Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians

OVERVIEW OF EPHESIANS

"The perspective of Ephesians moves from a vastly cosmic picture of God's plan (Chapter 1) and the believer's inclusion in it (Chapter 2), to the role and mission of the church and life within it (3:1-5:21), to a depiction of relationships within the household [in our society broken into family (5:21-6:4) and workplace (6:5-6:9)], to a final description of how, with prayer, each believer stands battle-ready in God's power (6:10-20).  This broad perspective binds the letter together.  God's power to enact the cosmic plan [faith] is the same power available to the believer as armament.  Relations of families mirror those between Christ and the church.  Life within the church reflects God's larger purpose in Christ, 'to gather up in one all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth' (1:10)" (J. Paul Sampley, Professor of New Testament at Boston University School of Theology, writing for Harper-Collins Study Bible, p. 2193).

You may want to pass out half-size sheets of paper and pencils to your class members with these questions on them (and space after each to write an answer):

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE COUNSEL OF EPHESIANS THIS WEEK?

• How can I help to spread the gospel this week?
• How can I use my place in the ward/branch to bring others to greater knowledge of God this week?
• How can I be an example of the believers in my workplace this week?
• How can I better extend myself to nurture spiritual growth in my family this week?
• How can I put on more of the armour of God this week?

GOD'S COSMIC PLAN AND OUR PLACE IN IT (Chapter 1)

• v. 3-12  Overview of the cosmic plan (the plan of salvation)
• v. 4  Pre-existence:  "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love..."
• v. 5-6  House of Israel--adoption:  "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
• v. 7-8 Atonement:  "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence..."
• v. 9 Prophets:  "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself..."
• v. 10 Latter-days, gathering:  "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him..."  (See Bible Dictionary for the definition of "dispensation.")
• v. 11-12 Inheritance in His kingdom:  "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."

What are some of the things that are being gathered together in our day? (Scriptures, converts, geneologies, families being sealed, information about the gospel...)

Give class members 1 minute to answer the first question on their paper.

THE ROLE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH

4:11-13:  "And he gave some [to be] apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..."  The purpose of the church is to perfect the saints, and through the unity of faith, bring everyone to a knowledge of God.  Christ united the Jews and Gentiles in His early church.  Inasmuch as we just discussed all the gathering that is taking place today in the church, it may take us a little extra work to be united.

What does it mean to perfect the saints?  To bring them to the stature of the fulness of Christ.  The definition of that follows in v. 14-15.  "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." The effect of these Christ-like individuals upon the rest of the church follows in v. 16:  "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

If the cornerstone of the Church is in place, the rest of the building will be sound.  So if Christ is the foundation of our belief, we will be united.  Being Christ-like is the key to unity.  "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (2:19-22).

Paul's prayer for the saints is a great example of how we should view our fellowcitizens in the gospel:  "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (3:14-19).

Give class members 1 minute to write the answer to the second question on their paper.

WORKPLACE

Terrific counsel in just a few verses:  "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling , in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.  And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him" (6:5-9).

Give class members 1 minute to write the answer to the third question on their paper.

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it" (5:22-25).

This is so opposite of our culture today!  Submitting!  But we are talking about submitting to a husband who is attempting to be as Christ.  Christ is the greatest king of all, as well as the greatest servant of all.  A truly great and benevolent king serves, protects, guides his kingdom.  That is the point of his calling.  Think of king Benjamin and King Mosiah in the Book of Mormon...

The best definition (outside the scriptures) for love is "The will to extend one's self for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth" (M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled, p. 81).  The Book of Mormon teaches us that Christ "doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world" (2 Ne. 26:24).

Our purpose in family love should be lifting each other closer to God, as Christ has lifted us.

"Can you think of how [Christ] loved the Church?  Its every breath was important to him.  Its every growth, its every individual, was precious to him.  He gave to those people all his energy, all his power, all his interest.  He gave his life--what more could one give?" (President Spencer W. Kimball, quoted in the manual).  President Kimball said that is what Christ asks of a husband.

The husband should treat his wife as a queen, and the wife should treat her husband as a king, while each of them views him/herself as a willing servant to the other.  What a great marriage that would be!  However, if it flips around the other way--the wife expecting the husband to treat her like a queen, and the husband expecting the wife to submit, it doesn't work.  It must be selfless to be love.

"And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (6:4).

We shouldn't argue with our children; we also shouldn't let them "get away with murder."  We are supposed to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  In other words, we should be Christ-like parents, who use the gospel to teach the principles that will help our children to govern their actions and guide their decisions.  (Yeah, I know...easier said than done...)

Give class members 1 minute to write the answer to the fourth question on their paper.

INDIVIDUAL

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rules of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. 

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (6:10-20).

(See The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, (The New Testament Institute Manual), p. 353, for Harold B. Lee's explanation of the imagery of the armour of God.)

