Household, Building, Presence

Ephesians is a call to worship - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ". Such worship is a response to the wonders of his redeeming grace. As Paul describes what God has done for and in believers he piles illustrations on top of one another. 1) The church is God's household, his home on earth. It is distinct from society at large. Its members are varied, and there may be servants who are not actually family members (hence false teaching). Its activities include the practice of love to one another and showing Christ to the world outside. This 'home' is different from all others in that it shows faith in Christ, calls on the Father, has the indwelling Spirit, and obeys the Word. There is variety but also an obvious order, for Christ rules and he has appointed people to various roles (Ephesians 4:1-16). We should pray for people to fill those roles, and obey his instructions so we play our part. 2) Believers make up God's building. His revelation is its foundation. We must be aligned with Christ the cornerstone, receiving his Person, his role as mediator, his Word, and his Spirit. Each believer is necessary for the building to be complete. 3) It functions as a temple, for God is present is among his people. The glorified Jesus sends his Spirit, who dwells in our relationships as well as in our persons - the communion of saints. There are implications in all of this. 1) Non-Christians who come in should see that God is among us (1 Cor. 14:23-25). 2) Since the Spirit sets us apart we are called to be holy as the Father is holy. 3) When Christ appears we shall appear with him in glory.