Ian & Jocelyn Barker

I will finish my study of Ephesians today so I can start my study of Philippians tomorrow. We have seen in the book of Ephesians how we have been given a new identity through the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are no longer bound by sin, but we have been given salvation and the power of righteousness. This new identity has given us entrance into a new family, a new race, where there is no racial status, but all races are allowed to live in unity with each other to express the full beauty of God and His creation. Paul has been showing us how we are to walk in our new identity, specifically with each other in community.

From verse 10 to verse 24, he is closing up his correspondence with the church in Ephesus and is forceful to note that the battle that we find ourselves in is a spiritual battle, rather than a physical battle. The key to our victory is a good defense rather than a good offense. Now he introduces us to our final weapon: prayer. But it is more than intercession, we are to “pray at all times in the Spirit”. By praying in the Spirit, it seems that we are able to better sustain our responsibility of being “on the alert” in prayer for each other. After all, we are dependent upon God for protection, refreshment, and empowerment. Paul specially requests prayer for his ministry of preaching the mystery of the gospel. Paul is aware that he has been entrusted with the gospel and is in need to help to speak it with care and precision.

Paul ends with a few “items of business” before closing with a blessing. One thing I have learned from this study of Ephesians: God loves community.