As already mentioned, the basic structure of Ephesians is in two distinct parts, but we also see that the two parts are in perfect balance. In fact, one of the most outstanding features of all Paul’s Epistles is their perfect balance of doctrine and duty. Colossians 1-2, for example, present doctrine while 3-4 present practice. The same is true of Galatians 1-3 and 4-6. But Ephesians is the most vivid example of this feature. We can demonstrate this contrast in several ways:
· Chapters 1‑3 present our Riches in Christ; 4‑6 show us our Responsibilities in Christ.
· Chapters 1‑3 present our Wealth in Christ; 4‑6 show us Walk in Christ.
· Chapters 1‑3 contain the truth Stated; 4‑6 contain the truth Applied.
· Chapters 1‑3 present our Heritage in Christ; 4‑6 present our Life in Christ.
· Chapters 1‑3 present the Exposition of what we have in Christ; 4‑6 give us the Exhortation of what we are to do in Christ.
For a strategic grasp of Ephesians, here is its basic outline:
I. The Believer’s Wealth In Christ (ch. 1‑3)
A. His Riches in Christ (ch. 1)
B. His Reconciliation to God (ch. 2)
C. His Rank in God’s plan (ch. 3)
II. The Believer’s Walk In Christ (ch. 4‑6)
A. Walk in unity (4:1‑16)
B. Walk in purity (4:17‑32)
C. Walk in love (5:1‑7)
D. Walk in light (5:8‑14)
E. Walk in wisdom (5:15‑17)
F. Walk in submission (5:18‑6:9)
G. Walk in victory (6:10‑20)
III. Conclusion (6:21‑24)
Ephesians also has an Old Testament counterpart. An interesting feature of the Bible is how certain Old Testament books correspond with specific New Testament books. When one examines Exodus, for example, he finds that its New Testament equivalent is Romans. Likewise, Hebrews dramatically corresponds with Leviticus.
As one, therefore, examines the wealth and inheritance that the believer has in Ephesians, he finds that the Old Testament equivalent is Joshua. In Joshua we see God’s people entering into their inheritance by faith, and we see the same thing in Ephesians. Just as the blessings that God gave Israel were located in Canaan, so ours reside “in the heavenlies.”
Another parallel is as Joshua details the physical battles that God’s people fought in the land, Ephesians speaks of the spiritual battles of the Christian (6:10-20). The conquest of Canaan in Joshua is a beautiful picture of our conquest of Satan’s forces in Ephesians. Further, the source and assurance of victory in both is God’s power, not man’s. The Israelites could not possibly have been victorious in Canaan without God’s power. Likewise the Christian today cannot be victorious in today’s “Canaan” without God’s spiritual armor. In both cases, all God’s people have to do is go forward with faith in God’s promises and obedience to His commands.
How wonderful Ephesians is in showing us the things that are “in the heavenlies.” But at the same time it does not “let us off easy,” for it shows us what God demands in our daily walk. True Christianity is not theoretical; it’s practical. Ephesians does, indeed, demands that we walk according to our wealth.
Ephesians 4:1 declares the application of all this: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
There are some preachers today who emphasize only “doing right,” “serving the Lord,” or “being practical” but who fail to give the doctrinal teaching on how to do that. This is often characterized by “legalism,” that is, the keeping of some law or code as the producer of spirituality. In contrast, others concentrate only on deep teaching but fail to apply it to practical living. But either extreme brings failure in the Christian Life.
Thankfully, Paul gives us the balance. He first gives us doctrine, for this must come first; it is the foundation. We can never do right without first having Truth. Paul then gives us duty, for this is how doctrine is applied; it shows us how to live. Knowledge without practical application is worthless. To put this contrast simply: Duty without Doctrine is legalism but Doctrine without Duty is lifeless.
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