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Key Insights

Paul transitions from identity to application, from who we are to how we live because of it.  He gives an answer to the question:

Why the ascension?

It is the means by which God puts His glory on display through this new humanity He has created in Christ (the church).

Carry these three truths into today’s passage:

1. He has made us alive.

2. He has raised us up.

3. We are seated with Him.

Encouragement – vv 1-2

Paul gives a “pep talk” urging the Ephesians to walk worthy of these tremendous truths. Humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another are practiced in unison with others—we live out this life of modeling Jesus corporately. 

Reason – vv 3-6

Paul shares seven unifying elements: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God. We are called into a life for the praise of His glory. This calling is our hope—a confident expectation, constantly looking forward because of Christ!

Gift 1 – vv. 7-10

In Christ, we are each gifted for the benefit of the body. Like a recipe that needs different ingredients in different measures, God unites us in our different levels of gifting to create a cohesive blessing to the body, and we all contribute to and enjoy these graces.

Gift 2 – vv. 11-12

God provides leaders and messengers with spiritual authority to oversee, edify, and guide the church.

Purpose – vv. 13-16

Jesus is building His church,  equipping us to grow mature for His glory and our benefit.  It’s a life of “maintaining to attain.”  We walk with Him and grow and learn, encouraging one another, and spurring each other on in continuous maturity, actively participating in His great story!

While we live in the middle of what is, and what is not yet fully experienced, we have been called to participate in the greatest story ever told—the glory of Jesus Christ through His power and authority being put on display in His body, which is the church.

Reflection Prompters / Suggested Homework

Read through the book of Ephesians this week and mark it on your bookmark.* We are encouraging you to read through the book 10 times during the 13-week series.  You may also wish to review the additional texts used this week.  We also suggest you read Act 19 for more context about what was happening in Ephesus then.

How does understanding that we are made alive, raised up, and seated with Christ shape the way you live and interact with others in the church today?

Paul emphasizes unity through seven unifying elements—how are you actively contributing to unity within the body of Christ, and where might God be challenging you to grow in this area?

Reflect on the gifts God has given you—how are you using them to build up the body of Christ, and are there gifts in others you can help encourage or make space for?

What does it mean to “walk worthy” of your calling in humility, gentleness, and patience, and how can you better model these traits in your daily life?

Jesus’ ascension means He is now working through His church—how does this truth impact your sense of purpose and responsibility within the body of Christ?

Spend some time reading and thinking through the additional scriptures for the week.