Ephesians – basic outline

Unity and growth

Relationship

Attitude

  • Ephesians 4:2-3 – We must have the right attitude to produce unity.
  • Lowliness – Considering other higher than self; humbleness of mind
  • Meekness – Basic idea is humble submission to God’s will. Toward man, the idea seems to be humble service to one another.
  • Longsuffering, forbearing – To bear with, put up with one another in love. See Colossians 3:13. If we truly one another, we will have tender affections for, or be devoted to one another.

Foundation of the unity of the spirit

All unity and growth must be built on these seven truths (Ephesians 4:1-6):

  1. One body or church of Jesus Christ – Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18
  2. One Spirit, one of the three divine beings of the Godhead
    1. Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34
  3. One hope of entering within the veil where Jesus has entered as high priest – Hebrews 6:19-20
  4. One Lord, the Master of all, with all authority in heaven and on earth
  5. One faith, the one gospel once delivered to the saints – Jude 1:3; Acts 6:7; Galatians 1:6-9, 11-12, 23
  6. One baptism
    1. There were two on Pentecost but Jesus fulfilled his promise of administering Holy Spirit baptism and now there is just the “baptism in Jesus’ name,” which is baptism in water for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38; 8:12-16; 10:47-48
  7. One God and Father of all

Gave works (offices)

Conclusion

  • Ephesians 4:2 – For the perfecting of the saints … unto the building up of the body of Christ.