)
B. Walking in Purity (4:17-5:20)

1. Putting off the Old Man and Putting on the New Man (4:17-32)
2. Walking in Love (5:1-7)
3. Walking in the Light (5:8-14)
4. Walking in Wisdom (5:15-20)

C. Godly Submission in Relationships (5:21-6:9)

1. 1. 1. Husbands and Wives (5:21-33)
      2. Parents and Children (6:1-4)
      3. Masters and Bondservants (6:5-9)

D. The Warfare of the Christian (6:10-20)

CONCLUSION (6:21-24)

DISCUSSION OF OUTLINE

Notice first of all that the Ephesians divides nicely into two parts: a doctrinal part and a practical part.  The doctrinal part tells us who we are in Christ.  I have described it as "The Believer's Position in Christ."  The practical part tells us how God expects us to behave as Christians in the world.  In the doctrinal part, we learn about all the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ.  Each member of the Trinity is involved.  We also learn that we are members of the Body of Christ.  Therefore, we have eternal life and we are seated together with Christ in heavenly places.  In the practical part of Ephesians, we learn that we are to walk in unity with other believers.  Secondly, we are also to walk in purity, not giving place to the devil.  Thirdly, we are to walk in harmony in our relationships: husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and bondservants (i.e., employers and employees).  Fourthly, we are to walk in victory.  We are to put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand the attacks of the evil one.  Ephesians is a powerful book that explores what it truly means to be in Christ.