Ephesians Outline

Ephesians: Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus – an outline

1. Introduces Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ, blessed to be one of the first who trusted in Him
   1. Starts with a beautiful summary of forgiveness of sins, grace and power of the Lord
   2. Goes on to explain that those at Ephesus also trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel
   3. Paul says he is praying for them to receive wisdom and revelation so they can understand
   4. That God raised Jesus from the dead and sat him at his own right hand in Heaven
   5. To be above every name not only in this world but in the world to come.
2. And you, who were dead in trespasses and sins, walked according to the world
   1. By grace ye are saved through faith, the gift of God: not of works, lest any should boast
   2. Remember that ye were Gentiles, called Uncircumcision in the flesh, without Christ
   3. But now in Christ Jesus ye who were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ
   4. Having abolished the law of commandments, He preached peace to both Gentiles and Jews
   5. For through Him, the cornerstone, we both have access unto the Father by one Spirit
3. Paul explains that he was ordained to be a minister unto the Gentiles
   1. God has entrusted him with the mystery of the revelation of Christ for dispensation of grace
   2. This wasn’t revealed in ages past to sons of men, but is now through apostles and prophets
   3. Paul refers to himself as the least of all saints, and says don’t worry about his suffering
   4. The Holy Spirit strengthens us with might, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith
   5. Know the love of Christ which passes all knowledge, throughout all ages. Amen
4. Therefore, Paul beseeches the converted Gentile walk in a manner worthy of their calling
   1. With lowliness & meekness, longsuffering, forbearing in love, endeavoring unity & peace
   2. One body, one Spirit, one hope of calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one father God
   3. Unto every one is given grace the gift of Christ, who descended low then ascended highest
   4. He gave some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for perfecting saints
   5. The work of ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ, that we be no more children tossed
   6. Carried by every wind of doctrine, by cunning slight of men lying in wait to deceive
   7. Instead grow up into Him who is the head, Christ, from whom is the whole body fitly joined
   8. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, put on the new man, in righteousness and holiness
   9. Put away lying, don’t be angry, don’t sin, don’t give in to the devil, don’t steal or be corrupt
   10. Don’t speak with bitterness, wrath or malice but rather forgive others as Christ forgave us
5. Paul gives a prescription for the followers of Christ for their future behaviour
   1. Avoid fornication, all uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking nor jesting
   2. Rather give thanks as becometh saints, for no whoremonger or idolator hath any inheritance
   3. Let no man deceive you with vain words, as God’s wrath comes upon disobedient children
   4. So be not partakers with them, though you were sometimes in darkness, now walk in light
   5. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth proved acceptable to God
   6. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful, shameful works of darkness, but rather reprove them
   7. Be not drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit, singing and making melody to the Lord
   8. Submit yourselves one to another in fear of God, wives to husbands as church to the Lord
   9. Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it
   10. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife as one flesh
   11. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (the second coming)
6. Children and parents, servants and masters, principalities and powers, the full armour of God
   1. Any good thing a man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he bond or free
   2. Loins girt with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with preparation of the gospel
   3. Above all the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, the helmet of salvation
   4. And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, to make known mystery of gospel
   5. Paul introduces his brother Tychicus, with whom he presumably sent this letter
   6. Peace to brethren, love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201&version=KJV