Major Idea: Vital involvement in the life of the local church is fundamental to Christian discipleship.

1:1 - To the saints who are in Ephesus, and ^(C)are faithful^[a] in Christ Jesus:

The Book of Ephesians was written to the people in the church at Ephesus.

1:15-16 - ¹⁵ For this reason, ^(AN)because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[g] toward all the saints, ¹⁶ I ^(AO)do not cease to give thanks for you,

Two key attributes marked the Ephesian believers: their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love toward all the saints. Both these loves, these commitments, were cornerstones in their Christian experience.

1:22-23 - ²² And ^(BE)he put all things under his feet and gave him as ^(BF)head over all things to the church, ^23 (BG)which is his body, ^(BH)the fullness of him ^(BI)who fills ^(BJ)all in all.

The church, the assembly of believers, is the body of Christ on earth and the place where the fullness of Christ is manifested.

Eph. 3:10 -= ¹⁰ so that through the church the manifold ^(X)wisdom of God ^(Y)might now be made known to ^(Z)the rulers and authorities ^(AA)in the heavenly places. 

It is only in the church on earth that the manifold wisdom of God is revealed to the heavenly powers. If we are part of the church we have this high privilege.

Eph. 3:21 - ^21 (AX)to him [God] be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

God is glorified on earth in two ways: in the church and in Christ Jesus. We must be part of the local church to bring glory to Jesus on the earth.

Eph. 4:2-3 - bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in ^(H)the bond of peace. 

To be in the church means we are in vital relationship with one another – this often requires us to exercise unselfishness, humility, patience, and love.

4:12 - ^12 (AE)to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for ^(AF)building up ^(AG)the body of Christ,

The ministry of pastors and teachers is to equip the people of God so they themselves can do the work of the ministry, building up one another in the Christian faith.

4:16 -  ^(AP)from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, ^(AQ)when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Every member of the church, motivated by love, has a vital part to play in the upbuilding of the church.

Eph. 5:18-19 -  ^(C)be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in ^(D)psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

It is in the great privilege and responsibility of congregational worship that all the people in the local church are to be filled with the Spirit, singing to the Lord and to one another, for God’s glory and for the upbuilding of fellow believers. This is a privileged ministry that all believers have for upbuilding one another. It can only happen in congregational worship.

6:18 - making ^(AL)supplication for all the saints.

Because we are part of the family of God, we have the responsibility and privilege of praying for our brothers and sisters in their needs.

6:23 - ^23 (AU)Peace be to the brothers,^[d] and ^(AV)love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In Paul’s final words to the Ephesian church, he emphasizes the brotherhood and spiritual blessing from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. There is an indelible union between all believers with their Lord – a union formed by the Holy Spirit. This kind of union and fellowship is only known in the local church. 

AT A GLANCE: SEVEN MARKS OF THE CHURCH IN EPHESIANS

"Vital involvement in the life of the local church is fundamental to Christian discipleship."