Ephesians: Lesson 7 - Day 1

Lesson 7 will focus on Ephesians 4: 7 - 16. Begin your reading today back at verse 1 to keep the flow of thought and read through verse 16.

Paul has so eloquently addressed the unity of the body and our aim to preserve it. He has written about the things that we hold in common - the "ones" in verses 4 - 6. He now shifts gears and will begin to address the diversity that exists within the body (the church) - the diversity of individual gifted-ness and how that gifted-ness is intended to build up the body. Notice that gifts come from the grace of God.

Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 - with a twist! The image in the Psalm quotation is one of a conquering king returning from conquest. The custom was that the king led the procession back into his city, followed by the captives he had taken. The plunder received in the conquest was brought back and distributed to his soldiers and used to replenish his treasury. Paul uses that image for Jesus - but twists the words about the gifts. Paul says that this particular King, instead of taking gifts, gives them. And you, His captive (remember "a prisoner of the Lord") are the recipient. Remarkable! We will think more on this business of gifted-ness in Day 2.

There are differing opinions on the meaning of the phrase "had descended into the lower parts of the earth". Some think that it refers to Christ's descending from the splendors of heaven to earth itself. Others think that it refers to Christ's descending into Hades (indicated in Acts 2: 27 - 28 and 1 Peter 3: 18 - 22). Either may be inferred ... but it seems to me that Paul's point is that both above and below ... in all things ... Christ is conqueror and Lord. He could have plundered the entire universe ... but He chose to give gifts instead. He chose to reign over willing subjects. His reign is accepted by some, rejected by others. He completely fills all things. Christ is Lord ... and there is only one Lord ... and He fills the entire universe - past, present and future - above and below. And in a special, intimate, precious way ... He fills His body with His Spirit, His grace, His gifts.

Have you worshipped the Lord of All today? Join me ...

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,

Lord of the land and the sea.

You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,

and Lord of all lords You will be!

You are King of creation and King of my life,

King of the land and the sea.

You were King of the heavens before there was time,

and King of all kings You will be!

We bow down, and we worship ...

("We Bow Down" by Twila Paris)