We have come to the midpoint of our study of this great book of Ephesians, moving from the three chapters of doctrine, the wealth we have in Christ, to the duty, the work we have before us, as the body of Christ. Today, we studied the first six verses, where Paul, in verse one, commands us to walk worthy of this great gift we have of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We compared this command to his encouragement to Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:1-4, to be a good soldier in the spiritual warfare we are engaged in (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). John, in 1 John 2:12-14, reveals the three basic stages of spiritual growth – childhood / little children where we observe and learn, adolescence / young men where we participate in ministry, and adulthood / fathers where we take on a position of leadership. We can compare our own physical growth to these stages and can evaluate where we are in the process of being conformed to Christ. V.2-3 teach us to develop the same character traits that the Lord Jesus displayed in his earthly ministry – Philippians 2:5-8. Unity in the body is one of the paramount responsibilities we have in the bond of peace. V.4-6 give us seven “one”s and four “all”s. Numerology is an important part of Bible study, but only to enhance the doctrine that is revealed in any particular scripture of study. A basic understanding of numerology: One: unity Two: division Three: Order in the universe Four: the earth Five: death Six: man Seven: Completion or perfection Eight: New beginnings Nine: Fruit bearing Ten: Gentiles Twelve: Israel Thirteen: Rebellion Forty: Testing or tribulation The seven “one”s in V.4-6 give us great doctrinal truth: One body – the body of Christ – the Church One Spirit – the Holy Spirit One hope of our calling, which is based on God's gift of grace One Lord Jesus Christ One faith in his finished work One baptism of the Holy Spirit at salvation (John 1:33) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. The triune God is revealed in these verses, as well as in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and 1 John 5:7. The word trinity may not be in scripture, but they are certainly well represented!