(The Church has a video clip called "The Armour of God" on "The New Testament Video Presentations" which you may like to show.  It doesn't appear to be available online.)

Give class members 1 minute to write the answer to the fifth question on their paper. 

Challenge them--and follow through on it as a teacher--to report back at the next lesson any effect they may have experienced throughout the week by following the counsel of Paul to the Ephesians.

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson #43 "Take Upon You My Whole Armour"

THE ARMOUR OF GOD

     Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
     For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
     Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
     Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
     And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
     Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
     And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
                                                              (Ephesians 6:11-17)

THE ARMOUR OF MORONI

     ...Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm–shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing--
     Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
     But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields—therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.
                                                                  (Alma 43:19-21)

Just as Moroni outfitted his soldiers with armour which Zerahemnah's army did not have, we as Christian Soldiers have armour that Satan and his troops do not have.  It doesn't matter if there are less in the Army of God; the armour makes each member much less vulnerable and much more able in battle than the soldiers of Satan.  With the Armour of God, we are certain to win.

LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH

The loins were considered the seat of the emotions and passions in Biblical times.  Jesus said things such as, "My bowels are filled with compassion toward you." (See, for example, 3 Nephi 17:6.)  The reproductive organs are also in the loins.  The human passions and emotions can be  protected from sin and error by being "girt about with truth," which is a knowledge of things as they were, as they are, and as they will be (D&C 93:24). Truth gives us the ability and the perspective to make virtuous and compassionate choices.  "Girding up your loins" was the action of pulling up the long robe to make a shorter skirt and tying it around the waist, converting the attire to make it suitable for work or battle.  Therefore, it implies action, not just squelching passion or remaining innocent.  We must use our passions and our emotions to reach out virtuously and compassionately, to do the work of the Lord in service to others, and to act in ways of truth. "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:21). 

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

The heart, in Biblical times, refered to thoughts and motives:  "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8). "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" (Matt. 9:4)  "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts" (Matt. 15:19).  The protection for the heart, or in other words, the thoughts and motives, is the breastplate of righteousness.  Paul defined righteousness very specifically for us, when in his Epistle to the Thessalonians he refered to this breastplate of righteousness as "the breastplate faith and love" (1 Thess. 5:8). This aligns perfectly with the two great commandments, to love God and to love our neighbor (Matt. 22:36-39).  Our motives will always be correct if they are based on faith in God and love for him and for others.  They will always be incorrect if they are based on anything else.

FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

The feet symbolize our foundation, and also our motion.  If our feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, there is neither a better foundation, nor a better direction. "And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom" (D&C 39:6).  With the purity provided by the Atonement through repentance, the covenant of baptism, and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, our foundation is sure, and as long as we continue to repent, continue to keep our covenants, and continue to listen to the Holy Ghost, nothing will be able to shake us from our firm stand, and we will always be moving in a heavenward direction.

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

The helmet of salvation protects the head, of course.  If the heart, in Biblical times, was the center of thought, what would the head be?  One interpretation might be that it is the center of receiving direction from others (the ears), providing direction and focus to the rest of the body (the eyes), and giving direction to others (the mouth).  If we are wearing the helmet of salvation, we are going to be attuned to the voice of the Lord, and we are going to have the things of eternity, or our salvation, as our priority and our direction in all that we do.  Eight times the Savior said, "He who hath ears to hear, let him hear," as he preached his gospel.  He also said, "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things" (D&C 88:67).  Having ears to hear the Lord, and eyes single to his glory, our words will be as the words of the Lord.  "If ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:13).

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

As an active defensive measure, we have the shield of faith.  A shield can protect any one of the other body parts, as an attack is waged against it.  The greater our faith, the larger and thicker the shield of protection against the wiles of the devil.  A shield requires active use, however; it is not simply a force field.  We must watch for the fiery darts, and block them with our faith.  Hard trials may come upon us, injustices may be done to us, or doubts may be inflicted upon our beliefs.  We must actively call upon our faith to endure the challenges, be healed from the hurts, or outlast the doubts.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Lastly we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  The sword is the only weapon needed in the battle against evil.  It is the only article of the Armour of God to be used in the offense; its purpose is not just to defend or protect, but to conquer.  "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God"  (Alma 31:5).  The preaching of the Word was very effective for Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah, and brought many Lamanites to become converts to the Church and friends of the Nephites.  "They did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren" (Alma 23:7).  The sword of the Spirit can also be effective for us against our enemies, if we use it in harmony with the breastplate of faith and love, as did Ammon with his benelovent service to the King of the Lamanites.

SOLDIERS OF CHRIST

Every bit of the Armour of God pertains directly to Jesus Christ and his Atonement, and is employed only through his grace.  The words of Alma the Younger to his son, Shiblon: "And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness"  (Alma 38:9).



(For Elder Harold B. Lee's interpretation of the armour of God [some elements of which were included here], see http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=690&tid=2, or the LDS Institute manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, p. 352-353.)